The gifted young actor who's portraying Hope Shay, the main character in my new novel 'Now You See Her,'in a series of YouTube videos was missing in action for a few days about two weeks ago.

I thought that the wonderful series she'd begun -- "being Hope" on YouTube -- was over. I couldn't reach Lauren no matter how many times I tried.

It turned out that Lauren was on an errand of compassion. She was helping a friend in emotional trouble, much like some of the young women that the character Hope encounters in the novel. Lauren was by her friend's side when the young woman's parents could not be located, being a loyal friend.

Worried both about Lauren AND the project, I finally called her mother...and she found Lauren.

My young protege apologized profusely and began uploading videos again -- beautiful pieces of acting that make LonelyGirl15 look silly.

Though she is clear in various places that she is a fictional character, Lauren brings Hope to life with gravity, disdain and the self-centered yet vulnerable quality that makes her so irritating and
yet so appealing to those who want to understand human nature.

If you haven't yet checked this groundbreaking way to promote awareness of a novel (and it's the first time, or so we think, that it's been done, ever) please go to YouTube and either subscribe (it's free) and subscribe to "Hope Shay," so that you'll see each of the new videos as they appear (two more this week). You can also go the site and simply type in Hope Shay. Most of the videos will then appear. They range in length from a minute to five minutes.

"Hope" is also making a special appearance (live and in person) Saturday in DePere, Wisconsin at Butterfly Books. Young adults and teens (and their parents, if they're allowed) will be able to ask her how she connected to the character and brought her to life.

On a personal note, I got word just ten minutes after his birth that my children's new "cousin" -- my assistant Pamela's second baby son -- was born today, a healthy 7 pounds and 8 ounces! I'm on my way to see him.

Normally, the birth of a friend's baby would be a matter of joy but not jubilation. Pam, however, has been my assistant and friend for twelve years -- her 3-year-old son is my 3-year-old son's best friend and our families live on the same farm.

Baby joins big brother Carter (and the seven Allegretti-Brent siblings, as well as his real cousins) and as yet has no name, though my daughter, Mia, is lobbying for Luke Skywalker Johnston.

yours always,
Jackie M.