Bruce’s answer to “How do you research locations?” > Likes and Comments
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This is one of the things I most appreciate about the Skelgill books. I know little about the Lake District so I enjoy learning about the area from your books. I do have one question though: Why is Skelgill so "stingy" about money and sharing? He takes advantage of Leyton.
Hi Betsy - well, I'm glad you like the geographical aspect - it's something I enjoy writing about, and it provides a consistent and fascinating backcloth against which the various stories can be woven. And, of course, growing up in the rugged environment has strongly influenced Skelgill's character.
As for Skelgill being "stingy" - there are several aspects to this, not all of which I understand myself - since I observe him as a character rather than keep a detailed biography that drives his behaviour. Primarily I would say he is not intentionally mean, but thoughtless and self-absorbed - and I think he would be mortified if he realised how he is perceived in continually taking advantage of DS Leyton's good nature and his own seniority. (Although probably 10% of the time he does do it on purpose!) What I know of his background is that it was poor, frugal and tough, and so his values are typically 'northern' in that sense: if you can make good at minimal cost, why waste money on something fancy? I rather suspect he has historical financial commitments, but as yet I have not explored what these might be.
Hope this helps - thanks for the question - it has got me thinking!
Bruce
I appreciate your answer. I agree that he sometimes does it deliberately (almost as if he knows Leyton expects it), but thoughtless and self-absorbed is exactly how I would describe him. I like the character, however, it is this "quirk" which makes him so different from many fictional detectives--not that that is a bad thing.
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Betsy
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Jun 11, 2015 07:31AM
This is one of the things I most appreciate about the Skelgill books. I know little about the Lake District so I enjoy learning about the area from your books. I do have one question though: Why is Skelgill so "stingy" about money and sharing? He takes advantage of Leyton.
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Hi Betsy - well, I'm glad you like the geographical aspect - it's something I enjoy writing about, and it provides a consistent and fascinating backcloth against which the various stories can be woven. And, of course, growing up in the rugged environment has strongly influenced Skelgill's character.As for Skelgill being "stingy" - there are several aspects to this, not all of which I understand myself - since I observe him as a character rather than keep a detailed biography that drives his behaviour. Primarily I would say he is not intentionally mean, but thoughtless and self-absorbed - and I think he would be mortified if he realised how he is perceived in continually taking advantage of DS Leyton's good nature and his own seniority. (Although probably 10% of the time he does do it on purpose!) What I know of his background is that it was poor, frugal and tough, and so his values are typically 'northern' in that sense: if you can make good at minimal cost, why waste money on something fancy? I rather suspect he has historical financial commitments, but as yet I have not explored what these might be.
Hope this helps - thanks for the question - it has got me thinking!
Bruce
I appreciate your answer. I agree that he sometimes does it deliberately (almost as if he knows Leyton expects it), but thoughtless and self-absorbed is exactly how I would describe him. I like the character, however, it is this "quirk" which makes him so different from many fictional detectives--not that that is a bad thing.
