A Mugful of Inspiration
Guest Blog by Barbara Henderson
Welcome back to our Book Week Scotland guest blog series! Today, we’re delighted to introduce Barbara Henderson, the author of the captivating historical fiction children's novel, The Boy, the Witch & the Queen of Scots.
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She looks a bit tired, my Mary, Queen of Scots. I get it. She’s had it tough. It takes its toll on you, all that dishwashing. Fading away to porcelain-white, she bears testament to hours – no, days – no, months of work which ultimately resulted in The Boy, the Witch and the Queen of Scots.
Yes, I am the kind of writer who does not, CANNOT, function without a cuppa – coffee and tea cohabit happily in my wee office (I will not admit to a hidden stash of chocolate! What do you take me for?).
Perhaps logically in the light of this, my writer quirk is this: I invest in a new mug for each new writing project. Extravagant, perhaps, but somehow it works. That small upfront payment is an investment - it makes me see the project through. That mug is a symbol that I have committed to the story – not quite on the level of a wedding ring, but you get the idea. It’s a daily reminder: I have coffee, I have a mug. I have all I need to make progress with this book – and now I will.
Shopping for ‘the new mug’ has been a ritual for a few years now and I love it. The decision can’t be rushed, after all, this will be my go-to drinking vessel for months to come. I considered many versions of Mary Queen of Scots. Many of them were cartoon or comedy versions. I preferred the more faithful image based on contemporary records, even if the quality did not last as well as expected – a bit like Mary’s reign itself. Thankfully, the book was written by then.
At least the purchase of a Forth Bridge mug was going to be worth my while. As Writer-in-Residence at the famous structure, I had the mug beside me as I interviewed each and every contributor to Made from Girders, almost all via video conferencing due to pandemic restrictions. Like the bridge itself, the image has lasted better than Mary, despite its vibrant red bleaching into pastel tones.
Do I mind?
I DO NOT! Move over, old crockery – there is a new mug in town! Fickle that I am, I have transferred my affections to a crisp and shiny Clan Murray mug, depicting the coat-of-arms and motto of that ancient family. Yes, I have embarked on a new story. I can’t say too much yet (having only written part of it), but it is another historical adventure for young readers and features Andrew Murray – or Andrew de Moray – alongside his better-known comrade-in-arms William Wallace in the year 1297.
And now, if you’ll excuse me. My mug is waiting beside the laptop. Kettle on!
