When I first dreamt up The Resort, I imagined not just an underwater wonderland, but a place where friendships bloom - between people, between sea creatures, and between us and the sea itself. What began as a playful story for an assignment for school turned into something much deeper. As I wove in the friendships between my characters-humans and turtles, coral dwellers and kids-I realised I was writing about care, connection, and responsibility.

I grew up loving the ocean as an island girl-family beach trips, picture books, and watching sea turtles glide in documentaries. One day, walking down the beach, we saw a massive turtle. But when we got to the turtle, we realised it was dead - it had been caught in the fishing net. It was such a heartbreaking moment to see this gentle giant dead for no fault of its own.