Kingston teen launches debut novel

Make-A-Wish Idaho granted 15-year-old Mariah Lowman’s wish to be a published author on March 12 at a launch for her debut novel, "Dragon Slayers," the first part of the Golden Heir series. 

The event was at the Well-Read Moose in Coeur d’Alene. Make-A-Wish Idaho provided Mariah with a writing mentor, author Ridley Pearson, as well as editing and publishing support. 

Mariah still did the hard work of writing the book herself. She is a cancer survivor who recently underwent a kidney transplant.

When choosing a wish, the Kingston teen had learned that Make-A-Wish Idaho had previously granted the wish to become a published author. 

"That's a really cool idea," Mariah said in a press release. "It could give me a headstart on my career as a writer. It was a blessing, definitely. That conversation started this whole process."

The launch of her novel included a book signing and reading, and it was the first time Mariah held a copy of the published book in her hands. Her closest friends and her family attended, but it was not open to the public due to post-transplant health concerns.

Here is an outline of her book: 

"Dragon Slayers follows protagonist Nakara who is sent out on a deadly quest to save the kingdom of Zenith by defeating the dragons that threaten her home. During her journey, she faces danger, betrayal, and heartbreaking loss, but discovers that she is the Golden Heir and more powerful than she ever believed. During the pre-order period, her book had already sold more than 120 copies and is available for purchase online."