Around the beautiful West Sussex countryside, you will see many benches dedicated to the people who have loved a particular view or who in their lifetime enjoyed walking that particular path. Ida's bench is one such bench on the Sussex downs. I shall direct you to Tracy's blog post where she has posted a photograph of one such bench and unbeknownst to her, it may even have been Ida's bench.
I knew I wanted to write about Ida's story and why she loved to sit on her bench, but decided to place her bench overlooking the sea instead of the Downs. It was one of those stories that was written in a sitting, the ideas tumbling out. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does it is a wonderful feeling. Luckily the fiction editor liked it.
The only disappointing thing is that the illustration in The Friend didn't show a bench, which I think was a great shame as it is, after all, the title of the story. Still, the story is one of my favourites and I am thrilled to have had it published.
These are the pigs that I pass on my walk to Ida's bench. The pig farm covers quite a large area of the South Downs. Some think it an eyesore but I love it, especially when there are hundreds of piglets.
How lovely - I'll look out for it :-) I envy you being able to see the pigs - I love pigs and it is especially nice to see them outside as they should be :-) x
ReplyDeleteThey are so cute, Teresa and it makes the walk that bit more interesting.
DeleteWell done on the story, and lovely to see happy pigs?
ReplyDeletePs the? Should have bern a ! Apologies.
DeleteThey are certainly very 'free range' and appear to be happy pigs.
DeleteWhat will be the exact date and edition? The People's Friend takes a while to get here (Melbourne, Australia) so I'll look out for it.
ReplyDeleteIt's issue 72, Parlance. I can't see a date on it.
DeleteThanks. I'll check in the newsagent tomorrow.
DeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDeleteIt's great when a story just sort of arrives like that, isn't it?
Yes it is, Patsy - just wish it would happen more often.
DeleteOh, I look forward to reading Ida's Bench, Wendy. I'm off out soon and will be buying the weekly and the Special.
ReplyDeleteI've a story in the Special so we're 'Special Sisters'.
Love the pigs!
xxPat
I saw you had one in there too - looking forward to reading it, Pat.
DeleteReally Wendy - did I pass Ida's bench on the Downs? How wonderful. Will have to read this story now. Also I love pigs (well have to living with a literary one) - will have to get the route from you to pass the piggery, especially if piglets about! I'm off to Bruges next week - so will contact you first thing when back to plan our day out (sorry, our day of work with WW).
ReplyDeleteOoh, I love Bruges - I am jealous. Look forward to hearing all about it. Have a great time and speak soon about WW
DeleteWhat a lovely setting you live in, and well done on getting PF to publish your story.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Maggie and yes it is a beautiful area.
DeleteAnother excellent success, Wendy - I'll look out for it. It's great when a story comes together like that.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary - wish I could say that about the one I'm working on now!
DeleteI will! Congrats! Look forward to reading it - hope to get PF today from newsagent. The South Downs look lovely and look at all that sun - although I am not a big pig fan, piglets do sound sweet ;o)
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh as we are having conversations spanning two blog posts!(I presume you are referring to the box set of Broadchurch!) Hope you enjoy my story - remember it's in the special not the weekly.
Delete