by Phil Earle
That was it. That was the moment when the hair on my arms stood to attention and my brain started firing. Immediately I had questions: Did he ever have to pull the trigger? Could he have done it if necessity demanded it?
What a story! What a gift, and one that I really wanted to tackle.
I didn’t tell it straightaway, though. I carried it around with me for a long time, asking myself questions like: What would happen if the rifle ended up in the hands of angry boy instead of a responsible adult? What if it wasn’t a lion any more? What if it was a gorilla instead?
The story was never far from my mind and every time it came to the fore, I had the same reaction as the first time: goosebumps, hairs standing on end, excitement.
Then, four years ago, I stopped writing, and didn’t think I would start again. It felt too difficult. There were too many other things to sort out in my head to consider telling a story, and that left me feeling very low.
One of the greatest things I’ve learned as a writer though, is that stories, great ones, are persuasive, they get under your skin and tend to not let go of you until you tell them properly. And if there was one story that was going to start me writing again, it was this one, especially as Pete had gifted me it. So, thank you, Pete, not just for the idea, but for the twenty years of friendship and laughs and love.
I also wanted to mention here Joseph’s dyslexia, which is a strand in the book that isn’t tied off neatly, as understanding of the condition in the 1940s was not what it is today. Far from it. Having worked with many dyslexic children over the years, I’ve always been gobsmacked by the challenges they face, and the resilience they have in facing it. If dyslexia is a challenge that you are facing, or if you would like to know more about it, you’ll find information and resources here: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
Thanks so much for reading When the Sky Falls. I really hope you enjoyed it.
Acknowledgements
I’d like to thank the following people, who have supported me in the writing of this book.
The early readers – Chaz and Dave (a chapter at a time), Shannon Cullen, Simon Mason and Dr Tony, you kept me writing. Thank you. Thanks also to David Fickling and Sarah Crossan, who encouraged me so generously.
My agent, Jodie Hodges, who has been unbelievably patient with me for the past few years, as well as kind, empathetic and steely. Thanks also to Emily, Molly and Jane who work so hard on my behalf at UA.
My publishers, Andersen Press: Klaus, Mark, Paul, Jack, Chloe, Eloise and especially Charlie Sheppard. Charlie was the first editor to ever read anything I’d written (nearly twenty years ago), and these three words she said to me, ‘You can write’, kept me going for a long time. Charlie embraced this story from the word go, and if it has been enjoyable to read, then much of the credit rests with her. Thank you, friend.
Levente Szabó, for creating a cover that I will never tire of looking at. Thank you so much.
Thanks and love as always to Mum, Dad, Jon and Angela. Let’s raise a glass soon.
Finally, I want to thank Louise, Albie, Elsie, Stanley, Rufus and Bebe. You lot are fabulous. I don’t half love you.
Hebden Bridge, July 2020