Author Chat with Mark Wainwright & Giveaway for Middle-Grade Readers

Just because school is in session doesn’t mean our students shouldn’t read anything but textbooks. As a teacher, I believe that providing young adults with exemplary extra-curricular reading sets them up for success as life-long learners.

For my friends with middle-grade readers, this post is for you! I’m grateful to know author Mark Wainwright and be able to recommend his new book, Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon. Keep reading to learn more about Mark, why the young readers in your home might love this story, and how to enter to win a copy.

Would you share what inspired you to write this story or how this project began?

My kids and I enjoy listening to audio books. Several years ago, we were listening to a bunch of the “I Survived” books. This series is fun and fast paced, but the humanistic philosophies and evolutionary teachings woven into the plotlines frustrated me.

For instance, in I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies, 1967, Mel (the main character) is attacked by a bear. The narrative reads, “At that moment it was just three of them: The grizzly. The porcupine. And Mel. Three terrified animals, alone in the wild.” Examples like this evolutionary reference were one reason why I decided to write an adventurous children’s story that taught biblical principles.

Sibling strife is nothing new, but Jenny and Cole have some extra-large hurdles they have to overcome. What advice would you give the young reader who is upset with a brother or sister?

Forgive. Even though you’re not going to feel like it, and even though it’s not going to be easy—forgive! If you don’t, you won’t find healing and rest. And if you don’t forgive, your resentment at being wronged will lead to bitterness . . . and bitterness leads to further hurt and loss.

Do as Jesus did. He forgave those who betrayed Him, those who forsook Him, and even those who crucified Him. Ephesians 4:31-32 is a great reminder to us. “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (KJV).

Is there a lesson or experience from your life that impacted this story? What was it, and how did it shape the story?

I grew up in Colorado Springs, the setting for Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon. Every Labor Day weekend, my dad woke my siblings and I up early in the morning so that we could attend the Labor Day Balloon Festival. I loved watching the crews inflate the envelopes and then launch the balloons high into the sky.

Then, when I was twelve years old, I got the opportunity to ride in a real hot air balloon during this festival. I was so excited! I’ll never forget soaring thousands of feet into the sky and staring down at the tiny houses and cars far below. The thrill of that adventure (as well as the slightly hard landing) has never left my memory. When I was brainstorming adventure ideas, this experience quickly “rose” to mind.

The problem of pain is a hard one for adults to grasp, let alone children, but you address this topic in a way that is thoughtful and biblically grounded. What would you say to the young reader who is dealing with the pain of his own loss?

I’d say, You’re not alone! We sometimes think everyone else has a perfect life and that ours is full of heartache. But the truth is that we are all hurting in one way or another. We live in a sin-cursed world where pain and disease and death destroy. But if you are a child of God, your heavenly Father is your refuge and strength. So cling to Him and talk to Him through prayer, because He cares for you.

Also, it may be a good idea to seek help from a compassionate and trustworthy person. This can be hard to do because admitting that we need help makes us feel as if we are weak and vulnerable. Actually, asking for help is a sign of maturity. So be courageous and seek help from those you trust.

If you could leave your reader with one parting truth from this story, what would it be?

Forgiving a friend or family member is never easy. In fact, it often feels impossible. When we’ve been wronged, our natural tendency is to hold a grudge or even seek revenge. It’s at this point that we need to focus on Jesus instead of ourselves. He forgave us of so much. We would be wise to follow His example and forgive others. When we do this, we grow closer to Christ and begin experiencing the peace and rest that forgiveness brings.

Your website says that you’ve traveled to 33 countries and 49 states. What place or activity is especially memorable?

I get that question a lot. I could mention riding elephants in Thailand, hang gliding in the Swiss Alps, or witnessing a secret bathtub baptism in China. I’ve seen some incredible sights and even been in some life-threatening situations. But when I think about my travels, what’s actually the most memorable are the people I meet! Some of my favorite times have been sharing a meal around a jungle campfire in Papua New Guinea, laughing at hilarious stories in New Zealand, and praising the Lord with brothers and sisters in India.

You worked as a book publishing editor for sixteen years and now teach college writing courses. What advice would you give someone who enjoys writing, but wants to take their writing skills to the next level?

As you write, don’t expect immediate perfection. Unreasonable expectations will destroy your productivity, drain your time, and dampen your enthusiasm. When writing, just get the story or article down as quickly as you can. Then after you’ve completed the rough draft, begin the editorial process. This is where you continue developing your ideas and adjusting your focus before engaging in detailed copyediting. The more time you engage in this editorial process, the more refined and fluid your writing will be.

How can readers stay in touch with you?

Visit me at www.Mark-Wainwright.com, like me on Facebook, or leave a Goodreads review. And if you have a writing question, feel free to ask.

Enter to win your copy!

Mark is graciously giving away one copy of Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon here on the blog. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post. You could comment on something Mark shared or perhaps what other middle-grade stories you enjoy. You may also share my related posts on Facebook or Twitter. (Just be sure to tag me!)

A few considerations:

1. You must be over 13 years of age to enter.
2. You must have a US address. (Sorry to my international friends!)
3. The winner’s name may be posted on this site and/or social media.
4. While this contest may be shared on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with these entities.

The giveaway runs through Sunday, October 31, and I’ll announce the winner on the blog and Facebook that week.

~ Kristen

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About the Author

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About Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon

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Congrats to Our Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Elizabeth for winning the drawing for one copy of Trapped in a Hot Air Balloon! Thank you to everyone who commented and participated.