Christopher’s Comments (group member since Nov 17, 2013)

Christopher’s comments from the Discussion with Christopher Mechling - Peter: The Untold True Story group.

Claudia wrote: "The story is very original encounter as most authors do another version of the story but you tell the story before the original story.
Therefore I wanted to ask what inspired him to create the story, as did the idea, and how was the process of writing the book?"

I have always liked Peter Pan, and when I learned about Peter the Wild Boy, I made an instant mental connection between the two characters. I was surprised no one had made this connection before, and the more I read, the more I became convinced that I had discovered the true story behind Peter Pan. So at that point, it became inevitable that I would write this novel, to introduce the real Boy Who Never Grew Up to the world.

Besides, Peter, King George, Princess Caroline, Amelia, Lord Hervey, and Tomochichi would never let me rest if I did not tell their story.

Erin wrote: "...What made you want to further explore Peter's world?"

They say that truth can be stranger than fiction. James Barrie's Peter Pan is a wonderful fantasy, that I have loved since childhood. What moved me to write this novel is the idea that there were real-life characters and events that inspired Barrie's work, and that the true historical tale was even richer and more poignant than the fairy tale it inspired. Also, the fact that no one had written about this before was both surprising and compelling.

In reading a fairy tale, we suspend disbelief and discriminating thinking and return, at least for a while, to a state of innocence. But sooner or later we know we must return to the "real world," and with that thought, the fairies perish, the colors fade, and the lights all dim.

What if Peter Pan existed in the real world? What if the Boy Who Never Grew Up were flesh and blood? What if he in fact lived, and never lost his innocence? Wouldn't that be a tale worth telling- a tale worth reading?

Since publishing Peter: The Untold True Story, I have received messages from many readers about my book, and about Peter Pan. I enjoy receiving these, and have been happy to respond as much as I am able.

I recently received a moving message from a reader who shared how books like Peter Pan and Harry Potter had provided an escape for her at difficult times in her childhood. As a girl, she had imagined Neverland and Hogwarts as being real places. She also shared how in growing up, it became harder for her to find that same magic in books. She now finds solace in music. When she saw my book, Peter: The Untold True Story, it sparked her interest to think there had once been a real Boy Who Never Grew Up. Her message was well-written, and while everyone’s personal trials are different, I think her experience in childhood and in growing up is more universal than she may realize. What she wrote inspired me to write a lengthy response, and I would like to share some of that response here today.

* * *

Thank you for writing to me and sharing your personal experiences. It is always moving to receive a message like this from a reader- to know how a book can impact someone's life.

From one, unimaginative point of view, writing is empty, meaningless. "Peter Pan is just make-believe. There's no such thing as magic." And yet, across space and time, the written word allows us to know that things we cannot see or touch do exist, because if we can decipher the text, if we can read what another human being has written, and if that message tallies with things we have seen and felt ourselves, then there is some truth in it, even if it is hidden in fiction. What if Peter Pan was real, and this was your letter from Hogwarts?

You seem to have some writing ability- have you tried your own hand at writing? Not for school or work, but for yourself, and for the ones you love? Ray Bradbury suggested that fantasy and science fiction are not simply an escape; he compared writing fantasy and science fiction to the means by which Perseus confronted Medusa. We look at the monsters in our lives indirectly, through the mirror of our writing, and in this way we take aim and strike.

If you love music, and Peter Pan, and Harry Potter, then don't let the world convince you that it is all just make-believe. Believe. Create. Fill your life with the things you love, and seek the truth in them. Don't give up on your dreams. Dream bigger, and be willing to put in the effort to make your dreams come true.

Life is right here, in the middle of the dust and decay of the world. If you can't find anyone else like yourself, keep doing what you love anyway- flowers don't find each other until they rise out of the dust and bloom. And if you are the only flower to bloom in the midst of a desert- what a sight to behold!

There are some things that are worth believing in, no matter what.

* * *

The reader responded and confirmed, among other things, that indeed she did enjoy writing, and had dreamed of becoming an author, but the task seemed daunting for a number of reasons, including some practical concerns from family members about career stability, as well as the artistic challenges of creating a rich fantasy world, filling it with vibrant, vital characters, and finding the magic words to transport her readers into that world. She asked me if I could share some advice for someone starting out at novel-writing, understanding that there is not one specific method, and everyone has their own techniques.

I resolved immediately to write a further response to the reader, but also reflected that other readers might benefit from this. So I will be addressing my next response not only to her, but to any readers who may hold an abiding interest in writing.

In discussing the art of writing, I can only speak from my own experience. I hope that this will be helpful to you. Check back regularly, as I plan to follow up with several more installments on this theme.

Sheree wrote: "I like how Peter's character is portrayed even w/out him saying much. I'm able 2 see the scenes while I read, which I feel is very important in order to the enjoy it."

Sheree, you've hit on one of the central challenges of telling the story of Peter the Wild Boy, because historically, we know he spoke very little, and yet, he made a big impression on a lot of people, including the Royal Family.

Being a feral child, living alone in the wild to the age of twelve, there certainly are some ways in which Peter might not have developed fully, but he must have had other qualities which offset these. If you read enough different accounts of his life, you start to get a sense of what these other qualities were.

Some historians have dismissed Peter as simply being a boy of limited capacities (other similar labels I will not repeat have also been applied), but if that was all he was, why would he have been so beloved by those who knew him? Why would he have remained famous, from the age of twelve up into his seventies when he passed away? Why would he still be remembered today? I think putting labels like that on someone often diminishes their humanity, and give us an excuse not to look deeper into their character.

There was definitely something special about Peter, and I've tried to convey that through the depictions of his actions, and through other characters' reactions and observations of him.

I have drawn comparisons between Peter the Wild Boy and Peter Pan, not only because in my research I found many circumstantial connections between the historical Wild Boy and the fictional Peter Pan, but also because I believe Peter was in fact, the real-life Boy Who Never Grew Up.

I think that children and people who appreciate childhood, or who remain young at heart themselves, will best understand Peter the Wild Boy's innocent nature.

Christine wrote: "So far, my favorite scene..."

Thanks for posting on the thread and sharing your one of your favorite scenes. I am glad you enjoyed the interplay between the characters during the wedding dance- it was fun to write and don't worry- I don't think mentioning it counts as a spoiler, because you didn't include any details of what happened.

I've had a number of people send me direct messages about their favorite scenes, not wanting to spoil anything for other readers- so I wanted to point out you can use spoiler tags in your message to hide certain details. To do this just type (without the dot) <.spoiler> before the spoiler and <./spoiler> afterward. This will protect readers who haven't gotten to that point in the book yet.

Writing Peter was a challenging, fun, and sometimes tear-jerking experience.

You know how when you really get into a book, the words disappear and you are there, in that scene with the characters?

I don't know if this is true for all writers, but for me, when I am in a groove writing, it is like that. And if I am not there, then I peck away at the page until it disappears and I am back in that world.

What were your favorite scenes in Peter?

Glad to welcome several more members to the group! Thank you all for your interest in my book.

Best Regards
Chris

I wanted to thank everybody for joining in our new group. I am looking forward to discussing my book with all of you. I will check the group for new messages regularly, and will respond as much as I am able.

Writing Peter: The Untold True Story was a wonderful journey, and now, hearing reader's experiences is uplifting. As a writer, I am as much influenced by my characters as they are by me, and therefore writing scenes can sometimes be a very emotional process. Knowing I captured those emotions well enough in my writing that other people feel them later in reading is a great encouragement.

Some of you may have questions about the historical aspects of this story. While this book was intended to be fun for readers of all ages, I also aimed to tell a tale based in fact (as much as possible), so I will be happy to answer your questions on those topics too.

Again, thanks for joining!

Best Regards
Chris

Hi!

I look forward to discussing Peter with you. Please share your favorite characters and scenes.

As a courtesy to those who haven't read the book yet, please use spoiler tags to hide any key plot details you choose to mention.

Also, I'd love to see how many references to Peter Pan you found!


Best Regards,
Christopher Daniel Mechling