Researching this book was an enjoyable experience, as it took me on some of the most beautiful car journeys not far from where I live.
Ambling around the countryside, and over the stunning Bowland Hills, discovering tiny hamlets that time had forgotten, didn’t feel like work. Neither did a visit to see a working mill in the Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery in the beautiful town of Uppermill, Oldham, which was followed by a leisurely boat trip along the canal, and then lunch. The latter wasn’t part of the research, but hey ho.
The reason for the trip across the Bowland Hills was to trace the journey that Ruth and her family would have taken and to find a spot where it was possible for the accident that changed her life to have happened. I eventually found a place, and was excited to do so – until I remembered what I was finding it for! Then I closed my eyes and brought the scene alive in my mind, and shed a tear for what Ruth and her siblings had to face.
A lot of imagination goes into a novel and, along with it, emotions are tapped into and released, as the characters that are created become real and their dilemmas affect me personally. But it is important to me that the story is based on solid research, as this keeps me realistic – everything I write, despite being fiction, has to be proven to me that it could happen. Then I can write with confidence, and allow the story to flow.
I hope that shows through in The Street Orphans, and that you have enjoyed the book. My very best wishes and love to you all.