The Proof of the Pudding - Inspiration Behind the Story

I've realised that it has been a while since I wrote an inspiration behind the story post. This isn't because there wasn't anything interesting to write about my recent published stories - just that with all the lovely guests I've welcomed onto Wendy's Writing Now recently, I haven't had much time.

Anyway, I thought I'd tell you the inspiration behind this week's People's Friend Story, Proof of the Pudding, because it links in with a post I wrote last October. It was called, So What if I Can't Bake and you can read it here. In a nutshell, I had gone to my local restaurant, The Sussex Produce Company, to have a meal and listen to a talk given by Mary Berry. I was desperately excited as I absolutely love The Great British Bake Off, even though it is common knowledge amongst my friends that I cannot bake.

At the start of the evening, we were given a copy of Mary Berry's new recipe book, Mary Berry Cooks the Perfect Step by Step (as part of the package) and then we queued to have it signed. Not surprisingly, the queue was quite long and I had plenty of time to think of something witty or intelligent to say to her once I reached the table. (I have a habit of blurting out rather silly things when nervous). When it was my turn, I stepped up and held out the book. Mary sat there, a picture of elegance, and smiled... and all I could think of to say was, "Hello."

It was a wonderful evening but I had little time to think about it as I had invited a group of girlfriends round for dinner a few days later as my husband was away. I can get into a bit of a fluster when it comes to cooking for large numbers... what would I cook? How much should I buy? Would they noticed if it all came from M&S? It was then that my gaze fell on my newly acquired Mary Berry recipe book. If each course came from her book and it all went wrong, Mary would be to blame, not me - wouldn't she? It seemed like a plan.

I am happy to say that, against all odds, the dinner party was a great success and Mary's Caramelised red onion and rocket tartlets were a triumph. I think my friends were surprised that I had pulled it off but I have a sneaky suspicion that Mary wouldn't  have been.

The whole thing had the makings of a great story, so the next day I sat down and wrote it. It starts off with Deborah wondering what witty, intelligent thing she can say to television chef, Nancy Cresswell at her book signing... I think you can guess what she blurted out!

The story is modelled on my ability to get flustered when cooking for a dinner party (the reason why I don't have them!) but the rest of the story is fictional. When Proof of the Pudding was published last week, I was astonished at David Young's illustration. He modelled it on his own kitchen... but it looks exactly like mine!

Writing Serials for the People's Friend - Guest Post Shirley Blair

As most of you will know, I recently had my first serial, Charlotte's War, published in The People's Friend. Although the timescale from pitching the idea to seeing the serial in print is quite a long one, I enjoyed the whole process and each week would rush off to the newsagents to see what lovely illustration David Young had created for me. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I wrote a second!

Knowing that The Friend is looking for new serial writers,  a couple of month's ago, I wrote an article for Writing Magazine on what fiction editor Shirley Blair is looking for when it comes to serials. Due to word limit, I was only able to include some of Shirley's answers to my questions in my feature, so I asked her whether she would be happy for me to use her quotes in full in my blog. Lovely lady that she is, she said she was more than happy. I have found writing the serials both challenging and rewarding and I would encourage anyone who had been thinking about moving on from short stories to have a go.

In your view what makes a good serial?

We look for a cast of strong, engaging characters who come alive in your head so that you can see them and hear them talking. Together these characters deliver an absorbing storyline with perhaps an unusual setting. Attention to detail in terms of location and period always helps.

Should it include a romance?

Yes. We’ve noticed that sometimes the romance gets overlooked in a serial, but it offers a change of pace, a breathing space in the midst of the action.    

Do you have a preference for viewpoint and tense? (Do you ever accept ones written in first person?)

We prefer a third person narrative in past tense. First person would be single viewpoint, whereas we look for two or three viewpoints telling two or three interweaving storylines, scene by scene. I always liken it to a TV soap in that respect. 

What qualities do you look for in a serial writer?

Commitment. Discipline. Methodical planning. We hope they’ll be flexible and receptive to our input. It’s also helpful if they can understand that their serial becomes part of our publishing schedule and deliver it in a reasonable time; some writers are quite slow which can throw my plans haywire! I know, though, that the stop/start nature of writing a serial for us can be equally frustrating for them.

Do you have a preferred serial length?

Nowadays People’s Friend readers are happiest with serials of four to ten instalments. Gone are the days when we’d offer them twenty-instalment marathons!

What is it that you DON’T want to see in a serial?

Too linear a narrative. As I’ve said, we look for two or three character viewpoints telling their interweaving stories. We don’t want stagnant characters or stagnant action. Then, of course, we don’t want any of our usual Friend taboos of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll!

What is more important in a PF serial, storyline or character?

Oh, always character. You’ll remember a great character long after you’ve forgotten what the story was about. I still have a bit of a crush on a character called Magnus from years ago, though now I can’t even remember which serial it was!

Would you recommend trying short stories before attempting a serial?

Generally yes. The People’s Friend has its own particular style, and a serial is such a commitment, that it’s helpful if both writer and editor have the confidence of previous success to support them.  

Are you more likely to consider a writer who has previously written a short story for the magazine?

Yes, for the reasons I’ve mentioned, because we’ve learned their strengths and built up a relationship, but never say never!

Are there any themes you wouldn’t consider?

Loads! But a quick look at our guidelines will steer you in the right direction. And we’re always more than happy to offer advice.

What is the most common mistake you have seen serial writers make?

The main one is a lack of planning. You know, not thinking out their story in its entirety so we all know where it’s going, at what pace, and how it ends. And then not maintaining the momentum and tension within the story as they write. Some try to get on their soapbox, using their story to make a political point, but that’s not really the Friend’s style. Finally, some forget to give their characters different voices; all you hear is the writer’s voice.

What would you say your role is as an editor?

As editors we’re here to support, to encourage, to communicate, cajole and congratulate. We’re here to handhold as much or as little as we and the writer feel necessary. We always say, ask us anything, it’s what we’re here for. Stuck? Let us help. So I’d say the relationship between editor and writer is one of trust and teamwork.

How much input do you have in the planning process?

Every writer is different. Some come to us with a fully-formed and perfect story that they write with next to no input from us. Others need significant help in shaping and planning the story as a whole, and then again as they write each instalment – but that’s OK. I can’t stress enough that it’s what we’re here for. Ask us anything!

Thank you very much, Shirley, for your lovely detailed answers. If you fancy having a go at writing a serial for The People's Friend, you can find their guidelines here.

*UPDATE*

Since writing this post, The People's Friend have announced a serial writing competition with a prize of £400 for the winner. Closing date: October 30 2015. Details and entry coupon can be found in the weekly magazine and on Shirley's Fiction Blog here.