Inspiration

I’ve recently been in England and to some of the sites that provided inspiration for scenes early in the Minerva Agenda. I thought it might be interesting to share what was in the authors head when he wrote the story. High risk, I know, as readers will already have formed in their heads what people and places look like. My suggestion on that is, don’t let reality get in the way of a good story – hang on to your images!

Below is the inspiration for the Manor House scene early in the book. In the Minerva Agenda this is the residence of Sir Peter Morsley. It’s located in the village of Longstock, a beautiful part of Hampshire, in the Test River valley. This image of the Manor House was a perfect fit for the scene where Tony Mancini and Caroline Sinclair met one night and the infamous barn event that followed!

Soon after this scene we travel not far from Longstock to the small village of Abbots Ann, and the house of Joanna Owen. Joanna is an interesting character who’s foibles and human traits, make us like or dislike her.  The cottage below is inspiration for her residence in Abbots Ann. In the Minerva Agenda, we are at this place at nighttime and dark events happen here. And just like in the book, this house really is down a narrow street, surrounded by trees and quite secluded – ideal!

And finally the Peat Spade Inn. In the Minerva Agenda, Mancini and Sinclair met here before going to the Manor House. It’s a great little Inn set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, with all the characteristics of an English country pub. In earlier drafts of the novel, Mancini and Sinclair had a conversation scene here that included descriptions of the wonderful food and real ale bitter. For good reasons of editing, the scene was deleted, but the pub absolutely exists, as does the wonderful ale and food, I was there recently. If you’re ever in that part of the world, it’s worth a visit – after all, Mancini did!