Ask the Author: Carol Fiore
Answered Questions (7)
Carol Fiore
Thanks for your question, Xyza. I'm so glad you enjoyed "Countdown." The second book "Holding" is written and has gone through developmental editing. You could assist me in getting it out sooner--in the next couple of months--by writing a review of the first book and telling your friends to read it and also write reviews. I give my royalties to environmental nonprofits, so readers are helping the planet with their purchase. Stay tuned for more information on book two and thanks for your support!
Carol Fiore
Hi Mia! That's an excellent question. I draw on life experiences--the people I meet, the journeys I've taken, the animals I have cared for and studied. Several of the characters in "Countdown" are loosely based on real people.
As a former humane educator, I taught "troubled" high school kids and was inspired by their love of animals, but concerned about their apathy toward environmental change. The character of Skye was inspired by the teens I want so much to encourage.
My background in conservation and science motivated me to weave actual facts into a fun plot. I call it "hidden" learning. In order to be accurate about the settings in the book, I traveled to the Australian Outback, and I hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand--my notebook and pen in one hand. I lived in Colorado, where the book begins. "Countdown" took seven years to publish, dozens of rewrites, multiple editors, and advice from many teens.
Perhaps more than anything else, I was inspired by animals I have tried my whole life to save--like prairie dogs, my favorite mammals; I hoped to raise awareness for their plight. I have had a 30 year love for the New Zealand kea, an amazingly brilliant bird that I had the great honor of caring for as a former bird zoo keeper. That is why I give 100% of my NZ royalties to the Kea Conservation Trust. As I am so fond of saying, I can live with less money, but I can't live in a world without kea (their numbers, sadly, are continuing to decline). I give over half of my US royalties to other environmental nonprofits.
All the best to you and thanks for your question!
For the planet (and the kea),
Carol
As a former humane educator, I taught "troubled" high school kids and was inspired by their love of animals, but concerned about their apathy toward environmental change. The character of Skye was inspired by the teens I want so much to encourage.
My background in conservation and science motivated me to weave actual facts into a fun plot. I call it "hidden" learning. In order to be accurate about the settings in the book, I traveled to the Australian Outback, and I hiked the Milford Track in New Zealand--my notebook and pen in one hand. I lived in Colorado, where the book begins. "Countdown" took seven years to publish, dozens of rewrites, multiple editors, and advice from many teens.
Perhaps more than anything else, I was inspired by animals I have tried my whole life to save--like prairie dogs, my favorite mammals; I hoped to raise awareness for their plight. I have had a 30 year love for the New Zealand kea, an amazingly brilliant bird that I had the great honor of caring for as a former bird zoo keeper. That is why I give 100% of my NZ royalties to the Kea Conservation Trust. As I am so fond of saying, I can live with less money, but I can't live in a world without kea (their numbers, sadly, are continuing to decline). I give over half of my US royalties to other environmental nonprofits.
All the best to you and thanks for your question!
For the planet (and the kea),
Carol
Carol Fiore
While I was working as a humane educator, I became dismayed with the environmental apathy I saw in teens. I decided to write a book with a protagonist who is thrust into a position where she must save the animals she so desperately loves. It was a wonderful chance to use my M.S. in Environmental Science/Ecology and possibly make a difference. The planet needs us and we can't give up, even when it seems hopeless.
Carol Fiore
A teen fiction trilogy with environmental themes. I'm having a blast with my characters.
Carol Fiore
Never, never give up. It took me over a decade to publish "Flight through Fire." Although I received hundreds of rejections, I never gave up. Work on the craft every day: join writing groups, go back to school, read grammar books, devote at least an hour a day to writing.
Carol Fiore
Hearing from readers! I really enjoy answering e-mails and connecting with my audience.
Carol Fiore
For me, running is the key. I'm often inspired when I'm out on the road. My head clears, and I am usually able to tackle writing after a long run.
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