STORIES AND WRITING
The magic of writing and taking in our surroundings The secret to writing stories One of the most common questions I’m asked at school visits is: ‘Where do you get your ideas?’ I then go on to explain my ‘tingly moments’ – when I see, hear or read something that makes my hairs stand on end. This nearly always means there’s a story there, even if I don’t yet know what that is! Some story ideas come very quickly. The Secret Lake was inspired when we visited friends who had just moved into a ground-floor apartment that backed onto communal gardens in London’s Notting Hill. The moment I stepped out and saw the children all playing there, and heard the crack of twigs underfoot echoing against the Victorian buildings, I began wondering what would happen if those girls and boys could meet the children who had lived and played there 100 years earlier. That ‘tingly’ idea would not go away and the final story has now been enjoyed by almost half a million children! The lake was inspired by a magical pond in Richmond Park. Other stories take longer. The Tell-Me Tree was inspired after I spotted a face in the trunk of a majestic London Plane tree close to where I live. I had to wait three years before the rest of the story found its way to me! – via an overheard conversation. This rhyming picture book is now being used in UK classrooms and homes to help children share feelings through writing, drawing or conversation. Of course it’s not just stories that our observations inspire – it’s characters too. I have London Zoo’s stinky gorilla to thank for Gordon the gorilla in Henry Haynes and the Great Escape. Meanwhile, many characters in Eeek! The Runaway Alien are based on children and
over-enthusiastic dads I encountered at my sons’ weekend football club! In short, I get my ideas from all around me, and I tell children that they can too! Is there a creepy old house you pass every day? A neighbour’s odd looking cat that has something to hide? A cousin or sibling who makes you laugh? Start keeping a note of things that catch your attention – physical descriptions, dialogue, facial expressions. The chances are you can use them in a story sooner or later! KAREN INGLIS
Return to the Secret Lake (Well Said Press) – the long awaited sequel to The Secret Lake is now out! www.kareninglisauthor.com/ return-to-the-secret-lake/
EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | S PRI NG 2022 | 41
