Chrissie Daines

Hello, I'm Chrissie. I've a passion for writing, drawing and painting, and stop-motion animation. My creations are inclusive dreamy curiosities for children and adults. Enjoy magical adventures for all ages about Christmas, Halloween and protecting our precious planet. Stories ripe with my original hand-drawn illustrations and stop-motion videos.

I'm especially thrilled that 'Edward and the Christmas Grumps' is an annual festive reading recommendation by LoveReading4Kids, "A wonderfully warm and magical ending. A true Christmas story." The tale's also endorsed by Kirkus Reviews, "A charming, magical tale about preserving the holiday spirit." I'm delighted, too, that it's a Mom's Choice Gold Award winner in the USA.

I'm working on a second draft to a sequel and hope to publish that shortly. I've also written a six-part environmental screenplay, 'The Earth Emperor's Eye."

My book cover for 'Edward and the Christmas Grumps' is an annual entry in the December Cover of the Month competition. I drew and painted the cover. It features the two main characters and their most beloved toys, Kat, Archie the Advent Calendar, General Grump and one of his gang. No digital software was used, aside from formatting into a pdf for upload.

I do love a bit of escapism, as reflected in my creations. Somewhere in magical Hertfordshire, England, you might find me dressed as Belle, my favourite fairy-tale character, engulfed in a sparkling stardust aura. I sometimes dress as an elf too, when I run events promoting my Christmas story. Elves are sublime creators, instinctively imagining and conjuring up glorious gifts for young and old alike. I, too, strive to create deep, meaningful and ultimately joyful delights through my words and art. So, I describe myself as a creationist.

Google defines a creationist as someone who believes that the universe and all living things within it come from acts of divine creation. Well, I certainly believe there’s much more to the world than we’re able to experience with our five senses. Perhaps we have an inner knowledge or instinct that transcends us? It is this that I explore in my imaginings, all born of mystery and wonder. I marvel at the idea of hidden worlds, just out of reach, but tantalisingly close, and at the concept that the Earth itself has a spirit – Mother Earth or Gaia!

If, like me, you are curious and have a head full of questions about life, dreams, magic and mysticism then my creations are for you. It’s all connected. It’s all real.