The Art of the Humble Observer
There’s something rather marvellous about James Herriot’s writing, isn’t there? It’s like settling into a worn leather armchair with a cup of tea whilst watching the Yorkshire Dales unfold before you. But how does one capture that ineffable quality that made his stories so captivating?
Start with the Characters (Both Human and Animal)
The genius of Herriot’s writing lies not in flowery prose or complex literary devices, but in his extraordinary ability to paint characters with the simplest of brushstrokes. Take Mrs. Pumphrey and her pampered Pekingese, Tricki Woo. In lesser hands, they might have become caricatures. Instead, Herriot gives us warm, dimensional portraits filled with gentle humour and genuine affection.
The Secret: Be the Supporting Actor
Herriot never positions himself as the hero of his tales. Rather, he’s the bemused observer, the slightly puzzled vet who serves as our window into the lives of Yorkshire’s farmers, housewives, and their beloved animals. His self-deprecating humour isn’t affected—it’s essential to his charm.
Master the Art of the Scene
Setting the Stage
A Herriot scene typically begins with something mundane: a late-night call-out, perhaps, or a routine farm visit. The magic lies in how he builds the atmosphere:
- The bite of the winter wind
- The squelch of Wellington boots in mud
- The sweet, warm smell of hay in the barn
- The unmistakable aroma of cow breath
The Yorkshire Voice
Herriot’s dialogue is a masterclass in capturing regional speech without descending into parody. He doesn’t pepper his prose with endless “thee” and “thou”—instead, he captures the rhythm and cadence of Yorkshire speech through careful selection of key phrases and the occasional well-placed dialect word.
The Heart of the Matter
Finding Joy in the Ordinary
What truly sets Herriot’s writing apart is his ability to find profound meaning in seemingly ordinary moments. A successful calving at dawn becomes a meditation on the miracle of life. A farmer’s gruff thanks transforms into a testament to the deep bonds between people and their animals.
The Rule of Three
Every Herriot story typically contains:
- A professional challenge
- A human connection
- A moment of either humour or profound realisation
Practical Tips for the Aspiring Herriot
Keep a Country Diary
Start noting down the small details that make country life unique. The way frost patterns form on a cobweb, the particular way a sheep dog moves when working, the expressions farmers use that you won’t find in any dictionary.
Learn to Listen
The best Herriot stories often came from simply listening to farmers talk about their animals. The art lies in recognising which tales will resonate with readers who’ve never set foot on a farm.
Find the Universal in the Specific
While your readers may never have helped deliver a breech calf at 3 AM, they’ll understand the universal themes: determination, compassion, the bond between humans and animals, the satisfaction of a job well done.
The Final Touch
Remember that Herriot’s greatest skill was making it all seem effortless. His writing feels like a chat over a farmhouse kitchen table, not a literary performance. That natural quality comes from rigorous editing—cutting away anything that doesn’t serve the heart of the story.
A Word About Endings
Herriot’s endings often circle back to the beginning, but with a twist of wisdom gained. They’re rarely dramatic—more often, they leave us with a warm smile and a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life.
One final note: if you find yourself trying too hard to sound like Herriot, stop and start again. The best way to write like James Herriot is to write honestly about what moves you, just as he did about the people and animals of his beloved Yorkshire Dales.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I believe there’s a pot of tea calling my name.
