Encouraged by a friend, Christine signed up for the Creative Writing course at The Open University. After completing the advanced course, and heading towards retiral, she decided to return to university as a part time student on the MLitt Creative Writing course at Stirling. Her short story, ‘Advent’ will feature in this year’s Stryvling Press anthology, Time and Tide, which will be released later this summer.
How did you get into creative writing?
Like a lot of writers, reading has been a big part of my life. I was encouraged to sign up to The Open University’s Creative Writing course by a friend. After about three years of prevarication I decided to send the application off. With retirement approaching and having enjoyed two years of study with the Open University, I was delighted to discover I could study for an MLitt at Stirling. It’s been great. I’ve met some interesting, talented people and enjoyed the workshops and lectures. The lecturers have been approachable, friendly, and hugely supportive. As a part-time student, I’m glad I have another year of study at Stirling.
What made you want to be an author?
Funnily enough, I don’t know if I ever wanted to be an author! I enjoy making up stories and seeing how they read on paper. If people enjoy reading them that’s great, like most people I enjoy a bit of positive feedback!
Can you give readers a brief overview of what your story is about?
‘Advent’ is about Richard who works in the gift shop of an old country house. It’s the run-up to Christmas, and Richard’s partner is in hospital. The story explores the gap between a constructed version of life, a fantasy version, and reality. Fantasy can be more seductive than reality and may become a place of refuge. The gift shop is that refuge for Richard. He must choose between the fantasy of the shop and the reality of life with his partner.
Where did the inspiration for ‘Advent’ come from?
Initially, it came from a story I read about disagreements over wearing a certain lanyard at a National Trust type property. During the run up to Christmas it changed into ‘Advent.’ I liked the idea of a gift shop as a setting as it sells a comforting version of life which we might aspire to, but which is seldom possible to attain.
What do you hope the reader will take away from the story?
That’s a great question! I hope they will recognise something of themselves in the story. We all create a vision of life to comfort us in the face of inevitable challenges. Richard wants to hide from the reality of his situation, to escape from it. I think that’s true of us all, in some respects, and should be acknowledged. Courage, in his situation, is not running away, however tempting a course of action that may be. I also wanted to explore our tendency to stereotype others. I was very keen to move away from that, particularly with Joan. She is not what people might expect her to be. I became very fond of her!
Do you usually write short stories or are there any other styles/genres you like experimenting with?
I have written a couple of memoirs which I really enjoyed. I experimented with a hybrid form of essay/memoir this year which didn’t quite work! Studying at Stirling allows me to experiment and the feedback I receive is always helpful.
Are there any authors you’re particularly inspired by?
So many! I particularly admire Julian Barnes and Hilary Mantel. I like the clarity of Barnes’ prose. What can I say about Mantel other than she is a genius! Her ability to fully inhabit another person’s thoughts, to see the world through their eyes, is something I really admire. For me, it’s at the heart of storytelling.
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