.png)
I'm a nature lover and proud of it. We all now live in a world where the depletion of resources and the random execution of the planet's well-being is being conducted with reckless abandon. Whilst there is a growing awareness of environmental damage and the decline in species' numbers of both animals and plants, it is undeniable that the political will to tackle these problems is undermined by the human 'need for greed'. It's sad, isn't it? We have been given this beautiful planet, and yet we treat it like garbage. Just look at all the political diatribe attached to greenhouse emissions. If I see another politician stand in front of a microphone and knowingly espouse theories of emission reductions, with false promises of agreed quotas and quotes from Kyoto's strict protocols, I think I'm going to vomit. The truth is very little few of us give a toss. True - governments are forced to listen, but they act slowly and selfishly who never really truly address the issues. They are many, and they are complicated, yet they are not. Preservation and conservation are essentially extremely simple concepts. Just don't throw your cigarette butt out the window and find that bin for your morning cup of coffee. Kudos to 'Mc Donalds' for shifting to disposable and 'green' straws. The sight of a magnificent Green Turtle with its nostril stuck with a straw in it sickened me as do the plastic wrappings that end up as a consumptive meal within the food chain. We can all do better. By the way, Greta Thunberg, the Swedish, environmental activist, is a hero in my eyes.
Well, that's enough of my environmental message. I suppose that the suppressed anger that I feel with the world's governments lethargy on enacting upon policies that preserve our world is reason enough to write a story that reflects the tensions that most governments feel. Within the framework of this compelling novel, I have tried to use humor to break down the barriers that exist between communities, and it is no different in the amazing world of the Miraculous, Spectaculous Courtyard Pond. The Koi seek to expand their territories similar to authoritarian, human figures of history. It's the same mantra, the same, diabolical reasoning -- exploit, rule and control. Has it ever been any different? Of course, I gained inspiration for the characters' development through the many times I watched question time in government on tv especially the British Government, which I find particularly amusing. What a load of nonsense! So many words spoken and such little work done! I guess that's just the nature of governments no matter where you are. So, with all the trumped-up, political diatribe, all the stuffy, pre-rehearsed responses, the excuses, the lack of political will and the complete disinterest in truth, I formed the characters' personalities based on what I'd seen, heard and understood. Yes, they are almost human, but to slice the tension with a knife, I have sprinkled humor within the dialogue to keep it interesting. There are many interesting developments that take place within this wonderful world of murky green and, conversely, the pure clear of the water. Not all is depressing -- no, far from it. Sir Filbert Frogmore is a wonderful character with genuinely up-lifting principles who possesses virtues, ethics and morals of the most profound kind. At the other end of the spectrum, the Mosquito Mafia reflect the true, dingy, dark world that the Mafia bosses and their cronies occupy. Yes, there is a good versus evil mentality in this novel, but it is subtly expressed through the many battles between species that the populations endure. From my own experience in this world, I have drawn inspiration from the many people I know, love and admire and the many I do not. Hopefully, I have managed to write something that you will find entertaining, enriching and encompassing topics that interest you. Happy reading....Damien.
Comments