I often think of stories as a gift to the world; at least that’s how they feel to me when I’m reading. Whether it’s reading to relax or be entertained, wanting to learn something new or have your imagination stimulated, or wanting to travel and explore from the comfort of your sofa. And when a book becomes worn after several rereads, there comes the feeling of companionship found while curled up with favourite characters.
It’s been an interesting and entertaining journey so far on children’s hour. I had hoped that by giving children a platform during these times of a global pandemic, it might help them to connect with each other and the people in their lives. As far as what was sent in, I had no idea what to expect. I am delighted to see wildlife feature, among other things.
As a fiction writer, I spend much of my time thinking about different perspectives. In building characters, worlds, and cultures, viewpoint and empathy are everything.
I hope everyone is keeping safe and well. With rainbows fast becoming symbols of hope, it is wonderful to see so much colour around. And now, with the UK weather for once being kind, there is colour in the garden of the natural kind. It feels like summer.
Here in the UK, social isolation continues. I feel fortunate to be able to step out for a walk each day, and to live close to the river Exe. On the way to the river, just beyond the railway tracks as dusk approaches, wild rabbits venture out. It always feels like a treat to see them, and now in our house we’ve taken to collecting vegetable peelings to deposit on the walk. Then the rabbits can enjoy an evening buffet.
With the UK still under measures of social isolation, I’ve been thinking about the theme of my last blog, Staying Connected, and all the imaginative ways people have been finding to stay connected to one another.
As a writer, it got me thinking about stories and what they communicate. A favourite pastime when I was young was whiling away the hours in my bedroom writing weird and wonderful adventure stories. I wondered what stories children might come up with at this time, what places their imagination might take them. And so, I spoke to children I know and asked them, ‘Would you like to write a story that I could share on my website?’ I was thrilled to receive the first entry yesterday.
