FAQ about Deep Blue

Q. How old is Alana?

A. Animals don't measure time like people do: months, years, etc. They measure the passage of time in lunar cycles. But in human years, Alana is the equivilent of about 15 or 16. Princess Leilani is 18. Old Honu is ancient...but he gets around pretty good for an old timer :)

Q. Why didn't the Manatee King just find a new wife after the queen died?

A. Like geese, manatees mate for life. Also, the royal manatee line is matrilineal. Passed down from mother to daughter. So after the queen's untimely demise, the king was just filling in until his oldest daughter came of age and could take over the throne. 

Q. Why the matrilineal line?

A. I liked the idea of it. So many positions of power in this world are still male dominated. Or mostly so. I suppose it was just my inner feminist rearing its grrl power head. Plus, it's much more constructive than bra burning ;)

Q. What happens if a manatee king and queen have only sons?

A. Good question. I hadn't thought of that! I suppose the crown would be passed to a younger sister or niece. That way the royal line remains unbroken. The crown is kept within the Queen's family. 

Q. What's up with the turtles' names. 

A. All sea turtles begin life as 'Honu'. As they grow and their personality emerges, they are given a second name that fits their personality or a talent they've cultivated. For example, Great Wise Honu was named such because he was a legendary teacher and advisor. A real Obi-Wan, Mr. Myiagi type. Old Honu had been around longer than anyone could remember. Over the centuries, his original second name was forgotten (it could have been Fast Honu or Green Honu...or George or Ringo, for that matter). So everyone just called him Old Honu. 

Q. Why everything measured in Moons?

A. As I've said, animals mark the passage of time differently than humans do. There are still days and nights, but longer spans are measured in lunar cycles. And, if you think about it, that's far more practical than the traditional calendar. Besides, paper tends to get soggy underwater. 

Q. Have you ever visited Hawaii. 

A. Yes. Once. My husband and I were fortunate enough to have our honeymoon there. We spent 10 days having fun. I witnessed two double rainbows, developed an addiction to poi bread, and ate the most impressive breakfast of my life. But the beauty and culture of the islands made a huge impression on me. Going to Hawaii had been on my bucket list since I was about 7 or 8. My class was studying the regions of the USA. I don't remember much about the other lessons, but I remember the one about Hawaii (sound like a familiar scenario?). Hubby and I are planning to go back for our 5 or 10 year anniversary. 

Q. Why set a book in Hawaii, a place you only visited once?

A. I could have set Deep Blue in Michigan and the Great Lakes. After all, that is my stomping ground and I'm much more familiar with the geography. But like I said, Hawaii had an impact on me. Magic is more likely to happen there than in Michigan. Besides, I needed the ocean, a salt water setting, in order to have the characters I chose. Imagine the story if it were about carp, northern pike, and snapping turtles. Doesn't pack the same punch. 

Q. Will there be a sequel to Deep Blue?

A. Definite no. I realize that sequels and trilogies + are trending right now, but I like the idea of a stand alone story. Deep Blue is a stand alone. What happens to the characters after the last page is up to the readers' imaginations. I won't rule out the possibility of a spin off short story, though. 

Q. Deep Blue would make a great movie. Any possibility that could ever happen?

A. Thank you! That would be awesome if that ever happened! (psst... Disney/Pixar? Dreamworks? Your people can call me night or day!)