The reasoning behind placing these little stories in front of a publisher was like the stories. Simple! Having created them quite some years ago, they wouldn't leave my head compelling me to actually write them and let’s say give life to them to a wider readership. Having something as original as these stories, it would have been a selfish act to deprive others of their enjoyment. So now the stories (2, for the time being), as a market tester. Will more come to publication? Having started the ball rolling, watch this space.
Ting-A-Ling
Re: The Illustration. Now this was quite a biggie requiring me as the word author to call for the advice and assistance of the credited artist where upon after many trial runs and discarded drawings covering artists table desk and floor, the quirky style was hit upon. Likewise, the black & white uncoloured illustration (to be coloured in by the reader) that accompany the stories. Noticing how the younger child related to colour before the written word, let’s say that this was an epiphany moment.
The Moralistic Angle. Any such messages conveyed in the stories were not intentional. No attempt to moralise was intended. As explained in the authors blurb at the front of the book, (yes, I do not take myself too seriously), it is just the way I was brought up to live my life. That being; everything has a value and use. Why wantonly waste it just because something is old and out of style when it can be fixed and have another life. Shall we settle upon the modern term: Upcycling.
The Bigger Picture. As author and likewise the publisher of Ting-a-Ling (the old ambulance), we see the bigger picture globally. Understanding that the planets resources are finite, we are doing out bit to; pass the messages on. Yes, we all like something new, that, in many a way keeps the planet turning. Let’s say that together as partners, we are mindful of that bigger picture. Nor would it serve our readers to present them with a tome like War & Peace. Much better the readership is drip fed these stories for sustainability reasons. Love it. Want it. But for the sake of all, it must be done in a responsible way.
Writer & Reader. Speaking as the writer of these stories, and after reading the reviews, (there have been many), I would like to consider that a correct marriage in the best sense of the word has been hit upon. Writer & Reader. Reader & Writer. Something has been created, and received well. This will provide for sustainability. Should the market wish to retail the book, indeed the stories (for there are many) will follow.
A good book is like a good friend. It will stick with you throughout life. Always with you.
As to the creator and author of the Ting-a-Ling stories, let me say that I suffer from a form of eccentricity. A lover of the old while tolerating the new. A bit of a mismatched partnership understanding that what is now old was indeed once new. As with my Victorian home, both old and new must sit side my side. Like bookends. One to the right. The other to the left. And so, they may look upon one another understanding that somewhere in the middle, harmony must prevail. But here I will let slip a little secret, I struggle with the new. I warmly love old things. Blame it upon my love for all things historic. I am a rum kettle of fish.
Difficulty with Reading. Let me openly be the first to put My hand up and say that I have that difficulty with reading and writing. Being a sufferer of dyslexia is a recognised disability. And they who do not suffer, struggle, as we do to understand it. Myself, when asked about it, I often say such as, you see the letter; E, whereas I see a wardrobe. Yes. It can be that severe. My brain works visually. Often at considerable effort does it cope with words. So, to all they likewise affected, you will and must find your own way of coping. But remember this. Do not be put off. I assure you that there is a way. As with me, there is a way and, at some time, it will be made clear to you. Have faith. Or. As we Northern Soulers say: Keep The Faith.
As a writer I firmly believe that all fantasy has an element of fact and truth in it, somewhere. The creative mind is quite often a mind that is never at rest. A good sound night’s sleep is a welcome gift. The creative mind is also an inquisitive one. It likes to learn. Not always via the conventional route. It is autodidact. Self-learning.
The Ting-a-Ling stories bring into being nostalgia and the warmth of familiarity. A feel-good factor. This you could say is deliberate in the writing of. Likewise, the creation of happiness, through achievement though others may scoff. What an individual is interested in, he or she will follow it though. Simply, it’s the way we are. As with life. It is complicated. So are we.