Historical MG with Michele C. Hollow: the Mary Anning Legacy

In my latest interview, middle grade author Michele C. Hollow shares insights into her new historical fiction book, Jurassic Girl. This captivating story is based on the life of Mary Anning, a pioneering young paleontologist who made an incredible fossil discovery at the age of 12 in 1811. Michele discusses her inspiration, the challenges of bringing historical characters to life, and her hopes to ignite a passion for science in young readers.

Could you share a little about yourself and your current middle grade novel?

Jurassic Girl is a historical fiction middle grade book based on the life of Mary Anning. At age 12, back in 1811 in the town of Lyme Regis, UK, Mary unearthed an amazing fossil. Unfortunately, the men of London’s Geological Society called her a fraud because Mary was female, 12 years old, poor, and self-educated. Today, Mary is known as the “Mother of Paleontology.”

I work as a freelance journalist covering health, pet care, and the environment.

What inspired you to start writing middle grade fiction?

I was drawn to Mary’s story and the fact that she made this incredible discovery at age 12. Despite many hardships and the fact that so many men didn’t believe a girl could make this great discovery, Mary persisted. I thought it would inspire middle graders and possibly spark an interest in a career in science.

How do you approach crafting characters that resonate with middle grade readers?

Mary Anning was a real person. Most of the people in my book are real. I created a few people to move the story along. The story is nonfiction; however, I made up all of the dialogue because no one from that time period—1811—is around for me to interview.

I originally thought about writing this as a nonfiction book, but I needed to fill in the gaps with dialogue; that was made up.

Do you have a favorite middle grade book?

Freak the Mighty and Coraline.

Can you describe your typical writing day?

Writing a book is different from writing a news or feature story. I had to think about the characters and understand them. Obviously, I couldn’t interview them. I did interview a researcher at the Lyme Regis Museum who answered a number of my questions about Mary’s life.

What do you hope young readers will take away from your books?

I want readers to admire Mary as much as I do. I also hope some may find a career in paleontology and science of interest.

Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring middle grade authors?

Find a topic you’re passionate about because you are going to spend a lot of time with that topic and with the characters. It’s essential, at least it was for me, to be part of a writing group. I have two writer friends. We exchanged manuscripts, offered our advice on how to improve these manuscripts, and discussed writing.

How do you incorporate humor and adventure into your middle grade stories?

The topic I wrote about is based on a true story. Mary had many adventures that I researched. Thinking about her fossil hunting on a beach when the weather changed brought me back to Louisiana and hurricanes. Weather can change rapidly. I saw a lot of hurricane damage when I lived in Louisiana. I thought about Mary being swept out to sea.

What upcoming project can readers look forward to from you?

I’m working on another historical fiction book for middle graders based on a true story.

Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t covered in the interview?

I think you covered it. Thanks!