Estelle asked Peter Turnham:

This question contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

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

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