Without mechanical assistance either. I just used to take off. A bit like Superman I suppose, except that I didn't have a cape, and I never had to get changed first in a phone kiosk.
All I did was, I floated about six inches off the ground for a few seconds, and then just took off. Up into the air. I could go really high too. Sometimes the earth below me looked like a page out of an atlas. I never flew that high often. It could get quite cold up there, and I have to confess it could be a little bit scary. You have to bear in mind that I was very young.
Sometimes when I took off, I could hear the grown ups shouting angrily. But that didn't bother me because I was well out of reach.
If I was very careful I could, and I know you won't believe this, I could sit on a cloud. Honest. This is a true fact. Even lie back on one and rest. It was so beautiful to be sitting there. I had to keep my wits about me though, because certain types of clouds can disappear in an instant. The best ones I found were the really big fluffy ones. The ones that like to linger.
Of course eventually I had to come back down to earth, and face the angry people. But, and you might find this hard to believe too, I could make myself really, really miniscule, until I was almost invisible. That way they never saw me come back and I was able to sneak back into the cupboard under the stairs without them noticing. They never, ever found out how I did that. It used to drive them crazy.
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I have been having a go at designing a cover for my book tonight. I thought I would share this with you. I was pleased with it, but I don't know if it will be the one I use.
I suppose this ought to go on the Ramshackle Art Gallery blog really. Or maybe not. It isn't going to be for sale. Not yet anyway.
I like the picture but I don't get a feel of the story looking at it. Maybe I need to see it with the title.
ReplyDeleteI could not fly but the little person part I understand.
John, I love the wash technique you've used in the cover illustration, and the well-defined focus of the boy's contour. It suggests motion and imagination, a story. Too much detail might slow it down.
ReplyDeleteAlcohol at such a young age. NEVER a good thing.
ReplyDeleteWhen did you stop flying,John? I suspect once you had some control over your life.
ReplyDeleteJane x
Hmmm...
ReplyDeleteIntriguing. You're getting there.
ReplyDeleteI love this excerpt from your book...gives a good picture of what it must have been like for you growing up....might I say again, you write very well.
ReplyDeleteLove the water colour illustration, depicting a sad story of a young boy fighting back his demons.
Imagination is a wonderful thing, and sometimes very necessary.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the picture. I know what it implies but a prospective purchaser might be put off by the vagueness. The book cover is the first thing customers see and you need something to make them eager to look inside.
I like the book cover art and your flying away tale.
ReplyDeleteMy hide-away place was the airing cupboard behind the hot water tank. I used to travel miles in there.
Inquiring minds want to know how you lost your ability to fly? Or do you still on occasion take flight?
ReplyDeleteI like the painting