Last week whilst we are all basking in tropical temperatures, we shot a short film. 🎬 My latest Substack post is the story of that story, and how I believe we’re all creating stories every time we open our eyes (maybe even before). 👀 To read, click the link in bio or head to: https://bit.ly/ThemBabies #Filmmaking #Stories #IndieFilm #Comedy

✍🏻 Our train was delayed and the platform was heaving. Not only was I knackered but Matt seemed jumpier than usual, which irritated me more than it should. When the tannoy finally crackled to life announcing our train was approaching, I shuffled further forward. Instantly, music blared out behind me and I turned to see a real-life Romcom proposal unfolding, with me at the epicentre. Station staff clutched a Bluetooth speaker, and Matt was stood on a bench serenading me, karaoke style, his arms outstretched and body swaying. Moments later, our delayed train pulled in and when the doors opened, a choir poured out, joining Matt in his rendition of Aerosmith’s ‘I don’t want to miss a thing’. Clearly he hadn’t got the memo that flash mobs were no longer a thing. The station was now at a standstill. Everywhere I turned, a camera lunged at my face and as Matt brought the song to a haunting crescendo, he knelt in front of me and my stomach lurched. The ring was undeniably gorgeous and with everyone’s eyes and phones zooming closer, I was startled to hear my own voice saying yes. The next morning I sleepily reached for my phone, only to discover the whole bloody proposal had gone viral and we’d been dubbed the ‘Lovebirds from Platform 6’. My DMs were full of media enquiries, alongside insane offers for incredibly lucrative brand deals. Shit. I guess now I’m actually gonna have to marry him. #Stories #FlashFiction #Writing #Storytelling #Proposal

I promised myself I’d write a Substack post each month, and as I’m still obsessing about book to film characters, this seemed like a no brainer - ‘My top 5 book to screen characters from non-UK authors’. Is your fave there? 👀 To read click link in bio or head to: https://bit.ly/FeministsToExorcists #Characters #BookToScreen #Writing #Article

✍🏻 Meandering along the quiet early morning streets, pink clouds roll in overhead, speckling their reflection on the water below. The music from last night reverberates through my muscles, warming my limbs and countering the cool breeze that drifts across my body. I’m so familiar with my route, I close my eyes and continue walking, imagining myself back on the dance-floor. Moving with ease and fluidity, I vanish into the mass of bodies dancing around me. One of many. A nobody, or perhaps a somebody in the midst of the throng. Then a white flash. A bright stark light. The music ends and the safety of darkness is stripped away. Now I’m nearly home, reluctant to actually step inside and begin the day. But I know I need to wake him. To make his breakfast and ensure he has a shower. To walk him to school and make sure he goes inside. And I want to. I want to do all of it. I really do, but it feels like a weight. A heavy numbing weight, and all I can think about is being back there, safe in the music. Feeling everything and thinking nothing. #Storytelling #Writing #Flash #Short

👀 Read my Substack article to find out…(heavy hint: it might have something to do with book to screen icons) Link in bio or go to https://bit.ly/BegbieMarple #Writing #Characters #Book #Film

✍🏻 When I saw the binoculars in my son‘s room, I assumed they were another conciliatory gift from his father. An expensive present bought to soften the blow of him yet again not following through on his promises. At no point was I concerned about what my son might be using the binoculars for. He was fifteen years old, I thought being quiet and a little withdrawn was normal for his age. Then the school called and everything changed. #Storytelling #MicroFiction #Writer #Binoculars