h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Entry: The Tale of John Hand - a Bowman at the Battle of Towton Field - A5680271
Author: Pinniped - U183682

I’d like to explain how I came to write this Entry and why I’ve put it here in the Collaborative Writing Workshop.

It started when a friend mentioned that his 11-year old twins had taken part in a school-class project on the Battle of Towton. Working in groups, the children had to invent a character and then tell the story of the battle and its context through this character’s experience.

My friend told me about their ‘Diary of John Hand’. It had clearly made an impression on him. Judging from his description, it must have mixed historical detail with some touching and thought-provoking views about brotherhood and chivalry. I asked to see it, and even suggested that the school might consider posting it to h2g2. He seemed to be put off by my inquisitiveness, though. I dropped the subject, and never got to read the ‘diary’. The idea stuck nonetheless, and so I read up on the battle a little, and got hooked. I soon found myself writing my own take on John Hand’s life.

This is my best effort to date at recreating a story I never read. The historical facts, you’ll find, are authentic or at least true to contemporary records (what war-diary is ever true?) Everything here happened pretty much as described, except for the personal involvement of John Hand himself. As for John’s depiction, too, he’s more true-to-life than another better-known Nottingham bowman, IMHO anyway.

AWW, PR or neither? I’d like to hear your opinion. My only objectives here are to share a good story, and to raise our game both as writers and readers a little bit.

Pin

Hi there Pin!

Loved reading this, but didn't get to immediately respond. I loved the natural, multi-voice flavour that this one has. It seems to shift from first-, to second-, to third-person as the narrative requires.

I like the way this gave you an opportunity to 'add' information gained at a later time. I only wish that you'd come up with a new name for the character. There's plenty to choose from without coopting the one the 11-year-olds had used, and the story is strong enough to take the change.

Consider expanding it a bit more, if you can find a natural place to add in. It's almost too short, even given the 'Sit down; I've got a story to tell you' style timeframe.

Good Luck!

Thanks FT
I wondered about the name, too, but kept it in the hope of the kids' stories coming here one day.
Lengthening it is an interesting suggestion. Till now, I'd wondered if it needed to be shorter.
Pin

Ah, dear Pin, all the more reason not to use the same name. If they did bring their story here, it would just cause more confusion. You, of course, should be the judge of how likely tht is, and whether you should use a name of your own design.