Today I have the pleasure of having Patsy Collins. She's about to share with us what inspired her to write her book 'Escape To The Country' which will be released on 26th March, 2012. So, without further ado, let's welcome Patsy.
Thank you for inviting me over to talk about 'Escape to the Country', Cecilia!
This is the first of my novels to be published. I'm hoping it won't be the last - I have others I hope will get there someday! It's the story of Leah, a city girl who escapes her problems, and finds love, on her aunt's farm.
You asked me, "What inspired you to write this story?"
I like to write the sort of books (and short stories) I enjoy reading. That means characters I can relate to, doing things I enjoy, in locations I like. Fortunately that makes for pleasant research. Observant readers will spot several scenes involving slightly odd people eating a lot in picturesque countryside!
We're told to write what we know and I think that's good advice (although there are plenty of cases where writers successfully write about things they didn't know about before starting their books) Often we think the things we know about are boring and feel we should research exotic locations, extreme characters and unusual occupations to add colour. We forget other people will have different life experiences to us and what seems ordinary to me - driving a tractor, milking cows and delivering calves might be new and interesting to others.
You also wanted to know, "If there is a story behind the story?"
I suppose so in a way although it hadn't occurred to me until you asked.
I grew up on a farm and worked there for a time after I left school. My life is now very different Although I never had any need to escape the farm I'm now almost a townie. I guess I'm trying to show it's OK for people to change.
Were you hoping for a confession involving my own Dishy Duncan and a hay barn? Sorry, but I'm keeping some of my research methods to myself!
There you have it! And yes, I was really hoping Patsy would dish out more about Duncan. There's always a next time. :D
It was a pleasure having you on my blog, Patsy.
Like to know more about Patsy, and what she is up to? http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/PatsyCollins.writer
I suppose so in a way although it hadn't occurred to me until you asked.
I grew up on a farm and worked there for a time after I left school. My life is now very different Although I never had any need to escape the farm I'm now almost a townie. I guess I'm trying to show it's OK for people to change.
Were you hoping for a confession involving my own Dishy Duncan and a hay barn? Sorry, but I'm keeping some of my research methods to myself!
There you have it! And yes, I was really hoping Patsy would dish out more about Duncan. There's always a next time. :D
It was a pleasure having you on my blog, Patsy.
Like to know more about Patsy, and what she is up to? http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/PatsyCollins.writer
