We all know somebody who has everything happen to them – they are a walking disaster area where even the smallest trip out can turn into a tale to tell over a drink or two.

Keggie Carew is one such person, but through the talent of her writing, she has been able to chronicle her life's escapades into a book – Quick Sand Tales: The Misadventures of Keggie Carew.

She gave a wonderful talk in Cedars Hall at the Wells Festival of Literature today (October 21) full of tales that, if you did not see her telling the story so vividly in front of you, you would think could not possibly be true.

But the fantastic thing is that they are, and Keggie had a light-hearted and refreshing demeanour which drew the crowd in and we were all hanging on her every word as she regaled us with stories of burglary, machete-wielding mercenaries, and camels.

She was in conversation with fellow author Mark McCrum, who was a convivial host and who kept the adventures flowing.

Keggie now lives near Salisbury, but she has travelled the world, leaving a trail of amusing anecdotes and life experiences in her wake.

Whether it be sitting next to someone called Nigel Neill and not realising it was actor Sam Neill using his real name, or managing to get sacked from five waitressing jobs in a week, Keggie's infectious commentary on how to take everything that life throws at you, kept the audience the palm of her hand.

Her first book Dadland won the Costa book prize – if the audience's reaction is anything to go by, she could well have another award-winner on her hands.