Read to Know Basis: Jasmin Graham
The author of Sharks Don't Sink promotes the scientific lifestyle.
Read to Know Basis is a weekly interview series with authors. It features debut authors and established writers talking about reading, writing, and of course snacks. This series is free to all. If you like what you read considering subscribing to support the work of Unstacked, and of course go out and buy the book!
Jasmin Graham is a shark scientist and environmental educator who specializes in elasmobranch (shark and ray) ecology and evolution. Jasmin’s work encompasses the areas of science communication, social justice, outreach, education and conservation. She cares deeply about protecting endangered and vulnerable marine species, particularly elasmobranchs. Jasmin is the President and CEO of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), an organization dedicated to supporting women of color in shark sciences. She is excited to help open doors for more underrepresented minority students to join the exciting field of marine science.
What are five words to describe your book?
Humorous, Inspirational, Relatable, Informative, Thought-provoking
What is the strangest thing you googled while researching/writing this book?
I did a deep dive into the mini golf course that terrified me as a kid.
Describe your ideal reader?
I hope this book inspires people interested in science that feel that they can’t be scientists for whatever reason to go out and do science!
What is a piece of writing advice that you’ve received that you think is really bad? What is a piece of writing advice that you think is really good?
Bad writing advice: Just start writing…what does that even mean??? Good writing advice: It’s better to over describe something and trim back if it’s too long than to have to go back in and add more description after.
How did you celebrate the completion of this book?
My literary agent had a bottle of champagne delivered to my house.
What’s a book you found at just the right time in your life?
Probably the American Girl series when I was a kid.
What are you reading right now? And what book are you desperate to read next?
I just finished The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson and I just started listening to Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson on audiobook. Clearly I’m on a Brandon Sanderson kick haha. I also have several volumes of the comic Ice Cream Man I’m working through.
What book are you an evangelist for?
The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness
Who is your literary crush?
Matthew Clairmont
If you could not be a writer what would you do?
Well I don’t really think of myself as a writer, but more like a scientist who writes. If I wasn’t that I would probably be a linguist.
What is one thing that you think people would be really surprised to know about you?
I’m a classically trained opera singer.
You’re invited to a literary potluck, what are you bringing?
Gingerbread cookies shaped and decorated like books. I make really good gingerbread cookies.
Connect with Jasmin: Twitter | Website
I'm so curious about this book! Also book shaped gingerbread cookies is a *great* answer.