I am about 3/4 into book 2, and am looking forward to meeting this narrator. Thank you for the behind the scenes look. It is interesting to think of the narrator as a character in her own right - as opposed to a role - one with a back story somewhat related to the on-stage characters.
Yet almost like an otherworldly being who can float across time and space, reality and imagination. History is inhabited by us that way.
Exactly! Narrators like this have the ability to comment on the narrative from any time/space perspective. So useful when you (author) want to give readers more to think about than the characters themselves have access to. And when you want to call attention to ironies or direct them to a conclusion that the characters can't imagine.
I always enjoy these behind the scenes glimpses of your work. I was glad to read that you came to enjoy the Narrator in the Cottage Tales because I absolutely love her. It feels so appropriate for the setting and time of the stories and, to me, I find that this direct way of speaking to the reader increases, rather than disrupts, the intimacy of a story. Having tried my hand at it a bit myself, I would also add that it requires considerable skill on the part of the writer. I think you handled it with mastery. Having just finished Hawthorn House, I look forward to the growing voice of the Narrator.
Glad you enjoyed Hawthorn House, Leenie. I had fun with Mrs. Overthewall (one of the Thorn Folk) and wanted to do more with her. But the story had a certain forward momentum and she sort of got left behind. 😏 Unless you're working in first person, I agree that it's hard these days to include an intrusive narrator. It's just out of fashion. Easier in a period piece, like this series, where it does seem to fit. If I could do it over, I'd let the Narrator into the story with Book 1.
Sometimes, I just want to pick up a book & read. Leave the news of current events, let go of the “should” reads to expand my knowledge/world/mind, forget catching up with a Best Seller, or dragging my way through whatever what’s-her-name chose for book club: just sit down with a book & read. And enjoy the story. 📚 Hello, China. Good afternoon, Miss Potter. 🍓
Susan, must say that this post is pretty close to what any fan is looking for from their favorite author. Well except for the next book. 😄 I feel like I have just sat on your shoulder and looked at where you are in the writing of a story and are now trying to figure out how to cover all of the details. How to get the reader up to speed on where they are, and who is who, and why things are happening as they are. That's all! LOL Let's face it, the Cottage Tales are covering a lot of time and space and with all of the changes that happen from decade to decade. We need a narrator/guide/somebody to give us a heads-up along the way. The stories are based upon a real person who lived a very unusual life in a special part of the world that is still visited by scads of people each year. This unique person made a series of children's books so popular that they made her quite wealthy in her own time. It seems to me that she loved and understood a great deal about animals and people and also came to know herself. I love that you took so much time to create this series. It's a pleasure to read and reread. Thanks for giving us an inside view.
Thank you, Sandy. I was sad to leave that series. But Beatrix's life changed during the war--so much uncertainty, worries about her books (embezzlement at the publishing house), parents' death, illness. It was the end of a chapter in her life, and a good place to end the series. I still miss those badgers, though. :)
Susan, must tell you that Embezzlement at the Publishing House sounds like the title of a mystery I would read! 🤩 As much as I liked the audio books of The Cottage Tales series, the books are lovely to read, too. Maybe those badgers could fit into one of your new short stories here. 🤗 Or, a young dragon could share his magical story?!! 😃
I've thought about that, yes. Thanks for the encouragement. ❤ You can read about Harold Warne's thefts in Linda Lear's biography--interesting, sad story.
I’m almost through re-reading Castle Cottage and was finding myself in dialog with the Narrator! Did notice her evolution, especially as I’ve re-read the books quite close together. When I went to Grammar School (High School) at around 11 the English teacher was a wonderful, rather eccentric woman, probably close to retiring, and I visualize the Narrator as a younger version. Miss French always wore tailored blouse, slim mid-calf skirt neatly belted, cardigan (weight differing according to the season), sensible shoes and stockings - the colours varied, all subdued, but that was her uniform. Hair either in a messy bun or tied at the neck with a broad ribbon. She would have loved the Cottage Tales. One of the appealing aspects of the Cottage Tales is the multi-layered narrative - you handle it particularly well; I’ve read other books where it’s just annoying. Here, the differing perspectives are interesting and enlightening.
I find the idea of characters in a book essentially becoming separate entities from the author interesting. I suspect it happens more often than we (the readers) realize. I love British mysteries (TV series now, but I've read all the books long ago) I won't go into it here and now. One I was watching recently included a character who was an author of an adventure/hero series. At one point said author was angrily complaining that he wanted to do something in the current book he was writing - and his main character WOULDN'T LET HIM! I laughed.
I find the idea that characters "take over" and write the book, while the author just "watches" from afar fascinating...
Agreed re, British mysteries, both written and TV. Have you come across Julie Wassmer’s Whitstable Pearl series, also a TV series - the books are quite different, very enjoyable.
Carolyn, I wonder if you're thinking of Anthony Horowitz, a Brit who writes a series where he (the famous author) is a sidekick to an unlikeable detective. Horowitz is always trying to manage his character, who is entirely uncooperative. It's an innovative, creative concept, from the writer who also created Foyle's War.
I don't think it was Horowitz - it was one of the British mystery series I watch regularly - I just don't remember which one. As I said - I think the concept of characters "taking over" the writing of a book/books is fascinating - funny in many ways - definitely in a creative way. I think it's clever...
Susan - fascinating development of the narrator. Yours enriches the stories. I have read of other authors having various characters "take control" and become far more independent.
Delightful insights. Thank you for sharing this writing experience.
You're right, Georgeann, sometimes characters insist on being front-and-center. In the Robin Paige series, Bill and I created a cook who brought a subplot and a whole "downstairs" cast with her. Years ago, I read Pirandello's play, Six Characters in Search of an Author, and the premise has stayed with me.
Boy, did you give me a lot to think about this morning! I had a teacher once who said your readers have to like a first person narrator or they won't want to stay with her. I admired him so I guess I believed him but the older I get, the more I've come to adore an annoying guide through the story. After I get over my initial impatience, she somehow feels more of a relatable and reliable guide through life.
I think your teacher was right about first-person and likeability. These books (actually, books 3-8) are mostly narrated in third, with the intrusive narrator breaking in with her "I" whenever she has something she wants to say. (I write another series, China Bayles, which is totally first.) And yes, I also like it when the "I" pushes into a mostly 3rd narrative. And I like your word "guide," "Docent" might be another word.
Yes, amazing (that is, it amazes me and I've been doing this for a while). I wonder: if this kind of narrative evolution can only happen in a series, where the writer is working across multiple years. Seems unlikely in a standalone or even a series of standalones (because every novel presents different narrative opportunities).
Susan, this is so very intriguing! You as author going back to analyze the emergence of narrator and her voice and personality. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and appreciate your providing the examples. Lovely!
I agree with Shawn. What also amazes me is your ability, and that of other series authors, to keep the characters and their stories flowing so well from book to book. "Unplanned things" may happen, but you sure wouldn't know it from a readers perspective!
I know it looks like that, Judy--but that's the magic of story work. You just keep pulling at the threads, seeing the connections, the loops and tangles and possibilities. I'm a Steven King kind of writer. When I can find complex characters in rich situations, I know we're going to end up with a good story.
I am about 3/4 into book 2, and am looking forward to meeting this narrator. Thank you for the behind the scenes look. It is interesting to think of the narrator as a character in her own right - as opposed to a role - one with a back story somewhat related to the on-stage characters.
Yet almost like an otherworldly being who can float across time and space, reality and imagination. History is inhabited by us that way.
Exactly! Narrators like this have the ability to comment on the narrative from any time/space perspective. So useful when you (author) want to give readers more to think about than the characters themselves have access to. And when you want to call attention to ironies or direct them to a conclusion that the characters can't imagine.
I always enjoy these behind the scenes glimpses of your work. I was glad to read that you came to enjoy the Narrator in the Cottage Tales because I absolutely love her. It feels so appropriate for the setting and time of the stories and, to me, I find that this direct way of speaking to the reader increases, rather than disrupts, the intimacy of a story. Having tried my hand at it a bit myself, I would also add that it requires considerable skill on the part of the writer. I think you handled it with mastery. Having just finished Hawthorn House, I look forward to the growing voice of the Narrator.
Glad you enjoyed Hawthorn House, Leenie. I had fun with Mrs. Overthewall (one of the Thorn Folk) and wanted to do more with her. But the story had a certain forward momentum and she sort of got left behind. 😏 Unless you're working in first person, I agree that it's hard these days to include an intrusive narrator. It's just out of fashion. Easier in a period piece, like this series, where it does seem to fit. If I could do it over, I'd let the Narrator into the story with Book 1.
Sometimes, I just want to pick up a book & read. Leave the news of current events, let go of the “should” reads to expand my knowledge/world/mind, forget catching up with a Best Seller, or dragging my way through whatever what’s-her-name chose for book club: just sit down with a book & read. And enjoy the story. 📚 Hello, China. Good afternoon, Miss Potter. 🍓
And aren't we LUCKY to have the books? And the time?? I appreciate those privileges more every day!
Susan, must say that this post is pretty close to what any fan is looking for from their favorite author. Well except for the next book. 😄 I feel like I have just sat on your shoulder and looked at where you are in the writing of a story and are now trying to figure out how to cover all of the details. How to get the reader up to speed on where they are, and who is who, and why things are happening as they are. That's all! LOL Let's face it, the Cottage Tales are covering a lot of time and space and with all of the changes that happen from decade to decade. We need a narrator/guide/somebody to give us a heads-up along the way. The stories are based upon a real person who lived a very unusual life in a special part of the world that is still visited by scads of people each year. This unique person made a series of children's books so popular that they made her quite wealthy in her own time. It seems to me that she loved and understood a great deal about animals and people and also came to know herself. I love that you took so much time to create this series. It's a pleasure to read and reread. Thanks for giving us an inside view.
Thank you, Sandy. I was sad to leave that series. But Beatrix's life changed during the war--so much uncertainty, worries about her books (embezzlement at the publishing house), parents' death, illness. It was the end of a chapter in her life, and a good place to end the series. I still miss those badgers, though. :)
Susan, must tell you that Embezzlement at the Publishing House sounds like the title of a mystery I would read! 🤩 As much as I liked the audio books of The Cottage Tales series, the books are lovely to read, too. Maybe those badgers could fit into one of your new short stories here. 🤗 Or, a young dragon could share his magical story?!! 😃
I've thought about that, yes. Thanks for the encouragement. ❤ You can read about Harold Warne's thefts in Linda Lear's biography--interesting, sad story.
👍 Thanks for the Linda Lear lead.
I’m almost through re-reading Castle Cottage and was finding myself in dialog with the Narrator! Did notice her evolution, especially as I’ve re-read the books quite close together. When I went to Grammar School (High School) at around 11 the English teacher was a wonderful, rather eccentric woman, probably close to retiring, and I visualize the Narrator as a younger version. Miss French always wore tailored blouse, slim mid-calf skirt neatly belted, cardigan (weight differing according to the season), sensible shoes and stockings - the colours varied, all subdued, but that was her uniform. Hair either in a messy bun or tied at the neck with a broad ribbon. She would have loved the Cottage Tales. One of the appealing aspects of the Cottage Tales is the multi-layered narrative - you handle it particularly well; I’ve read other books where it’s just annoying. Here, the differing perspectives are interesting and enlightening.
Miss French sounds like a perfect Narrator! Very school-marmish. :)
This gives me an idea to make steps for my Fairy House--!
Lovely!
I find the idea of characters in a book essentially becoming separate entities from the author interesting. I suspect it happens more often than we (the readers) realize. I love British mysteries (TV series now, but I've read all the books long ago) I won't go into it here and now. One I was watching recently included a character who was an author of an adventure/hero series. At one point said author was angrily complaining that he wanted to do something in the current book he was writing - and his main character WOULDN'T LET HIM! I laughed.
I find the idea that characters "take over" and write the book, while the author just "watches" from afar fascinating...
Agreed re, British mysteries, both written and TV. Have you come across Julie Wassmer’s Whitstable Pearl series, also a TV series - the books are quite different, very enjoyable.
I'll have to look for those. Thanks!
Carolyn, I wonder if you're thinking of Anthony Horowitz, a Brit who writes a series where he (the famous author) is a sidekick to an unlikeable detective. Horowitz is always trying to manage his character, who is entirely uncooperative. It's an innovative, creative concept, from the writer who also created Foyle's War.
I don't think it was Horowitz - it was one of the British mystery series I watch regularly - I just don't remember which one. As I said - I think the concept of characters "taking over" the writing of a book/books is fascinating - funny in many ways - definitely in a creative way. I think it's clever...
Susan - fascinating development of the narrator. Yours enriches the stories. I have read of other authors having various characters "take control" and become far more independent.
Delightful insights. Thank you for sharing this writing experience.
You're right, Georgeann, sometimes characters insist on being front-and-center. In the Robin Paige series, Bill and I created a cook who brought a subplot and a whole "downstairs" cast with her. Years ago, I read Pirandello's play, Six Characters in Search of an Author, and the premise has stayed with me.
Boy, did you give me a lot to think about this morning! I had a teacher once who said your readers have to like a first person narrator or they won't want to stay with her. I admired him so I guess I believed him but the older I get, the more I've come to adore an annoying guide through the story. After I get over my initial impatience, she somehow feels more of a relatable and reliable guide through life.
I think your teacher was right about first-person and likeability. These books (actually, books 3-8) are mostly narrated in third, with the intrusive narrator breaking in with her "I" whenever she has something she wants to say. (I write another series, China Bayles, which is totally first.) And yes, I also like it when the "I" pushes into a mostly 3rd narrative. And I like your word "guide," "Docent" might be another word.
It was interesting to learn more about the narrator and how it evolved. What an amazing process.
Yes, amazing (that is, it amazes me and I've been doing this for a while). I wonder: if this kind of narrative evolution can only happen in a series, where the writer is working across multiple years. Seems unlikely in a standalone or even a series of standalones (because every novel presents different narrative opportunities).
I agree. I feels like it has to be a process of evolution.
Susan, this is so very intriguing! You as author going back to analyze the emergence of narrator and her voice and personality. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and appreciate your providing the examples. Lovely!
You're welcome, Shawn. Lots of unplanned things happen when you're writing--even when you write a lot (and think you know how to do it 🤨.)
I agree with Shawn. What also amazes me is your ability, and that of other series authors, to keep the characters and their stories flowing so well from book to book. "Unplanned things" may happen, but you sure wouldn't know it from a readers perspective!
I know it looks like that, Judy--but that's the magic of story work. You just keep pulling at the threads, seeing the connections, the loops and tangles and possibilities. I'm a Steven King kind of writer. When I can find complex characters in rich situations, I know we're going to end up with a good story.