This story is dedicated to all the wonderful people who have been on this fanfic journey with me over the past four years and for your amazing encouragement. And here's to all the other fan fiction writers of all fandoms, making new stories based on the ones we love so very much! x
A Perfect Day For Reading
Hi, my name is Dawn. What's your name?
I nestle into my favourite armchair, the plush cushions enveloping me in comfort. The chair is positioned perfectly by the large bay window, which frames a picturesque view of the South Carolina landscape. Today, however, the vibrant hues of the garden and the fields beyond are muted by a soft, persistent rain. Raindrops patter against the glass, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound that fills the room.
Outside, the scene is a study in serenity. The lush greenery of the garden glistens with moisture, each leaf and blade of grass adorned with tiny, sparkling droplets. The large magnolia tree, its branches heavy with rain, stands proudly at the edge of the lawn. Its broad leaves, dark green and glossy, provide a striking contrast to the soft, grey sky overhead.
Beyond the garden, the fields stretch out in gentle undulations, their rich earth darkened by the rain. Patches of wildflowers, usually a riot of colour, now appear as delicate, blurred spots of pastel, their heads bowed under the weight of the water. In the distance, a line of oak trees marks the boundary of the property, their silhouettes softened by the mist that rises from the ground.
It is a perfect day for reading.
Anyway, why did I invite you here? Oh, yes, it was to talk about my favourite book.
I turn my attention to the well-worn and well-loved book resting on my lap. The Thornton Tales. I run my fingers over the embossed title, feeling a familiar thrill of anticipation. This collection of short stories, passed down through generations, is my link to the past, to the lives of my great-great-great-great grandparents, John and Margaret Thornton.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have been fascinated by the tales of John and Margaret. My love for them grew even more fervent when I discovered Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. Do you know it? It is a novel that brings the Victorian era to life, blending industrial strife, class struggles, and a romance that transcends societal expectations.
One of the reasons I like it so much is because it remains timeless. It has everything: love, money worries, family, inequality, work problems, failure, death, growing up – everything! There is something for everyone. And every time I read it, at every new age and stage of my life, I learn something new about it, and, in turn, I learn something new about myself.
Knowing that the book was inspired by my ancestors makes it all the more special. I often find myself lost in both the pages of the novel and the scenes of the series adaptation, feeling a deep connection to the characters, as if they were a part of me. Then I realise, they are. They are my family.
The way Gaskell captures the tension between the north and the south of England, the industrial upheaval, and the personal growth of the characters resonates deeply with me. Margaret Hale's journey from the rural south to the dynamic, industrial north parallels the resilience and adaptability that I imagine Margaret Thornton possessed. And John Thornton's stern yet principled nature, combined with his underlying vulnerability, reminds me of the stories my family has passed down about him.
Watching the series adaptation brings an added layer of intimacy. The actors' portrayals of John and Margaret feel like a window into the past, allowing me to see my ancestors' struggles and triumphs come to life. The set designs, costumes, and dialogues are so meticulously crafted that they transport me back to that era, making me feel like an observer in their world. It's almost as if I'm catching glimpses of my own history, playing out on screen.
I sometimes think about how remarkable it is that these stories, both fictional and historical, have the power to connect us across time. The emotions and challenges faced by John and Margaret are timeless, reflecting the universal human experience. Whether through the written word or a television screen, their legacy continues to inspire and resonate, reminding me of the strength and courage embedded in my family's past.
Anyway, if you have not read it, you should. And if you have not watched it, then what are you waiting for?
Today, I plan to lose myself in The Thornton Tales once again, a book that someone who knew John and Margaret well wrote to celebrate their life and legacy. I open the book and am greeted by the familiar scent of aged paper and ink. The first story is titled "A New Beginning," detailing John Thornton's arrival in the bustling industrial town of Milton. As I read about his struggles to establish himself and the eventual meeting with Margaret, I can almost see the scenes unfolding before my eyes. Their initial clashes, born from misunderstandings and pride, are vividly brought to life through the words on the page.
Beside me, on a small table, lies a collection of old artefacts. They are my treasures, mementoes of a time long past. There are sepia-toned photographs of John and Margaret, their serious expressions softened by the passage of time. I often wonder if they had ever imagined that their great-great-great-great granddaughter would be gazing at their likenesses, marvelling at the similarities in our features. I trace the outline of Margaret's face with my finger, noting her unwavering, confident eyes and chestnut hair, and as for John, I see his sharp features and defined cheekbones, traits that I see reflected in my own mirror.
Among the photos are other cherished items: bits of fabric from Margaret's dresses, delicate and worn from years of handling; a dried yellow rose that John had given her on their first anniversary, its petals brittle but still beautiful. These tangible connections to the past make me feel closer to them, as if I could reach across time and touch their lives.
I take a deep breath, savouring the moment, and let my mind wander back to the first time I encountered North and South. I had been a teenager, struggling with my own sense of identity, feeling caught between the modern world and the weight of family history. Gaskell's novel had offered me a glimpse into a world where personal integrity and love could triumph over societal constraints. Watching the series had only deepened my appreciation, each scene a vivid reminder of the strength and resilience embodied by John and Margaret.
As I continue to read, I can't help but wonder how much of The Thornton Tales are true. Are these stories accurate depictions of their lives, or have they been embellished over the years, turning ordinary moments into grand narratives? Does it matter? I ponder this question as I flip through the pages, my eyes lingering on a particularly poignant passage where John and Margaret, after years of struggle, finally find peace and happiness in each other's arms.
Their love story, whether wholly factual or partly fictional, is a testament to their enduring spirits. It is a reminder that their lives, their struggles, their joys, and their love were real. They faced hardships, much like the characters in Gaskell's novel, yet they persevered. Their legacy is not just in the stories but in the very fabric of our family, threaded into our history.
I close the book and look out the window, the rain still gently falling. The Thornton Tales have once again transported me to a different time, connecting me to the people who came before. It is a connection that transcends the boundaries of time and space, a reminder that the past is always with us, shaping our present and guiding our future.
With a sigh of contentment, I place The Thornton Tales back on the table, my fingers brushing against the dried yellow rose. I will never know the full extent of John and Margaret's lives, but through these stories and artefacts, I feel their presence. And that is enough. Their love, their resilience, their journey—they are all a part of me. And as long as I have these tales to read and these mementoes to hold, they will never be forgotten.
So, yeah, that is my favourite book.
I just wanted to tell you about it.
Happy reading, friend!
It was 4 years ago today, I posted the first chapter of my first-ever fan-fiction story.
✍️📖📚
Since, then, I have written:
-84 stories.
-766,998 words (stories only, not including articles).
-Published (almost) 3 books.
-Over 2,600 hours of writing/editing.
And I've loved every minute of it. ❤️
Thank you so much to those who have given me such wonderful support and encouragement over this journey.
Here's to 4 more!