David Clensy spent more than 20 years working as an award-winning journalist in newspapers across Britain. His books cover everything from local history to folklore, travel to reportage. Keep up to date at www. davidclensy .com

A Wiltshire-based writer, originally from Birkenhead, in Merseyside, David Clensy was twice named South-West Feature Writer of the Year at the EDF Regional Media Awards. He has also worked as a magazine editor, sub-editor, communications officer and a senior copywriter. His books include Island Life: A History of Looe Island (2006), The Mole of Edge Hill (2006),Walking The Wolds Way (2007) and Walking The White Horses (2023).

In July 2023 Clensy won the Frome Festival Short Story Competition Local Prize. His short stories have also been long-listed in the Cranked Anvil Short Story Prize 2022, short-listed in the Wells Festival of Literature Short Story Competition 2022 and short-listed in the Yeovil Literary Prize 2023.

His debut novel, Prayer in Time of War, was released in February 2024. It tells the story of elderly veteran Ernie as he returns to an Italy transformed from his experiences during the Second World War, in search of the girl he left behind in the back streets of Naples half a century before. It made the Cheshire Novel Prize’s LLL Agent Showcase in 2023.

"With meticulous attention to detail and a sprinkling of twists, Clensy crafts a poignant narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned."

Shapna Peri, Book Reviews Cafe (book review of Prayer in Time of War)

"It is David Clensy's colourful and pacy approach to telling these tales that lifts it well above the average walking book, Walking The Wolds Way, is an entertaining, fast-paced volume."

Beverley Advertiser (book review of Walking The Wolds Way)

"David's love of the island shines through his well-researched, atmospheric narrative ... reminiscent in style of travel writer Michael Palin ..."

John Weller, Hull Daily Mail (book review of Island Life)

"A fascinating book about the colourful history of this Cornish landmark ..."

Oscar Morse, Cornish Guardian (book review of Island Life)

"This is a gentle, authentic novel, with a characterisation which brings a world to life ... and a real emotional engagement."

Helen Salsbury, author of Sometimes When I Sleep, reviewing Prayer in Time of War

"Charming but gritty, and very evocative of Naples and Italy during difficult times."

Patrick Larsimont, author of The Lightning and the Few, reviewing Prayer in Time of War

"A delightful travelogue. The writing style was engaging and enthusiastic, with exemplary descriptions of landscape..."

Goodreads review of Walking the White Horses