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Welcome to The Literary Pig's blog - a safe haven for all those afflicted with
the unbearable urge to write.

Tuesday 24 May 2016

A Dorset interlude

I've just returned from a fabulous week in Dorset. The plan was to get novel #2 to 60K words before leaving and happily I hit that target. That meant a week free from writing to walk, indulge in pub lunches (& Dorset beer), cream teas and lots of reading. You'll be pleased to know all those goals were also achieved. After a complete break from writing my head emptied (in a good way) and I'm already back on the novel with a target of 65K words by the end of May. I did hope to find some inspiration for new short stories during the break, but unlike my writing chum, Wendy (read here about her Italian holiday), nothing surfaced. I've learned not to push ideas, knowing they will come ... usually when least expected.

For now here's some photos of Dorset:

We stayed in Chideock in Greenwich Cottage, literally 15 min walk from the sea and the South Coast path. This was the view from our bedroom (left). Greenwich and Chideock cottages are owned by the lovely Heather and Alan, who welcomed us on arrival. Plus they left milk, wine and cookies! If you fancy a break in Dorset then I'd highly recommend either of their two cottages for a base.
A bonus was the local bus services, which ran on time and were reasonably priced. We took the bus to Bridport on market day and walked down to West Bay (above right) for lunch. Then back along the South Coat path to Seatown and Chideock.
Another day we took the bus to Lyme Regis and again walked back along the cliffs ... over Golden Cap (>700 ft).
Eventually we made it to Colmore's Hill (below), which seemed to appear wherever we walked in this part of Dorset. An atmospheric spot on top and 360 degree views (on a clear day!).
From there we descended into Hell Lane (right), as spooky as it looks.
The weather got a little damp for our last day so we returned to Lyme Regis as tourists, taking pasties to eat on the Cobb. I reckon these were the steps (below) that Louisa Musgrove tumbled down in Jane Austen's Persuasion (Chapter 12), into the arms of Captain Wentworth. What do you think? Apparently, Lord Tennyson, on visiting Lyme wanted to be shown the "exact spot where Louisa Musgrove fell" - so clearly I was in good company!

10 comments:

  1. Ah, Louisa Musgrave and Persuasion. The Cobb was also where Meryl Streep was photographed in flowing black robes, having an affair with Jeremy Irons (wouldn't we all?) in the film The French Lieutenant's Woman?

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    1. Top marks, Rosemary! I loved the novel too. Did you also know its author, John Fowles, was curator of Lyme Regis museum for many years?

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  2. I once spent a very miserable few days in West Bay (don't ask), but you're right about the scenery. Now I need to go and reread Persuasion, but I didn't like the film of The FLW: never read the book.

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    1. I won't ask, Julia. RE: TFLW - the film took liberties with the plot and the whole modern section with the actors (making a film I think) is additional. I enjoyed the book, but John Fowles can be an acquired taste. I've not liked everything he's written.

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  3. Dorset is lovely. Glad you had a good time.

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  4. How lovely, Tracy - great photos. I visited Lyme Regis many years ago which I loved because of the Persuasion connection (and Tracy Chevalier's novel, Remarkable Creatures). You're absolutely right about emptying the mind during a break like that. Well done on getting so far on with the novel!

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    1. I've read several Tracy Chevalier novels (and loved them al) so I must get a copy of 'Remarkable Creatures'. Thanks for the reminder, Rosemary. Though reading it may prompt a return visit to the Jurassic Coast!

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  5. What a fabulous place - I love Dorset. Well done for reaching your target before going away and I look forward to seeing more photos when I see you.

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    1. Looking forward to our June catch-up, Wendy. Lots to talk about :)

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