Novel Writing

For the past several weeks, Aidan has been working on a story inspired by the Warriors series by Erin Hunter. He started with a map of the territory, then began thinking of character names for four clans of cats. His four clans are SeaClan, MountainClan (formerly LakeClan), ShoreClan and TwoLegClan. His character list is approaching 100 individual characters, all assigned Leader, Deputy, Warrior, Apprentice, Queen, Kit, or Medicine Cat status. Each character has unique physical and personality traits. He has considered their lineage and their destined paths as they rise to new status.

This evening, Aidan and I worked together on an opening chapter for his book ...

Greeneyes twisted in the dark, cold sea as he willed his body to sink to the sandy bottom below. His eyes were determinedly shut tight, his muscles flexed and rigid. Thoughts raced through his mind ... was he worthy of becoming the leader he had trained all his life to become? Would this death be the first of ten, with nine new lives being granted to him, elevating him to the rank of leader of his beloved SeaClan? Or was he only moments away from the end?

He pried open one eyelid, to see if his companion was still nearby. Relieved, he caught a glimpse of Winterpaw swimming powerfully to the surface. “If I fail today, I would be proud to know this cat as Winterstar,” thought Greeneyes.

Greeneyes felt a chill expand into his lungs as water claimed his body. His muscles relaxed, accepting his fate. In an instant, he filled with a sense of peace and warmth, calmed by the voice of the one he had loved, Lighteyes. The sweet smell of her helped him to make this final journey.

Now he opened his eyes fully and gazed about, to see he was surrounded by stars and three cats with glowing pelts. No study or practice could prepare Greeneyes for this welcome into Reflection. And there could be no mistake - Reflection was where he found himself in this moment. His mother, Muddysand, and his father, Greenglow, greeted him. In unison, the glowing cats stated, “We have journeyed here from Reflection to see you and give you your nine lives. You have demonstrated your loyalty, strength, courage, love, and the ability to sacrifice yourself for your clan. The time has come for you to become Greenstar, leader of SeaClan. First, we must tell you the future of your clan. You must keep Winterpaw as an apprentice for eight moons. When you pass on your leadership, the new leader must be Winterstar. Name Badgerkit as an apprentice as soon as you return. She is not too young, nor are her sister or brother. Go now, rise to the surface of the sea, and join in the celebration with your loyal followers.”

With a jolt, Greenstar emerged from the sea, accompanied by the warrior Seawave, who had witnessed his transformation to leader. Winterpaw yowled with delight. Startled, Greenstar convulsed and retched, expelling the salty water that had filled his lungs. He was amazed to realise that he felt strong and energized. Bluecrystal rushed to Greenstar’s side and pressed into his flank, bearing herbs to help remove the salt from his lungs. And in one joyous exclamation, the entire clan leaped and yowled in excitement to recognize their new leader.