About the series
There are a few reasons I've grown to like the series idea:
1) Wilderness:
I don't want to beat anyone over the head with the politics, but I DO hope that the series encourages young people to explore wild places. While I love multiple-use management, I know how ATV use affects my experience in wild areas. In the first book, the girls are not in a wilderness area, but in the remote parts of Yellowstone National Park (managed as wilderness, according to the National Park Service). If the snowmobile in the book becomes a bit of a monster, it may reflect some of my experiences with snowmobiles in wild places.
2) The Two Girls:
I like these two characters. I don't describe either of them as fearless, but just willing to explore and to push themselves (perhaps a little farther than they should). I like seeing how they interact with each other and support each other when they're in trouble. There aren't many outdoor adventure books with female characters, nor are there many books about girls who love to ski, bike, hike, and climb outdoors. I like each book focusing on a different pursuit, and could expect that to continue.
3) Connection to real places and cultural treasures.
I enjoyed incorporating the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in the first book (and am grateful for their support and encouragement), and I continue to incorporate real institutions and pieces. These characters genuinely love the items that work their way into the stories, and that interest makes it more fun to write.
4) Mystery and outdoors
I hope that people looking for a good mystery genre book aren't too upset by the first book—the Amelia character idolizes Nancy Drew, but it isn't a "who done it". It fits much better in the outdoor adventure category. So why is it a "wilderness mystery series'? Each book will have a criminal element, and while many of the antagonists will continue to be easy to spot (look for the person on the ATV), I think the next few books will have a bit more of a mystery tilt.
WHAT'S NEXT?
I'm ready to go on the next adventure for these two smart, strong self-reliant characters. Will they find themselves in similar tight jams as the hike, bike, or climb their way into other remote locations? If you liked the book and want more, please let me know.
No. 2: Off Route in the Rockies?
Hiking/ Mountain Climbing in La Garita Wilderness (San Juan Mountains) outside of Creede, Colorado, with connections to the summer repertory theater.
No. 3: Lost in the Book Cliffs?
Biking in remote areas of the Tavaputs Plateau (Book Cliffs) along the Utah/Colorado Border, with connections to archeology pieces.
I'd love to hear from you- where do you want these characters to go?