Ask the Author: Peter Turnham
Answered Questions (10)
Peter Turnham
Estelle, you obviously enjoyed the “Autumn Daffodils” series, that is really gratifying. Many people have asked about “Stanley”, requesting to find out more about him. This is a difficult one for me because as I explain in the book Stanley is very much based upon a real character. People can not believe that such a person could possibly exist, but believe me he really did. Sadly he has joined the majority now and does not know he has been fictionalised within “Stanley”.
I deliberately withheld details of “Stanley’s” life as a mark of respect for my dear friend. I didn’t want to include any real details and neither did I want to elaborate upon the fictional character in case fiction and real life became confused. In some respects I think leaving “Stanley” as a slightly mysterious character has added a subtle nuance to the story, albeit that it has left many people wondering.
As for “Charlie” and “Joanna” I could elaborate upon their story as you suggest. I have to confess that I invest a lot of emotional energy in my principal characters and I lived Charlie’s life while writing his story. The same applied to Joanna. By the time a book reaches its conclusion I am emotionally drained! It took me weeks to get Joanna out of my mind, she became an obstacle to me starting my next book, the first of the “None Stood Taller” trilogy. My characters become such a part of my life I really do need to move on.
Thank you for your input. Best wishes Peter
I deliberately withheld details of “Stanley’s” life as a mark of respect for my dear friend. I didn’t want to include any real details and neither did I want to elaborate upon the fictional character in case fiction and real life became confused. In some respects I think leaving “Stanley” as a slightly mysterious character has added a subtle nuance to the story, albeit that it has left many people wondering.
As for “Charlie” and “Joanna” I could elaborate upon their story as you suggest. I have to confess that I invest a lot of emotional energy in my principal characters and I lived Charlie’s life while writing his story. The same applied to Joanna. By the time a book reaches its conclusion I am emotionally drained! It took me weeks to get Joanna out of my mind, she became an obstacle to me starting my next book, the first of the “None Stood Taller” trilogy. My characters become such a part of my life I really do need to move on.
Thank you for your input. Best wishes Peter
Peter Turnham
Hi David. The question of aftershave, like everything in the book, was subject to research. It apparently has a very long history starting with products to help relieve the painful effects of shaving with implements that were not razor sharp! There was, for example, the exotic sounding "Eleanora's Lavo Cream" advertised in 1801.
Even during the Victorian period when beards were popular there remained a market for soothing aftershave products. There was a "Listerine" aftershave product before the better-known mouthwash. The early 1900's saw a proliferation of scented products as opposed to just soothing. Aqua Velva aftershave in 1917 and Old Spice aftershave which was launched in 1937.
There is a caveat, however. I found no documented evidence, but I suspect you have a point, David. These products were clearly available, but who was using them? I suspect your average air raid warden did not smell of Old Spice, and neither did the troops on D-Day. I doubt that many men in the East End of London had money to spend on fragrance. My character, Edward Earl of Middlebourne, probably would have worn aftershave. His butler, Jennings, probably would not. Thank you for raising the issue, David. It makes all the research worthwhile when readers notice it!
Even during the Victorian period when beards were popular there remained a market for soothing aftershave products. There was a "Listerine" aftershave product before the better-known mouthwash. The early 1900's saw a proliferation of scented products as opposed to just soothing. Aqua Velva aftershave in 1917 and Old Spice aftershave which was launched in 1937.
There is a caveat, however. I found no documented evidence, but I suspect you have a point, David. These products were clearly available, but who was using them? I suspect your average air raid warden did not smell of Old Spice, and neither did the troops on D-Day. I doubt that many men in the East End of London had money to spend on fragrance. My character, Edward Earl of Middlebourne, probably would have worn aftershave. His butler, Jennings, probably would not. Thank you for raising the issue, David. It makes all the research worthwhile when readers notice it!
Peter Turnham
As it is a pleasure, not a financial necessity at my late age, I can pursue things for pleasure alone, which is why I find writing a novel that really moves people has been a great joy.
Peter Turnham
Never give up trying, and you can never proof-read enough!
Peter Turnham
Going fishing can help! The total absorption required seems to freshen the brain!
Peter Turnham
Very few - mostly I shall be looking for books to help with research for my next novel. I find it easier to read facts, as the sentences seem to be briefer and thus hold my dyslexic attention for longer.
Peter Turnham
Perhaps the fact that I am dyslexic with a short attention span and glacial reading pace, consequently never reading novels and yet here I am, with a new skill at my late age, and four fairly successful novels to my name so far!
Peter Turnham
Initially I came to writing during enforced rest after snapping my Achilles tendon, just to help me through the sheer boredom of inactivity! Then I found that my characters became friends, often seeming to sit by my side, telling me their story.
Peter Turnham
Well, of course, the latest book was the second in the "None Stood Taller" series, but as a child in London I used to hear my parents discussing what they had lived through during WWII including the Blitz, and it obviously made an impression upon me.
Peter Turnham
At the moment I am catching up on long-overdue maintenance jobs around our property before the winter sets in, not actually writing! But my subconscious keeps working nonetheless, and I would like to continue the "None Stood Taller" series next year by publishing a story more focussed on the character Dotty and her exploits with S.O.E.
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