The story behind the idea of 'Books and Life' is simple. I kept passing the time playing mobile phone games. I don't have to think a lot and can relax better than with other computer games that I own. Plus, I always have them at hand. In search of new games, I came across one of those where you gradually earn stars and then redesign your environment. The focus of the game was on the garden and the story was that of Lily, a young woman, who comes from a difficult separation and inherits the house and garden from her aunt. It's rare that a mobile game really gets me going. Most of the time I just want to puzzle something and that's it. But something about that story caught me. The characters had backgrounds, but nothing was really that bad that it couldn't be survived by working together. Lilly met new people and took on challenge after challenge. Of course, I didn't play through the game. That will probably never be the case, but it made me feel good to follow this story.
And that's when I decided that I wanted to write a 'feel good story'. I had already started my other project, but kept falling
into the trap of worrying too much about what others would think of this story. Also looking to the fact that I would want to publish this. The other story should be just for me now. Not in the sense that nobody was allowed to read it, much more in the sense that I should primarily like it. That it was my opportunity to write a story that would make me feel similar to the game.
I was obviously inspired by a few things, especially the heritage thing, but the story quickly took on a dynamic of its own. Grace, her family, and any supporting characters developed quickly. To be honest, I had to stop myself because all of a sudden I got ideas for a second part. All of this is still in the back of my mind, but first of all I want to tell this story about Grace, the bookstore, and the people she'll meet.
The story won't be a big great adventure. It's Grace's journey, with her own personal problems. It's been a long time since I wrote a story like this, but I'm already looking forward to getting to know the character and everyone else better.
The story can be found here on the homepage and new sections are due to be published every Wednesday. I wish you happy reading.
Your Vivien
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