Locations
While writing my fiction books, I find it helpful to have images of the places I am writing about. I am no artist, so unfortunately I am unable to craft the exact picture I see in my head. Instead, I have to rely on images I can find with my good friends Mr Google and Mrs Deposit Photo’s. Hopefully these images will help you see how I envisioned Merlyn Academy.
When I first pictured what I wanted Merlyn Academy to look like, I knew it would end up being a mix of Gothic Country house and British Boarding School.
I wanted the Academy to impress upon the landscape in a way that both dominates and appears as if it has always been there. A building that could be passed off as the country pile of eccentric recluse.
Years ago, I worked for a company that hired Cheltenham College for their business.
The building was devoid of its normal pupils and so it was a lot quieter than usual. This allowed me to absorb the beauty of the building as I walked around the grounds.
It was a great privilege to be able to take meals in a place that looked like this and it really reminded me of the scenes in Harry Potter (although sans magic unfortunately).
Every time I pictured the dinning hall of Merlyn Academy, the memories of my time at Cheltenham College came flooding back.
For the common room, which would be a place students could socialise, I liked the idea of it being fairly spacious but simple.
I just love the fireplace in this image, although I wouldn’t want to be the one charged with cleaning it.
You can’t stay in a magical academy without having access to a few luxuries.
A four poster bed is an obvious must as are luxe fabrics like red velvet and wool carpets.
