The Genesis of Eagles Doves and Vultures

For some time I had contemplated writing a piece about re-programming lawyers upon retirement.

I had the idea of a retreat in which experts counselled lawyers seeking to make a smooth transition into a more relaxed lifestyle.

I ended up concluding that this would have limited appeal.

I kept the idea of a retreat but to be run by an ex lawyer designed to provide a collaborative process in which people in crisis could be encouraged to find solutions through a form of group therapy. They would also have outside advice about physical and mental wellbeing.

My first draft started with a lengthy explanation of the process. After some feedback from a Literary Agent I cut this right back and tried to let the process reveal itself gradually.

I selected the 6 participants before I started writing.

Marcus, Carlo and Larry were each an amalgam of different people I have come across personally or through the media.

Bryony, Felicity and Callum were wholly my inventions.

Claudia was added to create tension for Garfield at my daughter's suggestion. I have always been intrigued by psychiatry. My daughter reviewed the first manuscript. She also emphasised that the location should be treated as a separate character. I took this on board too.

Once I started writing I found that the characters began to dictate events as the story progressed. This was a strange experience as I felt in a way "hands off" as the 6 participants took over.

Once I reached the end of the book I felt the need to revise the start to tighten it up with a better understanding of the directions each of the characters, including Garfield and Claudia, would take.

What I took from all of this for future writing projects was that while it is important to have a broad outline or framework of a plot to begin with there must be room to explore the different pathways that open up as the story unfolds.

I arrived at the title half way through thanks to Stephen Stills. Adding the vulture was my idea.

Post Views : 31