What are you working on now?

[Mark Robson]

Julie, I see you have a new title hot off the press. I, for one, would love to hear more about it and to know what you're working on next.

[Julie Bertagna]

Hi Mark, thanks for the kind welcome. I'm working on the third book of what I loosely call a 'Savage Earth' saga. I was trying to do a two-parter but it ended up as three (Exodus and Zenith, just out, and I'm working on Aurora). The story is set on a flooded Earth 100 years in the future. I know a drowned world scenario has been done before but I figured it hadn't been done (as far as I know) with a contemporary YA/ crossover audience in mind: the 'climate change generation' who are going to be dealing with global warming. (Though I never have an 'audience' in mind when writing; I just write for me.)

I like the look of your books - will seek them out.

[Mark Robson]

Originally Posted by Julie Bertagna

I like the look of your books - will seek them out.

The feeling is mutual. Out of interest, do you belong to the SAS? (Scattered Authors' Society)

[Mark Robson]

Sorry to double post, but I noticed your books on special stands (in pride of place, no less) in the library at Rickmansworth High School where I was speaking on Tuesday this week. I must admit to having a sneaky peek. I'm very intrigued now. Will definitely be getting some soon.

[Julie Bertagna]

Thanks, that's kind of you to pass that on - & good to hear while sitting here with a tired, scrambled brain.... (due to several weeks of speaking in schools). Is there a more demanding audience than teens? But possibly they are among the most interesting too.

I've been asked several times to join the SAS and just never got round to it, probably because I'm in Scotland and everyone else is down south. Are you in it?

[Mark Robson]

I am indeed. In fact I just enjoyed a mad experience with a fellow Scot, Linda Strachan, who asked me to say hello. We were crazy enough to volunteer to join Charles Butler and enter as a team of children's authors ( introduced as members of the alternative SAS) into the TV show, Codex, hosted by Tony Robinson. It was a great experience, but I'm not at liberty to say how we got on. That will have to wait until the show airs in September/October time.

There are quite a few Scottish members, I understand. I'd certainly encourage you to think about it. They're a friendly bunch.