Review Fix Exclusive: S.R. Atkinson Talks ‘Treading Waves ‘

Review Fix chats with author S.R. Atkinson, who discusses the third book in her Siren series, “Treading Waves.”

Review Fix: What has the reception been like for the first two books? How did it impact this one?

S.R. Atkinson: The reception for the first two book was amazing. I have loved hearing back from readers who said the books spoke to them in some way or they were inspired by a specific part. That has been my only hope when writing them. I did feel a bit of pressure because of that when writing Treading Waves, only because I wanted to continue the trend of writing strong women and hopefully important messages. 

Review Fix: How else is this book different from the first two books in the series?

Atkinson: In the first two books Santiago was trying to find her place in the ocean and seeing if she could actually be a Human among the Mermaids. In the third book she has found a solid place for herself and is carving out her destiny. She is facing some real problems and learning how to take charge and truly make a difference. 

Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this book?

Atkinson: I used this book to explore parts of myself that I don’t often look at. I’m very outgoing and extroverted but one of my main characters, Yemri, is completely the opposite of that. While I was creating her,  I really had to learn what it might be like to be shy, introverted, and not want to lead. I found I had so much more in common with her than I ever imagined and she is one of my favorite characters. 

Review Fix: How do you want this book to affect people?

Atkinson: I’ve always said I try to write real life problems with real life, healthy, solutions set in a fantastical, underwater world. It’s always been my hope that young women can read these fun stories about mermaids and magic and see that there is a way for them to work through whatever they’re struggling with and come out the other side happier and healthier because of the trial. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Atkinson: I’m currently writing the fourth and final book in the Siren Anthology. In this book I feel a huge responsibility to do all my main characters justice. I’ve left a lot of unanswered questions and cliffhangers and I have big plans for the way its all going to unfold. In a large series like this I think it’s important that every character who has played a part in the telling of this story gets a chance to shine, be a hero in their own way, and have their story concluded with satisfaction. I am really excited for this challenge and think my readers will be very happy with the way it finishes. 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Atkinson: I started writing these because I have worked with teenagers my entire professional life and I truly love my work. I wanted to write something for them. A fun and action-packed series that also incorporates the real-life struggles they face. I have learned so much from working with teens and I just wanted to give something back to them.