Saturday, 12 July 2014

Not Such A Big Secret and An Opportunity!

If you have a question about writing for The People’s Friend, Shirley Blair, the fiction editor will answer it via the Fiction Blog here.

When I first started writing cough-cough years ago, I could only dream of an opportunity like this. So if you have any questions, now is the time to ask.

I’ve also decided to copy Wendy and Keith and write about my inspiration for a particular story. This isn’t always easy, because sometimes stories present themselves from nowhere, but I know exactly what the inspiration was behind The Big Secret in the July 12th issue (illustrated beautifully by Mandy Murray) and I know exactly when I wrote it.




Earlier this year I took my granddaughter to her friend’s birthday party which was being held at a soft play area. While she ran round with her boyfriend (my future grandson-in-law I’m told) I sat with my notebook and pen and wrote the outline for the story. The process involved a lot of looking at people and wondering, what if…? But as is often the case, the main inspiration came from the children.




19 comments:

  1. Great to hear your inspirations Teresa. I agree as well, that now we are so much closer to knowing the editors, and hearing what they want to publish. Only a shame I'm still waiting for my first acceptance.... so I'll get writing and stop winging... :)) xx

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    1. Yes keep writing, Susan and you'll get there :-) x

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  2. Always enjoyable to find out what inspired a story- and congratulation on the latest success, Teresa.

    I always enjoy your stories. :)

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I nominated your blog for a Versatile Blogger Award in my last post :-) x

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    2. Thanks, I've been so busy I missed it! :)

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  3. Thanks for the mention, Teresa. Congratulations on your continuing success.

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  4. I have been an inspiration for another inspiration... yippee!

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    1. Wendy you certainly are an inspiration :-) x

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  5. Hi Teresa,

    I've been thinking about writing as in actually stringing a sentence together. Just need some string :) Inspiration is inspired by more inspiration. Children and our furry friends. Observational stuff works a treat. I know that you inspire aspiring authors. What a great result that is.

    A peaceful weekend to you, Teresa.

    Gary :) x

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    1. Wouldn't it be great if we could pick up that writing string at the corner shop? Have a great weekend x

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  6. Congratulations on your beautiful People's Friend story, Teresa. I think the "What if?" question is the most helpful one of them all. I like the way it leads you, taking the imagination deeper and further into the heart of the story. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Joanna. All it takes is a poor unsuspecting young man sitting at a table alone, minding his own business and the next thing he finds himself in a story! Ooh the power :-) x

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  7. It was a lovely story, Teresa.
    I remember wondering when I read it if inspiration had struck when you'd taken your grandchildren out!
    xxPat

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    1. Thank you, Pat - I'm just glad I took a notebook! x

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  8. I love hearing about the inspiration behind a story, Teresa - thanks for sharing!

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  9. It's a great story Teresa. Beautifully written and so uplifting. And so good to hear the inspiration behind it. :o) xx

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