Isle of Wight Virtual Mini Book Festival - Introducing Felicity Fair Thompson

Welcome back to the second spot of my mini book festival. The next author I'd like to introduce to you today is Felicity Fair Thompson.


Felicity Fair Thompson has a Masters degree in Screenwriting: University of London. Her last film, a drama documentary about Carisbrooke Castle was broadcast on SKY TV. Three of her other fourteen travel films for the retail market have been shown on Australian television. Her published writing includes two children's stories, an EU funded community play, scenic travel features, theatre reviews, award winning poetry, personality profiles and three novels. Cutting In was one of three top finalists in the People's Book Prize 2014. The Kid on Slapton Beach has received rave reviews. Her latest novel is called Hold Tight. She teaches Creative Writing independently, and at the Isle of Wight College, and one to one to young people with learning difficulties.

Photo courtesy of Felicity Fair Thompson

I think we'd all like to know where Felicity bought her fabulous bag wouldn't we?

                                 Character appearance, settings, and theme.

So you are writing your story. Who is your character? You know what they look like. You have a name. But who are they? What do they want? What do they need? 

Let's start with the name. What does it mean? Is that important? What era does this name come from? There's complete freedom nowadays - look how the pop stars name their children! If your character lives in another century, be careful the name reflects that. How the character is addressed by other people is vital too. It shows manners - or social standing. Jane Austin's characters were always formally introduced. Remember Mr Darcy? The time frame also influences what your characters wear, hair styles, shoes, make-up - or none. And uses i.e. telephones? Think of your story as a film: consider your costumes and your props! Don't forget the setting. A kitchen today is very different from a kitchen fifty years ago, or a hundred years ago, or a thousand years ago. And that's just the kitchen! The weather plays a part too. A storm can add drama to a first kiss! Silence adds tension to a horror story.  

Who is your character? How do they act? What was their upbringing? What do they value? You'll need to know all this if you want to really understand how characters behave. Something two minutes ago may change how they view the future completely. Something from childhood may affect how they react in adulthood. They might carry blame for an action, or suffer jealousy through to old age. The past may never appear in your story, but it will broaden your understanding of your character. Maybe they grew up in a very poor household and now value money above all else. Maybe they grew up with nothing and see value in everything. Maybe they value love above all because it was the only thing available when they were little. Or despise it, because they were denied it.

What do they want? Thinking about their past will give you insight into what they desire - and need. This is theme. Does your character want to find out the truth? Do they need to prove they are 'worth it'? Do they to want love? Once you settle on what your character really wants, try to reflect it right through your story. Searching for truth will show in every decision, every conversation. Your character might lie to find out more. Uncovering the truth is hard. People speak in riddles. People lie. People misunderstand what they witness. People evade the truth for: love, ambition, guilt, emotional blackmail, inability to accept the truth, not wanting to be harmed by it, not wanting to harm someone else with it... the list is endless!

I find working with characters is an enormous challenge. They help me tell a story - and they have a story to tell me. Once I've invented them, they come to life. It's so interesting being a writer!  

                                             
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Blurb for The Kid On Slapton Beach

War is hard enough when your dad is missing in action, and harder still when you have to leave everything you know and love.
Twelve-year-old Harry is one of three thousand people leaving the coast in Devon during the Second World War as US troops move into the area, planning secret D-Day rehearsals on the beach there in April 1944.
But what if your most treasured possession is left behind?

I couldn't put it down...it's superb on so many levels... A wonderful book
           Michelle Magorian Author of Goodnight Mr Tom

Full of feeling without a trace of sentimentality. I understood and cared about these people. A jewel!
           Actress June Brown - Dot Cotton in East Enders


One of my all time favourite books is Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks so this is something that I'll be adding to my wishlist! Take a look at Felicity's other book Cutting In as well.

To stalk in pursuit of an image. There's no threat in that, is there?
Mirrors and music, erotic reflections, ritual practice. Ballet isn't an ordinary career for Elaine, more a magnificent obsession. She watches beautiful Beverley dance, and imitates, borrows, needing everything Beverley is, wanting everything Beverley has.
But then there's the fear and excitement of him slowly, silently, pressing her body against the wall in that dark hallway, when he isn't hers…
Eighteen, it's a dangerous age, when a girl has to cut her way into life.

If you'd like to find out more about Felicity or connect with her you can find her by using the links below.

Amazon
Twitter
Wight Diamond Press

I'd like to thank Felicity for stopping by today, it's been a delight and I hope that you've enjoyed meeting her as much as I have.