The Strangest Things Inspire - Wendy H. Jones
By now, you are probably wondering what my image is about. What does a comic tortoise have to do with inspiration? A lot it turns out. Let me educate you in the ways of the tortoise or this particular one. I first need to explain that another of our new bloggers, Ruth Leigh, received copies of her debut novel earlier in the week. She duly dispatched them in the post to those who were waiting, or so she said. I was a little sceptical as the book was never arriving in Scotland. I had glimpses of the book in the wild as other people received their copy, but mine was nowhere to be seen. I could only surmise that she had dispatched mine strapped to the back of a tortoise which she then pointed in the direction of Scotland. I said so in the Facebook group and much hilarity ensued.
What on earth has this got to do with inspiration I hear you ask. We are getting there. I took the idea one step further in a zoom chat and tossed the name Terry the Postie Tortoise into the ring. By today, when the book still hadn't arrived I had a feeling our brave hero, Terry, had stopped for a small holiday in the midlands and was enjoying a spot of pampering in the Spa. People are now writing stories about Terry and what he was/is doing while delivering books. He'll have a cult following soon.
This led me to thinking that Terry the Postie Tortoise would be a great idea for a children's picture book and might just pitch it to my long suffering publisher. Sarah Grace, if you're reading this - be forewarned. So, inspiration really does come from the strangest things. Don't be afraid to take your ideas and give them wings. make them zany, make them, wild, and run with them. Add another, idea and another and before you know where you are a book is born. Even Shakespeare started with wild ideas about Fairies.
What of the book you ask. Well, I'm delighted it has appeared and I am now the proud owner of The Diary of Isabella M. Smugge. I know it's going to be hysterical if Isabella's writer is anything to go by. I can't wait to read it the minute I've finished this blog post. Congratulations, Ruth and many thanks to Terry. If you'll excuse me, I've books to read and, of course, write. What on earth could Terry be up to now? You need to keep an eye on the wee chap.
Comments
Our mail system has been strange of late too. My husband found some of his mail tossed behind trees near our house, like the delivery person completely missed depositing it in our mailbox. Or maybe she got fed up and just said "F#$% it, I'm done!"
I've been waiting for a small parcel for over 3 weeks now. The tracking says it's "on its way." I wonder if Terry has any connections in Canada. ;)