The natural progression from creating whimsical illustrations was to write about the characters and their adventures. I had piles of notes shoved in envelopes and plastic wallets hidden in drawers never seeing the light of day. Moving to my atelier in 2024 and unpacking box after box into my collection of 1950’s furniture uncovered a wealth of tales needing to be told.
I had begun writing tales about a rather adventurous pig back in 2013, and there were now about 24 shorts to bring his world to life, including an egotistical goose, an academic worm and French duck. My own white pekin ducks, with all their crazy antics, fostered a tale called The Giant Pea. I will be writing more about this story in the blog, but the illustration above shows Harry, Henry and Penquin having a lovely day at the beach before setting off on another adventure.
I write very erratically, often creeping out of bed at night to make warm milk and set notes down to write up the next day. I sometimes record ideas on my phone or I might get inspired by a piece of music. Raithe Laurence is my go-to for action packed scenes and I might throw down 400 to 1000 words in one session.
I don’t have a plot to start with. Characters tend to tell me where they want to go, or what they wish to do. I put myself in their shoes and follow them through streets, down steps or onto a pirate ship, and see where events take me. Character building is my favorite part and each character has a tale to tell, a way of talking, a way of moving, an ambition, a journey, a vendetta or a search for an answer.
I am indebted to RIVA Writing Group in La Chatre for making my dream of writing come true, for their encouragement and advice and mentoring by Vicky Eveleigh of Positive Points Editorial Services.
Premo from London Publishing UK 