Jessica Redland is the author of 20 best-selling novels. She writes stories of love, friendship, family and community set on the Yorkshire coast, Yorkshire Wolds and the Lake District. Born in Teesside, she has lived in Scarborough for nearly 20 years
A place in Yorkshire that makes you smile?
It has to be Richmond as two things happened there which changed my life. I took a career break from HR in 2003, relocated back to the north and opened a specialist teddy bear shop on Richmond’s Finkle Street. I started writing my debut novel on quiet days in the shop with no idea whether I’d have any chance of finishing a book. I’ve now written 20! I also met my husband through having the business and he was the one who encouraged me to learn how to write properly, enrolling on a writing course. I closed the shop after two years to move to Scarborough to be with him but Richmond remains a very special place to us and we visit regularly. One of Lucy Pittaway’s art galleries is where my shop used to be so I have flashback moments every time I go in there.
A place you love to eat?
This may not be a sophisticated answer but I have a fondness for chips on the seafront. There’s something about that delicious smell and eating in the open which instantly puts me into holiday mode. We occasionally nip into Scarborough or head up the coast to Whitby for a chippy tea, although always keeping one eye out for those seabirds ready to swoop and steal a sausage!
A place to go with friends?
Many of my friends live in different parts of the country and York provides the perfect central meeting point. I’ve always loved York – such a beautiful city with so much to do – and often meet friends or family for lunch and a wander round the city centre. I love walking round the city walls or beside the river, and sitting in the York Museum Gardens with an ice cream.
A childhood memory?
I grew up in Guisborough on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. As a teenager, I have fond memories of laughter-filled walks with friends through Guisborough Woods to Highcliff Nab or Hanging Stone. When we had more time, we’d continue to Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument. I really must return and do that walk again.
A cultural go-to?
I’m staying close to home and going for Scarborough Castle here. It’s a fabulous English Heritage site with the castle ruins and a 16-acre headland to explore. On a regular visit, it can be so peaceful, drinking in stunning views across both North and South Bay. During an event, it’s a hive of activity and a great atmosphere. We’ve attended some amazing events and re-enactments there over the years.
Inspiration outdoors?
When I started writing, I didn’t have a sense of where I’d set my books other than ‘the north’. When I visited my now-husband in Scarborough, I found my setting. My Whitsborough Bay books (12 so far) are a blend of Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. The view from the Esplanade over Scarborough’s South Bay takes my breath away every time and features in several of my stories. Whenever I stand there, a feeling of calm sweeps through me and I feel fresh inspiration for my writing.
A place for indulgence?
I’m not much of a shopper but I love independent gift shops. It’s a family joke that my husband will end up standing outside with our sprocker spaniel, Ella, while I have a quick mooch. I created Castle Street in my Whitsborough Bay books inspired by the independent shops in Scarborough’s Bar Street, in Whitby and in Robin Hood’s Bay. In Scarborough, there’s a gorgeous shop called Lilly’s Treasures full of locally-made crafts. I created a shop like that in one of my books before Lilly’s Treasures opened so it’s lovely to see a real-life version where I live. Beautifully crafted seaside-themed wooden gifts from Handmade At 36 on Scarborough’s Eastborough provided me with the inspiration for a storyline in my Starfish Café series.
A Yorkshire view that inspires?
So many! The views of Whitby from the whale bones or, looking the other way, from the top of the 199 steps. The dramatic cliffs of the RSPB sanctuary at Bempton. The stunning view towards Robin Hood’s Bay from Ravenscar, or looking down at the seals on the beach (which provide inspiration for my Starfish Café series set above a seal haven). The rugged coastline and lighthouse at Flamborough Head. I could go on!
I’m never happier than when…
There’s a stunning view. I so love seeing beauty in nature and we’re spoilt for choice in Yorkshire. A day out somewhere with a view makes my soul sing. And if I happen to see rabbits in the wild while I’m out, my day is made. Not sure what it is about them but they make me so happy.
Three words that sums up your best Yorkshire life
Inspiring, cosy, wonderful.
You can hear Jessica talking about her journey to publication at the Richmond Walking & Book Festival on September 21. Tickets are available now. Her latest release, The Start of Something Wonderful – the first in a series set in the Lake District – is out now in print, digital and audio formats.
