Eco Adventures
The Forgiveness of Whales
11/06/24 10:33
Guest Blog By T.K. Thorne
It is my honor to introduce T.K. Thorne as my guest blogger. She wrote this fascinating piece about whales, which immediately caught my attention. T.K’s blog resonates with me as I have recently published The Gray Whales Lament: An Eco Adventure (Book 2 of The Four Elements Cli-Fi Trilogy).
Retiring as a police captain in Birmingham, Al., T.K. Thorne turned to crime with a trilogy of murder, magic, and mayhem in the “Magic City Stories” (House of Rose, House of Stone, and House of Iron) where a rookie policewoman discovers she is a witch. A deep dive into the past produced award-winning historical novels about famous, unnamed women briefly mentioned in the Bible (Noah’s Wife and Angels at the Gate) and two nonfiction works of civil rights (Last Chance for Justice and Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days). TKThorne.com
Until recently, scientists thought humans were the only species with the specialty brain neurons responsible for higher cognitive functions like self-awareness, a sense of compassion, and language.
They were wrong.
Fifteen million years before humans, whales began evolving these special glial cells, and now a strange phenomenon is occurring off the Baja coast of Mexico.
Humans have been slaughtering Pacific whales there for a long time, first with harpoons, now with sonar from Navy ships. Whales live a long time, up to a hundred years. Some whales alive today still bear the scars of harpoons. Many scientists believe that it is implausible to think the whales do not remember this or associate humans with death and anguish.
Yet, in the same area where humans hunted them nearly to extinction, then tortured them with sonar, whales are approaching humans and initiating contact. A N.Y. Times article detailed the experiences of the reporter and the stories of locals who tell about mother whales approaching their boats, sometimes swimming under it and lifting it, then setting it gently down. Almost all the stories involve the whale surfacing, rolling onto its side to watch the humans–reminiscent of the surreal moment in the movie, Cast Away, when a whale rises from the night sea to regard Tom Hanks with an eye cupped with starlight, an eerie intelligence, and a gentleness that moves us, for we know the massive creature could kill the castaway with a nudge or a flick of a tail fluke.
These real grey whales off Baja swim close enough that people invariably reach out to touch them, and they allow it. One person, reflecting on the experience said, “I have never felt more beheld.” It seems reasonable—given the position the whales place themselves in—that they seek the contact. In many cases, a mother whale will allow her calf to do the same. There is no food involved in these exchanges, only a brief interlude of inter-species contact and rudimentary communication: I come as friend.
Why?
Where will humans be in another hundred years? I suspect we will be technologically advanced, but emotionally pretty much the same, even in a thousand years or ten thousand.
But what about a million years? Ten million? Can we evolve (if we survive) to a more sane, more rational, more loving species with a broader sense of our place in the universe and in life itself? Is it possible that these creatures with 15 million years of intelligent evolution on us, might regard us as a young species, children who don’t really know better, and grant us leeway for our mistakes? Grant us . . . forgiveness?
We have a need for that forgiveness, not only from our treatment of whales, but of each other. We have enslaved, tortured, raped, and slaughtered each other. We have recklessly used the resources of our planet.
Yet I read about humans risking their lives to free whales trapped in nets.
People offering aid to neighbors. . . to strangers.
Teachers, nurses, and soldiers whose daily life is one of giving.
We have much need for forgiveness, yes, but we are capable of great acts of cooperation, of kindness, love, and sacrifice. Perhaps that is what the whales see in us when they watch us use our clever hands to free them from heavy rope nets, nets that we have left carelessly in their domain, as children leave their toys strewn across the floor.
Even whales have enemies, and they do not hesitate to defend themselves when attacked and even take the battle to the enemy. Humpbacks have been observed defending not only their own against attacks of orcas, but other mammals, other whales, sea lions, fur seals or walruses. Interestingly, they only attack mammal-eating killer whales, not orcas that primarily feed on fish.
Perhaps they understand that—like the orcas—all humans are not the same.
Perhaps they are waiting for us to become our best selves, believing, or hoping we will evolve into worthy fellow creatures on this blue-and-cream jewel that is our world.
T.K. Thorne writes about what moves her, following a flight path of curiosity, reflection, and imagination.
It is my honor to introduce T.K. Thorne as my guest blogger. She wrote this fascinating piece about whales, which immediately caught my attention. T.K’s blog resonates with me as I have recently published The Gray Whales Lament: An Eco Adventure (Book 2 of The Four Elements Cli-Fi Trilogy).
Retiring as a police captain in Birmingham, Al., T.K. Thorne turned to crime with a trilogy of murder, magic, and mayhem in the “Magic City Stories” (House of Rose, House of Stone, and House of Iron) where a rookie policewoman discovers she is a witch. A deep dive into the past produced award-winning historical novels about famous, unnamed women briefly mentioned in the Bible (Noah’s Wife and Angels at the Gate) and two nonfiction works of civil rights (Last Chance for Justice and Behind the Magic Curtain: Secrets, Spies, and Unsung White Allies of Birmingham’s Civil Rights Days). TKThorne.com
Until recently, scientists thought humans were the only species with the specialty brain neurons responsible for higher cognitive functions like self-awareness, a sense of compassion, and language.
They were wrong.
Fifteen million years before humans, whales began evolving these special glial cells, and now a strange phenomenon is occurring off the Baja coast of Mexico.
Humans have been slaughtering Pacific whales there for a long time, first with harpoons, now with sonar from Navy ships. Whales live a long time, up to a hundred years. Some whales alive today still bear the scars of harpoons. Many scientists believe that it is implausible to think the whales do not remember this or associate humans with death and anguish.
Yet, in the same area where humans hunted them nearly to extinction, then tortured them with sonar, whales are approaching humans and initiating contact. A N.Y. Times article detailed the experiences of the reporter and the stories of locals who tell about mother whales approaching their boats, sometimes swimming under it and lifting it, then setting it gently down. Almost all the stories involve the whale surfacing, rolling onto its side to watch the humans–reminiscent of the surreal moment in the movie, Cast Away, when a whale rises from the night sea to regard Tom Hanks with an eye cupped with starlight, an eerie intelligence, and a gentleness that moves us, for we know the massive creature could kill the castaway with a nudge or a flick of a tail fluke.
These real grey whales off Baja swim close enough that people invariably reach out to touch them, and they allow it. One person, reflecting on the experience said, “I have never felt more beheld.” It seems reasonable—given the position the whales place themselves in—that they seek the contact. In many cases, a mother whale will allow her calf to do the same. There is no food involved in these exchanges, only a brief interlude of inter-species contact and rudimentary communication: I come as friend.
Why?
Where will humans be in another hundred years? I suspect we will be technologically advanced, but emotionally pretty much the same, even in a thousand years or ten thousand.
But what about a million years? Ten million? Can we evolve (if we survive) to a more sane, more rational, more loving species with a broader sense of our place in the universe and in life itself? Is it possible that these creatures with 15 million years of intelligent evolution on us, might regard us as a young species, children who don’t really know better, and grant us leeway for our mistakes? Grant us . . . forgiveness?
We have a need for that forgiveness, not only from our treatment of whales, but of each other. We have enslaved, tortured, raped, and slaughtered each other. We have recklessly used the resources of our planet.
Yet I read about humans risking their lives to free whales trapped in nets.
People offering aid to neighbors. . . to strangers.
Teachers, nurses, and soldiers whose daily life is one of giving.
We have much need for forgiveness, yes, but we are capable of great acts of cooperation, of kindness, love, and sacrifice. Perhaps that is what the whales see in us when they watch us use our clever hands to free them from heavy rope nets, nets that we have left carelessly in their domain, as children leave their toys strewn across the floor.
Even whales have enemies, and they do not hesitate to defend themselves when attacked and even take the battle to the enemy. Humpbacks have been observed defending not only their own against attacks of orcas, but other mammals, other whales, sea lions, fur seals or walruses. Interestingly, they only attack mammal-eating killer whales, not orcas that primarily feed on fish.
Perhaps they understand that—like the orcas—all humans are not the same.
Perhaps they are waiting for us to become our best selves, believing, or hoping we will evolve into worthy fellow creatures on this blue-and-cream jewel that is our world.
T.K. Thorne writes about what moves her, following a flight path of curiosity, reflection, and imagination.
Eco-Fiction: Crafting Nature-Inspired Narratives
29/05/24 11:01
Eco-Fiction: Crafting Nature-Inspired Narratives
I invite you to embark on a journey to explore Eco-fiction as a writer. When I began my Eco Fiction Adventure series, I did not expected it to be so challenging yet so rewarding. Your journey will reveal a genre that offers inspiration and a clear purpose to authors. It provides a unique avenue for writers to delve into critical ecological issues through the power of storytelling and intertwines imagination with science and advocacy that inspires hope and action.
I started with “The Lone Tree: An Eco Adventure,” more than two decades ago— and more recently Cli-fi (Climate fiction) trilogy—for upper elementary and MG. Along the way I encountered inspiring students, wondrous endangered animals, and outstanding scientist-conservationist dedicated to saving them.
Eco-fiction, in essence, is fiction that revolves around ecological themes and environmental issues. What sets Eco-fiction apart is its deep connection to the natural world and its exploration of humanity’s relationship to it.
Eco-fiction also includes “cli-fi” (climate offers the writer to choice c from a wide range of narratives styles—from realism, magic realism, to dystopian visions of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by climate change or utopian tales of harmony between humans and nature.
What are the rewards of writing Eco-Fiction and Cli-Fi or Climate Fiction? Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking narratives, this genre helps readers gain insight into the impact of human activity on our planet and inspire them take action to protect and live in harmony with the natural world.
As writers, we have a wonderful opportunity to use the power of storytelling to spark conversations, evoke empathy, and inspire change. By weaving environmental themes into our work, we can contribute to a broader dialogue about the urgent need for ecological stewardship and collective action. In a world grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges, Eco-fiction inspires hope and a call to action. Through our words and imaginations, we have the gift to tell narrative that envisions the future on this planet by building a more sustainable and just world.
"Let us embrace the transformative potential of Eco-fiction and harness the power of storytelling to educate and to inspire positive change. Together, we can build a brighter, greener tomorrow—one page at a time! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword, and in our hands it shines a beacon of hope for the future of our a planet."
Resources for Eco-Fiction Writers
Exploring Eco_Fiction: A Green Path for writers
For authors interested in exploring eco-fiction, there is a wealth of resources available to guide and inspire your creative journey:
Claire Datnow: How to Become An Eco Detective
clairedatnow.com books and blogs on environmental fiction and climate fiction.
Dragonfly.eco: This online hub is dedicated to eco-fiction and offers a resources, including book recommendations, author interviews, and articles exploring the intersection of literature and the environment.
The Cli-Fi Report: Stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the world of eco-fiction through the Cli-Fi Report, a comprehensive online publication covering everything from new book releases to academic research on climate fiction. #clifi
Eco-Lit Books: Discover a curated selection of eco-fiction titles and environmental literature recommendations on Eco-Lit Books. Whether you’re looking for dystopian thrillers or lyrical nature writing, this website has something for every eco-conscious reader.
The Nature of Cities: This online platform brings together writers, artists, and activists to explore urban ecology and imagine sustainable futures for cities. Writers interested in eco-fiction set in urban environments will find a wealth of inspiration and community here
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of eco-fiction and connect with a community of like-minded writers passionate about exploring environmental themes through literature!
I invite you to embark on a journey to explore Eco-fiction as a writer. When I began my Eco Fiction Adventure series, I did not expected it to be so challenging yet so rewarding. Your journey will reveal a genre that offers inspiration and a clear purpose to authors. It provides a unique avenue for writers to delve into critical ecological issues through the power of storytelling and intertwines imagination with science and advocacy that inspires hope and action.
I started with “The Lone Tree: An Eco Adventure,” more than two decades ago— and more recently Cli-fi (Climate fiction) trilogy—for upper elementary and MG. Along the way I encountered inspiring students, wondrous endangered animals, and outstanding scientist-conservationist dedicated to saving them.
Eco-fiction, in essence, is fiction that revolves around ecological themes and environmental issues. What sets Eco-fiction apart is its deep connection to the natural world and its exploration of humanity’s relationship to it.
Eco-fiction also includes “cli-fi” (climate offers the writer to choice c from a wide range of narratives styles—from realism, magic realism, to dystopian visions of a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by climate change or utopian tales of harmony between humans and nature.
What are the rewards of writing Eco-Fiction and Cli-Fi or Climate Fiction? Through vivid imagery and thought-provoking narratives, this genre helps readers gain insight into the impact of human activity on our planet and inspire them take action to protect and live in harmony with the natural world.
As writers, we have a wonderful opportunity to use the power of storytelling to spark conversations, evoke empathy, and inspire change. By weaving environmental themes into our work, we can contribute to a broader dialogue about the urgent need for ecological stewardship and collective action. In a world grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges, Eco-fiction inspires hope and a call to action. Through our words and imaginations, we have the gift to tell narrative that envisions the future on this planet by building a more sustainable and just world.
"Let us embrace the transformative potential of Eco-fiction and harness the power of storytelling to educate and to inspire positive change. Together, we can build a brighter, greener tomorrow—one page at a time! The pen is indeed mightier than the sword, and in our hands it shines a beacon of hope for the future of our a planet."
Resources for Eco-Fiction Writers
Exploring Eco_Fiction: A Green Path for writers
For authors interested in exploring eco-fiction, there is a wealth of resources available to guide and inspire your creative journey:
Claire Datnow: How to Become An Eco Detective
clairedatnow.com books and blogs on environmental fiction and climate fiction.
Dragonfly.eco: This online hub is dedicated to eco-fiction and offers a resources, including book recommendations, author interviews, and articles exploring the intersection of literature and the environment.
The Cli-Fi Report: Stay up to date with the latest news and developments in the world of eco-fiction through the Cli-Fi Report, a comprehensive online publication covering everything from new book releases to academic research on climate fiction. #clifi
Eco-Lit Books: Discover a curated selection of eco-fiction titles and environmental literature recommendations on Eco-Lit Books. Whether you’re looking for dystopian thrillers or lyrical nature writing, this website has something for every eco-conscious reader.
The Nature of Cities: This online platform brings together writers, artists, and activists to explore urban ecology and imagine sustainable futures for cities. Writers interested in eco-fiction set in urban environments will find a wealth of inspiration and community here
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of eco-fiction and connect with a community of like-minded writers passionate about exploring environmental themes through literature!
The Gray Whale Eco Fiction
16/11/23 11:00
Writing for Animals
“Endangered species are reminders that we are interconnected, that animals across the globe are vital threads in the tapestry of life.” World Wildlife Fund
Through stories about #endangered animals set in a changing #climate, my #eco fiction features courageous tweens and teens determined to take action to save the animals they love. Although I do not sugarcoat the truth, my stories are hopeful. They show that #endangered species can recover thanks to the efforts of dedicated conservationists, scientists, and policymakers.
Read More…
“Endangered species are reminders that we are interconnected, that animals across the globe are vital threads in the tapestry of life.” World Wildlife Fund
Through stories about #endangered animals set in a changing #climate, my #eco fiction features courageous tweens and teens determined to take action to save the animals they love. Although I do not sugarcoat the truth, my stories are hopeful. They show that #endangered species can recover thanks to the efforts of dedicated conservationists, scientists, and policymakers.
Read More…