• TeensReadToo.com gave Andreas Oertel’s The Archaeolojesters 5 out of 5 stars! Click here to read their review.

• Green Careers: You Can Make Money AND Save the Planet is reviewed this month by Andrea Belcham in the Montreal Review of Books:

Green Careers is noteworthy in the scope of the eco-options it presents: a natural-resources specialist who is helping Kenyans farm trees; a bonobo ape caretaker in Iowa; a fashion designer apprenticing in L.A.; a horticulturalist who brings nature to Chicago’s inner city youth; an icebreaker-riding German meteorologist; and a pack trip guide in the Rockies. Scott also explores the green potential of such diverse fields as architecture, agriculture, politics, music, medicine, engineering, and even brewing. While she does provide much supplementary information on degree programs that focus on the environment, she makes sure to include profiles of individuals who eschewed formal education for other opportunities.

The full review can be found here.

Why did you decide to revisit the characters introduced in your earlier novels, Painting Caitlyn and Posing as Ashley?

Painting Caitlyn was never intended to grow into a series, but by the time I’d finished writing it, I’d grown curious about her friend, Ashley, and whether or not her life might actually be as picture-perfect as it seemed. That question led to Posing as Ashley, and it’s sequel Definitely Not Camelot. Because so many readers had told me that they identified strongly with Caitlyn on many levels, I felt especially protective of the character, and for a long time, I was reluctant to revisit her story. I wasn’t sure she had anything else to say yet, and it wouldn’t have felt authentic to wrap everything up neatly in a bow. But as I continued writing Ashley’s story, Caitlyn kept creeping in, and I knew I couldn’t do her justice by including only bits and pieces of what happened next, which is why I finally wrote Maybe Never, Maybe Now.

One of the most interesting aspects of these two novels, which take place simultaneously, is the fact that certain conversations and emails between Caitlyn and Ashley happen in both books. Was it a challenge to show the two sides to each situation?

Maybe it’s because I’m a Libra – fair and balanced by nature – but I LOVED being able to show both sides of the situation! Having already had each character narrate her own book, I feel almost as if Caitlyn and Ashley are real girls, whose personalities I know intimately, so it was easy to imagine how each of them might react to the same scenario.

Critics have praised you for your realistic portrayal of teen characters and dialogue – does it come naturally for you? Do you interact with teens in your life who help guide your writing?

As a teacher, I see twelve-, thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds every day. It definitely helps me write dialogue, but it can sometimes hold me back from plotlines and characterization that might be interesting, because I don’t want anyone to feel that I’m drawing on their own stories to write my fiction.

How do you choose the issues your characters will deal with in their stories?

Caitlyn’s initial struggle with an abusive relationship grew out of a conversation I had with someone I had known in high school, and the subsequent realization that a lot of my friends – bright, intelligent girls – had found themselves in similar situations. The issues Caitlyn faces in Maybe Never, Maybe Now deal partly with the aftermath of that relationship, as well as touching on some of the family issues that arose in Painting Caitlyn.

Ashley’s drive for perfection just sort of came to me as I thought about the kind of person she was, and what might be behind it. As with Caitlyn’s story, Ashley’s struggles in Definitely Not Camelot evolved out of what happened in my earlier novel, Posing as Ashley.

Are there any overarching themes or messages that you hope to get across to the teens who read your novels?

Probably the same things I used to get through YA literature when I was reading it as a teen: the knowledge that everyone struggles at some point, but most of us end up stronger because of it; the idea that all actions have consequences, good or bad; and the idea that each of us has to find our own identity.

Having written several YA novels, what is it about the genre that attracts you as a writer?

I write YA for a couple of reasons. I read a lot as a teen, and it feels as if I almost “absorbed” the genre. Even though it’s changed a lot (for example, almost all YA evolves into series now, and that was very uncommon when I was growing up in the 80’s!) I still feel comfortable structuring novels for the YA audience. Also, as teacher, I am surrounded by teens and pre-teens, which keeps me in touch with readers in that age group.

What are some of your favourite contemporary YA authors and titles?

Sara Zarr (Story of a Girl, Sweethearts, Once Was Lost) and Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Twisted, Winter Girls) are brilliant at weaving together compelling stories with a lot of internal conflict.

What books would Caitlyn and Ashley have in their backpacks right now?

Ashley would probably be an SAT study guide and university course books. She’d also be immersed in Zoo Story: Life in the Garden of Captives by Thomas French, and of course, she’s got a well-worn copy of Seven Habits of Highly Successful Teens.

Caitlyn’s got the Way-Cool French Phrase Book: The French that Kids Really Speak, by Jane Wightwick, the latest “PostSecret” book by Frank Warren, Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn, and Holly Cupola’s debut novel, Tell Me a Secret.

What novels inspired you when you were a teen?

A Summer to Die, by Lois Lowry. It’s a terrible title on an amazing book about sibling rivalry, friendship, and self-discovery. I also read everything I could by another Lois – Lois Duncan – whose novel Down a Dark Hall was kind of like a precursor to Marilyn Kaye’s contemporary “Gifted” series. Both The Language of Goldfish and A Formal Feeling by Zibby O’Neal are other books that stand out for me. And, of course, I was a child of Judy Blume.

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For a first look at Maybe Never, Maybe Now, watch the new book trailer!

And follow us on Twitter for a chance to win a free advanced reader’s copy of Kimberly’s book. Definitely Not Camelot and Maybe Never, Maybe Now are available for preorder through your local bookstore, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, BarnesandNoble.com, and Chapters.ca.

Somewhere in Blue is your first novel – how did it come about?

I wrote the beginnings of the book years ago as an assignment for a writing class I was taking with Peter Carver at Toronto’s Mabel’s Fables bookshop. I eventually spun it into about four chapters, and had begun to develop the basic characters of Sandy, Lennie, Teresa, Vivian and Dan in the setting of Toronto’s Beaches, but just didn’t have the time to push it further. My daughters were young then, and I was doing a fair amount of freelance magazine writing and TV work. I always meant to come back to it, though, and I always knew how it was going to end. I just had to find the time to get the words down. Once my daughters were older and I had larger chunks of time for writing, I finished a first draft, and spent another few years rewriting, reworking and polishing. Talk about a long-term goal!

Why did you decide to write a novel for young adult readers?

The original assignment in my writing class was to write the beginning of a young adult story that would hook a reader. I still have that first single-spaced page I handed in, and the note my teacher attached to it praising the writing, encouraging me. Of all the projects I was working on back then, I had a comfort level with this one – it was a groove that seemed to work for me. I liked the Sandy character and was interested in how her literate being was being silenced by this death. I also appreciated that with this age range I could explore a real intensity of feeling, which is so central to a young adult’s life.

You have been praised for the strong character development in this novel. Were any of the characters based on specific people?

No, all of these characters are fictional. I don’t know anyone who resembles any of them, though I think it would be fun to know Teresa. She was a just a joy to write, and though I don’t personally know any cougar moms, she was really a vivid person in my head, with a trashy look that she thinks most becoming, glaring weaknesses and hidden strength. Sandy has that churning intensity and depth under the surface that I like in a person. She’s a thinker, an analyst, and she’s comfortable alone, but with the death of her father she’s been cut adrift and knows it. Lennie is one of those sincere, well-meaning friends that everyone needs. But she’s changing from merely being embarrassed about her mother to being supremely frustrated and actually appalled – this is what spurs her own growth. There’s not a lot to like about Vivian, I’ll admit. Her brittleness does eventually shatter, and that’s satisfying, but her self-absorption is so deep seated that there’s little room for Sandy.

I think as an author I do tend to mine various characteristics that I notice around me: For example, Dan’s listening ear is very like the one I experienced in my husband back when he was 16 (yes, I married my high school sweetheart), but the resemblance stops there. It’s much more appealing to create new people you think could exist than mirror ones you know.

Why were you inspired to write about the themes of loss and grieving?

Loss and grief affect all of us, and they put us through such terrible tests: Can we absorb a loss or do we falter? Do we manage the practical details but tumble into the hole that remains? Does the permanency of loss finally make us buckle? How long does grief last? There’s inherent drama here, in how characters cope pushed to their limits, and I think I wanted to confront a teen girl with what I would consider to be one of the saddest things she could ever experience. Sounds cruel, doesn’t it? But Sandy’s struggle with the loss, her fight to not let it overwhelm her, lets me explore these very human challenges. Teresa’s loss is more complex but more distant, since she has already come through it. She has endured the abuse and loss of family trust, the abandonment of a man she loved, and the alienation of her siblings. She has moved on and created a life for herself and Lennie, but all it takes is one phone call for the old grief to come rolling back. Is it that we never truly lose grief, only secrete it?

Whether a loss is our own or a friend’s, it’s one of the most painful and difficult realities for us all, yet it can bring out our humanity in the midst of our strengths and our weaknesses. This is what I explored in Somewhere in Blue.

Many teens have an incredibly difficult time coping with a death in the family. Was your hope that Sandy’s story could help readers who have had similar experiences?

Writing Somewhere in Blue has allowed me to explore some of the emotions involved when a teen loses a parent, but this is just one girl’s story. So many other teens’ circumstances would be different: they may still have one supportive, loving parent; they may not have been as close to the parent they lost; they might have siblings who share their perspective; or they may absorb the death and not sink beneath it. I didn’t write the book presuming I could help teens in any of these positions, but if the book does shed light on loss and grief, and if the way Sandy falters and copes does resonate with a reader who has lost a parent, a family member or a friend, then I’m very glad.

Helping a friend who has experienced a loss is its own learning experience, as Lennie finds out. It’s hard to know what to say, how far to dig, when to simply listen and when to take charge. Perhaps in the actions of Lennie, Dan, Teresa, Harold Dipton and even Vivian, there is some glimmer of insight for a reader who wants to support a friend in their sadness.

What is the ‘message’ you are imparting to readers through the struggles of these characters?

I didn’t set out with messages in mind. I was simply exploring characters dealing with challenges. Watching them cope, it’s clear that they don’t always have the tools to communicate well, or enough understanding to choose the right way to handle a situation. They’re human. They react badly sometimes. They’re not always up to the task. But they persevere, and that is what most of us do, day in, day out.

My characters keep looking for that perfect man. They keep trying to engage their lost friend. They move through a bad situation, eager to come out the other end happier. They eventually settle with a devastating loss. It’s more than Harold Dipton’s seeking out the blue sky. It’s learning who we are, what we value, how we handle things, how to reach out to others. My female characters each learn more about themselves, and that’s what life asks of all of us. If there’s any message here, it’s one of learning, growing and changing in response to life’s trials.

What were some books that inspired or affected you as a teen?

I was a huge fan of Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew. Not the greatest writing, but I loved the series aspect, the comfort of the same old characters, even the covers. They were favourite birthday presents of mine. I read Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret many times. Margaret seemed to voice all my inner thoughts and insecurities. I remember picking up the The Diary of Anne Frank from one of those rotating wire shelves in my elementary school library. We did not study it in school, but what a powerful punch it packed for me. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence also held special status. They were both so powerful in place and character, and I still gravitate today to books with those strengths.

Can I bend the rule and mention a young adult book I read about 12 years ago? I marveled at it, and have held it in my mind as a kind of way-out-there inspiration. Out of the Dust, by Karen Hesse, is a moving tale of a farm girl in the dustbowl of the dirty ‘30s, but it is written in beautifully spare free verse. It was a revelation to me how intense economy of words created such a dense portrait – the beauty of poetry really, but more so. Whether I will ever be capable of writing something in this form, I don’t know, but one day I may try anyway, just on the strength of that one book.

What are you working on now?

I have had a set of characters in my mind for a few years now that I am slowing fleshing out. I still have to sharpen up the setting, but I know how these two characters look and talk and what they do, and I’m working out their challenges. The first scene where they meet has been alive in my mind for a long while.
I’ve been doing some magazine writing recently, and I also have ideas on what might happen next in the lives of Somewhere in Blue’s Sandy, Lennie, Teresa and Vivian. Stay tuned!

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You can find Somewhere in Blue at your local bookstore, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, BarnesandNoble.com, and Chapters.Indigo.ca.

Why did you choose to re-envision the story of the Lady of the Lake and Merlin?

I’ve been fascinated by the legends of King Arthur for as long as I can remember. There are so many of them, and yet there always seems to be room for one more. So… this is mine.

In your version of the myth, Merlin is a villain. What inspired you to cast him as the bad guy?

Well, somebody had to be the bad guy. Who better than a powerful sorcerer? Also, the great thing about Merlin is that in most versions of the story he ends up in a magical prison… which meant he could still be around to act in our day and age.

And anyway, who says he’s a villain? In his own eyes, he’s the hero!

How did you get the idea of “modernizing” such a historical myth?

This story was inspired by Wascana Lake, the large, man-made lake in the heart of downtown Regina. I walk or drive around or near it every single day. Being the kind of writer I am, I started wondering if I could tell a fantasy tale in which Wascana Lake played a central role. Thinking about lakes naturally led, with my interest in the Arthurian tales, to thinking about the Lady of the Lake… which led me to thinking about Excalibur… which naturally brought in other elements of the legend. Next thing you know, I had a book! (Well, it took a bit of writing, and then I had a book.)

Did you do any historical or literary research before creating your story and characters?

I already had done a lot of research, in a way, by reading about Arthur and various versions of his story and theories about it over the years. As I got into the planning, I did more, in both books and (like Wally and Ariane) with my mad Googling skillz. And like Wally, I soon found there are so many versions of the story there’s vast leeway to be had in coming up with your own.

Oh, and I love the musical Camelot and have often sung Lancelot’s song to Guinevere, “If Ever I Would Leave You.” Does that count?

Who is your favourite character from the Arthurian Legend?

King Arthur himself: the boy who draws the sword from the stone, unites a kingdom, and then loses it all because he’s too decent to do what should be done when Lancelot and Guinevere betray him. Plus, I’ve always loved the idea that Arthur will return in the time of England’s greatest need…

If you could have a magical power, like Ariane, what would it be?

Teleportation. I’d love to be able to go anywhere in the world—heck, in the universe!—just by thinking about it. Although, unlike Ariane, I’d rather not have to start the journey by swishing through the sewers.

***

The Shards of Excalibur: Song of the Sword is available for preorder now through your local bookstore, Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, BarnesandNoble.com, and Chapters.ca.

What’s fresh about Cummings’ approach is that she lets us into the heads of not only Sandy and Lennie, but their mothers, too. Overall, I enjoyed this widening of perspective. Often in YA novels the author is so firmly in the head of their young protagonist we lose sight of other perspectives, especially those of the adults. I am curious to see how teens react to this.

You can read Ms. VanSickle’s blog here, while Somewhere in Blue is available for purchase at our website!

Two Lobster Press titles have been shortlisted for 2011 Chocolate Lily Book Awards. The awards program honors children’s authors and illustrators living in British Columbia. Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party by Sheri Radford has been nominated for the Picture Book category, and Trina Wiebe’s Goldfish Don’t Take Bubble Baths (“Abby and Tess Pet-Sitters Series,” Book 1) is among six nominated titles for the Grade 3-5 Chapter Book category.

Penelope and the Preposterous Birthday Party, from Vancouver author Sheri Radford, is about one little girl’s extravagant birthday bash, spun out of control when she invites everyone she meets––ballerinas, soccer players, even elephants! A hit among readers and critics alike, Canadian Bookseller has called it “a great gift for any young birthday boy or girl and a story that will definitely be read again and again.”

Trina Wiebe’s nominated title, Goldfish Don’t Take Bubble Baths, is the first book in the Invermere author’s “Abby and Tess Pet-Sitters” series, which features two sisters who start a pet-sitting business. CM: Canadian Review of Materials has called the illustrated series “A welcome Canadian alternative to Cam Jansen and Pee Wee Scouts,” while Quill & Quire says it is “reminiscent of Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona.”

The winners of the 2011 Chocolate Lily Book Awards will be announced in June 2011.

Congrats to Tony, and thank you to the awards committees for supporting this thrilling teen novel!

A little about Fakie:

At first glance, Alex Miller seems like a typical kid – typical hair, typical clothes, typical hobbies. But Alex’s life is anything but typical – and fitting in has become a matter of life and death. The unfortunate witness to a crime, Alex can’t forget the things he has seen, and neither can the man he helped put in jail. The Witness Relocation Program has changed the identities of Alex and his mother repeatedly, but they still need to keep running to stay one step ahead of his enemies. His latest identity as a skateboarder in Virginia Beach is no easy ride – nosegrabs, ollies, and kickflips are all new to him. Alex has to catch on quickly to blend in – but the biggest trick he’ll have to master is staying alive. ––Read more about Fakie on the Lobster Press website.

May 27, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Celebrate the launch of Somewhere in Blue, the debut novel by Gillian Cummings, at Nicholas Hoare Books. Join the author for a book talk and refreshments, and have your copy of the acclaimed new novel signed.
Contact: (416) 777 2665 or toronto@nicholashoare.com
Event location: Nicholas Hoare, 45 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M5E 1B3
Event date/time: Thursday, May 27, from 6:30pm until 9pm.

June 3, 9:30am – 10:30am
Andreas Oertel, author of The Archaeolojesters, hosts a reading and book talk at the Allard Regional Library Thursday, June 3rd, from 9:30am – 10:30am.
Contact: (204) 367-8443
Event location: Bibliothèque Allard Regional Library – 104086 Pth 11, St Georges, R0E 1V0
Event date/time: Thursday, June 3rd, from 9:30am to 10:30am

June 5, 11:00am – 2:00pm
Andreas Oertel, author of The Archaeolojesters, hosts a meet & greet and book-signing at Chapters St. Vital.
Contact: (204) 256-0777
Event location: Chapters – St. Vital Centre, 85-1225 St. Mary’s Rd, Winnipeg, R2M 5E5
Event date/time: Saturday, June 5th, from 11:00am to 2:00pm

What inspired you to write The Archaeolojesters?

Like many kids, I always enjoyed reading books about discovery, mystery, and history. I also love the idea of children being able to cleverly trick adults. The Archaeolojesters combines these elements – archaeology and a terrific hoax.

Did you base the main characters on anyone specific?

The two boys in the book are loosely based on three of my nephews. They’re much older now, but a lot of the dialogue and action in the story is written the way I imagined them dealing with events when they were twelve. To me, Rachel is the pretty/cool/funny sister of every twelve-year-old boy’s friend. She’s the girl that all the guys think is awesome, but don’t have the nerve to talk to.

Why did you set the story in Manitoba?

The story could have taken place in any small town, really. I happen to live in Eastern Manitoba and I felt comfortable locating the fictional town of Sultana in this area. It’s basically a composite of several towns (Pine Falls, Lac du Bonnet, Seven Sisters, and Elma). There are many communities here that are a perfect setting for tween fiction. You can almost draw a line in Manitoba that separates the vast prairies to the west and the wild boreal forest to the east. It’s a fantastic place for young people and for adventure – with farms, parks, lakes, rivers and wilderness.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

I have wanted to be a writer since university. In fact, I bought my first book on “how to write a book” at the University of Winnipeg bookstore (over twenty years ago). I read fiction prolifically, and as I finished each book I began to wonder why I liked the story, or what I (as the writer) might have done differently. Shortly after university I began writing as a hobby. And I’ve tried it all over the years – short stories, mysteries, horror, and more. In the last ten years I have developed a real passion for teen/tween fiction. Most of the plot and story ideas I have seem to be for that age group, and I could be perfectly happy writing for teens/tweens forever.

When you were a “tween,” what were some of your favorite books?

The books I remember reading all included real historical characters. I don’t recall any titles, but I know I enjoyed reading books about Joan of Arc,  Benjamin Franklin, and Florence Nightingale. One day in Grade 5, I was reading a book on Thomas Edison and I was so engrossed in the story, I didn’t hear the school bell. When I finished the chapter and looked around, I was all alone. These stories were especially fascinating to me, because I knew the people were real.

What is it about archaeology and ancient civilizations that intrigue you?

I’ll never forget the excitement of being a child and finding a quarter in the sand at the beach. To me that’s what archaeology is all about – an unexpected discovery and the excitement of holding something in your hand from the past. No matter how mundane the object may appear, the questions are always the same. “Who made this?” “Where did it come from?” “How old is this?” Each question opens up a world of wonder – a new mystery. And that’s pretty cool!

Have you ever discovered any interesting artifacts or “treasures”?

Over the years, I’ve found lots of nails, bottle caps, and metal pull tabs with my metal detector. I even have a special box where I keep all the coins I find, but there’s not enough money in it to fill my car with gas. The most fun I’ve had “treasure hunting” was when I used to scuba dive for golf balls in the water hazards at golf courses. Back then, each little white ball was a treasure.

But, no, I’ve never found a real artifact. I’m always looking though, and maybe one day when I pick-up a funny-looking rock, it’ll turn out be a valuable meteorite.

If you could visit any ancient civilization – any time or place – what would it be, and why?

Well, ancient Egypt would definitely be near the top of the list, but The Great Wall of China blows me away too. I would love to go back in time to the Ming Dynasty and see how they built the wall. That would be amazing!

Did you conduct any research when writing this fictional story? How much of The Archaeolojesters is based on fact?

I have a public library next door to my office and I sometimes spend my lunch hours there doing research, but I also have my own books on archaeology and Egyptology. Almost all of the historical material on hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt is true. In fact, when I finished the first draft, I thought, This is actually plausible. Kids could conceivably make a fake tablet like this.

It’s important to me that as much of the background as possible is based on fact. I like it when I can be subtle and sneak accurate historical information into a story. But I’m also careful to not lecture young readers. I believe a twelve-year-old knows when an author is showing off all his research and cramming too many facts into the narrative. Kids are savvy and I don’t want to turn them off with a history lesson.

Do you think young readers will find the topics exciting?

I sure hope so. The book cover is terrific and I think it’ll stop many young people in their tracks. And the title – The Archaeolojesters – promises the reader a whimsical archaeological adventure. Tween readers should get a real kick out of watching these children fool a bunch of smart scientists.

And who isn’t curious about ancient Egypt? The great pyramids, boy kings, mummies, hidden treasures, and mysterious hieroglyphics – this stuff has always fascinated young readers, and I think it still does.

Will the three main characters in The Archaeolojesters be returning for more adventures?

Absolutely! Book 2 in the series is almost complete, and it’ll again feature Cody, Eric, and Rachel. In Pillars of Time, they’ll have to use all their wits to overcome an ancient puzzle and make it home.

Look for The Archaeolojesters, Book 2: Pillars of Time in October 2010!

There’s no doubt about it, the eco-job market is booming big time! So how can young people set themselves up for success in the new, greener working world? Jennifer Power Scott brings together valuable advice and inspirational stories from eco-entrepreneurs in her new book for teens, Green Careers: You Can Make Money AND Save the Planet .

What sparked your interest in the environment and green careers?

A couple of years ago, Kathryn Dorrell of Canadian Living magazine asked me to write a feature article about young Canadians entering environment-related careers. I found some fantastic, inspiring people to interview, and the article turned out well. Alison Fripp, the President and Publisher of Lobster Press, happened to read the story, and she thought the subject could make a great book. The company contacted me in July 2008 to offer me the opportunity to write the book. I was thrilled. It’s a great, timely, fascinating subject.

Why do you think that more young people are turning to green jobs?

First of all, the green job market is very hot right now — and it will continue to be for a long time. There’s so much opportunity out there in so many diverse fields. Secondly, I think many young people are growing up with a great passion for environmental issues, and a lot of them are looking for ways to channel that passion into careers. In this book, we meet more than 30 young people who are saving the planet and making money at the same time!

How receptive do you think the average person is to “green” business initiatives?

As our society’s sense of environmental responsibility grows, more and more people are supporting “green” businesses. For example, I now look for products made by environmentally responsible companies. Still, I think we have a long way to go. One thing that bothers me is that the eco-friendly products are still often more expensive than other products.

We know that environmentalists and eco-activists have come a long way from the old stereotypical tree-hugging hippies. But if a teen is having trouble convincing skeptical parents about the legitimacy of these avenues of study and work, what arguments would you suggest they use?

Just take a look at the stories in Green Careers. The people I profiled range from a hotshot eco-entrepreneur to a horticulturalist to a physician. I interviewed a pilot who has flown into a hurricane, a young man who devotes his life to taking care of bonobo apes, and a classical pianist who performed at Carnegie Hall in a dress made of recycled juice pouches! It’s amazing how much diverse opportunity is out there right now. And for people with the right skills, creativity and ambition, there’s plenty of money to be made too.

What were some of the most interesting – or surprising – careers you discovered during your research?

I love all of these stories, but a few really make me smile. The guy who makes eco-friendly beer was so much fun to interview. The entrepreneur who built a multi-million dollar business based on worm poop is amazing. His eco-friendly fertilizers and other products are flying off the shelves at stores everywhere. I really enjoyed the enthusiasm of the young woman who runs eco-camps for kids in British Columbia. And being a fashion-lover, I couldn’t get enough of the green fashion stories! There are green jobs in the sciences, the arts, and all sectors.

Which of the eco-heroes profiled in Green Careers impressed you the most?

There was something very special about Tree Sturman, the horticulturalist in Chicago. I had a fantastic one-hour interview with him, and I was so impressed with his passion for connecting inner-city youth with nature. I grew up near forests, rivers and the Atlantic Ocean and took these things for granted, so the thought of children never getting to be close to nature was unsettling to me. People like Tree are making a big difference in kids’ lives. I also have to say I truly admired the way the eco-architect, Stet Sanborn, had the passion and courage to make a big career change. He had a high-paying job as an engineer in the automotive industry, but the work wasn’t feeding his soul, so to speak. He left and went to architecture school, and now he’s happy to be working with a respected design firm in California. A lot of people, both young and not-so-young, will be inspired by that. Finally, the most powerful interview I had was with Dario Merlo of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Being a mother, I was deeply moved by the story of how his parents protected him by war by sending him to Europe. Through his years of studying and working in Belgium, he was always motivated by his determination to return to his country. In the end, he did fulfill his dream of going home, and he now does important work with the Jane Goodall Institute. Talking with Dario was such an honour and so eye-opening. I will never forget it.

Do you feel that universities are doing enough to provide the education required for this new wave of jobs?

Some universities, like the University of Waterloo in Canada, are doing amazing work and providing students with tremendous opportunities. When I was in university, you didn’t hear much about environmental studies programs or green careers. Now, more and more colleges and universities around the world are stepping up and creating environment-related programs. It’s just going to keep growing.

Given all the stories you documented for the book, you must have picked up a lot of advice from the eco-entrepreneurs you spoke with. If you had to sum up the advice for a teen, what would be the top three things they should do to get on the path to a green career?

First of all, and this applies to anybody, I believe you have to follow your passion. It’s cliché, but it’s true. Doing what you love is the best way to be happy in your career, regardless of how much money you’re banking. Secondly, take advantage of the amazing resources available to you. You will find many of them listed at the back of my book. A good example is the website for ECO Canada, which has tons of information about eco-careers, employers, and programs of study. Finally, it’s a great idea to do internships or volunteer work with green companies or organizations. A few people in the book did that as teenagers, and it got their careers off to a great start!

Has writing Green Careers inspired you to make any green changes in your life – professionally or personally?

It’s amazing how much these young people and their stories inspired me! I wasn’t quite expecting that, so it was a nice surprise. For one thing, my sense of environmental responsibility has grown so much. My family and I recycle a lot more now, and we take pride in producing very little garbage. I enjoy bagging old clothes and household items and passing them on to people who need them, and I more inclined to buy eco-friendly household cleaners, beauty products and organic foods. The people in the book also gave me a great sense of hope for the future. I think we are living in an amazing time, a time of fundamental change in the way we live and think. Things often seem bleak on the environmental front, but I believe people like the ones in my book are making the world better. They care about more than making money and living lavishly. They want to make a real difference to other people and to the planet. Finally, I noticed so often during the interviews that the young people were inspired by their parents. Many of them grew up loving and enjoying nature, recycling, and so forth. I have two little daughters, and I have been teaching them about recycling and the importance of taking care of the Earth. It’s a wonderful feeling when my three-year-old hands me a plastic container and says, “This is for recycling.” I love that!

Jennifer Power Scott is a journalist, documentary producer, mother, and jazz singer, who lives in Saint John, New Brunswick. Green Careers: You Can Make Money AND Save the Planet , is her first book.