What Might Have Happened I – Richard’s Real Profession
Today I begin a new blog series where I will reveal the original plans for Richard Warren and the Made in Yorkshire series. Like most authors, what I planned to do turned into something entirely different.
I recommend you don’t read any of this series until you’ve read all seven books. I take no responsibility for spoiling anything if you don’t pay attention to this warning.
Got it?
Good!
The Journalist in Richard
Journalism was a profession I chose because I didn’t really have anywhere to go with Richard becoming an author at such a young age. At the end of 1964 he has his first interview and his stories are sometimes referred to, but the reality is it would change the entire series if I did go down that route.
You see there’s not a great deal I can do with someone who happens to be an author. The writing process is not something that can be described. Plus, it’s not exactly interesting for you guys to hear about how he stayed up all night dealing with a hook.
Give Me a Reason
I considered the possibility of having a similar story play out even with him as an author. The difficulty was in giving him a reason for the events that unfold. In 1969 he goes down to London because Andrew Carter says he could learn to be a journalist there. Okay, I could try to say he could go down there to get inspiration for his book.
But the other adventures Richard undergoes also need a reason, and I can’t use the same one each and every time.
What about Robert Hardy?
Robert Hardy wouldn’t need Richard if he was an author. As sad as it is, authors don’t have any real power. They often don’t have any connections, so what use would Richard have to him?
The answer is not much. So the main villain who drives the story forward now has no motivation to deal with Richard at all.
How Quick Did I Make the Change?
Towards the conclusion of 1964 I was ready to make Richard a young author. Five years later he has slacked off like any teenager. I was pretty much set on Richard beginning a real career the moment I started the second book.
I did return to Richard’s writing by the time 1984 swings around. Consider this homage to the original plan. Eventually, Richard did become an author, but it wasn’t without going through the personal hell of being a journalist first.
Next week I reveal the identity of the real villain of the story. Robert Hardy never did start out as the main series antagonist.
Until next time…
James Farner
I recommend you don’t read any of this series until you’ve read all seven books. I take no responsibility for spoiling anything if you don’t pay attention to this warning.
Got it?
Good!
The Journalist in Richard
Journalism was a profession I chose because I didn’t really have anywhere to go with Richard becoming an author at such a young age. At the end of 1964 he has his first interview and his stories are sometimes referred to, but the reality is it would change the entire series if I did go down that route.
You see there’s not a great deal I can do with someone who happens to be an author. The writing process is not something that can be described. Plus, it’s not exactly interesting for you guys to hear about how he stayed up all night dealing with a hook.
Give Me a Reason
I considered the possibility of having a similar story play out even with him as an author. The difficulty was in giving him a reason for the events that unfold. In 1969 he goes down to London because Andrew Carter says he could learn to be a journalist there. Okay, I could try to say he could go down there to get inspiration for his book.
But the other adventures Richard undergoes also need a reason, and I can’t use the same one each and every time.
What about Robert Hardy?
Robert Hardy wouldn’t need Richard if he was an author. As sad as it is, authors don’t have any real power. They often don’t have any connections, so what use would Richard have to him?
The answer is not much. So the main villain who drives the story forward now has no motivation to deal with Richard at all.
How Quick Did I Make the Change?
Towards the conclusion of 1964 I was ready to make Richard a young author. Five years later he has slacked off like any teenager. I was pretty much set on Richard beginning a real career the moment I started the second book.
I did return to Richard’s writing by the time 1984 swings around. Consider this homage to the original plan. Eventually, Richard did become an author, but it wasn’t without going through the personal hell of being a journalist first.
Next week I reveal the identity of the real villain of the story. Robert Hardy never did start out as the main series antagonist.
Until next time…
James Farner
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