A Soggy Surprise
Satire Encourages Climate Change Activism
Writers expect the unexpected and most deal with whatever comes their way creatively. Case in point: even with a complete draft ready for the copy editor, I had a problem completing the manuscript for a book.
“Who Iced Santa?” is an environmental comedy about the plight of Christmas Village at the North Pole when the ice sheet under it melts. Look out, Arctic Ocean—let’s hope toys float and reindeer can swim.
As the story developed, the lovable Soggy Elf character took on stature and heroic qualities. Soggy unexpectedly emerged as a leading man-elf. That created a problem.
The real issue was Soggy’s late entry into the plot-line, too late to introduce as a protagonist. At first, I changed nothing. Soggy Elf was only a support character, I rationalized, but the problem with logic is logic. Updates are required when data points change and Santa’s foremost go-to elf had become a hero.
Catalyst for Climate Change Activism
The meme-changing Christmas story was first written as a screenplay intended for animation. Now it’s a book with plans for the stage and much more. A franchise has taken root with the advent of Soka aka Soggy. The crafty little elf is the perfect catalyst for expansive environmental activism.
The franchise is simple. Santa Claus is the world’s best-known victim of climate change. Santa and the whole of Christmas Village—reindeer and all—must relocate after the ice melts at the North Pole. To save Christmas (and life on Earth), Santa and Soggy need help from children around the world . . . and their parents . . . and progressive voters, world leaders, celebrities, etc. You got it.
Prologue to Santa’s Rescue
With Soggy Elf’s character elevated to iconic franchise status, the need for a prologue became clear. How better to reveal a glimpse of the global crisis than with a brief dramatic depiction of the dangers that lie ahead? A prologue informs readers with backstory details to anchor the plot, establish a setting and connect it to the main story (credit to Wikipedia; Chicago Style Book).
The draft of a prologue for the next story in the save Santa, save Earth franchise follows below. “After the Ice Melts,” is scheduled for publication in the fall. A children’s version titled, “How Soggy Saves Santa,” is timed for similar release. Both publications require a prologue.
Readers to the Rescue
Santa needs our help to save his home and a sustainable ecosystem for Ms. Claus, reindeer, elves in the toyshop. Anything less would be disastrous for Christmas—and Earth. The universal call is for environmental activism. But for now, dear reader, I need your help with the prologue. Please review the draft below. All comments are greatly appreciated.
- Edward Draper, proponent of climate change activism
Backstory Supports Climate Change Activism
After the Ice Melts: Prologue
“Soka! Wake up! Santa needs your help!”
Loud snoring from across the large room stopped abruptly. The short-lived silence was displaced first by the pop of an ember and then by the fluster of pillows and blankets as they were tossed aside coarsely. Flickering light from the fireplace revealed a groggy little elf bounding out of bed before his eyes were fully open.
Soka floated magically into heavy winter gear and hit the floor running, wrinkling rugs under foot in his haste to exit. He paused only to hug the missus who had sounded the alarm.
“Love you—don’t hold dinner.” Soka jogged backwards a few steps to blow her a kiss before dashing through the door and into the blustery darkness outside where a legendary creature waited.
The charming lady elf fretted as she followed her spindly husband onto the icy stoop and stopped there to witness an amazing scene. Flashes of red light from the nose of a famous reindeer made fallen snow in the meadow glow pink and falling snowflakes shimmer.
Rudolph snorted and pawed at the icy ground awaiting his important passenger.
“Hop on, hold on. Santa needs his go-to elf in short order,” he said briskly as Soka approached.
Sharing the concern, Soka rushed toward his longtime friend. He hopped, skipped and leap to mount him. Safely aboard, reindeer and elf were off in a blink.
“Bye, Misses Elf,” said Rudolph as he sprang into flight. “Wish us luck.”
“Godspeed, be safe!” she called out.
“Love you,” Soka shouted back to the missus, holding on tight as they dashed ahead. His voice trailed off with distance. “Love… you-u-u!”
“I knew this day would come,” said Rudolph, confessing angst to his fellow traveler.
“How’s Santa?” Soka asked apprehensively, dreading the answer.
“Santa’s fine for now—” grunted Rudolph, pausing for breath.
“But other things are not so fine,” added Soka to finish the thought. The gritty elf looked back to his cabin in the snowy woods but saw little more than swirling pink snow.
Back on the ground, Misses Elf paced as she watched Soka and Rudolph disappear into the stormy night’s sky.
“Godspeed—be safe,” she repeated, waving as if they could hear and see her.
Missus Elf could still see them—sort of. Their silhouettes lingered through the blizzard for a while, aided by Rudolph’s radiant red beacon.
She fretted in the face of the frigid gale and worried more once inside warming up. Her angst was not just about her caring and determined little elf but also about the times. She knew Soka could help Santa save Christmas Village . . . but what about the rest of the world—and all of mankind?
— Edward Draper
- Edward Draper, Author, Environmental Activist… Writing to encourage climate change activism
- Visit Draper’s Amazon author’s page
- Follow Draper’s politically progressive social media identies:
- Instagram: @redarrowguy @shameyawards
- Twitter: @redarrowguy @shameyawards
- YouTube.com/redarrowguy
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