Hi, I'm Mike Leaver... and welcome to my website.
Here you'll find lots of information about my lifestyle, book-writing, and how to interact (if you wish).
Who am I?
I'm a pensioner who lives off-grid with no modern conveniences in a self-converted, static truck in a small coastal town in North Wales. In just four years, I've written my two-part autobiography and first three saga novels – all on an old laptop largely by candlelight in my lorry!
A single, 71-year-old, vegetarian, I'm like Alan Bennett's London character The Lady in The Van – a well-known eccentric around my adopted home in Snowdonia, and throughout the UK, thanks to extensive media coverage – according to my publicist. I enjoy outdoor adventure, table tennis, and chess.
My Books
Official Launch Of New Book!
I held the official Wales launch of my new book 'English, Solitaire, Cowboy, Cuckoo. . .' for invited associates and friends only at Y Ganolfan community centre in my adopted home town of Porthmadog.
Guests of honour were Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts, retired mountaineer Eric Jones, of Tremadog, and Criccieth author Sid Stephenson.
As well as launching my second autobiography - which focuses on my many travel troubles and mountaineering misadventures, and is the companion volume to my general life-story 'Yeti Seeks Mate' - the event had another purpose.
I really wanted to thank as many selected guests as possible from local politics, businesses, and clubs for the amazing support this wonderful town and area has given me, ever since I moved here in my lorry almost 25 years ago.
From county councillors, to business owners, and members of Porthmadog University Of The Third Age, everyone has accepted my unconventional life offgrid in my lorry. . .and it means so much.
At the event, my friend, agent, and publicist Ian Spindley introduced everyone, then he and Sid showed a 10-minute interview film (also on YouTube https://youtu.be/GEwhoQtK9LY) to promote the book.
I answered lots of questions from my guests, we enjoyed a lovely buffet from Kitty's in Porthmadog, and we finished with some presentations.
Liz honoured me with a photo accepting my new book (pictured). Friend, former business manager, and artist Paddy Watson, of Llanystumdwy, presented me with a remarkable caricature artwork. I donated a cheque to long-serving Aberglaslyn Mountain Rescue Team member Paul Jones. And I made another voluntary donation to another local good cause anonymously in lieu of council tax.
We finished by signing book copies. Speaking of which, I'm excited to announce more events where new or existing readers can meet me.
On Saturday 12 October I'll be guest of both Tywyn Library in the morning (11am-12.30pm) and then Literary Cat Books in Machynlleth in the afternoon (3pm-4.30pm). Two on one day!
Then in November I'm doing the official England launch of 'English, Solitaire, Cowboy, Cuckoo. . .' at Script Haven in Worcester - where I used to live and work - and next spring hopefully guesting in Aberystwyth, as I try to expand my readership into mid Wales.
To read more about it see my Books Page, and to order now from my publisher, visit their website shop: https://www.bookguild.co.uk/bookshop/english-solitaire-cowboy-cuckoo/
5-Star Review Of 'Cuckoo'!
Thanks ever so much to fellow author Andy Mullaney for enjoying my new book 'English, Solitaire, Cowboy, Cuckoo. . .' and giving it a 5-star review.
It means a great deal when anyone comments on my writing, but especially because Andy - an author, mentor, coach, public speaker, and cancer fighter from the West Midlands - is also an ambassador for our publisher Troubador Publishing / The Book Guild Ltd.
Andy says: “It’s one of a kind and that’s a fact. I guess it’s Mike's humility that draws me in, and the way that he tells his stories takes you with him to that point in time and that exact place.
Mike is one of the last great adventurers this country has produced – someone who takes on a challenge simply because it’s there, often without any plan, preparation, or thought for his own safety, recovery, or return. He embodies a certain eccentricity that is endearing and makes you want to cheer him on.
Mike has an encyclopedic recall of situations and encounters. The level of detail is incredible, and the vivid pictures he paints with his words are utterly absorbing.”
Full review on my Books page. . .
Interview Video Exclusive!
My latest book 'English, Solitaire, Cowboy, Cuckoo. . .' has just arrived from my publisher.
I share some of its bizarre highlights in this exclusive 10-minute video interview with my publicist Ian Spindley...
INTERVIEW ABOUT NEW 'CUCKOO' BOOK! (Link to YouTube)
It is available to buy or pre-order from the stockists listed on my Contact/Order page, ahead of its official UK-wide release on 28 August.