Saturday 24 August 2013

The Girl in the Photograph - Read My Story in The People's Friend

 
 
 
 
Another in my series of inspiration behind the stories. This week, I have a story published in The People's Friend called 'The Girl in the Photograph'.

The inspiration was easy - it was the lovely illustration, by Andre Leonard, that accompanies my story in the magazine. One of the editors at The Friend asked me whether I might be able to write a story to go with it. The challenge to write a story, that would do justice to the illustration, was a challenge I couldn't refuse.

The setting was my starting point. The scenery behind the young couple in the picture, conjured up memories of holidays spent in the Lake District. I decided that the story would be based in the beautiful area around the village of Chapel Stile near Ambleside (you can see it in the photograph above).


The cottage I describe in my story is a small miner's cottage on the outskirts of the village where I have stayed twice. It has the most stunning view, over Lingmoor Fell, from the bedroom window. I decided this would be the cottage that my heroine Cassie would inherit (you see you can have a story published with an inherited cottage in it!)

Once I had my setting clear in my head, I looked at the girl in the illustration - at the look in her eyes. What was she thinking? Why did she look unhappy? I worked back from that and the rest was easy.

I was thrilled when my story was accepted and hope that if the illustrator reads my story, he will be happy with our partnership.

14 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Wendy. Thanks for sharing that. Haven't bought the latest PF yet but I'm intrigued to see the picture.

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  2. How wonderful to be asked to write a story and then even better to have it accepted too. Well done you!

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    1. It was certainly exciting to see it in print, Paula.

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  3. What a lovely idea, and how nice that your story was accepted :o) I often use photos as prompts, but only if something about them particularly catches my eye.

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    1. I wasn't sure how easy it would be, Karen, but I really enjoyed it.

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  4. Blimey Wendy can't keep up with your success. Well done again - you really have cracked TPF!
    Love the photos and we stayed in a holiday cottage very close by too. Lovely area, haven't visited for several years now so your photos made me think it's time for a return.

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    1. It is my favourite part of the Lakes. we didn't go this year and I'm pining for it already!

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  5. Really enjoyed your story, Wendy

    xx

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    1. Thanks, Pat. That's always good to hear - especially from you.

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