Ask the Author: Mark Marinovich
Answered Questions (7)
Mark Marinovich
Hi Melody,
Thank you for your wonderful, generous comments and equally wonderful, generous review! I am very appreciative, indeed! Your observations regarding the goals of my novel are spot on. I have been doing volunteer work for an ocean conservation organization for a number of years. I have learned that the plastic pollution problem is “out of sight and out of mind” to many, but each day it’s becoming clearer to me that the plastic problem is here to stay and will adversely impact generations to come -- not to mention the wildlife that it ensnares, strangles, starves and suffocates. It’s a dreary subject and therefore easy to tune out. My goal was to write a lively adventure story that would engage and entertain readers of all ages and hopefully educate them about plastic pollution, and, ideally, compel them to think about how they can help reduce plastic consumption and waste in their lives. You have certainly encouraged me that my story may do just that! Thanks again!
Thank you for your wonderful, generous comments and equally wonderful, generous review! I am very appreciative, indeed! Your observations regarding the goals of my novel are spot on. I have been doing volunteer work for an ocean conservation organization for a number of years. I have learned that the plastic pollution problem is “out of sight and out of mind” to many, but each day it’s becoming clearer to me that the plastic problem is here to stay and will adversely impact generations to come -- not to mention the wildlife that it ensnares, strangles, starves and suffocates. It’s a dreary subject and therefore easy to tune out. My goal was to write a lively adventure story that would engage and entertain readers of all ages and hopefully educate them about plastic pollution, and, ideally, compel them to think about how they can help reduce plastic consumption and waste in their lives. You have certainly encouraged me that my story may do just that! Thanks again!
Mark Marinovich
I do volunteer work for a nonprofit organization that is concerned with eradicating plastic pollution in the ocean environment. Marine plastic pollution is a horrendous problem, but it doesn't get the press that other, more visible environmental threats receive (e.g., global warming, deforestation, etc.). I wanted to try my hand at a novel for a long time, and it struck me that I could both write my novel and enlighten readers about marine plastic pollution at the same time. Hence, "The White Boats."
I consciously drew ideas and inspiration from Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," Twain's "Tom Sawyer," and Steinbeck's "The Pearl." Unconsciously, I probably summoned memories of a couple favorite whale movies, "The Whale Rider" and "Moby Dick," as well as a myriad of coming-of-age stories about kids who overcome great obstacles, including foolish adults, and achieve great things. Stevenson's "Treasure Island" comes to mind.
I consciously drew ideas and inspiration from Hemingway's "The Old Man and the Sea," Twain's "Tom Sawyer," and Steinbeck's "The Pearl." Unconsciously, I probably summoned memories of a couple favorite whale movies, "The Whale Rider" and "Moby Dick," as well as a myriad of coming-of-age stories about kids who overcome great obstacles, including foolish adults, and achieve great things. Stevenson's "Treasure Island" comes to mind.
Mark Marinovich
Inspiration is an elusive thing, so I don't rely on it. If I just start typing I'll eventually produce a decent sentence that will inspire -- or prod -- me to continue typing. I'll know that I'm on the right track, and that's all the inspiration I'll need to keep going.
Mark Marinovich
I optioned the movie and TV rights to my novel, "The White Boats," to a movie producer. I am working on the screenplay adaptation for the producer. Stay tuned! :)
Mark Marinovich
Read a lot, write a lot, research deeply, love your thesaurus, embrace proper punctuation and grammar, and, most importantly, love the process. Good writing is hard. If you don't love it, find something else to do.
Mark Marinovich
If you're writing for you... the unfettered ability to create any world you like, exactly as you like.
If you're writing for an audience... elevating your game to a high standard of excellence.
If you're writing for an audience... elevating your game to a high standard of excellence.
Mark Marinovich
I heed novelist Isabel Allende's advice: “Show up, show up, show up, and after a while the muse shows up, too.”
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