Today, I wrapped up warm in my cashmere shawl, pulled on a pair of old sheepskin boots, pushed my fingers into hand knitted mittens and ventured forth from Log Cabin. Merlin, the Snow Spot Bengal purred contentedly and snuggled deep into the battered sofa I’d heaved behind the door, to block wintry draughts.
Edinburgh is the destination, Scotland’s capital city and an architectural delight for anyone who doesn’t mind a craned neck from looking up and an icy wind that feels like it could sever bone.
I arrived at eleven o’clock and was met by Ameline, at Waverley Station.
“You’ve lost weight,” I exclaimed.
Slender as a pin head, her long raven locks have been shorn into a fashionable bob, secreted under an olive green beret. A tapestry coat, long leather boots with killer heels and a handbag which appeared fashioned from recycled drinks cans – I’m sure we turned heads on Princes Street as we walked arm in arm towards our favourite tea shop and its famed log fire.
Rose tea warmed the soul, and I listened attentively as Ameline enthused about the enclave of artists she’d met on her recent trip to Capri – I flicked through her portfolio of pastels depicting the Fagliolini rocks. Later, I showed her a mock up of a book cover, for my soon to be launched fantasy novel, “Do dragonflies lose their colour when they die?”
"How awesome!” Her faux American accent, carried to the rafters. Dare I say, she’d adopted the drawl on a stop over to Boston when her plane was grounded by fog.
Today, was a serendipitous occasion for both parties, as Ameline had secured a writing post and hearing about my forthcoming book launch, she was eager to find out about the inspiration behind the book and asked me an assortment of questions. I thought dear reader, you might like to hear where my rather outlandish ideas come from.
What is the (working title) of your book?
Do Dragonflies lose their colour when they die?
Where did the idea come from for the book?
Vivid imagination can’t be contained, nor can dragonflies, it is their instinct to rise from the depths and dazzle in light.
What genre does your book fall under?
Fantasy fiction/Magic Realism
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Angelina Jolie/Patrick Stewart
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
Magical realms are explored by a girl who sets off on dream quests.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self Published.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
6 weeks – and many many drafts.
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Angela Carter is an influence. I have not discovered comparisons.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
Stream of consciousness writing, the Universe created
the Manuscript, my fingers
merely moved over the keyboard. Dragonflies are
impressive subjects, old as dinosaurs, exquisitely beautiful and elusive.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
For all lovers of Unicorns, Pumas, Faeries and dragonflies of course – anyone who is willing to disengage the rational mindset will fly through the pages of this book.
And on that note, Ameline drained the last of the tea, grabbed a cup cake and swept from the premises. I watched her race along Princes Street with copy in hand, settled the bill and placed the brown paper parcel in my straw basket – Ameline’s gift for Merlin.
Although writing can seem a solitary business, on occasion I have the opportunity to communicate in person or online with some fascinating souls who inhabit the same territory, albeit in differing genres:-
Steve Christie, is a Scottish Crime Writer. You can catch up with him and order a copy of his Novel, “Good Deeds.” http://stevechristieauthor.blogspot.co.uk/
Sheila Applegate is an exciting US author, her soon to be launched novel “Enchanted One: The portal to Love” is apt at this current phase of the Universal life cycle. http://www.sheilaapplegate.com
Hunter S Jones, who lives in Atlanta US, is an author who describes herself as “writer of erotica, fiction, rock & roll...enlightened rogue & mischief maker extraordinaire. I'm the one your mother warned you about...” http://thehunterjones.blogspot.com
Kenneth Balfour, London based Author of The Chronicles of Draylon & The Witches of Barrow Wood has a festive publication available “Finding Christmas, Santa’s Tale” Secure your copy at:
I am so proud to be considered by such a Wonderful Human being and Talented Writer; a friend, thank you with all my heart Phyllis.
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