I often walk in the very places that I have set my novel 'Red Kite'. It helps me to bring a story to life, if I am actually there, in the place that I have set a scene.
Over the years I have walked miles in the footsteps of 'Brodie' my central character. The photos on this post are what he has seen, so by viewing these images, you are looking through his eyes.
I think many vistors to the Titterstone Clee may have given me a wide berth at times if they have spotted me acting out a particular chapter when I have been talking to myself, perhaps counting steps , hiding in places with my notebook franticly scribbling down ideas, or just sitting in the very places where Brodie has visited.
It is a great way of bringing a story to life. If you experience it in the real world, it can breathe so much life into your work. I know this may not always be possible, especially if you are writing Sci-fi and of other planets, but back down on earth, it's worth trying. Saying that, I think the image above looks almost like another planet!
The photo above is perhaps the most chilling as it is where Brodie has the most terrifying experience ( You will have to buy the book - if it is ever published - to find out what that experience could be!)
I sat in this very spot the other day. I was enjoying my escape back into 'Red Kite' It was silent apart from the birds and the hum of a distant tractor. Suddenly a man called out a boys name from behind me. Nothing odd about that you may think - except it happened to be the name of Brodie's dead brother! How spooky was that? I turned around like I had seen, or heard a ghost! Poor man must of thought I was bonkers!
That was bringing my story a little bit too close too life, but what a magical experience it was to have.
