Robin Llywelyn was born in 1958 in Llanfrothen, Gwynedd, and was educated locally and at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth (Joint Honours in Welsh & Irish). He was a National Eisteddfod of Wales Prose Medal winner in 1992 and 1994. He has published two novels and one collection of short stories in Welsh; his work has been translated into English, French, and Italian. He has been the managing director of Portmeirion Limited since 1984.