Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Martinez.
Hi Blake, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean and the animals that call it home, especially sharks. That passion eventually led me to a career in marine science communication, where I combined my love of storytelling with conservation. Over the years, I’ve worked as a shark safety diver specializing in tiger shark behavior, contributed articles to publications like National Geographic Kids, appeared as a shark safety expert on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week, and helped conservation organizations share the stories of some of the ocean’s most misunderstood animals.
One thing I learned throughout my career is that facts alone don’t always inspire people to care. The most powerful tool for conservation is often storytelling. When people form an emotional connection to an animal or ecosystem, they’re far more likely to protect it.
Last summer, my husband’s Air Force career brought us from Hawaii to South Florida, and the move gave me an opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an author. Drawing on my experiences in marine conservation, I created Guardians of the Deep, a fantasy series that blends magical underwater worlds with real marine science. I like to describe it as conservation-focused fantasy because, while readers are immersed in adventure, friendship, and magic, they’re also learning about the ocean and the incredible creatures that live there.
Today, I continue to work at the intersection of science, storytelling, and conservation. Whether I’m speaking about sharks, creating educational content, or writing novels for young readers, my goal remains the same: to help people fall in love with the natural world and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges was moving from Hawaii to South Florida because of my husband’s Air Force career. After over 9 years in the islands, Hawaii had become home for me, both personally and professionally. I spent years working with sharks there, building relationships within the marine science and conservation community, and developing a career centered around the ocean I loved.
Leaving that behind was difficult. I still miss “my sharks” and the incredible ecosystem that first inspired me to pursue marine conservation and we do plan to return when our time here is finished. There was a period where I had to figure out what my next chapter would look like since shark diving is not as accessible to me here in Homestead, and how to continue doing meaningful work in a completely new place where I have few connections.
At the same time, the move opened doors I never expected. I began dedicating more time to writing and eventually turned my passion for ocean conservation into the Guardians of the Deep book series. Creating conservation-focused fantasy has allowed me to reach readers in a way that complements my science communication work.
I’ve also fallen in love with Florida’s unique ecosystems. The Everglades are unlike anywhere else in the world, and living in South Florida has given me access to incredible wildlife and conservation stories. I’ve continued working with sharks by leading scuba diving expeditions to the Bahamas, where I introduce divers to tiger sharks and hammerheads in one of the healthiest and most beautiful marine ecosystems on the planet. Watching people overcome fear and develop a genuine appreciation for these animals is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Looking back, the transition wasn’t easy, but it taught me that sometimes growth comes from being pushed outside of your comfort zone. While I still miss Hawaii, I’ve found new opportunities, new ecosystems to explore, and new ways to inspire people to care about the ocean.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, I primarily consider myself an author, though my background in marine science communication continues to influence everything I write.
I recently completed the Guardians of the Deep trilogy, a conservation-focused fantasy series for young adult readers that blends magical underwater worlds with real marine science. The books were born from a question that has followed me throughout my career: How do we inspire people to care about the natural world, especially if they may not have much access to it? For me, the answer has always been storytelling. Facts are important, but stories create emotional connections, and those connections can inspire lifelong curiosity, empathy, and action.
Completing the trilogy is one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of. Writing a single book is challenging; bringing an entire series to a satisfying conclusion felt like the culmination of years of work, creativity, and perseverance. Knowing that the story has introduced readers to marine life, conservation, and a sense of wonder makes that achievement even more meaningful.
As I look ahead, I’m beginning a transition into fantasy for more adult audiences while maintaining the conservation themes that have become central to my work. One thing I’ve noticed is that many environmental stories focus on collapse, disaster, or apocalyptic futures. While those stories have their place, I’m more interested in exploring a different question: What if we got it right? What if people truly cared for the natural world and built societies around stewardship, balance, and coexistence?
I’m currently working on a new project that explores those ideas through an epic adventure with a touch of cozy whimsy. While I can’t share too many details yet, it’s a story that imagines a world where connection with the natural world isn’t an afterthought but a core value, and where hope is just as powerful as warning.
I think that’s what sets my work apart. Whether I’m writing for children or adults, I’m drawn to stories that celebrate wonder. I want readers to close one of my books feeling more connected to the world around them than when they opened it. In a time when so many narratives focus on what we’re losing, I’m interested in exploring what might still be possible if we choose to care.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
A few books have had a huge impact on both my writing and my career. As an author, two resources I return to again and again are Story Genius by Lisa Cron and The Secrets of Story by Matt Bird. Both helped me think more deeply about character motivation, emotional stakes, and what makes readers genuinely care about a story.
For inspiration, I love the work of Carl Safina. His science writing brings animals to life in a way that creates real empathy between readers and species they may never encounter themselves. As someone who writes conservation-focused fantasy, that ability to build connection and wonder is something I aspire to in my own work.
When it comes to shark safety diving, though, no book or app can replace experience. The best teacher is time in the water. I’ve been a PADI Divemaster for many years, and that training gave me a strong foundation not only for understanding animal behavior, but also for managing people and helping them feel comfortable in challenging environments. Every dive is an opportunity to learn something new.
More than anything, the greatest resource in my life has been community. Whether it’s fellow writers, divers, scientists, or conservationists, I’ve found that surrounding yourself with passionate people who share your interests is one of the fastest ways to grow. Some of my most valuable lessons have come not from a classroom or a book, but from conversations on a dive boat, underwater observations, and shared experiences with people who love the ocean as much as I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blakeintheblue.com
- Instagram: @blakeintheblue
- LinkedIn: https://share.google/ynvqwC1mgXb41YKri
