Today I’m happy to welcome Sydney Salter back to my blog, to answer a few questions about her second novel Jungle Crossing. Sydney is also the author of My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters which debuted earlier this year.

Q: Tell us about a scene or character from your novel that was especially easy (or especially difficult) to write.

A: Writing the sacrifice scene was tricky because I had to show it through
my ancient Mayan character’s eyes, and not let my modern American ideas
get in the way. I also didn’t want to make it too gruesome–just the
right amount. I revised that chapter a lot!

Q: What is your favorite (or one of your favorite) myths or fairy-tales, and why? Or alternately, what fairy-tale or myth do you dislike, and why?

A: I read a lot of Mayan myths while researching Jungle Crossing. I especially love the Hero Twins story–those boys are clever. I tried to retell that myth in the novel, but it bogged down the action and I ended up cutting most of it. That was hard to do.

Q: So, what has been the most exciting part of selling your book(s) and getting published so far?

A: I still feel like shaking my head or pinching myself when I wander into a bookstore and see my book sitting on the shelf. I know it’s mine. But it feels surreal.

About Jungle Crossing
Thirteen-year-old Kat can think of dozens of good reasons not to go on a boring family vacation to hot, grungy Mexico. Number one: missing her friend Fiona’s minicamp. If she’s not there, she’ll begin eighth grade as a social reject. And it looks like she’s the odd girl out on vacation, too. When Kat’s parents arrange for her and her younger sister, Barb, to go on a teen adventure tour, Barb makes more friends than she does. The only person who will talk to Kat is Nando, a young Mayan guide (who happens to be quite a cutie). Each day as they travel to different Mayan ruins, Nando tells Kat and Barb another installment in the original legend of Muluc, a girl who lived in the time of the Ancient Maya. The dangerous, dramatic world in which Muluc lives is as full of rivalry, betrayal, jealousy, and sacrifice as Kat’s world at school. And as she makes new friends and discovers new treasures in Mexico, Kat begins to wonder: Is she willing to keep sacrificing her self in exchange for popularity?

About Sydney Salter
Sydney Salter’s fascination with Mayan culture started when she was six years old and climbed down a steep, dimly lit stone staircase to the elaborately carved tomb of King Pacal who had once ruled Palenque. Visiting Mayan ruins, walking through fragrant Mexican market places, watching women wash clothes in a river, and chasing lizards in the jungle ignited the spark in Sydney’s imagination that led to writing Jungle Crossing. Sydney now lives in Utah with her husband, two daughters, two cats, and two dogs. She loves reading, writing, cooking, and traveling—especially to Mexico where she can explore ancient Mayan ruins and swim in underground rivers.

Learn more about Sydney at her website.

Jungle Crossing is available now! I encourage you to shop at your local independent bookstore!