Today’s the first day of SPRING! It’s the perfect time to do that cleaning and get those taxes prepped, and the perfect time to take a look at how you’re spending your pocket change.
Consider that most people spend far more money each day on dining out than they spend each week (or month, even) on purchasing books. As an author, I can assure you that we who publish spend far more time creating the stories, adventures, poems, dramas, and lusty tales you enjoy than your local cafe spends on “creating” your sandwich.
So swallow that last bite of mayo-drenched sammich and buy a book. Please.
I met Tori Meyer this weekend at a CIPA conference and was blown away by the beauty of her creation, the proceeds of which will go to honor American Veterans. I just bought two. You should too.
“The abundance of weird characters, places, and dangers keeps the story moving, and McHargue’s imagined world is so fantastic and so vividly drawn that at times I felt breathless, either from anticipation or exhaustion, struggling just like the strange assortment of inhabitants amid all the rapid and unnerving changes. Like Celeste, I felt disoriented and on edge. As I recall, that’s exactly what being 14 felt like.” ~ Carol Stuckey, former book store owner
“This book captures the reader’s imagination!” ~ Marie Povey
“‘Awesome!’ ‘Creative!’ ‘Magnificent!’ These are direct quotes from my sons about the book Waterwight. Bedtimes pushed continually later, the boys would clamor for me to read more, forgetting all about their beloved cartoons; they wanted more Waterwight. And when we got to the end of the book and kept trying to turn the page when there was no more, the first thing they asked was ‘When will she write the next book?’” ~ Molly Monahan Howe, Chocolate Maker and Mom of Boys Daring Chocolate Company Facebook Page
“There were times I thought I had it all figured out, but as I continued to read, I saw that I didn’t. The creativity and unique details were amazing!” ~ Caitlyn Baird, age 18
“What. Are. You?” Waterwight, Laurel McHargue’s beautifully written and evocative apocalyptic fable, is the tale of a quest to find the answer to this question and to set the earth in balance. Waterwight, with magical landscapes, memorable characters, and many dark spots, will find enthusiastic readers among both teen and adult audiences. It will be especially appealing to readers who have enjoyed Arthurian legends, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Hunger Games series, and other literary legends of self-discovery and the unlikely heroes. McHargue’s Waterwight reinvents the quest with concerns for the earth and the environment that are relevant to the 21st century reader. It is a hero tale with so many of the classic elements of that genre. I am looking forward to adding Waterwight to my library collection so that I can promote it to our students and community members. Bravo!” ~ Christine Carlson Whittington, Library Director, Colorado Mountain College Timberline Campus
“Is it just for the moment we live . . .,” Come on, everyone, sing it with me! Burt Bacharach’s song “Alfie” takes me way back to a time before I realized life was something I’d someday have to figure out!
My hero in Waterwight finds herself (yes, herself! I will not diminish Celeste by calling her a heroine) in that awkward age between childhood and not-even-close-to-adulthood, but she’s driven by the desire to find out what it’s all about. I’ve been spamming the Interwebs with excitement over my new Leap Day novel launch, so I figured I should probably tell you what it’s all about. Here’s the blurb you’ll read on the back cover when you buy my novel (wink-wink-hint), and I’ll credit my friend, Author Carol Bellhouse (Carol’s books) with the summary:
In a post-cataclysmic world threatened by stinking ooze, a brave girl searches for her missing parents with the help of talking animals and evolving powers. When a mountain spirit challenges her to save the planet, she and a flying frog must overcome a malicious castle of sand and a shapeshifter who wants her dead.
But wait! There’s so much more!
My story continues to be inspired by my wild-ass dreams and the wonderful people I meet nearly every day. And, of course, by my surroundings. I can see the mountain spirit, Old Man Massive, from my back yard, and the hot springs that inspired “the big water,” or the “ooze” as it’s called on “the other side,” are right down the road from Leadville.
What started as a story I knew preteens and teens would like has turned into a novel that surprises even me, and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings! So go ahead, take a chance. See if you can figure out what’s in the water!
Here’s more about Waterwight from people who’ve already read it!
Advance Praise for Waterwight ~ ~ ~
“I’ve tried reading fantasy before, but lost interest quickly. This is the first fantasy book I’ve ever finished. The mystery hooked me from page one and I completed 70% of it before realizing I needed to sleep. I finished it while snowshoeing the next day. I could see this being the next Harry Potter series.” ~ Tonya Hance, Professional Photographer and author of It’s a God Thing! “It’s a God Thing!”
“This is a great book for all ages. Highly imaginative and creative, readers will soon be swept up into this great adventure story.” ~ Jude Hill, age 11
“I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I was carried away in the fantasy! I love stories where I can escape the real world for a while.” ~ Tanya Gray, age 53
“Breathtaking, uplifting, plays well with the imagination and entertains immensely. Reads well for adults with a theme of the subtleties of inner powers.” ~ Ed Solder, B&B Owner
“Waterwight is full of enchanting, youthful human and delightful animal characters who care for and trust each other. It is heartening to watch them work together in the frightening, mysterious situation in which they find themselves. A love for the characters drew me into the story and a desire to have the mysteries solved kept me reading on. This is a story well suited for its intended audience, and it is also one that adults will enjoy.” ~ Judy W. Cole; Retired Teacher and Aspiring Poet
“I was up all night reading this book! The characters were very original and lifelike, and the story’s twists and turns leave you wanting more. For anyone who likes fantasy and adventure, this book is a must read! I can’t wait until the next book comes out!” ~ Natalia Brizuela-Wahlin, age 12
“I just finished Waterwight, Book One, and found myself in that perfect place of having enjoyed the adventure and yet wanting more. I can’t wait for book two to find out what happens next, yet I feel that the quality of writing and the depth of story were certainly worth my investment in time. Readers of all ages will enjoy the story and the writing.” ~ Dr. James Y. Taylor, Vice President | Colorado Mountain College
“I was whisked away on a phantasmagorical adventure!” ~ Nadine Collier, Professional Counselor
“Waterwight is a truly fantastic read. A fresh take on a post-apocalyptic world, blended with child-like fantasy and supernatural powers, with an ending that leaves you hungry for more. Can’t wait to find out what happens next!” ~ Cindy Jewkes, book reviewer and freelance editor at Cindy’s Treasury of Good Tales Cindy’s site
“A vividly descriptive, imaginative, and thought-provoking novel!” ~ Jennifer Donovan, Environmental Planner