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 In one sense, everything I write will be about myself – my experiences, my observations and my imagination. I’m often asked where my ideas come from. The answer is not straightforward but here are a few things in Maddie Makes a Movie that came from real life.

 

1. Schools in North Vancouver, Canada have amazing playground equipment.

Coming from the risk adverse education world in UK, the playground equipment in my daughter’s elementary school in North Vancouver, Canada blew our minds. The spaces are open before and after school. Parents and teachers stand by as children climb, chase each other, practice gymnastics and play games. Kids are allowed to be kids. Students are even allowed to venture into the nearby-forested areas when there hasn’t been a wild animal sighting.

 

2. My daughter broke her arm in grade 1, jumping off a swing.

The incident happened at a friend’s house, not at school. The girls were challenging each other to see who could jump furthest, highest and do the best aerial tricks. Unfortunately, my daughter mistimed a leap, fell awkwardly and ended up in a purple plaster cast for her summer vacations. It didn’t stop her adventurous spirit for long.

 

3. Monkeys can smile for a peanut.

There are times when we are lucky enough to visit my husband on a film set. We hang out with the stunt performers, make-up artists, costume department, animal trainers and many other talented artists. It’s amazing watching the film making process. Experts make things like animal training look easy. We all know it’s not. It was fun to wonder ‘what if’ Maddie thought all she had to do was have the right treat and the hamsters would do what she wanted them to do for her film.

 

4. My daughter rode her electric skateboard to school

Maddie’s electric skateboard exists and my daughter did ride it to school. I was terrified that there would be an accident so I made her write a risk assessment before using it. In reality, the boards are heavy and don’t work well in the rain. The novelty soon wore off and my daughter now gets the bus to school.

 

5. The awkward meeting in the principal’s office comes directly from my own grade 5 experience

For a while, I went to a very strict girls school in Sydney, Australia. I was often in trouble for not wearing my hat and gloves, running in the school building, not having an ironed hankie in my pocket or failing to learn a poem for elocution class. I remember walking into the principal’s office with its 1970s white shag carpet, wondering if I was leaving muddy footprints and sitting in front of a huge desk. I spent most of the meeting looking out of the window at a field hockey game. I used these memories when writing about Maddie’s meeting with Mr. Richardson.

 

Memories, conversations, newspaper articles, chance encounters with strangers and imagination can all lead to fertile material for fiction. For me, the important thing is whether the inspiration fits the story. Would Maddie do, say and think the things I’m suggesting? Is there enough truth in the events for the reader to suspend their disbelief and enter the fictional world of Maddie and her friends?

 

Where do you get your inspiration?

 

This month has been amazing! I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the support I’ve experienced. I’ve published my first book, visited many schools on a book tour, held a book launch in Vancouver (with another to be held in London, England on Saturday), received great reviews and reader feedback, and expanded my presence on social media.

Everywhere I turn, I’ve received support from my tribe – the friends and family wanting me to be the best I can be.

Writing is often a solitary pursuit. Day after day, I commit words to paper, stealing time in the margins of a busy life. I am a member of #5amwritingclub.

Today I want to pause, and thank the people who have supported, encouraged, and challenged me. Let me introduce my tribe:

1. Writing critique group
Here, I’ve found a close-knit collection of writers who sit down regularly. We read and comment on each other’s work. Challenge each other to overcome whatever is blocking progress – fear of public speaking, social media avoidance, and procrastination over submissions, to name a few.

2. North Shore Writers’ Association
I came to this group via their Dare to be Heard evenings, an open forum where poets, fiction and non-fiction writers read their work to each other. Since then I have attended many of the monthly meetings, and learnt masses from the guest speakers, and fellow writers. I’ve joined the volunteer executive, entered the writing competitions, and now service as Library Liaison. They live up to their mandate of supporting local writers, through education. Check out this group at www.nswriters.org

3. Writers’ Festivals
We all need social connections, and celebrations are a great way to bring communities together. At the 19th North Shore Writers’ Festival three local libraries joined forces to host an amazing weekend with guest speakers, a literary quiz, local book fair, and a reception with music, competition results, and lots of happy chatter.

4. Professional support
Humility is a necessary ingredient for the formation of a tribe – a willingness to listen, and learn. Professional editors, publishers, and agents want writers to be the best they can be at this craft. I return again and again to the same professionals, gradually expanding my network, often from recommendations from other writers.

5. Friends

Maintaining friendships outside the writing community is as important as building connections within it. Our friends help to balance our life, give us perspective, and balance.

6. Family
Keep your friends close, and family closer. Let them know what writing means to you. My husband, and daughter are my greatest fans, but they also keep me grounded. They remind me not to neglect other parts of my life, and make sure I get enough rest, and recuperation. This in turn means I return to my writing fresh, and ready to work.

Finding my tribe has been about giving. Authors, librarians, editors, booksellers, agents and publishers have all given their time and expertise. In return, I’ve shared my experiences, and volunteered where time allows. Along the road I’ve met with generosity, encouragement, openness, and a willingness to give back.

Where have you found your tribe?