My inspiration for Meadowbrook Manor- Faith Bleasdale

When I was thinking about the first Meadowbrook book, my starting point was the house – Meadowbrook Manor. I wanted it to be a character in its own right and I hope I’ve achieved this. I was aiming for it to be a house that had a soul, and a heart, and from that point I then came up with the story of the Singer Siblings, and the animal sanctuary.

I didn’t want to write about a house that was crumbling or needing saving, I wanted the people, and animals to need saving and for the house to be pivotal in achieving this.

As an adult with only one sibling, I still found the idea of having to live with said sibling as an adult interesting – or horrifying actually. I’m not sure if I had to live with my brother for a year now we would both survive but I loved the idea that sibling relationships change so much over the years and wanted to explore the concept of how those who had lived together as children would cope living together as adults.

I also wanted the animal sanctuary to be a huge feature and I think I can safely say it plays a central role in all the stories set at Meadowbrook. I am a huge fan of animals and I wanted a positive environment where animals are loved, cared for, wanted and also they also play a central role in helping people. Which, I fully believe animals do. Even if you’re not an animal person surely you can’t help but be moved by Hilda the English Sheepdog who, like many people, is looking for love. Or Elton and David the gay bulls who clearly love each other… Crazy, maybe but I think that it’s important to give them centre stage at times, as we can learn a lot from animals.

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Another thing I am passionate about is community. I grew up in the country, in a village, and yes there were morris dancers. Now though it feels different and I love how Meadowbrook Manor brings the community together, helps people, fends off loneliness and teaches kindness. Is is unrealistic in this day and age? Maybe but it shouldn’t be.