Even though THE EXTRAORDINARY CONFESSION OF BASIL HAYES takes place around Christmas time way back in 1493, it's just as much fun reading it in January, March, August or September, as it is during the Christmas season! Why? Well, because it's just a fun story.
The story is set in 1493, the year after Columbus discovered the New World. Among other things, it was the beginning of the end of the feudal system, the Middle Ages (the Dark Ages), and the beginning of the Renaissance; perhaps the last time such a story could take place in the Western world. If I could capture some of the flavor of those times, the simplicity of life, the harshness of serfdom, and the sense of child-like wonder that can only survive in a culture of innocence, then the story might soar. That was my goal at least.
The time period, as well as the rural English location, dictated much of the action that would take place. As I researched the era, I found many elements that made their way into the story, like the War of the Roses, Renaissance cooking, troubadours, and the social structure of the Feudal system. All of this information, and more, lent a certain authenticity to the story that gave it a solid foundation in reality, making the fantastic elements of the tale all the more startling, I think.
The man on the left is Casper Pym, proprietor of The Puck; the only inn for miles around and the place where most of the story's action plays out.
The Christmas aspect of the tale was incorporated early on in the process and while it isn't central to the story, it certainly adds a richness that couldn’t have come from any other source. For those looking for a retelling of the story of the birth of Christ, this isn't that story. It does, however, feature a joyful transformation that affects everyone in the story in a most profound way, for the rest of their lives!
The beautiful lass pictured below, is Maggie Finch. A widowed mother, she is a key figure in the story and a joy to draw.
This next fellow is Angus Whipple. A stablehand who works for Mr. Pym at the Puck, and a most heroic figure.
Of course, no adventure story can be complete without a good villain. (Good, meaning extremely bad.) THE EXTRAORDINARY CONFESSION OF BASIL HAYES has two. The first, Sir Jack Blackthorn, Manor Lord of Gamwich, is a most conniving and loathsome person in every respect, who you will hate the moment you meet him. (I'm sorry, but he really is rotten and there's no point in trying to sugarcoat it--he's just an awful man.) You'll wonder how such a vile person could become a Manor Lord in the first place, and every gruesome detail is included.
As distasteful as it is, the two characters pictured on the left are Lord Blackthorn and his toad, Gurney Pring. As you can see, everything about them spells trouble; they are conniving lovers of power who... well, there's not enough time or space here to list their villainy--trust me, they are despicable!
As promised, there is a second villain. (You'd think that Jack Blackthorn could provide enough villainy for two books, and you'd be right. However, at a most crucial point in the story, a second dastardly figure emerges, adding yet another layer of villainy to the story.) He is pictured below and I regret to say that he is even more awful than he looks! Oh, the things this man has done!
There you have it. Heroes, villains, a beautiful woman, a friendly tavern owner and a heroic stablehand. Of course, there's a lot more to it than that, but I don't have the time or the space here to go into detail about a mysterious Yellow Dwarf, Gurney Pring, Alp Starkey, a terrifying troll, a thieving giant, a dragon and Geezer Moon! At least you now have some idea of what to expect when you read about Basil Hayes and his friends.
The one thing I wanted most to achieve was to write a story that would appeal to adults as well as children. For what it's worth, I think I succeeded. (I like the idea of a family reading it together on a summer picnic.) Whether this lofty goal is ever reached is up to you! THE EXTRAORDINARY CONFESSION OF BASIL HAYES is available now.
To PURCHASE a copy go to https://www.createspace.com/3502489
Thanks for checking it out. I'll have more to say in the coming weeks, including some exciting announcements for 2011, so please come back. Don't forget to tell your friends--we don't want anyone left out!
Wishing you the very best for 2011!
Tom Roy
