New YA Fiction WATERWIGHT is Released

Looking for new English teacher resources? Alpha Peak LLC's new novel Waterwight will meet many curricular requirements. The story explores a post-cataclysmic world threatened by stinking ooze in which a brave girl searches for her missing parents with the help of talking animals and evolving superpowers. When a mountain spirit challenges her to save the planet, she and a flying frog must overcome a magical, malicious castle of sand and a shapeshifter who wants her dead.

Why did McHargue write this story? She got the idea from a dream. When she shared her dream vision with another author friend, her friend told her she had the recipe for some fantastic fiction. As an English teacher, McHargue knew her students were always looking for fun, exciting novels. Waterwight is the first in a series (published by Alpha Peak LLC, 2016, 9780996971102, $13.95, available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle, and from Ingram).

McHargue is no stranger to adventure and left Smith College to discover her true limits in all areas of her life. "The United States Military Academy was the best place not only to test myself, but to serve my country as well." Graduating with the fourth class of women at West Point, she then spent nine years on Active Duty followed by three years in the Army Reserves before resigning to raise her two sons. "I've jumped out of airplanes, traveled the world, and led groups of men and women in accomplishing challenging missions. I loved my time in the Army, and my experiences provided great material for writing some fantastic fiction in a fantasy adventure novel."

Waterwight explores the ideas of physical and emotional struggles along with the challenges that come from interacting with strangers and groups of people; it is designed with classroom instruction in mind. "This is a great book for young adult readers because it addresses self-discovery, and the characters are all unique, with different cultures and abilities. I think English teachers will really love it because I've included a glossary and discussion questions that address many standards-based instructional goals. I didn't 'dumb down' my prose."

Laurel McHargue has a Master's Degree in English, has taught secondary level and college English, and has published two other books. Her novel "Miss?" earned the IndieReader Approved award.

"I have many more books to write!" said McHargue. "I'm working on one about the evolution of communication and I'll publish two companion warm-up books, more easy-to-use English teacher resources, by the time classes start this fall. And the plot is truly thickening in book II of the Waterwight series. The beta version will be ready for readers by day one of 2017."

Learn more about Laurel's inspiration and books on her website at leadvillelaurel.com where she covers topics from cutting her own hair to her failed hunting exploits, and check out her "Off the Page" interview.

About the Author:
Born and raised in Braintree, MA, Laurel somehow found her way to the breathtaking elevation of Leadville, CO. A 1983 West Point graduate and ex-Army Officer, Laurel believes a life filled with challenges will never be boring.

Laurel facilitates a local writing group and is available for writing workshops and speaking engagements.

Her novel "Miss?"-based on her first year of teaching 7th grade English-was re-released with a new cover and an editorial essay in June 2016. The novel earned an IndieReader Approved award. She also published Haikus Can Amuse: 366 Haiku Starters, a haiku journal, in June 2016. In 2013 she co-created Not Your Mother's Book (NYMB) ...On Being a Stupid Kid. Many of her short stories are published in the NYMB series and several in Colorado Central Magazine.

Follow her on her blog at http://www.leadvillelaurel.com and on her Leadville Laurel Facebook page. For speaking engagements, interviews or other inquiries, email her at laurel.mchargue(at)gmail(dot)com.

About the Book:
Waterwight (Alpha Peak LLC, 2016) $13.95 is available now in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon and from Ingram.
KIRKUS Reviews says: "Striking dreamscapes make this tale about a heroine who can fly a fine first outing in a planned series" and compares it to Neil Gaiman's Coraline.

Review Copies and Media Interviews:
For a review copy of Waterwight or an interview with Laurel McHargue, please email her at laurel.mchargue(at)gmail(dot)com

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