October 3, 2007 | Book Stuff, Bookworm Wednesdays, Voracious Reader, contests
In the brand new get-it-while-its-hot book, 16-yr-old Penelope Lennox gives you the low-down on how she scores with Costa Rica’s surf champ and saves a few turtles while hangin’ out on tropical beaches.
Today is a special day on Bookworm Wednesday. YA author, Marina Kuperman, is joining me to talk up her debut YA novel, TURTLE FEET, SUFER’S BEAT (November 2007, Publisher Name Here). I’ll also be giving away an autographed ARC, so be sure to check out the GIVEAWAY QUESTION at the end of the interview.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with me, Marina. When did you catch the writing bug?
Ever since I could remember I’ve been writing journals. They were the most important part of my life. I wrote for hours a day. However, I didn’t start writing fiction until 3 years ago when I went to the leatherback turtle biological station, and became so moved to help this turtle, that I decided to write a young adult novel about it.
Have you always wanted to write for Young Adults?
Yes, I’ve always found that age group to be the most impressionable. It’s easy to take practically any subject and make it fun when you’re dealing with the adolescents. It’s all about having fun for them, so even the most serious topics have to be written lightly, but impactfully.
Your debut novel, TURTLE FEET, SURFER’S BEAT (November 2007) covers a very important topic: marine preservation. Tell us more about the book, how you came up with the idea, and what we can expect from your characters.
When I first visited the Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park a few years back, I never thought I would be so moved by this creature. They have been around for over 65 million years, and in the past 15 years the numbers of turtles nesting on this particular beach fell from 1600 to 50. This is all due to the overdevelopement of beach front properties, fishing, and other human related incidents. Scientists are saying that if something drastic doesn’t happen, there will literally be no more leatherbacks in the next 10 years. For some reason I was way too impacted by this news. Also, my son is 3 and I truly want him to see this animal in its natural habitat when he grows up. The book covers these issues but not in a directly, in-your-face kind of way.
For one, the main character is a 16 yr old suburban teen from the States. The neighboring beach to the turtles is one of the most famous surf community, not only in Costa Rica, but internationally. So I combined the surf theme with a regular teen girl and pointed them in the direction of helping out the turtle.
What made you decide to self-publish instead of going traditional? Any regrets?
I have more control with self-publishing, however the only real regret is financial. Publishers at least cover the cost of the actual publishing.
Readers and writers like to get a behind-the-scenes peek of an author’s writing routine. Can you share your typical writing day schedule?
My best writing comes in the mornings. Even though I have a tiny little son, I was getting up before him and putting in an hour of two. I just wrote and wrote. After I got the day started and was able to return to my writing, that’s when I edited the work I spilled out in the early hours. This system worked really well for me.
What’s up next? Do you have another project in the works? If so, please tell us about it.
I’m writing a book about a handicapped girl who is an incredible skateboarder and her trials and tribulations of making it in the male world of skating. It’s more of overcoming hardships and pushing forth no matter the obstacles.
Sounds cool! Can’t wait to read it. Thanks again for sharing, Marina. Any final words?
My goal is much more than just to sell this book. I’ve also started an online community, www.turtlefeetsurfersbeat.com, for teens and their parents to join forces with surfers, musicians, artists, specialists, and other people already working hard to save marine life and our oceans. I’m hoping to take a different route by engaging kids into making a difference but in fun, entertaining way. Thank you for having me here and I hope to see you all have fun with our community and helping out marine life! TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT. Take the ultimate ride!!!
Go check out Marina’s website and Friend her on MySpace.
GIVEAWAY QUESTION: If you had the opportunity to start your own foundation, what it would be called and what would it be for?
RULES:
~ Post your answer in Comments
~ One post per person
~ Winner will be chosen and posted on Sunday, Oct 7th
Technorati Tags: Marina Kuperman, Leatherback Turtle National Marine Park, TURTLE FEET, SURFER´S BEAT.
marina says:
hi Celise, thanks for the great write up! Any give aways yet. sorry for not writing sooner, I’ve been without internet service for the past 3 days.
It was great to work with you!
Alex says:
Hey Celise!
Great interview. I’ve got to get me a copy of this book. I can’t believe I haven’t done it already.
Have a great weekend!