Getting Inspired with Take That

How does one start writing a story? Everyone has a different method. For me an idea could pop up from anywhere. It could be a  a word, a phrase, or  an image that starts cranking the gears of my imagination. Once the idea is percolating, I select a piece of music, plug in my headphones, and the characters, theme and plot choreograph themselves into the first draft of a story.


It's strange to explain but for me it's easier to write when I listen to music, the melody seems to guide me with how the story should flow. Sometimes I'll listen to just instrumental pieces; at other times, I'll pick a song from a favourite singer or band.




One of the bands that I listen to while writing is Take That. I love their song 'Rule the World'  And when I was writing my book A Day with the Duchess, I listened to Gary Barlow's song 'Sing' which he wrote for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert. Currently I'm listening to Gary Barlow's version of the song "When your feet don't touch the ground" from his musical 'Finding Neverland!'



So when I found out that Barlow, Howard Donald, and Mark Owen for the first Take That concert here in 20 years, I knew I had to meet the people who have helped inspire me. 




My friend Anthony, his friends Alex and Liza met at the airport, hoping to meet them upon their arrival. Yes, I'm a fan boy.  We weren't sure what time they would arrive, but thankfully we met some fans from UK who knew their flight details, so we just sat back and waited for the plane to arrive.



Soon enough the band walked into view at the baggage claim and the fans went wild. About 30 or so fans clamoured at the gate, hoping  to get the best spot possible. Anthony and I managed to secure a spot up front. I held out a copy of 'A Day with the Duchess' to Gary, telling him that I wrote it while I was listening to his song Sing and that it was a big inspiration. I kind of babbled it all out and  Liza managed to get it all on video. Thanks, Liza.He was as nice as an autograph for me and I gave him the book. He thanked me and then I took a photo of him and Anthony.




I then rushed over to Mark and gave him a copy of the book too before giving a copy of 'At the SEA Aquarium' to Howard for his young daughter.



The guys were all fantastic with the fans and they made sure everyone had an autograph before they were whisked away by their minders. It's not every day that you get to meet the people who have helped inspire your work, so it's needless to say it was a thrill. Thanks to  Anthony, Liza, Alex, Jeff and Aisyah for all their help.