Dear friends,
At last. After more than two years of research, writing, editing, re-writing, taking in beta reader feedback, and more editing, the story of Max and Itzel is ready. I'm thankful, and grateful, to have been able to share it all with you.
This is the story of the young son of a bee researcher who travels the world in search of an answer to colony collapse disorder. It's the story of the young daughter of a Maya beekeeper in northern Guatemala destined to follow in the footsteps of a thousand years of royal lineage. It's a story of friendship, adventure, growth and discovery, and the kind of magic that only ancient myths can bring to life. This is the story of Max, Itzel, a hummingbird named Luna, and the mythology of the world's most desirable food: chocolate.
Welcome to the world of
The Jaguar and the Cacao Tree, Book One of the "Max and the Code of Harvests" series.
I've been hinting at things long enough. Time for me to step aside and lift the veil.
It's all yours now.
We don't really, officially launch JCT (as Max, Itzel and I have come to call the book) in all its full glory until March of next year. That's because there are many an event, program, and partnership to plan still. And did I mention the coloring book, the micro site, and the game? So little to do, so much time!
But because you're part of
The Muse community, you get a sneak peek. You get the full novel, all the chapter illustrations, and the lovely Appreciation written by Dr. Allen Young, curator emeritus of the Milwaukee Public Museum and a respected cacao authority.
While the rest of the world waits, unaware, another four months.
It's like getting to see the movie before it hits the theaters. Or climb the tree no one else knew had the most amazing boughs to hide in. Or taste the chocolate souffle before it's brought out to the main room. But here's the best part: if you
pre-order the signed print book, you not only receive the eBook (ePub or mobi) now FREE, you'll also be automatically included in the official launch, which means a chance to win one of several really cool prizes. My team and I are still working those out with our partners, but they will! involve chocolate.
And just so my hand doesn't fall off prematurely, we're limiting the number of signed books to 50, for now.
Here's what's coming down the cacao pipeline:
• March 2016: JCT official launch, including the micro site with chocolate recipes, deleted chapters and other cool things
• Summer 2016: launch of the interactive game involving Mesoamerica and themes from the book
• Fall 2016: release of the JCT coloring book
• Winter 2016 and beyond: I can't think that far ahead.
Oh, I almost forgot. Max has been teaching Itzel this thing we call social media, and they've already got their own
Pinterest page. Check it out, follow them, and send them suggestions on stuff to pin! They're really into jaguars, bees, hummingbirds, and cacao (who knew).
It's going to be an epic chocolate year.
~ Birgitte
