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When I started writing the first chapter of ‘The Basilwade Chronicles’, I had no idea it would eventually be included in a book. It was simply a short story written to present at my writers' group meeting where once a month, members read a short story or excerpt from a work in progress.
The writing prompt which led to the story was to create a socially inept man and I came up with a character called Derek Carruthers who blunders his way through a speed-dating session, consistently offending all the women he meets. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t leave with anyone’s contact details.
I liked the two main characters so much, I decided I’d write another story involving them both to read out at the following meeting of the writers’ group. Each month after that, I took one or more people from the previous story and wrote them into a new tale. As well as tactless Derek Carruthers, there were characters such as the selfish vicar with a penchant for pickled onions, the ostentatious clairvoyant with mesmerising eyes, the would-be entrepreneur with an unhealthy inclination to bear a grudge and the couple in the retirement home who were often found in the broom cupboard together.
Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite
What a stress-buster The Basilwade Chronicles by Dawn Knox has been! This hilarious ride began with Derek going to a speed dating event. Soon, his tactless remarks about the ladies' appearances signaled that he would not find a date. And yet, he managed to share his bus ride to town with a very reluctant Mary Wilson. Meanwhile, Mary Wilson wanted to get her mother off her dating case. She surmised she could introduce Derek to her mother, which would be enough to distract her. Nevertheless, she did not want her mother to start referring to Derek as Mary's intended or fiance. Oblivious to the meaning of the expression, she introduced Derek as a "friend with benefits." Obviously, the result is a hoot.
The characters of The Basilwade Chronicles by Dawn Knox range from goofy to self-absorbed people of a small town. They blurt out words without thinking and act on impulse. Indeed, these attributes add to the comedy of the plot. Although each one of them is amusing, Mrs. McSquirtle was the champion of them all. For her dose of "medicinal brandy," she would do just about anything. Subsequently, she would slur her words and lose track of everything. The residents of the Willows Retirement Home were another priceless contributor to the hysterical plot. Indeed, Dawn Knox is an excellent storyteller. From the side-splitting conversations to the comical events, she tickles just the right bone. The Basilwade Chronicles by Dawn Knox is a perfect book to unwind with after a stressful day.
