Shell Shocked: An Ocean Mystery follows a teen girl, along with the community, who discovers a bioluminescent, and they must solve the mystery of where it came from before it harms their island. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I have long been fascinated with the Outer Banks and the wild horses and sea turtles on the island. I remain grateful for all the organizations and individuals that care for their futures from the Corolla Wild Horse Fund to Outer Banks Forever.

I tried to create a universal story about:

• Real-world environmental concerns: The book draws inspiration from the growing problem of environmental threats to marine life, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.
• The allure of the unknown: The ocean depths hold countless secrets, and the mystery of the bioluminescence taps into our fascination with the unknown. The story is inspired by real-life phenomena like algal blooms or bioluminescent creatures, reimagined in a fictional context.
• The power of community: The story emphasizes the importance of community involvement in solving environmental problems. This is inspired by real-world examples of increasingly communities coming together to protect their natural resources.
• The potential of young people: The protagonist highlights the potential of young people to make a difference in environmental conservation. This is inspired by the growing number of young activists who are leading the charge for environmental protection.

Overall, Shell Shocked: An Ocean Mystery likely draws inspiration from a combination of real-world events, scientific concepts, and my own imagination. I found the characters to be engaging, and they really brought the story to life. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?

As a young reader, I really enjoyed and read every Nancy Drew mystery story and wanted to give back by creating a modern mystery with a strong character who worked with others to solve a variety of mysteries. The mystery itself drives the plot, highlighting the importance of scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge. The characters’ efforts to understand the bioluminescence reflect the value of curiosity and the power of human ingenuity. The protagonist’s journey suggests themes of self-discovery, taking initiative, and finding one’s voice. It explores the challenges and triumphs of adolescence and the potential for young people to make a real difference.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?

• Environmental responsibility: Given the premise of a mysterious and potentially harmful bioluminescence, the book explore themes of human impact on the environment, the importance of protecting marine ecosystems, and the consequences of environmental neglect.
• Community and collaboration: The story emphasizes the community’s involvement in solving the mystery. This highlights the power of collective action, the importance of working together to address challenges, and the strength that comes from diverse perspectives.
• The relationship between humans and nature: The story explores the complex and often fragile relationship between humans and the natural world. It examines themes of respect for nature, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the need for balance between human needs and environmental preservation.

When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?

The Coral Labyrinth: An Ocean Mystery is nearly complete. I am hoping for May 2025 for the publication release. Alex realizes early on not to rest on her laurels. There is a bigger mystery that needs to be solved. Here’s a sneak peek:

“But for Alex? Alex was standing there, not knowing if she should feel proud of their success or like the world was now a giant target, all thanks to the turtle. She looked down at the shoreline, where the wave-crests licked the sand like they had no idea how much trouble they were about to cause. A few curious onlookers were snapping pictures of the ocean as if they’d never seen water before. She rolled her eyes. Did they really have to show off every little part of the island like it was an exhibit? Sure, the turtle’s release was a big deal—but it wasn’t like she was a human-sized billboard for eco-friendly conservation. Was she?”

Author Links: GoodReads | AKABooks.com | KathyWelton.com