Miriam Verbeek is the multi-award-winning author of five novels. A multi-faceted talent, Miriam is also an academic editor and scholar with several degrees, including a BA in Secretarial Studies, an MBA, a PhD in management ethics, and graduate diplomas in Foreign Affairs and in Editing.
With a deep commitment to environmental and human rights, Miriam is passionate about learning new things and slotting them into patterns that better explain our world.
This one-on-one interview shares Miriam’s background and experience in writing The Website – Finding Children: Old Enmities Leave Bitter Trails.
Tell us about The Website.
Saskia Van Essen is a little person (dwarf), finance geek, and crime investigator who has uncovered a lot of fraudulent activities in her day-to-day job as well as engaging in covert work for law enforcement agencies. But nothing has prepared her for the challenge of her latest mission – uncovering the secrets of an organized crime ring and dark net site that sells images of unusual-looking children tagged in Interpol’s Child Exploitation database.
In a stroke of luck, Saskia learns of a mystical, isolated island in the Antarctic called Si’Empra, and the people inhabiting this island share a remarkable resemblance to the missing children tagged in the Interpol database. Getting to the island is difficult but turns out to be the least of her worries. Si’Empra’s inhabitants are wary of foreigners, and though she knows she’s getting close to those at the head of the trafficking ring, they always seem to be one step ahead.
Full of intrigue, The Website follows Saskia’s journey as she works to uncover the kingpins’ identities before more children fall victim to their whims.
What inspired you to write The Website?
According to the organisation, Save the Children, children make up 27% of all human trafficking victims worldwide. Aided by the advent of the dark net, the abuse of children has become one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, with most people unaware of this crime’s horrors, the extent of investigations, and how investigators find the criminals.
In The Website, I use a fictional and entertaining setting to provide insight into the crime, its insidiousness and some of the tactic’s investigators use to find the criminals. My hope is to raise awareness about this important issue so we all support actions that will help to identify and prevent violence and abuse against children.
How did your background and experience influence your writing?
I’ve always wanted to write fiction, and finally, upon turning 60, I decided I would do it.
My background is in academia and as a campaigner for environmental and humanitarian causes. I draw on that grounding to give depth to my stories.
I’ve also met and interacted with many people from all walks of life, and traveled extensively worldwide. I often draw on my experiences when describing my story’s scenes and people.
What is one message you would like readers to remember?
Criminals exploit the vulnerability and trust of children. It is up to adults to be vigilant in the way they protect children without impinging on the ability of children to explore, learn and enjoy childhood so that they can become fulfilled adults.
Purchasing the Book
A gripping novel with an important message, The Website is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple iBooks, Kobo, Nook, and other online bookstores.
Fans of original, captivating fiction should purchase their copy today: https://books2read.com/u/br1Lpk
Connect with Author Miriam Verbeek
https://www.miriamverbeek.com
https://www.facebook.com/verbeekmiriam
https://www.instagram.com/miriamverbeek
https://www.twitter.com/miriamverbeek
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