Melina Sempill Watts' debut novel, “Tree,” is about a California Live Oak narrated by the tree itself. The novel uses magical realism as a key to access the emotions of the species that share one pristine valley in Topanga, California. Grass, birds, other trees and animals come to life in this book. The author’s work has appeared in Sierra Magazine, the New York Times, Earth Island Journal and Sunset Magazine. Watts began her career in Hollywood as a development executive, writing consultant and