Tera Lopez Vannoy

When I decided to shift my focus from photography to writing, I encountered many ideas and struggled to choose what to write. I started several drafts on topics such as psychosis, gender transformation, surviving a pandemic, and others. Longer, more symbolic ideas that involved multiple themes and required research and time also came to mind. I needed a story that would help me learn how to become a writer while writing. 

The idea of Leyland Park came to me after I read a book by Louisa May Alcott. Like a sketch on vellum, I could see an overlay of a different story, but with similar lines and details. Instead of being set in England, I moved the story to the United States. Instead of Lucia being an Italian orphan (still considered foreign), I changed her to a Mexican orphan. Rather than being part of the household and asked to socialize, I made her part of the family and had her step back and stay out of the way. 

This story resonated with me because I could connect it to a specific time period. The relentless foul weather and rain caused flooding of the Charles River in 1886, or at least it seemed likely given the rising water levels reported at the time. Without the English nobility’s Lords and Ladies, I wanted something to create a distinction between classes. When I explored the history of Brahmins in Massachusetts, which revealed a distinct culture and social structure, I knew I had found the right fit.

While researching ideas for characters and historical settings, I came across John Lowell Gardner and Guy Lowell. The story of Guy, a landscape architect, inspired Geoffrey, and the gardens seemed like a perfect setting for Lucia to appreciate. I wanted Lucia to feel at harmony with nature and connected to the earth, giving her a sense of belonging even if others doubted her place at Leyland Park.

In the end, I wanted to write a story that was cathartic and satisfying. Something where the conflict and the resolution were in balance, and the reader has to go through some torment, but hopefully feels as though they are rewarded in the end. 

Behind Leyland, there has been considerable time and energy in learning the writing process. I’ve always been someone who learns as I go, and although this story has its challenges, it’s still easier to manage than some of the other books I plan to write. Through this book, I have gained valuable insights into Scenes and Sequels, MRUs, scene and chapter breaks, outlining, discipline, pacing dialogue, and much more. I look forward to sharing some of these lessons in future posts.

I can’t share any more without revealing too much, but I hope this provides some background on my book and demonstrates how much thought went into one idea. I have found that personal connections make the writing that much more meaningful. Lucia is not based on me at all, but there are some ideas or circumstances she experiences that I can relate to, and I hope others can too.

If you are a writer, where or how do you find your inspiration?

If you are a reader, does learning about the inspiration of a book add to or take away from a story?