Home About Contact

The story behind the story

The Stone Throwers is, I reckon, it’s sixth or seventh title. It took me ages to find the right one, let alone the opening passage: something, we’re told, is all-important in the cut-throat world of publishing.

‘This tale grew in the telling’, so wrote J.R.R. Tolkein in his Foreword to The Lord of the Rings. Now I’m not, for one minute, comparing myself to that great man (how ridiculous would that be?) but only repeat it here simply because he was a great man and a great writer… in other words, if it was all right for him, then it’s all right for me!

For I am a lousy planner – in everything I choose to do. If I try to plan something, it goes wrong and represents a great waste of time; not only that, it’s depressing too. No, I always have to muddle through with nothing more than an idea to base that muddle on. This is so for painting, poetry, DIY and, as I say, everything else. Even science – a PhD is no easy thing to attempt – it was an empirical journey: asking a question and finding a dozen answers, each needing investigating.

For this story, first published digitally in immature form in 2013 by The Electronic Book Company as The children who wouldn’t…, and also as a proper book thanks to the generosity of a friend who out-of-the-blue sent me printed copies (what would we do without genuine friends?), was inspired by a real event, on a family holiday to an island upon which this tale is based. I began it there, when my two children were very little, and have worked on it ever since over something like 30 years. After 2013, I substantially re-edited and re-designed it, re-writing several sections, and adding the illustrations, all, apart from one.

The book had some good reviews on Amazon, but they didn’t like the title on account of the ellipsis. Or rather their darned computer didn’t like it... However…

My passion for Alan Garner’s tales, and Arthur Ransome’s – with those charmingly understated illustrations (something I’m quite incapable of) – are partly responsible for this story. Add to these John Buchan, Frances Fyfield, Beatrix Potter, Susan Hill, and there we have an extraordinarily diverse mix. Yet all, in their way, must share some of the responsibility! Oh, there are others too of course but they’re the ones which come instantly to mind. Do I include those other well initialled masters, Tolkein and Rowling? Well, I’d like to but stumble into celebrity pitfalls and potholes. [Who does he think he is?]

 All I will say in mitigation is that when writing my flow is unplanned and instinctive – intuitive, if you like - something that comes naturally. The real work comes in the editing and re-editing as I think hard and try to put myself in the mind of a reader. Is this something all writers do? I have no idea, for I don’t know any. Maybe that’s a good thing, maybe not, how would I know, not knowing any to ask? I have found it to be the same with painting: my first spontaneous strokes are the best. So, sometimes the worst thing I can do is tinker and lose that innocent bloom.

Just as, in fact, I have written this piece. And I will resist editing it.

The actual story was, as I say, based on a real event. It has been massively reinvented of course, to reflect my passionate concern in conservation of both nature and the ancient skills and practices of man – all of which are now carelessly abandoned and traduced. Just as Frodo and Sam felt when they returned to Hobbiton after their colossal adventure, I am forever sad at what we throw away in the endless quest for something new and better – though it hardly ever is, exactly for that very reason: things done for the wrong reason - pride, vanity and ‘grubbit’ business or commerce.

I hope the tale will help you reflect on these things and, more importantly, enjoy a simple story.

© Richard M. Meyer, Highland, 2024

Reviews on Amazon UK (First published as The Children Who Wouldn’t)

A wonderful journey

What a great adventure! While this is written for older children, it is something that adults can enjoy, as well. The descriptions and writing are lovely and gentle, and yet the story is a real page turner, each chapter ending in such a way that compels you to continue. The characterization is excellent, and you get to know, and become involved, with the main characters. There are a few mysterious ones, as well, which feeds into the 'other-worldiness' that this book presents. As with any good story, there is that conflict - good vs. not-so-good, with a number of twists and turns along the way. I am sorry that this book is not available in hard cover, as it would be something that I would love to have in my collection. Highly recommended!

Bex

Vivid and beautiful

This book takes the reader on a fantastical journey. A genuine adventure story, carefully crafted and beautifully told. It is a highly original and imaginative tale that keeps you guessing. Would highly recommend to children and adults alike.

David Freedman, author of Artist Blacksmith Sculpture

Would recommend!

A lovely and imaginative adventure story, would recommend!

Salsa verde

What an adventure story.

It has been a long time since I have read a book that I couldn't put down. Once I had started this book I had to finish it. When is the next book coming out?

Rob

Wonderful story

My 11 year old and myself really enjoyed this book it is a wonderfully imaginative story of childhood adventures. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good yarn.

Anserfalco

Challenging in a good way

its a wee bit more challenging that most children's books. Its the kind of book that I imagine best read aloud..a chapter a week and then discussed. Lovely and old fashioned in a sense..

Susan Hampshire

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 September 2017

A wonderfully written book by an excellent author.

Amanda Kuyuate

The Stone Throwers

The First Telling of the 'Omens & Havens' series

A group of children, a philosopher and a merman fight to save a bewitched island.

Finding their spiritual home on a remote island threatened by a new hotel, two groups of somewhat misanthropic children have no choice but to fight to save it. Intuitive imagination and dogged curiosity unlock ‘marginal lands’ which lie beyond the reach of mere adults.

In worrying adversity, they face and meet strange individuals and get caught up in surreal and bizarre happenings. Help comes from a laid-back American philosopher/painter who lives in an unearthly shack in the woods, and a merman who seems to have emerged from the deep.

Increasingly alienated by darkening forces and adult greed, will the children manage to retain enough natural strength, naivety and good humour to see them through their adventures?

Click here to read the press release

Read reviews

BUY NOW Price £8.99

Buy from

Buy from