Eco Mysteries Reading List
19/12/24 11:02 Filed in: Environmental Fiction
“Only staying active will make you want to live a hundred years.” —Japanese proverb
The time has come the whale said, to talk of many things, of plants, and trees, and freshwater fish, octopuses, hurricane, lizards and plastic squid, tigers, racoons, and Monarch butterflies, and why the sea is boiling hot and weather pigs have wings.— Apologies to Lewis Carrol’s “The Walrus and the Carpenter.”
Whether you’re a writer or reader, I hope your pursuits continue to be successful and satisfying. As an author, “success,” in part means publishing your books to share with the world. Success also means perseverance. Case in point, my most recently published books were purchased by Star Bright Books five years ago are now finally printed.
The Japanese quote about perseverance is "石の上にも三年" (Ishi no ue ni mo san-nen), which translates to "Three years on a stone,” meaning, it takes patience to warm up a stone by sitting on it.
For all lovers of stories, this is my somewhat random list. I often choose books with topics that complement my current writing. Some are for adults, others are for ages 9-14, but have crossover appeal for all ages. Looking down this list I see that most have focus on the natural world and how humans relate to it. No surprise since I write eco adventures and climate fiction with a focus on solutions on how to conserve the natural world.
In no particular order or genre:
The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence by Zoë Schlanger
The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life by David Quammen
Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity and Southern Rivers: Restoring America’s Freshwater Biodiversity, by Scot Duncan
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery
Hurricane, Lizards and Plastic Squids by Thor Hanson
All Things Bright and Beautiful by James Herriot
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Missing Mike a novel in verse by Shari Green.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Selby VanPelt
Tiger Rising by Kate Dicamillo.
Archipelago by Monique Roffey.
A Girl, a Raccoon, and the Midnight Moon by Karen Romano Young.
All the Light we Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.
Flight Behavior Barbra Kingsolver.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk.
Migrations by Charlotte Mcconaghy
Antarctica by Kim Stanley Robinson
Song for a Whale by Lynn Kelley
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
Sending Kudos to all the talented writers of our SCBWI, Southern Breeze region.

Here are my just published Eco Adventures: Vanishing Birds and Operation Terrapin Rescue that are available now from Star Bright Books.
Please send your ideas and books for the next newsletter to me: cldatnow@me.com
The Craft of Writing About Animals
29/10/24 15:56 Filed in: Environmental Fiction

Poster Design by Sonia Datrnow
I’ve been writing #eco fiction and #climate fiction with #endangered #wildlife for more than twenty years. Here are a few of the animal characters in the Adventures of The Sizzling Six series, and the Four Elements #Cli-fi Trilogy.
The list of birds includes White Storks, Chimney Swifts, Red Knots, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Piping Plovers, Broad winged Hawks, and Peregrine falcons. And animals including: Sumatran Orangutans, black-footed wallabies, koalas, diamondback terrapins, monarch butterflies, and marine species including gray whales. Plants also feature in my eco fiction and climate fiction, including the rare Cahaba Lily, magnificent White oaks, Longleaf pines of our southeastern forest, and the tropical fruit trees of Sumatra.
Why do I write about animals in my #eco and #climate fiction adventures?
Stories foster empathy for the wild animals with which we share our world.
To quote the late Steve Irwin, “We don’t own planet Earth, we belong to it. And we must share it with our wildlife.”
Why must care about protecting animals on our planet? Because it’s made up of diverse plants and animals that depend on the land, water, and the atmosphere to survive—as we humans do. If human-driven climate change harms these ecosystems then all life on earth will suffer.
Why do I write stories with potential dire consequences to animals? Why write about climate driven hurricanes, heatwaves, wildfires, floods and droughts? While my stories do not sugarcoat the truth, hopefully, they will inspire #tweens, teens, #middle graders, our next generation of voters and leaders to become #activists who make intelligent decisions and become wise steward of the Earth.
“It’s not enough to love animals; we must actively protect and preserve them. It’s our duty and responsibility as custodians of this planet.”— Daphne Sheldrick, author and conservationist who raised orphaned elephants to return to the wilds.
Read Part 11 Next: Guide to Writing About Animals in Fiction
Resources:Don’t Kill the Cat! And Other Secrets to Writing about Animals: https://careerauthors.com/dont-kill-the-cat-and-other-secrets-to-writing-about-animals/
Writing for Animals. Ashland Creek Press: https://ashlandcreekpress.com/books/writingforanimals.html
Climate Women
12/06/24 15:37 Filed in: Climate Fiction
Guest Blog by Kathryn Williamson Art, Feminism, Climate Activism |

Visit : Kathryn Williamson
I believe that healing the climate is connected with healing ourselves, which includes listening to our creativity and the small seeds of yearning we have. Listening, learning, encouraging each other in community. Even though I haven’t met these women, I feel in community with them. I want to grow from the wisdom they provide, I want to meditate on their words and feel affected by them. And the process of painting helps me do that. |
Note: This is very much a work in progress. More image of paintings coming soon, pending approval by authors. |

The Forgiveness of Whales
11/06/24 10:33 Filed in: Eco Adventures
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 Filed in: Eco Adventures
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!