Guest Post ~ Glancing Through the Glimmer / Teens and Fantasy by Pat McDermott

A homesick girl meets a prince in disguise,
and both run afoul of the fairies…

In the Kingdom of Ireland, few mortals believe in the fairy folk. Without that belief, the fairies are dying. When Janet Gleason’s grandfather becomes the new U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, the sixteen-year-old orphan must leave Boston and her friends behind. Lonely in Dublin and unused to her grandparents’ stuffy social life, her life changes when she has to outwit a treacherous fairy king who’s been hoodwinking mortals for centuries...

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Do teenage readers identify with characters whose personal problems help them cope with teen-year trials, or do they simply enjoy escaping into an entertaining diversion?

I asked myself these questions when I first considered writing a “young adult” story. Not only did I used to be a teenager, I also had two in the house for thirteen years or so. Their experiences gave me some razor-sharp refreshers on what it’s like to be a teen. As if I could forget.

I recall my own teenage years well because I disliked them so much. Most teens do, for reasons ranging from embarrassing skin to curfews and cliques, STDs and mental health, body image, peer pressure, bullying, depression, drug abuse and worse. Being a teenager is, and always has been, hard work.

And so, I asked myself another question: With so many issues troubling today’s teens, why do writers have to invent things to create young adult stories?

Answer? Because young adults of all ages love the fantasy.

Many teens find comfort reading about characters who experience problems similar to theirs. Others prefer to bury themselves in rousing adventures that help relieve their stress for a precious while. Those looming final exams don’t seem so desperate when vampires, werewolves, dragons, and aliens threaten the world.

During my teens, I often sought refuge in stories like Treasure Island, Great Expectations, Peter Pan, and all sorts of fairy tales. At last, I created my own escapes. I love to write and have published six books. My Band of Roses Trilogy consists of three alternate history adventures set in a modern Ireland ruled by the heirs of High King Brian Boru. My young adult books, Glancing Through the Glimmer and Autumn Glimmer, are “prequels” to this trilogy.

The hero and heroine of the Glimmer Books are the king of Ireland’s son, Prince Liam Boru, and Janet Gleason, the American Ambassador’s granddaughter. As all teens do, Liam and Janet struggle to deal with coming-of-age issues. In Glancing Through the Glimmer, their problems  fall by the wayside when the King of the Fairies decides he’d like to dance with Janet—for the next few centuries.

Readers might ask: What would I do if I were Janet? If I were Liam, could I counteract powerful fairy spells to save her? When Liam tries and the Fairy King turns on him, can Janet save him? (I hope so. I need these gallant teens for Book Three, currently under construction.)

Pat McDermott

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About the Author

Boston, Massachusetts native Pat McDermott writes romantic action/adventure stories set in Ireland. Glancing Through the Glimmer and its sequel, Autumn Glimmer, are young adult paranormal adventures featuring Ireland’s mischievous fairies and an Irish royal family that might have been. Both books are “prequels” to her popular Band of Roses Trilogy: A Band of Roses, Fiery Roses, and Salty Roses. Her first contemporary romance, The Rosewood Whistle, features Ireland’s music and myths. Pat’s favorite non-writing activities include cooking, hiking, reading, and traveling, especially to Ireland. She lives and writes in New Hampshire, USA. Find out more at Pat’s Website www.patmcdermott.net and find her on Twitter @Pat_McDermott and on Facebook 

Video Trailer for Glancing Through the Glimmer