The light is magical in October and bathes everything in a warm glow. There is also a stillness in the air, suggesting nature is waiting to go to sleep so that it can create more colour in the spring. Autumn is the best time of year for me to write because the tranquillity inspires reflection.
As leaves flutter to the ground, characters come to life. The promise of the festive season hovers as winter waits patiently to present the first shimmer of frost. It is no wonder, then, that I am delighting in penning a Christmas scene at the moment.
I am writing a novel set in World War Two. It is a joy to escape to the era where my grandmother was a young woman and the festive season required creativity. At Christmas time, my grandmother made her own festive wreaths and table decorations with foraged holly, ferns and berries and added bows and gold paint. She told me stories of how my great grandfather spent months making and renovating toys in the lead up to Christmas. I have given this resourceful nature to the characters. Everyone was creating Christmas decorations the last time I visited my novel.
Thanks to my grandmother’s memories of the era, love and laughter are shining in the scene packed with friends and family. Furthermore, families are collaborating to celebrate Christmas and there are some heartwarming moments, especially when gifts are exchanged. Romance is also sparkling but a mystery lurks beneath the Christmas magic.
When I listen to the characters chat, I reflect on how we can create a unique Christmas without all the expense. Recent events have made me very aware of how much people matter and my characters teach me new things all the time. I am excited to share this heartwarming story one day, but for now I am enjoying the process of cutting back the scenes and walking amongst the words that have fallen.
Wishing you all a calm and creative autumn.
For more information about my writing and how Wales inspires my stories, please click on the links to the Frost Magazine below.
https://www.frostmagazine.com/2020/03/sister-scribes-guest-jessie-cahalin-on-living-the-dream/
Please see all my Handbag Adventures and also my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
How lovely that you can draw on your grandmother’s memories
It is wonderful and is probably the reason I have enjoyed writing the novel. However, I wish I could ask her more questions now. Wishing you a lovely week.
A brilliant evocation of autumn, Jessie. I also get the feeling that your editing is working well for you. My feeling is, if we can’t get down to writing in the autumn/winter (talking for myself) we’ll never get there !
Yes, my editing is going well. I am amazed at how much I love writing historical fiction and twisting in a mystery. Your writing mojo will return after the excitement of the ceremony. You have to enjoy this week and languish in the build up to the weekend in London.
You are so right. I dread getting the lurgy and not being able to go. (Yikes!)
Don’t even think about that! Just carry on with plans and take the test.
You have captured the joy and magic of this season so well. And the joy of writing!
Your kind words always bring sunshine to my day. I hope Autumn in Florida is putting on a grand display of colour for you. x
Such a thoughtful piece, Jessie. I love the way you describe walking through words that have fallen. I look forward to reading your story.
Thank you, Jan. It is wonderful that the piece connected with you. I always appreciate your thoughtful responses to my posts and love the fact you are listening. Thank you. x
This is so evocative Jessie and I’m really looking forward to your new novel. When I grew up in the post war era my grandparents did everything with a ‘make do and mend’ mentality and especially so when it came to Christmas decorations and gifts. Mine and my sister’s favourite dolls would be sent off to have a holiday with Santa every autumn, and would return on Christmas day with a complete new look – clothes, hair, everything. The new hair was often very startling – afro brown, curly yellow, or straight, silky white. One year my grandmother had trouble getting alternative hair and used long hair trimmings from my auntie’s hair cut!
This is a wonderful story, Anita. My grandmother always knitted outfits for my dolls. There is something special about the art of creating a gift rather than buying the brands because you know it is made with love. Did you keep the dolls?