Goodreads asked Mark Stary:

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Mark Stary The Coconut Rebellion was written on a dare from my daughter, who is of the opinion that men in white coats would turn up if I accepted her challenge. Seeing as they call me their Mad Professor anyway, I figured what the heck.
The story came about from sitting on my small back yard deck with my daughter, talking about our favourite stories over a cup of tea. I said that my favourite stories are ones about something useless or someone who is a misfit,who turns out to be the exact opposite. 'Oh really, Dad? Well here's a challenge then. Come up with your own story.' She sips her tea and adds, 'Something useless then ... come on...'
So I reply, 'Gee I don't know sweetie. You know...Useless. Like an ashtray on a motorbike or a fish out water.'
A fish out of water ...
Hmm ...
The story was thrashed out in two minutes. Daughter walks away, mumbling about white coats and funny-farm fathers. I had to agree, had a chuckle and forgot about the story. I was currently writing a historical thriller at the time and during writing a very heart-wrenching scene, images of fish in coconuts sailing about going, 'Arrr!' kept popping into my head. This got worse over the next few days. In the end I had to give in and put aside the serious writing and start 'The Coconut Rebellion.'

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