https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL6ZFW5C
What inspired you to
write about a young boy's journey into the world of computer engineering?
I drew from my own experiences. I’ve always loved computers
and tech since I was young. The sheer
potential they held, the ability to create something from nothing, seemed
mesmerizing. I can still remember that first time I sat in front of a personal
computer during elementry school. It was a Macintosh - hitting the keys and
seeing the results of my input directly on a screen was a thrill. My passion for technology was ignited during
these years.
The second inspiration for me draws from the real-life stories
of young minds shaping the tech landscape today. Their resilience and desire
for innovation are a compelling narrative thread. This made me want to
tell a story that not only mirrors my own techno-coming-of-age but also
pays homage to the new young pioneers of our digital era.
How did you ensure
the accuracy of the technical aspects of the book, especially concerning
computer building?
I leveraged not only my own experience in tech but the power
of online and up to date resources and how-to videos as integral components of
my research for Olvier the Adventurous Engineer and the STEM Team Olvier
series. Recognizing the dynamic nature of technology, these digital sources
became indispensable guides, offering real-time insights into the latest
advancements in computer engineering.
The hope is that this book provides a good guide which inspires and resonatates with readers who have never navigated the complexities of personal computer builing.
Oliver's story takes
place in a small American midwestern town. Why did you choose this setting, and
how does it influence Oliver's journey?
Having recently transplanted myself from New England to the
Midwest, it seemed a compelling backdrop to the narrative. I found it a place
far from the well known tech hubs and a place where I would like to see kids, especially in more rural areas
of our country, expand beyond the
confines of their immediate surroundings.
In this digital age, where connectivity knows no bounds, the
intersection of technology and growth can take center stage for many kids who
will be the innovators of the future.
The ability to harness the power of technology as a catalyst for
exploration and growth, with the focus on benefiting the world, became a poignant
message I wanted to share and communicate.
Can you speak to the
importance of STEM education and how Oliver's adventure might inspire young
readers to delve into these subjects?
The significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics) education is a fundamental base of Oliver's journey and the
narrative at large. Stemming from a deep-rooted belief in the transformative
power of knowledge, the book series attempts to illuminate the pathways paved
by STEM disciplines.
By weaving the narrative around Oliver's journey into personal
computer building, the story is meant to demystify the often-intimidating world
of STEM for young readers. It is a call to discover the fun aspects of science and technology and use them as
benefits by encouraging knowledge and innovation for young readers.
Cultivating STEM literacy is not just a choice but a
necessity. Oliver's experiences are crafted to resonate with young
imaginations, to ignite a spark of curiosity which in turn may evolve into a
profound interest in STEM subjects. The story aims to foster an appreciation
for the creativity and problem-solving inherient in these disciplines.
Oliver's character and his conterparts in the STEM Team
Oliver book series are deliberately portrayed as relatable, embodying the idea
that anyone—regardless of background or circumstance—can find inspiration in
STEM. It's a deliberate effort to break down perceived barriers and empower
young readers to see themselves as protagonists in their own STEM narratives.
Were there any
personal experiences or individuals in your life that influenced the creation
of the character, Oliver?
Children and young teens that have an interest in technology
are inspirations. I wanted to make Oliver as relatable as I could to the
demographic. In some of the early character develpment, Oilver was proven to be
relatable to young family members and children of friends. I also see a little
bit of Oliver in myself.
The heartbeat of Oliver's character finds tone in the spirit
of children and young teens who harbor an innate curiosity for technology.
Their boundless enthusiasm, coupled with an appetite for exploration, became a
source of inspiration. In crafting Oliver, I sought to extract the essence of
this demographic—capturing the wide-eyed wonder, the uninhibited curiosity, and
the untapped potential that defines these formative years.
Oliver and the other characters in STEM Team Oliver are intentionally crafted to be relatable.
It's a conscious effort to bridge the gap between fiction and reality, allowing
young readers to see reflections of themselves.
My aim is to create a series that resonates deeply with the
readers, sparking their imagination and kindling the flame of possibility
within each one of them related to tech.
Throughout the book,
Oliver faces numerous challenges. Which was your favorite to write, and why?
Oliver's challenges each offered its unique set of
complexity and triumph. However, if pressed to pick a favorite, it would
undoubtedly be Oliver's initial challenge — the meticulous process of
researching and assembling a comprehensive list of components for his personal
computer build.
This particular challenge held a special place for me, in
many ways, it mirrored my own passage in crafting this story. The act of
researching and assembling the component list and installation steps mirrored
the real-world tasks I undertook with the research for writing the book.
The theme of
perseverance is prevalent throughout the book. Why did you feel it was
essential to emphasize this trait in Oliver's character?
The thought of building a personal computer for many adults
seems daunting in itself. Perseverance courses through the veins of Oliver's
narrative. Had Oliver not possessed this trait he may not have seen the build
through. Without perseverance, where
would our character be? The decision to emphasize this trait in Oliver's
character was born out of a profound acknowledgment of its real-world
significance. Young Oliver serves as a reminder that the journey toward
completion involves one step at a time.
Oliver's perseverance is a callout to the spirit of youth
and the capacity for growth that lies within each young mind. By placing this
trait at the forefront, the narrative becomes a vehicle for instilling a sense
of determination in the readers, encouraging them to approach challenges with
fortitude and view setbacks as stepping stones toward success.
How do you envision
readers, especially those who are unfamiliar with computer engineering,
engaging with Oliver's story?
In crafting Oliver the Adventurous Engineer and curating the
broader STEM Team Oliver book series, the guiding principle was to demystify
the complex world of STEM. The challenge lay not just in making STEM topics
accessible but in developing a narrative that resonates with readers across diverse
backgrounds, especially those unfamiliar with the tech and engineering.
The story is intentionally designed to be relatable, making
technology not only comprehensible but also enjoyable. The idea is to keep tech
understandable, approachable, and, most importantly, fun.
Oliver's story is made to invite readers of all backgrounds
and levels of familiarity with technology to enjoy. The hope is that even those
with no prior exposure to computer engineering, will find themselves drawn into
the world of STEM with a sense of curiosity and excitement.
Perhaps even to build their own personal computer!
Beyond just building
a computer, what are the broader life lessons you hope readers will take away
from Oliver's adventure?
It is my sincere hope that readers, through Oliver's
example, find inspiration to surmount their own technological challenge no
matter their background.
Ultimately, Oliver's adventure is more than a tale—it's a
conduit for inspiring the next generation of thinkers, inventors, and
problem-solvers. It is my hope that through this narrative, young readers will
be encouraged to not only embrace STEM education but to envision themselves as
architects of a future shaped by their insatiable curiosity and passion for
exploration.
Are there any plans
to continue Oliver's journey in future books, perhaps exploring other areas of
STEM?
Yes, Olvier the Adventurous Engineer is book one of a
six-part series. The STEM Team Oliver series is a thrilling adventure -
following a group of inquisitive young minds on their quest to unravel the
mysteries of the scientific world. They tackle exciting challenges, encounter
fascinating concepts, and solve problems using their knowledge of STEM
principles.
Throughout the
series, readers will be introduced to a diverse range of STEM topics, including
computer science, engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics.
Each book seamlessly integrates engaging narratives with vivid illustrations,
making complex concepts accessible and captivating for young readers.