DAUGHTERS OF THE SPRINGS

1969 Calusa Springs, Florida

A story of female ambition, exploitation, and revenge.

Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. A mermaid with long red hair swimming underwater among bubbles with text overlay about a women's fiction novel set in Florida.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. An underwater scene showing several fish swimming near rocks. There are also book covers visible, including "The Sirens" by Emilia Hart and "Bright Young Women".
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. Underwater scene with a mermaid in a purple tail and seashell top, swimming in the ocean surrounded by bubbles and light reflection.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. Underwater scene with a person swimming and bubbles rising.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. A collage with text and photographs of underwater scenes.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. A photo of a glass-bottom boat on calm water near trees, with a background of greenery and reflections on the water.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. A newspaper spread with articles and black-and-white photos about the Weeki Wachee mermaid activities, including protests, a rescue, and a mermaid parade.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. The Weeki Wachee Mermaids, historical images.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury. A vintage newspaper page from November 21, 1947, featuring a story about underwater theater performances at Weeki Wachee Springs.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury, these pages highlight the Florida Springs.
Daughters of the Springs Pitch Deck by Debi Canterbury.

PITCH

When equipment malfunctions in an underwater theater, two mermaid performers are rushed to the hospital with serious injuries. Former Hollywood actress and mermaid, Viv, rallies her fellow mermaids to demand safer work conditions.

As management refuses to accept responsibility, Viv and glass-bottom boat tour guide, Linnea, organize a strike. Park leadership pushes back, threatening their livelihood and personal safety. As the mermaids stand up for their rights, the risks grow increasingly personal. When management retaliation turns deadly, these daughters of the springs must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their sisterhood—and themselves.

 

My Literary Aspirations