It’s said that for the majority of writers, their first novel is the most autobiographical. Though they may not appreciate the fact at the time, it is probably true to say that for the new writer their protagonist’s thoughts and feelings are much more akin to how they themselves would think and feel given the circumstances their character finds themselves in. Looking back, I now realise that that is true of my first novel, even though I’d never been placed in the same set of circumstances that my College Principal in ‘All in the Mind’ faced when having to fight for her own survival.
Over time, most writers become avid people watchers. By observing how other people react in different situations, we begin to enrich our own fictional characters making them more credible to our readers.
I’ve never been one for sitting in cafés watching the world go by. My opportunities usually come when I’m on holiday. Because of the covid pandemic, I’ve not been on a proper holiday since 2019, but, as regular readers of my blog will know, I am lucky enough to be a cruise lecturer, so I have had several chances to get away from home. Only last week I was contacted by one cruise line asking if I could replace a history lecturer who had contracted covid with only 36 hours’ notice. It was a tall order finding four suitable presentations for the 7-day cruise and cancelling all sorts of appointments, but we made it.
We left home at 3am and arrived at Heathrow at 4.30. Our flight was at 06.55 and because we’d already booked online and had our boarding passes, the plan was to drop off our cases and have breakfast in our favourite café. However, even at that time in the morning, the place was swarming with people. All the self bag drop-off points were closed, and we joined a long queue by the entrance. We made the front of the check-in queue at 6.45 to be told that all flights had been delayed though ours was already boarding. We rushed through security (thankfully much quicker than usual) and eventually made it.
Needless to say, the stressful situation brought out some of the worst in several people with a great many losing their tempers and abusing staff. On the bright side, I do now have an idea for the opening scene in my next Fiona Mason travel mystery. Though it’s by no means compulsory, the ship is very appreciative of guest lecturers who volunteer to escort shore excursions. Although it can occasionally be problematic, I’m always happy to help out keeping an eye on those at the back of the group who have difficulty keeping up or getting up and down steps. It’s a great way to get to know people and see things from their perspective.
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