Since the Goodreads giveaway for a signed copy of Presenting begins at midnight tonight, I thought I'd write an extended synopsis of the series for those who want to know more about the story, and make their way to this blog.
This is a story about seventeen year old Kaylee Ward, who discovers that not only do Immortals with magical powers exist, but she may be about to become one of them. In this discovery she meets the Immortal family the Gregorys, and their cousin, Will Bennett. The Gregorys are kind and welcoming. They explain to Kaylee that, if she presents powers, they will invite her to join their family. Although this idea shocks Kaylee, her mortal aunt explains to her that it is likely she was meant to be a Gregory all along. Sceptical, but curious, Kaylee agrees to spend her days at Miller's Landing, waiting for her anticipated powers to come. Her curiosity; however, isn't limited to the world of Immortals. She is especially drawn to the somewhat cool and aloof Will. Since he has taken charge of protecting her through the waiting period, Kaylee hopes this will give her a chance to break through the wall he's built around himself, and make a deeper connection with him. It's an uphill battle, especially in light of the clash between Kaylee's insistence that she's not weak, and Will's determination to protect her. Their opposing views only begin to meet when news arrives that the dangerous Immortal, Henri Descharmes, is searching for the Gregorys. Since it is an unproven belief throughout the Imm world that Descharmes compelled the last presenter to join his family, and obey him unconditionally, Kaylee, Will, and the Gregorys unite to stand against this threat.
The Presenting Saga is Kaylee's journey. Through the challenges she faces, and the mysteries she uncovers, she learns about herself, and defines herself within all her relationships; love, family, friendship, authority, and enemies.
I've just returned from one of my favorite holiday spots, Cuba. Yes, the beach was awesome, and ok, I had my share of Mojitos, but what I love most about Cuba is that it always sweeps me away, not just to another place, but almost to another time. The beautiful old buildings, and the streets filled with old cars, are just part of the charm. The rustic towns, farm fields, and mountainous regions sprinkled with towering royal palms, pulse with the lifeblood of what is real and unaffected. To a city dweller like myself, its a breath of fresh air.
What I love most about travelling, in general, is how much scope there is for the imagination. Wherever I go, inevitably I find a nook, or a vista, that sets my mind racing. Inspiration can sometimes even come from something as small as an item forgotten on a chair or a table. Who lost it? Why were they in such a hurry to leave? A multitude of ideas can come from just about anything, and the best way to find new treasures is to visit places you've never seen before.
I sit. It's quiet. I happily type the words Chapter 1, and add a title for the section, that I know will likely change later. The first line takes a little time. Then the words come, as if they've been waiting to be found. I see the fifteen foot stone wall, and it's heavy wooden doors. I see the square, and begin to fill it with life. My protagonist sits watching. She's blissfully unaware of the journey I have in store for her. It's going to be a difficult one.
While you may find it as flabbergasting as me that 8 to 13 year olds can cook like this, amazingly it's not that part that has me blown away. In a time when it seems value is placed on cold ambition, and other reality shows seem to revere 'alliances' and sabotage aimed at eliminating the strongest competitor, these kids put their adult counterparts to shame. The kids from MasterChef Junior don't just cheer each other on, they help each other. When someone does well, they cheer for them, and when someone fails, they console and encourage them. That's not to say they don't each want to win, they clearly do, but they are competing under a concept that I sometimes feared was gone; winning because you've worked hard to become the best at the task measured (not for your ability to ruthlessly eliminate competitors better than you). What a wonderful concept, winning on merit instead of by default. 
With summer fast approaching, and since Presenting takes place in the summer, I've decided to do something fun. I will be running a giveaway in May for an autographed copy of my first book.
What people say is true; you've got to face your fears to conquer them, and I'm so glad I did. Some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen have been from the air. How can anyone help but be awestruck and inspired by sights like this. 
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