Pulling From That Passion Felt Natural - An Interview with Alexis Young

Do you ever think about the depths of the sea? What awaits us under the ocean waves and what adventures are waiting to be had? Since childhood, these thoughts have been swirling around Alexis Young’s mind – and now she’s ready to set sail!

Rosie the Whale Shark combines marine education with oceanic exploration in a fun and informative read for the youngest water lovers. What will Rosie and her friends discover in their busy day around the reef?

We spoke with Alexis about her passion for the underwater world, the real-world inspiration behind her fictional setting and how the love and support of her family helped propel her through choppy waters.

As your passion for marine life has only grown further since childhood, why was now - with the release of Rosie the Whale Shark – the best time to express your love for the underwater world?

I have always loved animals and learning about their habitat, so when I sat down to write a story that I would be proud of, pulling from that passion felt natural.

Readers enjoying your story will have the opportunity to join Rosie and her friends on a day exploring the reef! What are some aspects of your written locations that you particularly love and how did you include real-world facts in this fictional tale?

One of my favourite things about this story is the location: the fish and vegetation that are mentioned in the book are truly there!

Ningaloo Reef is off the coast of Australia and is a common place to find Whale Sharks, Butterfly fish, Parrottfish, Lavender Coral, and the rest of the animals the friends come across. I decided to use real-world facts because it felt important to spread information about this area - it also made the story more real!

It is lovely to see the amount of support your friends and family have been giving you in the lead up to your book’s release! It’s especially lovely as we know that you have pre-emptively thanked many of them in your book. Would you be able to tell us a little about the naming of your characters?

The support I have received from friends and family has been unmatched. I could not be more grateful!

Regarding the characters in my book, they are named after my siblings! I have been traveling with my brother and sister my whole life, so it was only right that they were a part of this story. Also, the first time I saw a Whale Shark, they were with me! Making them a part of this adventure felt very special.

The publication of Rosie the Whale Shark is the culmination of a lifelong goal to become a published author – so congratulations! What lead to your initial intention to one day be named a published author?

I found a passion for writing at a young age. My parents love to remind me that I was around nine when I first came home and told them I would one day become an author. I think it all started there! Just a kid who thought making up stories was fun. I was fortunate enough to have parents who supported me and helped me build on that love throughout my life.

Finally, your daughter is still young, and many adventures await the both of you, in real-life and in the pages of further books! Do you have any plans that you’d be willing to share with us and the readers?

I do have another book in the works - about my daughter and our dogs!

The story follows Winston’s struggle (my Corgi) in accepting a new baby in the house. But after a grand adventure, he finds she might not be so awful after all. The story is silly but relatable to anyone who’s first ‘kid’ was their pet. I am hopeful it will be ready to share this year!

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Rosie the Whale Shark by Alexis Young is available now in paperback.