Living at the Edge of the World – Spring follows 12-year-old twins who uncover an ancient artifact in the peat banks of Papala Island, Shetland leading them on a journey filled with insight about community, courage, and belonging. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

This is the second book in my Papala Island series, and the inspiration came from observing how many youngsters today spend much of their time indoors, absorbed by screens—whether on their phones or playing video games. When I was their age, I was outside with my friends, walking dogs, riding bikes, building camps, and hanging upside down from climbing frames.

I wanted to write stories that would spark a sense of adventure in kids, setting them in a relatively safe environment, away from constant WiFi and the influence of social media. The irony? Social media is woven deeply into the story itself! There’s no escaping it, so instead, I’ve embraced it—showing both its power and its pitfalls—while encouraging a balance that serves the greater good.

What were some challenges you felt were important to defining your characters in this story? 

One of the biggest challenges was making sure the kids took center stage—driving the action—while keeping the adults in the background without them taking over the story, yet still creating a realistic world!
For the main antagonist, Tabitha, I wanted her to start as a spoiled brat, deeply unhappy about being stuck on a remote island, so far from trendy London. Her character arc in the first book allowed her to grow and adapt to this rugged new life. The challenge in the second book was pushing that growth even further while also bringing her brother, Timothy, more into the spotlight.

Beyond the twins, I have two other key young characters: Fenella, a local girl who provides insight and guidance, and Omar, a refugee who has just arrived on the island and instantly connects with its wildlife. Each of them brings a different perspective, but the central challenge remains—how to empower the kids realistically to have their own adventures without adults overshadowing the story. 

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

One of the key themes in this book is the sense of belonging. With three of the main characters coming from vastly different backgrounds—London and Syria—there are inevitable cultural differences, and exploring how they navigate them fascinates me. Living at the Edge of the World – Spring delves into what it means to find a home in an unfamiliar place and how connections with people, nature, and history shape our sense of identity.

Shetland itself plays a huge role in this theme. It’s a place of contrasts—stunning yet rugged, remote yet welcoming, with a strong community spirit. To bring authenticity to my stories, I weave in as much real-life detail as possible, drawing from both research and my ongoing penpal relationship with a Shetland ranger. Learning about daily life in a tiny community of just 30 people has given me invaluable insight into the unique rhythms and challenges of island living.

Another key theme is archeology, which naturally ties into Viking history and mythology. The book explores the ethical dilemma of discoveries—where should ancient artefacts belong? Should they stay in the place they were found, or be taken elsewhere for preservation? The kids actively debate this, and their perspectives evolve as they uncover not just deeper insight into historical artefacts, but also have to actively defend their discovery.

Where does the next book in the series take the characters?

The next book in the series, Living at the Edge of the World – Summer, follows the twins as they return to Papala Island for their summer holidays—this time by choice. They’ve grown deeply connected to their friends, the wildlife, and the island’s way of life, eager to continue their journey.

In this adventure, I’ll be exploring ocean pollution—not just as an environmental issue, but as a personal challenge that affects each character differently.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website