Environmentalist and author JD Bauer sat down with suite101.com to talk about her writing process, her role models and the success of Book One, Quest for Water, (Publish America Press, 2010), in her Trinity of Superkidds Series. Within two weeks of being published, Quest for Water sold 14,000 copies, with all proceeds going to World Food Programme.
Suite101.com: JD, where did you get the idea for the Trinity of Superkidds Series?
JD Bauer: Desperation... TSK book series is a product of sheer desperation. Since 1966, Canada has had laws against water pollution. Internationally, most governments have weaker laws against water pollution. And those with tough laws, enforcement is an issue. Result? Water pollution galore. Solution? Get youth involved in the TSK crusade to conserve water and find its pollution. I hope the Superkidds become exceptional role models, better yet, a powerhouse of inspiration to youth today.
The Success of The Quest for Water
Suite101.com: In a previous interview (Interview with Eco Author JD Bauer) you talked about your deep commitment to the environment and your desire to encourage youth to become stewards of the environment. Could you now speak to the success of The Quest for Water? Some reviewers have compared the TSK series to Harry Potter for both the scope and depth of the story. That is quite an honour.
JD Bauer: I respect J.K. Rowlings' Harry Potter series. We share relentless love for language, the power that is found in and are bound in the written word, and the passion to tell stories that thrill and grip the imagination of readers – inspiring them into action.
TSK has absolutely nothing to do with magic. The Superkidds challenge youth to take up real life leadership roles against water waste and pollution using high adventure to raise awareness and bring about selfless action... 1001% teen voice - loudly...
About the Author: JD Bauer
Suite101.com: You have been described as 'reclusive.' Do you feel this to be true and if so why?
JD Bauer: I decline interviews. Why avoid media? My family have been a subject of extortion for a number of years. Lately, I have received threats on my life from some fanatical groups. I pulled off my profile photo online for safety reasons after being advised to do so by my lawyers and the police. How are death threats fair to writers?
Suite101.com: Three things about you that might surprise your readers?
JD Bauer: I have triple citizenship; I'm also a citizen of Malawi and of Belize. I love farming and own a commercial farming business. I'm single by choice and am fluent in three languages: Prefer to write in semi-darkness, alone in the nude... Surprised yet?
Suite101.com: The books that have most influenced you in your life?
JD Bauer:
- Long Walk to Freedom (Mandela
- Things Fall Apart (Achebe)
- The Prince (Machiavelli)
- Veto (Ed Griffin)
- The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien)
- The Tale of Genji (Shikibu)
- Animal Farm + 1984 (Orwell)
- Everything (Maya Angelou)
- Infidel (Ayaan Hirsi Ali)
Suite 101.com was curious about the people who JD Bauer feels have had the most influence in her life. At the top of the list was her father, followed by Craig Kielburger (Free the Children) and Nelson Mandela.
JD Bauer was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, but lives elsewhere in the United States. When asked why, she replied, "I was born to a Presbyterian Priest and a School Teacher mother. Depending on time of the year, I have lived on three continents. I love Vancouver, Lilongwe and San Marino."
Suite101.com Describe your day.
JD Bauer: Tennis/Handball Riser, Writing 7:00am, Phone calls 13:00 hrs, Volunteering 16:00 hrs, Dinner 19:00 hrs, More writing 20:00 hrs, More phone calls 21:00 hrs.
Suite101.com: What do you hope readers will take from your epic novel, TSK Quest for Water?
JD Bauer: An honest appeal to the best instincts of youth – the theme for TSK book series is what I call 'environ-tainment' or entertainment with a conscience for the environment.
Message: Unless you do your part, don't expect the next person to do theirs. That to rob a person of their 'gold' is theft but to rob them of 'hope' is murder. Doing nothing about water waste and pollution is the same as robbing those yet unborn of hope – survival – somebody say genocide?
Suite101.com: What does JD stand for?
JD: 'Jeunesse Delegue' is French for 'Youth Delegate' or 'Youth Rep.', that's what JD stands for. Boring name, huh?
Suite101.com thanks the talented, environmentally conscious and never boring JD Bauer for this interview. See JD Bauer on Facebook
Julie Burtinshaw - Julie is the Reading and Literature and Writing and Publishing Editor for Suite101.com. She is also the author of five books and is ...
