A novel by A.G. Conlyn · Limited-series adaptation in development

High Ground

In a future transformed by rising seas, an architect who has spent her life avoiding attention becomes the center of a national storm.

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Political thriller · Speculative fiction

The courage to be seen

Gloria Tejeda is an architect with a bold vision for a city threatened by rising water. She uses underarm crutches and full-length leg braces, and she has spent years navigating a world that too often sees her disability before it sees her talent.

When a rescue in flood-stricken New Miami makes her unexpectedly famous, Gloria discovers that public attention can be as dangerous as the disaster itself. Her work, her relationships, and her private life become entangled with political forces far beyond the city she hopes to rebuild.

At her side is Nancy Brookes, her irreverent friend and partner at BlueWaters Architecture. Together they face a world in which the truth is contested, appearances can be weaponized, and integrity comes at a cost.

High Ground is a political thriller about resilience, friendship, disability, public scrutiny, and the possibility of a better future.

New author edition in preparation. Purchase links will be added when the revised edition is available. The website does not direct readers to the superseded Amazon edition.

Official High Ground front cover by A.G. Conlyn: Gloria in floodwater with underarm crutches and full-length leg braces, with Miami and a rescue helicopter behind her — Official front cover of *High Ground*, provided and approved by the author.

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The central characters

Two friends, one impossible challenge

Gloria Tejeda working at an architectural drawing table using underarm crutches and leg braces — **Gloria Tejeda** — architect, visionary, reluctant public figure.

Character concept of Nancy Brookes in an architecture studio — **Nancy Brookes** — Gloria’s friend and BlueWaters business partner.

Gloria’s appearance changes during the story. Before Chicago, she has long blonde hair; afterward, she wears it shorter and dark. Her braces can also change over time, as real orthotic equipment does.

Illustrated world · Selected artwork

Before the headlines

A few glimpses into Gloria’s world, selected to introduce the story without disclosing its major turns. These are concept illustrations, not film stills.

Architectural concept plan for the New Miami waterfront and elevated redevelopment — **A new city at the water’s edge.** BlueWaters Architecture’s vision for a resilient New Miami.

A rescuer carrying Gloria through floodwater in storm-damaged New Miami — **The rescue.** An extraordinary moment places Gloria in the public eye.

The changing face of Gloria Tejeda

Gloria with long blonde hair at a mirror, in full-length leg braces and using crutches — **Earlier:** Gloria looks at the person she has always presented to the world.

Gloria with short dark hair working as an architect, in braces and using underarm crutches — **Later:** Her outward transformation hints at a deeper change in how she understands herself.

The two appearances are intentional. As Gloria’s journey reshapes her sense of who she is, the change becomes visible—without telling the audience what that journey will cost.

The larger world

When private conviction meets public power

Gloria’s skills as an architect open a way of thinking about more than buildings. The struggle to rebuild a city becomes part of a wider argument about public responsibility, personal dignity, and who controls the story the public hears.

This section intentionally avoids late-story revelations. Additional artwork remains in the private series bible and visual lookbook.

Gloria Tejeda testifying before a Senate committee, her nameplate reading Ms. Tejeda, with underarm crutches and full-length leg braces visible — Public testimony — a visual concept from the series materials.

For producers and industry readers

High Ground on screen

The novel has been developed as a proposed eight-episode limited series. The pilot, series bible, pitch deck, and visual lookbook are available for legitimate industry inquiries.

The public website presents the premise and tone. Major plot developments, including the childbirth and oath sequences, are deliberately excluded from this page.

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Limited series

Eight episodes. One extraordinary journey.

Political suspense, intimate character drama, and a changing America.

Producer materials by inquiry