Inspiration for Shetland book 3

Whilst planning the story line for a book many events and details from my life find their way into the plot, some by chance others are conscious decisions. The process is similar to making a cake, you find a huge mixing bowl add the various ingredients and hope to create a unique bake! 

'Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel' (book 3 of the series) was no different. I knew which three characters (Pippa, Natalia and Autumn) I wished to focus upon, so set about creating three unique story lines. Two of the characters had been introduced in book 1 - neither lady had a very positive debut in that story, so I wished to address the balance.

​At the time of planning, I had a Christmas present voucher to walk alpacas, which had been cancelled numerous times due to covid, so I was thrilled when the occasion arrived and I spent the afternoon walking a delightful fella called 'Carpe Diem'. If you know me, you've probably just fell off your chair! Carpe Diem is one of my life mottos which I use in a weekly meme on Wednesdays. I didn't chose that particular alpaca - I had to line up with the other twenty people and wait until a rope lead was handed to me. I danced with joy on hearing his name. You won't be surprised to meet him in Shetland book 3!!!

Other real life occurrences also made the final plot line for book 3. My holiday to Shetland features heavily as does a quite unexpected event. Which turned into a thought provoking incident for me, so I couldn't not include the details. It goes without saying that I have fictionalised many of the real life details and the severity of the incident but still, I've awarded the situation to one poor soul. You'll know exactly what I'm referring to if you read the 'acknowledgements' of my book! 

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