Caroline James: Why Cumbria Inspires my Writing
It is difficult to compare the beauty of Cumbria or the Lake District as it is also known. Situated in North West England, it is a popular holiday destination and famous for forests, fells and mountains surrounding stunning lakes. A creative’s dream, the area has inspired the likes of William Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and John Ruskin and for a walker like me, the wonderful Alfred Wainwright, a British fell-walker, guidebook author and illustrator.
Tourists from all over the globe flock to Cumbria and my novels often feature a hotel. My new novel, Boomerville at Ballymegille is no exception as fictional guests’ arrive and book in to experience the beauty and splendour of the landscape, as well as some fun and shenanigan’s at Boomerville.
I ran the pub and then a country house hotel, for several years. Both were in a valley where the River Eden meandered and I was captivated by the warmth of the locals who were so supportive to newcomers. Walking along the shadowy ridges of the fells in my spare time restored my spirits after a hard day at work and spurred my creative juices, for even then I knew that I wanted to write stories based in this special place. More recently I was touched by the floods that devastated parts of the county. In particular, the town of Appleby which had once been my home and the floods feature in my books.
I write feel-good stories to uplift and inspire and with the magic of the mountains and sparkling waters of the lakes, I owe a great deal to my muse. Beautiful Cumbria, thank you.
Best-selling author of women’s fiction, Caroline James has owned and run businesses encompassing all aspects of the hospitality industry, a subject that often features in her novels. She is based in the UK but has a great fondness for travel and escapes whenever she can.
A public speaker, which includes talks and lectures on cruise ships world-wide, Caroline is also a consultant and food writer. She is a member of the Romantic Novelist’s Association, the Society of Women’s Writer’s & Journalists and the Society of Authors and writes articles and short stories, contributing to many publications. Caroline also runs writing workshops.
In her spare time, Caroline can be found walking up a mountain with her two Westie dogs, sipping raspberry gin or relaxing with her head in a book and hand in a box of chocolates.
Books by Caroline James:
Contact:
Twitter: @CarolineJames12
Facebook: Caroline James Author