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.