Tea in the study after the cricket, anyone?Rising Sun and Cherry Blossom are a plan I have to create a series of papers based on some boarding schools. Other papers will have boarding school stories, of course, they're a staple of golden-age British fiction, but these two papers will be dedicated to them. They'll also form a linked pair, with frequent crossovers or events affecting the plot in each one. As well as "complete-but-forming-series" main stories, they'll also have more one-off backup stories. I'll probably make all of those about schools too, mind you. The undisputed master of school stories is, of course, Frank Richards, real name Charles Hamilton. While the school stories in other papers will just be in my own style, these two papers will be an unashamed attempt at mimicking his. Though as the king himself put it, "many wretched imitators" had tried and failed down the years. Oh well, if you're going to steal, steal from the best! The schools will probably be amalgams of the "Hamiltonian" schools, though I also have a soft spot for St. Franks and Morcove, so expect elements of those to creep in as well. If you have no idea what I'm on about... I envy you. Go on over to Friardale and experience the greatness for the first time... savour that feeling! |