By Kali Williams – Special to the Pahrump Valley Times

Pahrump is home to all kinds of artistic people, from musicians, to artists, to writers and everything in between. One of these creative minds will be showcasing their latest project this weekend.
Local author H.M. Alder, will hold a signing event for the first book, “Treasures of Tay,” in her four-part aquatic series entitled “Tides” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 17 at Off 160 Coffee House, in the Beverly Plaza beside Saddle West.
Alder will be accompanied by longtime friend and illustrator for the book, RaDean, who will be selling and signing her fantasy artwork as well.
The “Tides” series takes readers on an epic adventure through Scotland, the Great Barrier Reef and the Island of Bimini, and ends among the tides of the Aegean Sea.
The storyline follows the tale of four main characters and their attempts to unify land and sea, all while unraveling their own personal identity.
Alder said she began brainstorming for the series about five years ago, when she finally decided she wanted to take on the project. “I’ve always written short stories and poems for as long as I can remember, but I never really shared them with anyone. Finally, I decided I wanted to write something that could really be something special,” she said.
Inspiration for the novels comes from her love of all things aquatic. “I always really loved the mermaid world when I was growing up so I just kind of went from there.” 
Alder’s use of fantasy worlds in conjunction with real geographical locations gave her a lot of folklore to incorporate into her story, including the legends of the Selkies, which originated in Scotland and the Island of Bimini, which was once thought to be the location of the Fountain of Youth.
“Treasures of Tay,” took Alder a little over three years to complete, as she was working full-time as a pharmacy technician in the process.
The second book came a little more quickly and is expected to be released this summer. As for the third book, Alder is currently holding a character naming contest which will close on Dec. 1, 2013.
The contest is open to all ages and is free to enter. The grand prize includes a cash prize of $500, a signed copy of the book, and a poster.
Entries may be submitted online at tidesbook.com or mailed to P.O. Box 2333 Pahrump, NV 89041. If you miss the signing this weekend, Alder will also be at the library at 11 a.m., April 13.

Writer acclaim

Kali Williams / Special to the Pahrump Valley Times - Author H.M. Alder will be signing her book “Treasures of Tay” beginning at 11 a.m., Sunday at Off 160 Coffee House. The book is the first in a four-part series.