Every story has a beginning, and mine starts with a deep-seated desire to capture the history, culture, and emotions of a life richly lived by my mother. The idea for my first novel, Holding Paradise, didn’t just come to me overnight—it was born out of a rich tapestry of experiences and memories of my mother's life growing up in Dominica. I had a burning desire to honour a generation whose stories deserve to be told. Today, in this Thursday Thoughts feature, I want to share the journey of how I turned an idea into a book, the motivation behind it, and why the second edition holds a special place in my heart.
The Inspiration Behind Holding Paradise
The story of Holding Paradise is deeply rooted in my family's history. My parents' move from the West Indies to London during the Windrush era was a monumental chapter in their lives. This migration wasn't just a physical journey but a cultural and emotional one as well. The rich culture that the Windrush generation brought with them has always fascinated me, and I knew that their stories, struggles, and triumphs needed to be shared.
Growing up, I was immersed in tales of the Caribbean, the warmth of the islands, and the challenges of adjusting to life in a new, often unwelcoming, country. These stories, passed on to me by my mother, became the foundation of my novel. I wanted to capture the essence of that experience—not just the historical facts but the emotions, the dreams, and the resilience of a generation that paved the way for future immigrants.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Portobello Road
One of the most poignant parts of my writing journey was returning to my childhood neighbourhood around Portobello Road. This vibrant area, with its bustling market, colourful characters, and rich history, was a treasure trove of inspiration. I spent countless hours in the local library, poring over old photographs, street maps, and documents that painted a picture of a time gone by. These nostalgic walks down memory lane were not just research; they were a way of reconnecting with my roots and breathing life into the characters and settings of Holding Paradise.
Portobello Road, with its ever-changing landscape, was a constant reminder of the passage of time. When I recently revisited the area, I found it almost unrecognizable. The gentrification that had taken hold of this once bustling, eclectic neighbourhood made me realise just how important it was to capture these stories before they were lost to history. The contrast between the Portobello Road of my childhood and its current state only fueled my determination to preserve the legacy of those who came before us.
Only today, my sister sent me this picture with a message saying Guess where?
It was instantly familiar but of a place that is so changed from when I remember it as a child. This bridge, at the end of the road I grew up on used to have wooden steps and crossed from Tavistock Crescent to St Ervan's Road in London W11, not far from the famous, Portobello Road.
It was our route to school. Not only was my old street used in Holding Paradise, book 1 of the Island Secrets Series but it appears again in When Skies Are Grey, the fourth book in the series and is the route the heroine uses to and from her 1950's flat to her job in a pub on the other side.
The Road to Publication: From Small Press to Self-Publishing
When I first completed Holding Paradise, it was a labour of love, a tribute to the Windrush generation and to my parents. I was fortunate to have the novel picked up by a small publishing house. However, as time went on, they shifted their focus away from fiction, leaving my book without the promotion and attention it needed. It was a frustrating experience, but one that ultimately led me to take matters into my own hands.
Deciding to self-publish the second edition of Holding Paradise was not just a business decision; it was a deeply personal one. This story is my tribute to the people whose lives shaped my own, and I wanted to have full control over how it was presented to the world. Self-publishing allowed me to make the book truly my own, from the cover design to the marketing strategy. It felt like the right path, as if by taking this step, I was making the story even more personal and intimate.
Honouring the Legacy of a Generation
One of the most bittersweet aspects of writing Holding Paradise was that my mother, whose stories I relied on for research, has since passed away. Her voice, experiences, and her wisdom was invaluable in shaping the narrative of the book. While the characters in Holding Paradise are fictitious, they are deeply inspired by real people and real lives.
I hope that this novel serves as a legacy for those who are no longer with us, a way of ensuring that their stories, struggles, and triumphs are not forgotten. The second edition of Holding Paradise is more than just a book; it’s a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Windrush generation and a reminder of the cultural richness they brought to the shores of London.
The book is a dual narrative that also brings a modern perspective of a woman who is a living legacy of the Windrush Generation. Angelica's story mirrors her mother, Josephine's and brings two worlds together.
Thank you for joining me on this journey from idea to book. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or someone who simply loves a good story, I hope my experience inspires you to pursue your own creative dreams and honour the stories that matter most to you.
In case you found this post in a random way and don’t know me, Hello, my name is Fran and I’m an author. Discover more about me personally and my women's historical and contemporary fiction novels when you join my readers' community! Click on the link below to receive a free short story along with a monthly newsletter filled with exciting updates and exclusive content.
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