Author Interviews

Follow the Water: Interview with Author Ellen Cochrane

By on March 16, 2026   /   Articles, Author Interviews   /   1 Comment

How long would you last by yourself… in the Amazon rainforest… after surviving a plane crash?  Although this sounds like a work of fiction, Ellen Cochrane’s new book, Follow the Water, is an account of Juliane Koepcke’s unbelievable survival story.

In addition, Ellen includes informational sections that explain in better detail facts about the Amazon, including information on plants, animals, weather, and the culture and beliefs. I enjoyed interviewing her to learn more…

About the Book

Hi Ellen! Wow, what a life Julianne has led! Thank you for bringing her story to life. Can you give a summary of your new book, Follow the Water?

Follow the Water tells the true survival story of Juliane Koepcke, a 17-year-old girl who fell two miles from the sky when her plane disintegrated over the Amazon rainforest in 1971. She survived the fall—alone—then trekked for eleven days through flooded jungle, following her father’s advice to “follow the water” until she reached help.

The book blends narrative storytelling with science, ecology, and survival principles. It emphasizes how careful observation, rational thinking, and scientific understanding can guide decision-making—even in moments of fear. At a time when public conversation can be driven by opinion, rumor, or online manipulation, the story gently reinforces the value of evidence-based thinking and attention to the natural world.

About the Author

I’d love to learn more about you. What was your path to becoming a writer? (and your connection to writing nonfiction)

I began as a journal writer and kept detailed notebooks for years before publishing professionally. I’ve been a magazine writer for many years, working in narrative nonfiction, natural history, and had a wildlife column.

I’ve always been drawn to real stories—especially those rooted in wilderness, history, and resilience. Nonfiction allows me to combine research with storytelling and to explore how knowledge shapes survival.

Were there any books that inspired the style you wrote in?

I’m inspired by nature- and natural history–driven narratives that combine story with close observation of the land. Writers like Jim Kjelgaard, especially in works such as Big Red and Irish Red, shaped my understanding of how landscape and animals can function as a characters.

I aim for immersive storytelling grounded in research, where environment, science, and human decision-making intersect.

Tell us about your upcoming books.

My next book, The Siberian, is a wilderness survival story set in the Russian Far East involving family bonds and tiger conservation.

I’m also developing a narrative STEM project centered on young people making authentic scientific discoveries—story-driven, interview-based, and focused on how curiosity leads to real-world insight.

On Writing Nonfiction

Why did you choose to tackle this topic?

Juliane’s story stayed with me from the moment I learned about it. A teenage girl survives a lightning strike midair, a two-mile fall, and eleven days alone in the Amazon.

But what truly drew me in was that she survived because she paid attention. She understood the jungle. She remembered her father’s lessons. This is a story about knowledge, observation, and composure under pressure.

I should also add that I was an exchange student in Peru as a teenager and flew the same jungle flight path where Juliane’s accident occurred. That personal connection deepened my interest in her story and the region.

What was your main source of information?

My primary sources included Juliane Koepcke’s memoir, archival aviation records, scientific studies on the Amazon ecosystem, and contemporary news accounts.

Juliane has long been deeply uncomfortable with the intense attention surrounding her survival and the intrusion into her private life. She does not give personal interviews about the accident. However, she is enthusiastic about discussing Panguana, the biological research station her parents founded. She continues to advocate for it and works to expand and protect its acreage.

Because I can read Spanish and I have a conversational ability, I was able to access and study original Spanish-language news reports and archival materials, which helped deepen the historical accuracy of the book.

Any tips for writing a biography when interviewing the subject isn’t an option?

  • Rely on primary documents and firsthand accounts.
  • Cross-check every detail through multiple sources.
  • Study the setting and historical context thoroughly.
  • Avoid inventing interior thoughts or dialogue.

Careful research creates narrative credibility.

You have an interesting mix of story and informational sections. What was your thought process on setting up the book in this way?

I structured the book so the narrative carries emotional momentum, while the informational sections—what I think of as science features or contextual notes—deepen understanding.

When Juliane encounters a river, readers learn how river systems work. When she faces insects or predators, readers learn the ecology behind them.

Illustrations in the book by Caroline Church

The goal is immersion paired with understanding.

Writers sometimes have difficulty knowing how to bring a biography to life. Any tips?

  • Begin with tension.
  • Anchor scenes in sensory details supported by research.
  • Keep stakes visible.
  • Focus on decisions and consequences.

Readers connect when they see how choices shape outcomes.

How did you handle dialogue?

I included only dialogue documented in reliable sources in print and media. When exact wording was unavailable, I summarized rather than invented.

Restraint is essential in narrative nonfiction.

For Teachers

Do you have a curriculum guide or discussion questions posted online?

A curriculum guide and discussion materials will be available on my website in April.

Are you doing school visits related to this book?

Yes. I present to students in grades five through high school.

Presentations focus on:

  • Survival science
  • Amazon ecology
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • How research becomes narrative nonfiction
  • The role of scientific thinking in real-world problem-solving

I offer both in-person visits in Northern California and Zoom conversations for schools elsewhere. My school presentations are free; I do not charge.

How can we learn more about you?

Website: www.ellencochrane.com
Social media: Facebook: @CochraneEllen | Instagram: @EllenMCochrane | TikTok: @AuthorTalk 

These are my anchor Hashtags:

  1. #FollowTheWater
  2. #MiddleGradeBooks
  3. #SurvivalStory

Newsletter: Occasional updates a few times a year

Thanks for your time, Ellen. Follow the Water comes out March 17!




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Through the Eyes of Gen Z

By on March 11, 2026   /   Author Interviews, WNDMG  
WNDMG Logo

When we embark upon our journey as storytellers, we become part of the writing community at large. Each of us seeks to build relationships with not only our audiences, but also long to engage with other creatives across multiple mediums. As middle-grade authors, it is so important for us to stay connected with our readers and understand life through their eyes. People make sense of the world around them based on their own lived experiences, but if I have learned anything from my kids, it’s that the younger generation has just as much to offer us as we have to offer them.

That fact is the focus of this WNDMG post.

This month’s interview is with the co-founders of ProjectGenZWrites: Ruby Seidner and Boston Rohan. ProjectGenZWrites is a youth-led, nonprofit organization that offers free videos, tools, and resources for the next generation of creatives across multiple mediums. I had the pleasure of meeting these trailblazers several years ago when I volunteered to record a short video for their project. (To be honest, I was floored by the drive and dedication of these teens and could only regret not being half as motivated as they were in my youth.)

RESIST written in multiple colors. logo for project genZ writes

Project GenZ Writes

Their organization philosophy states:

ProjectGenZWrites is a fast-growing, youth-led, non-profit database that educates the next generation of novelists, poets, journalists, and creative visionaries. We believe in the power of communal nurturing and building a world that is kinder, stronger, and healthier due to the plethora of creative people in it. Yet, we recognized a gap that stood in the way of getting to that place. Money and its connection to accessibility of vital education. This is why we partner with published authors, who generously give us their time to create videos sharing their incredible knowledge with our viewers. Videos are about anything within the writing process, from publishing to creative exhaustion. They are available on the website free of charge, aligning with our goal to bridge the creative education gap and give everyone a chance to pursue their creative passions.

 

I had to find out more about these young founders and their mission to bridge the creative education gap, in between going to high school and working on their own writing projects! What better diverse perspective to focus on during Women’s History Month. Without further delay, here we go!

decorative cartoon lightbulb

Image by gstudioimagen on Freepik

My first question: What inspired you to start this project?

RUBY: I grew up privileged enough to have access to whatever creative writing education I needed to further my craft and I knew there were people who were so much more talented than me who didn’t have that and I wanted to use the privilege I was given to do something about that.

Amazing goal. This makes me wonder, what is your primary motivation for continuing this project?

RUBY: The fact that we’re growing, that people are taking notice and PGW actually seems to be helping the next generation become more literate, creative and inspired.

Nothing feels better than knowing you’re making a difference. Now, does working from the educational side help you as a creative?

RUBY: I watch all the videos that are submitted and I learn something new about not just craft, but myself as a person, as I watch every single one.

Video thumbnails from PGW

Courtesy of ProjectGenZWrites

So true! Listening to the experiences of others definitely helps me grow and I hope I never stop learning from others. Along the lines of experiences, what have you learned the most from this process of launching an online database?

BOSTON: The biggest thing I’ve learned is the importance of communication. We’ve made a real effort to communicate with all of the authors on our platform and make sure their work is represented correctly on the database. That’s meant coordinating with them about their videos, making sure everything is presented the right way, and keeping an open line of communication so everyone feels good about how their work is being shared.

Model of Communication

 

As a communication professor, this lesson is music to my ears! I love how you’re both dealing with real world issues at such a young age yourself. Given this unique experience, what advice do you have for young creatives?

RUBY: When you figure out the internal reason for doing what you do, the need to base your worth as a creative on only external validation (will still be there) but shall start to dim significantly. This way you’ll be able to learn from rejection and keep following your dreams without letting today’s no’s stand in the way of tomorrow’s yes.

Sage advice from one young creative to another! Last question, what’s next on your schedule — creative or nonprofit wise?

QC Family Tree Logo

BOSTON: Right now I’m working with QC Family Tree, a nonprofit in the Charlotte area focused on uplifting the local community. We’re continuing to build out the website by adding more ways for people to get connected with events, opportunities, and different parts of the community. The goal is to make the platform a place that really reflects the importance of community and helps people find ways to get involved.

Incredible work, both of you! Let’s give these teen founders a giant round of applause. It’s hard enough just trying to grow up grounded in this crazy world we live in. But, I feel proud knowing that the next generation is more determined and resilient than we know.

If you’d like to participate this project and show your support, check out their website at projectgenzwrites.com. Thank you both so much for taking the time to connect. You’re racking up karmic brownies to ensure your creative and professional success in the future. I wish you both the best of luck!

Project GenZ Writes – Founder Bios

Ruby Seidner

Ruby Seidner photo

ProjectGenZWrites Founder

Ruby Seidner is a poet, advocate, and activist. She’s been published thirty-four times in various literary journals, won the Running Start Political Simulation in 2023, and participated in a Jubilee Media video that garnered over one million views. She’s been a finalist for Sonoma County Youth Poet Laureate in 2024, a special awardee for the Bay Area Creative Youth Awards in 2025, and a finalist for the Sonoma County Office of Education’s Five Minute Film Festival in 2023. She has graduated from online creative writing programs at the Kenyon Review and the Iowa Writers Workshop. She is the co-founder of the creative writing education database ProjectGenZWrites.

Boston Rohan photo

Project GenZ Writes Founder

 

Boston Rohan

Self taught developer currently working at Elevation Church. code, listen to music, and watch anime.

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Mythspeaker – Interview with Debut Author Christopher Roubique

By on February 25, 2026   /   Author Interviews  

Cover for Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique

What would you do if you were told at five years old that your destiny was to save the world? 13-year old Kyta has been wrestling with that question for a long time, but now he finally sees an opportunity to fulfill that destiny. But it may involve a lot more complications—and a lot more cooperation—than he bargained for.

Mythspeaker, the debut middle grade novel from Christopher Roubique, arrived in bookstores yesterday! Publishers Weekly called it “a rousing action-packed adventure” in their starred review. Please join me in welcoming author Christopher Roubique to From the Mixed-Up Files.

Interview with Debut Middle Grade Author Christopher Roubique

Katie: Christopher, thank you so much for joining us at From the Mixed-Up Files to chat about your debut middle grade book, Mythspeaker. It’s always a delight to chat with a fellow Wisconsinite!

First question, if you were at a school visit with a roomful of upper elementary kids, what would be your quick elevator pitch for why they should read this story?

Christopher: Hi Katie! Absolutely a pleasure to be here and with a Wisconsin neighbor no less!

As far as a quick elevator pitch just for kids:

Imagine that back when you were five years old, a living myth—a being as old as time itself—came to you and said you would have to save the world someday. That’s exactly what happened to Kyta. His whole childhood, he’s been stressing. Alone. Searching for a destiny he can’t predict. But now that he’s 13, it’s happening. Invaders have stolen the egg of the huge World Turtle he and all the tribes live on. So he’s going to steal it back. He has to before the turtle falls from the sky in grief.

There’s just one problem: he can’t do it alone. So Kyta has to make a team of other kids—misfits like him—and somehow lead them on the heist of a lifetime, past monsters and men, to save everyone. No pressure.

 

Katie: Kyta is such an interesting character, given the heavy weight of the prophecy he received when he was only five, and his desire to serve his community. Does Kyta have much in common with you as a kid? If not, where did you find inspiration for their personality?

Christopher: He absolutely does. As far back as I can remember, people called me special. It’s nice, in a way, but “special” is also really hard to carry as a kid. What exactly does special mean? Sometimes, it felt like adults really wanted me to save the world—to be or become something big and impressive and powerful that I had no idea how to be. I have this vivid memory of one of my elementary teachers telling my mom that I would be president one day. They were dead serious. And I remember thinking, “Oh no, I don’t know how to do that. I don’t know if I can do that.”

That feeling—that old burden—became a core part of Kyta. I loved the idea of telling a story where we get to honestly see how the “destined hero” actually feels. How he grapples with living up to something so much bigger than him. And I’m incredibly gratified that people seem to click with it. Most people—kids especially—have had that moment where they suddenly feel entirely out of their depth. I’m glad Kyta’s journey can be there for them because the answer he finds is the same answer I did: you don’t have to do it alone. (Also, I have no plans of becoming president. Sorry, Mr. K!)

 

Katie: Teachers often tell students to “Write what you know?” You mention in your opening author’s note that you created the culture and mythology of your story yourself. How have you been able to use “what you know” and your own life experiences to write creative fantasy?

Headshot of author Christopher RoubiqueChristopher: I love this question for a fantasy book because it’s complicated! How can any fantasy author be writing “what they know” when we’re out here describing fantastical creatures and ancient magics and worlds that have never been? But the answer is simple: for all their amazing trappings, even the most fantastic story is still about us. People. What connects us and allows us to live and learn and grow. Or what divides us and gets in our way. Sure, Kyta lives on a giant flying turtle and his best friend is a large hare made of branches and brambles older than dirt. But he’s also a kid determined to do something important and afraid he’ll mess it up. He’s excited and cocky and anxious. No matter what I’m writing, I always try to keep those very real feelings in mind because they’re what make even the most outlandish fantasies meaningful.

More specifically to the culture and mythology of Mythspeaker, I’ve always been fascinated with Indigenous American mythology as an exploration of my own heritage. There’s such beauty to how the tribes that have long called this continent home understood and explained the world around them. How some still do. Inspired by the spirit of those myths, the grandeur and wonder of them—I created something new that celebrates this piece of myself I adore.

 

Katie: Since this is your first middle grade novel, can you tell us a little about your path to publication? What led you to write for kids?

Christopher: Sure! Even though I’ve been writing for almost my entire life, I actually didn’t start writing books until just after college. I was a poet. Didn’t even think I could write a book. But my first job after graduating was so boring that I started writing an adult fantasy novel bit by bit on used fax cover sheets (which may be the oldest-sounding thing I’ve ever said). I tried querying that novel, and no agent wanted to read it.

That was 13 or 14 years ago.

Between then and finally landing my agent, Melanie Figueroa, I wrote six other books including a few middle grade novels. I started getting full requests from agents, but though I was often told my work was beautiful . . . none of them wanted to represent me. In the end, after querying for more than 8 years across 7 manuscripts and 200+ rejections, Melanie offered to represent me. She’d read 2 of my books and though she didn’t feel they would sell to a publisher, she couldn’t get my writing style and voice out of her head. So she took a leap of faith, choosing to believe in me and my potential. And I will always be grateful.

I wrote two more books—one of them middle grade—before everything finally clicked. The thing I’d been missing was a “high concept;” one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot in publishing but always felt arcane to me. The moment I finally cracked how to make a high concept, everything changed. The very first one I thought of was a high fantasy heist that I fused with my desire to write an Indigenous fantasy novel, which became Mythspeaker!

As for what led me to writing for kids, that’s easy. Pretty much all my favorite books ARE kids books. I firmly believe the books we read as kids, especially that middle grade range, are the most important books we ever read. I love writing middle grade books. And even though I’m working on some young adult and adult novels, too, I don’t intend to ever leave middle grade behind.

 

Katie: What advice would you give to fledgling MG authors?

Christopher: Don’t write to get famous or make money or be successful; that’s not really how this journey goes. Write stories that bring you joy. Stories that satisfy you. Learn from your mistakes and from the lessons others share. Ask other authors! Find your community. But the biggest thing to writing books—and getting into publishing, if that’s what you want to do—is perseverance. Don’t give up. Even when it’s hard. Grit and determination make an unbelievable difference. And when you pair grit with a willingness to learn, you can do a lot.

(But seriously, write things you would love to read. Writing a book is hard enough without trying to write something you don’t even enjoy.)

 

Katie: What are some of your favorite middle grade books or series?

Christopher: How much time do you have? My all-time favorite middle grade series is Broken Sky by Chris Wooding. I got the first book from a Scholastic book order in 5th grade and it made me want to write fantasy. I still have that copy on a shelf right next to me. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia (especially The Magician’s Nephew) by C.S. Lewis, Red Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley, the Wilderlore series by Amanda Foody, The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill, and (this might be cheating) anything related to Gravity Falls by Alex Hirsch.

*takes deep breath* Okay, I’ll stop now.

 

Katie: Great list! The Girl who Drank the Moon remains one of my all-time favorites. Is there anything else that you would like readers to know about the book or about your upcoming projects?

Christopher: As far as Mythspeaker, this book is a love letter to the kid I was. It’s wondrous and whimsical, funny and exciting. I hope it reaches other kids out there looking for the same things I was, whether that’s an Indigenous fantasy or misfits finding where they belong or just really big, cool monsters. Mythspeaker has all that covered in spades.

And as for other projects, well, I can’t get into specifics, but let’s just say that this won’t be the last middle grade fantasy you see from me. In fact, if I have it my way, you’ll be seeing more from me for a long time!

 

Yellow graphic lightning bolt

No MUF interview is complete without a lightning round so …

Best jewel for a jewel horse?

White opal. That prism sheen in sunlight is too pretty. Garnet is second place.

Favorite fictional character you would include if planning a heist?

If I want it to go well, Joker from Persona 5. If I want it to go well but also completely off the rails, Gandalf.

Dream job when you were a kid?

Briefly archaeologist. Then writer all the way.

Superpower?

Controlling electricity.

 

Katie: Finally, where can readers find you if they want to reach out?

I’m on Bluesky and X as @Dreamertide.

You can also find me on my website: christopherroubique.com

 

Official bio for Christopher Roubique

Headshot of author Christopher RoubiqueChristopher Roubique grew up in rural Wisconsin and filled his time—and his heart—with the joys of fantasy and science fiction. His own books leap from those same joys, folding in his Cajun and Indigenous heritage, passion for mental health, and plenty of fantastical creatures. He still lives in Wisconsin and has squeezed his wife and daughter beside all those stories in his heart too.

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