What inspires an author to write and how do they translate this passion into a story that interests others? Who better to share some insight than Karen Tyrrell who weaves her passion for the environment through her Song Bird series. 
Blog coordinator: Lucy McGinley

WHY Great Barrier Reef Rescue?
I created my eco adventure mystery, Great Barrier Reef Rescue from my life experiences as an amateur snorkeller, environmentalist, biology major at teacher’s college, teacher and science co-ordinator at my primary school.

As author of the Song Bird eco series, I pondered which environment should feature in Song Bird 4 after its prequel Rainforest Rescue.
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I settled on the ocean and the reef as my family and I had spent many tropical holidays swimming with giant green turtles, giant Maori wrasse and stingrays off the Great Barrier Reef. At school, I loved teaching about the ocean as a science subject to my Year 2 students. I took my class to King Island for a science excursion.
I’m an avid fan of Blue Planet, Sir David Attenborough’s TV series. When David proclaimed …

​I was compelled to write Great Barrier Reef Rescue.

​​What’s Great Barrier Reef Rescue about?
Song Bird Superhero and her friends arrive on Green Turtle Island, discovering the reef and marine animals are dying. Before long, her friends disappear. Rosie (Song Bird) travels through a time portal to rescue her friends and solve a mystery.

​Can Song Bird rescue the Great Barrier Reef before it’s too late?

​How did you connect the story to children?
I wanted Great Barrier Reef Rescue to engage children with a thrilling action-packed adventure, superhero characters, marine animals and mysteries to solve. At the same time, I planted an eco-subplot to educate children on climate change and sustainability, encouraging children to take action. My mission was to educate, engage and empower children on how to care for the reef.

How did you write with co-author Steve Tyrrell?
Steve and I share a love of superheroes, fantasy, adventure and the environment. Steve wrote the Destructo chapters and dialogue (the evil environmental villain), the dream chapters and some of the action scenes. I wrote chapters from Song Birds point of view. We both critiqued and beta read each other’s chapters, so the story and dialogue flowed.

How did you get Brisbane City Libraries and a sponsor to support you?
I contacted Brisbane City Libraries and a sponsor, sharing my eco vision and goals with them. Brisbane City Libraries offered me a launch venue and Australian Marine Conservation Society offered resources to share at my events.
Great Barrier Reef Rescue evolved as the story I was compelled to write. As if all my prior life experiences had led me to this point.

5 Tips on Writing your WHY Book
1. Write what you’re passionate about, write what you care about.
2. Ask yourself: what are you most qualified to write?
3. What have you experienced first-hand?
4. If interviewed, how could you explain why you created that particular book to adults as well as to children?
5. Write THAT book.

​FREE Great Barrier Reef Rescue Resources here

Find out more about Karen Tyrrell and Great Barrier Reef Rescue …
www.karentyrrell.com
songbirdsuperhero.com
ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4P5fhgmw-8
Amazon
Book Depository