Thursday, December 31, 2015

Purrett.com - A Year In Review

Purrett.com - A Year in Review 2015

  2015 ushered in a wide variety of new adventures at Purrett.com. I personally took a step away from writing novels and ventured out into uncharted territory. Here is a recap of 2015 for Purrett.com...Enjoy the Journey!

WEB COMICS - GOSSAMER PEN 
Gossamer Pen #1
 This year actually began with the completion of Gossamer Pen (the novel) in November of 2014. After releasing the novel, I found myself working on character sketches. At that time, I had not worked on any comics, but decided to test out my hand at the medium. Since I was in middle school, I had been in art classes and loved sketching and creating different characters. All the artwork in my novels and on Purrett.com came from my own hand (sometimes with assistance from my youngest daughter), so that played a big roll in my decision to start on the comic version of Gossamer Pen.  On February 10, 2015, Gossamer Pen Comic #1 was released on Purrett.com.  This digital comic was originally only available on the website. It consisted of just 6 pages and told the story from chapter 1 in the original novel. That became the overall premise of the comics; each digital issue would be a chapter from the novel, Gossamer Pen.
Gossamer Pen Vol 1
 During the next seven months, five more digital comics were completed. On September 29, those web-comics were combined into a single print comic (which is more like a short graphic novel), Gossamer Pen Comic Vol. 1. That completed the first third of the original novel and introduced most of the creatures that were freed from Kyra's notebook.


PURRETT PRODUCTIONS, LLC. 
In August, Purrett Productions, LLC was formed. It is a small company, basically just myself; however, it is intended to become a family business in the future. My wife, Misty, acts as my editor. My oldest daughter, Lea, is a tremendous writer, mostly of poetry. My youngest daughter, Kyra, is probably the most talented of us all. She is an artist and storyteller. My dream is to one day have all four of us working together within the company, hence the name...Purrett Productions.
There is, however, more to the name than that. I am one of two brothers born to John Purrett and at this time, we will sadly be the last of the Purretts in our line. Both my brother and I have had two daughters, so that played a large part in me titling the company.
  My brother, David, also works with me, mostly behind the scenes assisting in technical areas that are out of my realm of expertise.
  
PURRETT.COM (VERSION 3)
 In August, the new website launched at Purrett.com. As Purrett Productions. LLC became a company, the website moved from ChristopherMPurrett.com to its new home.  It featured an all new color scheme, new logo and streamlined layout. The main focus was the company instead of me as an author. That change in philosophy was largely in part to the broadening scope from solely novels to adding comics, design and animation.  In September, an online store was also added.
GOSSAMER STUDIO
Since I was a child, I loved cartoons. I loved to draw too! I had even spent the past decade writing stories. It was inevitable, with today's technology, that animation would become an integral part of this new company. I began referring to this part of the company as Gossamer Studio. Our YouTube Channel - Purrett, launched in September.
  On October 8, the very first Eddy & Cric animated cartoon was released titled "Meet The Kits". 
Eddy & Cric - The Cosplay (episode 6)
   By the end of the year, Gossamer Studio released 8 cartoons featuring Eddy & Cric, a Batman parody titled Super Heroes' Worst Fears, and 4 kids cartoons.

ego Impressions Designs
Along with Gossamer Studio, we developed another subsidiary of Purrett Productions, LLC. titled ego Impressions. It is the design side of the company that handles logos, websites and creation of any print media that is needed for adversiting, marketing or retail.
  During the year, ego Impressions was responsible for many designs; however, it will play a much larger role in development in the coming year with regards to t-shirt creation for our online store.
Land of Mistasia Heroes T-Shirt Design

2015 held a pretty large scope, most of which happened in the last 5 months. It has been an amazing journey so far, and I can't wait to see what 2016 brings!

Christopher M. Purrett
Enjoy The Journey

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Coming to Life

Coming to Life

  Kyra sat at her desk painstakingly placing the final touches on her artwork. She had erased the image dozen of times, but final felt like this was "it"! Now, was her time to add the colors. Before long, she had finished her latest creation. All that remained was to name this cute little fella.

 "What to call him", Kyra thought!

  He, was a half-elephant, half-kangaroo, so it became obvious...Eleroo.

  What happened next was quite a surprise! The page began to glow and then right before her eyes, Eleroo lept into the room!  She watched in awe as her creation ran around the floor, trumpeting with joy.  Kyra suddenly realized that her pen was much more than she had ever thought. It was magical!
DIRECTORS NOTES:
  As I kid, I loved to play with toys, as I am sure almost everyone else did too! I spent so much time thinking up elaborate plots and bringing those toys to life. So needless to say, when the movie Toy Story came out in the mid-90's I was thrilled to see that I wasn't the only crazy kid that believed his toys were alive!

  When the story of Gossamer Pen came about, it was exciting to get to experiment with what a drawing's character traits would be. Eleroo does actually appear in the novel, but doesn't interact with the main characters in much more than what you see in this video.  The Gossamer Monsters that appear at the end of the video, well that is a completely different story.

  Swampy, is thought of as a friend by Kyra in the beginning until it is discovered that Swampy has a devious plan she is hiding.  Frumpkin is the main villain and Spinji (the spider ninja) is the mute henchmen.  These characters each have their own reasons for betraying "The Creator" (Kyra) throughout, but which ones will come back to her in the end?

  I had been looking for an opportunity to get these characters into a cartoon since they have already been in a novel and comic. Hopefully, I will be able to make more of these for the Gossamer Pen in the future! The story is all about drawings coming to life!

Christopher M. Purrett
www.purrett.com


 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

What if...Animal was Santa?

What if...Animal was Santa?
What if...Animal was Santa? (YouTube)
  "SANTAMAL! SANTAMAL!"

  Animal is extremely excited for you to see his very own Christmas Parody Special! Watch as he assumes the role of Papa Noel and makes this holiday a very interesting experience for one cute little girl!

  Purrett Kids (YouTube)

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Life's Like a Talent Show...the SEQUEL!

Life's Like a Talent Show
THE SEQUEL

  Riley swayed nervously in line as the 5th graders anxiously awaited the 2nd graders to exit the stage. The little boys and girls giggled and cheered while they passed by. Riley could feel her heart pounding so hard within her small frame that she feared  all her classmates would know just how frightened she was.
  "This is silly", Riley thought to herself. "I have done this before. Why am I so nervous?"
  The 5th graders swiftly entered the stage. Riley felt a hand pushing her forward. Her best friend, Alexia, was extremely eager to be out there. Riley's feet felt like they weighed 1000 lbs. 
  "Move!", Alexia commanded. Her eyes were wide and her smile cartoonish.
  "Don't push!", Riley replied.
  Riley forced herself out onto the stage. As she did every year, Riley found herself up front. That's what happens when you are one of the smallest in your class. They put you up front so everyone can still see you. Riley had thought about asking to be placed in the back row, but her teacher had told her no every other year.
  She took a deep breath. Her hands were sweaty, mouth dry, and worst of all, mind blank.  She suddenly couldn't remember the words to any of the Christmas songs they had practiced for the past three weeks.
  The principal's muffled voice announced to the crowd that the 5th graders were ready to perform, but Riley was not!  The large red curtain split and the crowd of parents clapped!  It was time to perform.
  The music began. Alexia belted out the first line beside Riley who opened her mouth, but nothing came out!

  This week, my youngest daughter performed with her elementary school choir for their annual holiday show. My wife and I proudly watched our once shy and terrified little girl sing and perform all the choreographed moves with zeal.  She didn't partake in any of the "special assignments" that other kids did at the front of the stage, but that was just fine. She, as always, was in the front row, because she is one of the smallest in her class. It was nearly the exact same spot she stood at her first choir performance, this one didn't turn out so well. 
  Kyra showed no signs of fear as a child, and she has the scar under her chin to prove it. When we arrived at her first school choir performance, everything seemed to be going well. Kyra was excited even...if I recall it correctly. My wife and I dropped her off backstage with her classmates and headed to the theatre to secure our seats.
  The curtain opened up and the crowd oooo'd and ahhhh'd. That was when we saw our precious little girl trying to hide in her clothes. She had her arms against her body so tightly and her head pulled down like a turtle attempting to enter its shelf for protection.  The music started and the class began to sing...except Kyra, who managed to do little more than cry...well it may have even be a sobbing to describe it more correctly.
  As a parent it was awful to watch our little girl so terrified. Then the murmuring began in the crowd around us. Parents in the crowd began to notice Kyra and just how terrified she was.
  Life's like a talent show, or so I've realized watching my children. I've been here before. (Life's Like a Talent Show Original Blog) 
  I've learned through my children that we must get up, do it again, and push through the fears in our life.
  
  For Kyra, I am proud to say, she has continued to push through her fear of public performances. Every year she performs in a dance recital, and has had a number of other school performances.
  Last week, my wife and I watched our little girl stand up for her final elementary school holiday choir performance. It is almost astonishing to see how much she has grown, both physically and emotionally in the last few years. It got me thinking about the subject of my original blog, and I decided to write the sequel.

  Life is like a talent show!  No matter how old you are you must find the courage to stand up and perform, even when the first performance doesn't go so well. Just stand up! Shake it off and get up there again! It is most certainly what I have learned from my daughter.

Christopher M. Purrett
Enjoy the Journey!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Purrett Kids featuring No, El!

PURRETT KIDS YOUTUBE CHANNEL

  Ella is a precocious young girl, anxious for the holiday season. She is just 3 years old and can barely remember last Christmas, yet she knows in her heart something special is happening.  Her mind begins to swirl with excitement from all the holiday decorations, flashing lights, cookies baking in the kitchen and a magical snow globe.  SHE CAN'T HELP HERSELF!!! SHE HAS TO TOUCH EVERYTHING!!!!

 Join Ella and her mother as they navigate an afternoon in the life of an anxious child awaiting Christmas. Will she learn to keep her hands to herself? Or will Santa think she has been a "Naughty" girl this year?



DIRECTORS NOTE:  Happy Holidays everyone!
  This cartoon has some special meaning for me. It is the first from Gossamer Studios to feature all four members of my family. My wife, two daughters and I all have vocal parts in this very short cartoon:) My oldest and I are members of the "Comedy Choir", while my wife and youngest daughter voice our charcters, Mom and Ella.
  "No, El!" also allowed for the beginning of our Purrett Kids Channel, featuring age appropriate videos for kids! This channel currently consists of "No, El" and "Eric the Viking", but before Christmas we will be adding two additional cartoons that are in the works currently. ("Eleroo" & "What if...Animal was Santa")

 As always we hope you enjoy the journey our cartoons take you on and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for updates on new cartoons!

Thanks,
Christopher M. Purrett
www.purrett.com



Thursday, December 3, 2015

Eddy & Cric - The Cosplay


EDDY & CRIC KIT - THE COSPLAY (episode 6)

 Eddy & Cric (episode 6)
 Eddy & Cric attend the SUPER MEGA COMIC CON so Eddy can enter into the cosplay contest.  WATCH CARTOON

 This cartoon has been a little while in the making. It serves two purposes for the character Eddy Kit. First, it gives us a look at his sidekick in future episodes, Abby Horance.
 Abby was actually supposed to be his nemesis
Wash Your Hands!
in the original comic strip version (seen at left), but much has changed since that incarnation of Eddy earlier in 2015. Obviously, Eddy now has a wife and the Abby character became more comical during writing...therefore he was relegated to a sidekick in the cartoons. Abby actually made one other appearance; He is visible through the den window walking past the Kit's home in episode 2 - The Costume

   Secondly, it reveals Eddy's true nemesis. Why not villain? Well, I find it hard to call a man dressed in a wiener costume a villain. Frank Meyer is his name, however, we still do not have a name for his costumed character. That is where I am hoping for some help! I am looking for the viewers to name this guy. Check out our facebook and twitter pages to join in on the fun over the next few weeks.
Eddy Kit & Frank Meyer
  An interesting side note about Frank is that the idea for this character came from a comic con that my daughter and I attended a few months back. As we walked through the event we came upon a man dressed like a wiener...no joke! The best part was that he was at the concession stand and WAS PURCHASING A HOT DOG!!! Can you believe that?

 The next few episodes from Eddy & Cric are going to focus on Eddy and his new nemesis.  Abby and Cric will be there too!

Don't Forget to Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to get notifications on new episodes.

Past Episodes from Eddy & Cric
The Boot
The Costume 
The Beast (Halloween Special) 
The Workshop
The Spider 


Monday, November 23, 2015

Happy Gossamer Pen Day!!!!

HAPPY GOSSAMER PEN DAY!!!
  It is hard to believe that it has been one year since the novel, Gossamer Pen was released (November 24, 2014). I feel very fortunate to have been able to write one novel, let alone four; however, this one was interesting for a few reasons.
  I had just completed work on the Mistasia Anthology, and hammered out a blog called Leaving Mistasia. So what was next? I had a few things that I wanted to started working on, but none of them seemed to be going anywhere. A writing block had planted in the middle of my brain like a mad elephant waiting for peanuts.
  Meanwhile, my youngest daughter had been scribbling away in her tiny notebook...and by tiny I mean so small that I feel like the giant from Jack & The Bean Stalk when I grasp it between my finger and thumb to keep from dropping it. When I opened it, the notebook exploded with vivid and colorful drawings of people and creatures. It was like a treasure trove, and I had just stumbled into a gold mine of ideas all inside my daugther's mind.
  Over the next few weeks, I fed that angry starving elephant in my mind with those tremendous ideas like the peanuts he craved until he was so large he fell over and slid out onto the paper at my desk in the form of Gossamer Pen.
GOSSAMER PEN FULL COVER ART
  I have always found it hilarious that the ideas for my books have come from some of the most innocent of places. It isn't as though I don't have a computer full of novel ideas, yet I find myself struggling over the details almost fighting with myself when writing. However, Gossamer Pen was one of the quickest novels I have ever written. The story played out like a movie in my mind, and I just struggled to keep pace with the childlike imagination that my youngest daughter had planted with the seeds of her artwork.
 I look back on the novel today (one year later), and I am truly proud of the story, characters, and artwork associated with it. Even more so, I find myself gushing about my daughter's influence when I tell people about the origin of Gossamer Pen.
 I hope you get a chance to read this story and enjoy the journey!
WWW.PURRETT.COM

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Super Heroes Worst Fears

Super Heroes Worst Fears
  This Halloween was like many in the past; cold and rainy. Living in Michigan has that probability. However, over the last few years a friend of mine and I have decided to start dressing up for the occasion when we head out with my youngest daughter, while my wife hangs out at the homestead passing out candy.
  As you can see, this year was Super Heroes...for the grown ups. My beautiful daughter went as Maleficent. The decision was a long and hard one...meaning that only a few days prior to Halloween, we were still trying to figure out who would accompany the evil Maleficent through the dangerous suburb streets.
 It was decided that I would be Batman. My daughter, Maleficent, loves the Batman cartoon and she walks around the house saying funny things in her "Batman Voice". My friend, therefore, got to be Superman, because he is super strong...and that whole "VS" movie coming out next year.

 As is normally the case, I found that I had way too much fun pretending to be "The Batman". I had been kicking around ideas for a super hero based parody cartoon for our YouTube Channel for quite a while now and this was the perfect opportunity for my 6-year-old school boy humor to present itself.
The Dark Knight
  Quickly the story for the very first Super Heroes Worst Fears cartoon was written, audio recorded (and hell yes I did the Batman voice...who doesn't want to be The Dark Knight?).
  And now Purrett.com presents The Batman in our parody cartoon.
WWW.PURRETT.COM
2015


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Where have I seen that before?

 Easter Eggs & Hidden Characters

  One of the things that I admire most about companies like Marvel, Disney & Pixar...or should i just say Disney since they own everything, is the way that they connect their products to one another.  There are always stories and "easter eggs" in their movies that tease other characters or universes owned by their companies.
Purrett Productions, LLC. 2015
  Therefore, it will be no surprise to learn that the "Purrett" universe has a very similar undercurrent for things that may not seems to be connected at all.

Here is a list of some connections that have happened in 2015 alone.

1. Animal House
   In this cell from Gossamer Pen comic #1
Appears from Gossamer Pen Comic #1
Lea reaches for crystal figurines on display in Monica's Antique Shop. Those figurines represent Princess Merran Cadieux (white cat), Michael Whizzenmog (red fox) and Grace Tallon (brown eagle) from the novel, Land of Mistasia. These characters have yet to be officially connected (note: Kraylan's Love is a short story that lays the ground work for that though), but both worlds are based in the same small town of Greenville.


2. Who is that on the wall?
   Here is a still from the animated cartoon, Eddy & Cric.
Cric Kit sleeping in the den
 Kyra "The Creator"
Kyra
 Here you can see a unique looking pink owl hanging on the wall in the Kit's den. His name is Owly, and he also appears on Kyra's shirt throughout the Gossamer Pen (shown at left). In the Gossamer Pen comic, Owly is shown reacting to his surroundings, sometimes even before the main characters do. He does the same while hanging around in the Kit's den...watching the oddities happen around him.

3. Does anyone have the time?
  One of the most constant imagery in our short history at Purrett.com has been the frog character Phillip. It was the very first character ever created in my writing and storytelling (read: It All Started With A Bedtime Story) and has been incorporated into every logo we have used to date..

  With Phillip being so near and dear to our hearts...you can image that the character would appear in almost everything we create. And you would be right! In the first picture from the Gossamer Pen comic #1 (at left), Kyra pokes her head into a small room in Monica's Antique Shop.
 Kyra in Monica's Antique Shop
Kyra in Monica's Antique Shop
Upon the wall, Phillip appears as a clock, however, it is not the only place that he hangs out.
  Just a few months later, Eddy & Cric debuted on our YouTube Channel!
Phillip "The Frog" clock promeniently appears in many of the cartoons in the Kit's living room.

Eddy & Cric in the Living Room
A special note is that the clock does more than just add character to the background of many scenes. The clock also stamps the date of many of the productions from which it appears. In the last picture (to left), the clock reads 11:12 or November 12th. The date that this episode was released.

  Be sure to keep a close eye out for characters that you may have seen before appearing in other projects. If you notice something not mentioned in this blog, place it below in the comments.

  Hope you enjoy the journey!



Thursday, November 5, 2015

Eddy & Cric

When I originally designed the character Eddy Kit, he was going to be a super-hero who had no powers. He was just going to go around town and get back at people that bothered him; like those that let dogs poop in his yard or not washing their hands after using a public restroom. Etiquette...Eddy Kit, get it. Ha that is not really very funny is it.



Well, the idea didn't have much too it and after drawing a comic strip to introduce him in May 2015...Eddy ended up in limbo.

Fast forward to the updated Purrett Productions and the addition of animation (thanks to the awesome Smith Micro software "Anime Studio").  Eddy Kit was one of a few potential ideas to be the first YouTube cartoon on our channel.  The show was still up in the air until one Sunday night in August.

The story goes like this... I was upstairs when my daughter came running up from the basement frantically calling for me. My wife and oldest daughter were still downstairs, for all I know getting eaten by that spider from Lord of the Rings by the sounds of it. When I got downstairs, ready for the battle of my life...which means I had a really big shoe, I discovered the real issue.  Wait for it...a cricket.

There is another long story that goes into the cricket thing, however, to sum it up my wife is deathly afraid of them. So after, i rescued the poor critter and took it outside, against my wife's protests I might add. I went back to what I was doing. After a few moments, I began to chuckle at the whole event. That was when I thought it would be mildly humourous to have a second character named cricket...Cric Kit, that would be Eddy's wife added to the show. And the show became about their lives.

Eddy was now an inventor and Cric a very intellegent school teacher that tolerates Eddy becuase he is funny. It is basically our lives. And yes, I really do get upset when people let their dogs poop in my yard.

Having the Eddy & Cric show loosely based upon our lives and reactions to things has led to a multitude of storylines, which I hope viewers find entertaining. We are working on our 5th full episode, "The Spider", and have many more to come.

Enjoy The Journey!
Christopher M. Purrett
Purrett.com
YouTube Purrett

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

KRAYLAN'S LOVE



KRAYLAN'S LOVE
 a Land of Mistasia short story
 
            In the Land of Mistasia, beyond the Michi Mountains, rested Keegan Castle. It was a wondrous and tremendous achievement for the elves that dwelled within this structure. Few in Mistasia even knew that Keegan Castle existed. It had been kept hidden by the mountains for centuries…until two cunning elves discovered them, forming an alliance that would change the shape of Mistasia forever.
Late one day, only a few months later that alliance took shape. The sun nestled between the mountaintops casting large shadows on the castle grounds. Queen Kraylan Keegan, leader of the northern elves, stood at the gate awaiting their arrival. The bustling elves passed her as they went about their daily activities. They were humble and powerful creatures and would never agree with what their Queen was about to help set in motion. She hadn’t been of sound mind lately, confused by her feelings for an elf that she barely knew. He was strong and charming.
Queen Kraylan’s long red hair flowed down her neck resting across her chest. She took in the heavy evening air when she saw him approaching. He walked with a distinct purpose…his warriors and sorcerer with him. She didn’t trust this sorcerer, Pierre LaCroiux. It was something in his eyes…void of compassion, unlike the man for whom she had been waiting impatiently at the castle gates for nearly three hours.
“Cragon,” she gasped placing her hands on his chest. He grabbed her wrists with a force that shocked her. “What is wrong?”

“Not here, my love! We need to get inside the castle,” Cragon Cadieux commanded.
“Oh, of course, Cragon,” Queen Kraylan briskly turned and led him and his group through a short courtyard and immediately down a narrow pathway lined with thick vines growing along the walls.
Words were few as they approached their destination…a small tower set along the far wall of the castle. Queen Kraylan swiped her hand over the door unlocking it. Cragon grasped her and pulled her aside allowing Sorcerer LaCroiux access. The sorcerer’s gaze landed fiercely on the Queen as he past. She felt his hatred burning against her skin. A group of warriors followed him as they surrounded two prisoners.
Cragon half-smiled before kissing her upon the forehead, “Thank you my dear.” He motioned for her to enter. Once inside he slammed the door shut.
Queen Kraylan felt uneasy. She felt trapped in this once peaceful place by someone who claimed to love her, but she pushed that feeling down deep inside. She hadn’t earned the title of Queen from familial ties…she was awarded the position from those that lived here with her. She was a warrior, a hero and a powerful sorceress. Most of all, Queen Kraylan did not have to fear Cragon Cadieux. He loved her.
The group followed a staircase that lead them deep under the castle. Once below, Sorcerer LaCroiux set the room ablaze with a spell for all to see. Cragon moved to the center of the room.
“Tonight, we have done what must be done for the good of Mistasia and the Cadieux name.” His words weren’t harsh yet he spoke with vigor. “My brothers, this is the night we lay claim to the throne.” A smile rose on all their faces. Cragon took a deep breath as though savoring the sweet smell of victory. He looked at Queen Kraylan. Her expression was that of confusion. Cragon held out his hand. She searched the room. All eyes were firmly on her, awaiting her acceptance. This was the moment she would seal her fate and intertwine it with his…the man she loved for better or worse, and it was about to get much worse. The Queen of Keegan Castle placed her hand in his. She noticed how small and insignificant it appeared as his engulfed hers completely. He pulled her near and re-positioned her before him.
“I have something to show you,” Cragon whispered as he stepped aside. “I want you to meet my brother, King Steven ‘the weak’ and his wife, Queen Delia ‘the wretched’.” He began to laugh.

King Steven began to scream, but the sound was muffled. It only made Cragon laugh harder. His warriors joined him. Cragon waved his hand in front of his brother’s mouth releasing his spell allowing the King to utter a few words of disgust.
“How dare you, Cragon? Release us at once!” King Steven demanded in his most regal tone that could be mustered under the circumstances. He was still in shock from this night’s betrayal.  Cragon recast the spell leaving his brother’s muffled screams in place of words.
“LaCroiux, it is time!” Cragon stepped back allowing the sorcerer space. In moments,LaCroiux shocked the room into complete silence. He cast a spell turning the King and Queen of Cadieux Castle into statues. Now, King Cragon Cadieux and his sorcerer would return to claim the throne.
Queen Kraylan Keegan was left to perform her part of this coup. Keegan Castle would become the permanent home for the former King and Queen, and Queen Kraylan would keep them out of sight.

Many years later, Queen Kraylan continued to wait for his return. Cragon Cadieux had always promised that they would be together. He told her that he had to cleanse Mistasia of all his brother’s mistakes and return Cadieux Castle to glory…then and only then could he return for her. In the meantime, Keegan Castle would remain a secret to the other elves of Mistasia, hidden under the protection of Michi Mountains and the stories that Sorcerer LaCroiux would weave about the land beyond the mountains.
Her love for King Cragon grew into obsession and then despair.

Once again, the Queen stood at the gates of her mighty castle. It was a brisk winter night at the foot of the great mountains and a light snow fell at her feet. Her heart felt a sudden, sharp pain, and it knocked her to the snow.
“My Queen!” a nearby elf named Atom Kaval called. He was her second in command, leader of the Keegan Warriors. “Are you alright?” He aided her to her feet. She was weeping in his arms.
“Take me to him!” She called out hysterically.
“I cannot, my Queen. It is forbidden!” He replied.
“It is too late;he is gone!” She sobbed. She felt it within her heart. The bond she and Cragon had created so many years earlier had vanished. “WHIZZENMOG!!!” She screamed with such forced it cleared the snow from the area forming mountain-like snow drifts burying trees just outside the castle.
“My Queen, what has happened?”
“They have taken him from me,” she whimpered. A warmth began to burn deep within her. She dashed through the courtyard toward the tower that held her awful secret. Queen Kraylan approached the door but did not open it. She cast a spell causing it to explode, showering the area with splinters. Down the staircase, she moved with more determination than ever before. They would be down there…they would be waiting for her…they would be waiting for her to release them.
Upon entering the tomb, Queen Kraylan lashed out, creating a fireball to light the room. She collapsed to her knees before them,crying.
A gasp echoed in the room. Standing in the entryway was Atom. An expression of disgust upon his youthful face. The Queen quickly wiped her tears and stood tall in an attempt to compose herself. She dimmed the light, but Atom quickly relit the room to expose the two statues against the wall.
“What are these?” His voice was stern.
“I will punish them for this, Atom.”
“For what, exactly, my Queen? They are statues.”
“For ruining everything I ever cared for,” she turned away.
“What are these?” He questioned again, placing his hand on her shoulder. She pushed him away with great force, sending him into the wall. He was much larger than she, but Queen Kraylan Keegan was the most powerful sorceress in her kingdom…the only elf more powerful was the one that she loved and lost…Cragon Cadieux.
“These are the King and Queen of Cadieux, Atom! The brother of the elf I love! King Steven’s responsible for Cragon’s death!”
“That is impossible, my Queen!” Atom pleaded for reason. “He is right here…in our castle. Imprisoned, my Queen.”
“I must…I have to save him! So that we can finally be together.”
“But…you said…my Queen?” Atom struggled to follow.
“There is only one way to bring him back. I must go to Greenville and find the Whizzenmog. He has it!”
Atom found himself staring at the pained expressions upon King Steven and Queen Delia’s faces.
“He has what, my Queen?”
“The Gossamer Pen.”

MORE TO COME FROM THE LAND OF MISTASIA

Saturday, January 31, 2015

KYRA'S NOTEBOOK

KYRA'S NOTEBOOK

   Sometimes stories come from the simplest of beginnings. A small or seemingly insignificant moment in everyday life...and that's when I find them most refreshing.
   After rewriting the two novellas from the Land of Mistasia storyline, I found myself working through a few different projects. I kicked around ideas that I had been developing for quite some time, before settling on moving into a project that started nearly a decade ago.  For those of you that follow my facebook account, that story, titled Creations is a far cry from the Land of Mistasia in its target audience (a somewhat graphic science fiction story). I actually completed this novel and moved on to the follow up, but suddenly found myself stuck. Working through that story line removing pieces and redeveloping the overall tale...Creations is a very small portion of an overall work titled World of Angora that I hope to someday release.
   It was around that time that I asked my family to help me focus on brainstorming some other ideas that I had. We began working out some details on a completely different story focusing on a family of superheroes and another about a young girl who lost her father. My youngest daughter, Kyra, spends quite a bit of time drawing and usually had a small little notebook with her at these sessions. She rarely added much, except some funny over-the-wall comments to make us all laugh.
  Finally, she showed us her notebook one afternoon. Inside, she had created a series of book covers and characters. While the rest of us were talking, she had been designing characters of her own. That sparked an idea. I flipped through the notebook choosing characters, sometimes combining two into one; she had drawn a ninja and a spider on separate pages that I decided...not to her original consent I must add...into one. That became the character called, Spinja, in Gossamer Pen.
  Over the next few months, I would sketch out characters based on her original drawings until my wife and daughters would eventually agree it was finally right. One such beast, known as Swampy, took multiple attempts and renderings before it finally clicked. All of the characters in the Gossamer Pen that appear in Kyra's notebook in chapter 1 were developed from her original drawings, except Frumpkin...that one belongs to me (my ode to Jack Skellington in Nightmare Before Christmas, a favorite movie of mine). The story itself, well that was the easy part. 
  That is what I love about writing and working with my family on stories...you never know exactly where the next idea will come from...even the small notebook of a 9 year old girl.

Thank you, Kyra!
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Copyright 2014: Christopher M. Purrett