What inspired you to write a story about a turtle
traveling to space? How did the idea of Splash come to you?
In March 2023, a significant chapter of self-discovery
unfolded after my divorce as I embarked on a journey to rediscover my true
self, rekindling the spirit of Brandon. Feeling disconnected from my identity,
I volunteered abroad in Costa Rica, specifically for a Sea Turtle Conservation
project. You might wonder how this leap from newfound divorcee to turtle-saving
in Costa Rica came about. Well, I firmly believe in the profound influence of
early childhood experiences. Ever since my Pre-K years, I harbored an intense
fascination with turtles, so much so that when asked about my aspirations, I
answered, "I want to be a turtle when I grow up."
During my two-week volunteer stint in Costa Rica at an
extraordinary place called the "Turtle House," I joined forces with
fellow volunteers from around the world. We undertook various tasks, ranging
from beach walks to caring for the hatchery, where we protected and monitored
turtle eggs. These humbling experiences left a lasting impact on me.
Upon returning to the States, my daughter Georgia became
increasingly intrigued by my Costa Rica venture, reflecting my passion for
turtles. Before our Disney cruise, we had planned a visit to the Kennedy Space
Center. As we embarked on the seven-hour drive, Georgia bombarded me with
countless questions about turtles. She was relentless, her curiosity shining
through every moment.
Finally, the day arrived, and we set foot in the Kennedy
Space Center. Georgia's excitement grew exponentially as she chattered non-stop
about astronauts, aliens, and spaceships. While standing in line for a space
history briefing, Georgia looked up at me with a mischievous grin and
proclaimed, "Daddy, turtles can't go to space. They can only swim in the
ocean."
In that very instant, the concept of "The Curious
Turtle Who Flew to Space" was born. I found her comment somewhat problematic
because it felt limited and closed-minded. Although her statement held some
truth, I realized the importance of nurturing curiosity and imagination. After
all, the most influential visionaries throughout history possessed these very
qualities.
I created the character "Splash," a female turtle
who defies expectations to inspire my daughter and challenge her perspective.
Through this fictional creature, I hoped to instill in Georgia the belief that
one can transcend boundaries and explore uncharted territories in imagination
and life.
The theme of environmental conservation runs strongly
throughout the book, particularly with Splash's determination to save her home
from pollution. What message do you hope young readers will take away regarding
the environment?
This book is deeply connected to me as my experiences inspired it in Costa Rica. During my time there, I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of pollution on the fragile environment, particularly on baby turtles. It broke my heart to see their habitats threatened by trash and litter. I spent countless hours cleaning the beaches, hoping to make a slight difference.
This experience fueled my determination to create a book
that would cultivate environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility in
young readers. My main goal became igniting a genuine understanding of everyone’s
power to safeguard our planet. I wanted to convey through Splash's unwavering
determination how even the most minor actions can have a significant impact.
I hope young readers will empathize with Splash's passion
and be inspired to act themselves. I want them to understand that they can
enact meaningful change, no matter how small. Whether it's picking up litter or
adopting eco-friendly habits, these efforts contribute to the well-being of our
environment.
How did you approach the challenge of blending real-life
issues like pollution with the whimsical notion of a turtle building a
spacecraft?
Approaching the challenge of blending real-life issues like
pollution with the whimsical notion of a turtle building a spacecraft was an
unexpected but enriching journey. When I first set out to write this book, my
primary goal was to send a strong message to my daughter, hoping she would
understand the importance of curiosity and imagination. I had little to no
expectations beyond that.
As I delved into the story, the concept of pollution
naturally emerged as a central theme. I realized it was a real-life issue that
deserved attention, even in a whimsical and imaginative context. I wanted to
create a narrative that would captivate my daughter and young readers, using
fantastical elements to communicate a more profound message.
Blending the idea of a turtle building a spacecraft with the
concept of pollution was a delicate balancing act. It required finding the
right combination of whimsy and seriousness to convey the importance of
environmental stewardship. By contrasting the playful and imaginative elements
with the gravity of the pollution issue, I aimed to capture young readers'
attention and make them think critically about the impact of their actions.
I've realized that the book's approach to blending real-life
issues with notions has had a far more profound impact than I initially
anticipated. It has sparked conversations among readers, highlighting the
urgency of addressing environmental concerns and the power of everyone to
contribute positively.
Ultimately, while I intended to create a fun and engaging
story for my daughter, I am humbled by the book's ability to raise awareness
about pollution and its importance to a broader audience. It reminds me of the
incredible potential for stories to inspire meaningful change, even in the most
unexpected and imaginative ways.
Splash is not only an adventurer but also an inventor.
How important was it for you to portray a character embodying curiosity and
resilience?
Portraying a character like Splash, who embodies curiosity
and resilience, was paramount to me in this book. I wanted to create a
character who embarks on exhilarating adventures and embraces her innate
curiosity, pushing past her fears to accomplish something extraordinary.
In our everyday lives, it's common to see people fall into a
routine, conforming to the 9 to 5 mentality and playing it safe. But I firmly
believe life is precious and meant to be lived to the fullest. By showcasing
Splash's fearless and bold nature, I wanted to inspire young readers to embrace
their curiosity, question the world, and never shy away from exploring or
pursuing their dreams.
Curiosity is a driving force that propels us forward,
enabling us to uncover new ideas, experiences, and possibilities. It opens
doors to personal growth and pushes boundaries, encouraging us to go beyond our
comfort zones. I wanted Splash to embody this sense of wonder and curiosity,
encouraging readers to engage with the world proactively and adventurously.
Resilience was a profoundly personal and essential element I
wanted to highlight through Splash's character, influenced by my own
experiences during a challenging divorce. I aimed to show young readers the
value of determination and courage in pursuing their passions, even when faced
with setbacks or self-doubt. Through Splash's unwavering determination and
courage, I wanted to convey that setbacks do not define us but present
opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Moreover, Splash's fusion of curiosity and resilience also
aligns with the broader message of the book. It serves as a reminder that life
is too short to hold back or settle for mediocrity. It encourages readers to
embrace their unique abilities, to nurture their passions, and to dare to dream
big. By doing so, they can make a lasting impact on the world and lead
fulfilling lives.
Your book seems to be a blend of genres: adventure,
fantasy, and educational. Was it challenging to strike a balance between these
elements?
Surprisingly, striking a balance between this book's
adventure, fantasy, and educational elements felt quite natural and effortless.
It was as if all the life pieces had fallen into place, guiding the story's
development and themes. Although merging these genres may seem unconventional,
fusing them was the right approach.
Are there any real-life inspirations or personal
experiences that influenced certain characters or events in the story?
There were real-life inspirations and personal experiences
that heavily influenced the creation of characters and events in the story.
Splash was a character specifically designed to challenge my daughter's
perspective and mindset. My experiences shaped her journey and challenges
throughout the book during a difficult divorce. During this challenging time, I
realized the importance of resilience, courage, and the power of overcoming
adversity.
What age group would benefit most from reading "The
Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space"? How do you envision parents and
educators using this book as a tool?
"The Curious Turtle Who Flew to Space" would
benefit children up to the age of eight, and parents/teachers can utilize this
book as a valuable tool to initiate discussions about space exploration,
environmental pollution, and the significance of protecting endangered species
like turtles.
Finally, can readers expect more adventures from Splash
in the future? Are there any plans for sequels or related stories?
Readers can look forward to more captivating adventures from Splash in the future. Although there are no concrete plans for sequels or related stories, I am open to exploring new paths and narratives that may emerge. It’s important to me that Splash returns when my curiosity and imagination naturally align with a real problem that needs to be addressed.
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