People often ask writers, “Where do you get the inspiration for your stories from?”

For the Southeast Asian fantasy trilogy percolating in the back of my head (still need to finish editing my sci fi novel), one of the places inspiring my story setting is at risk: the jungles of Sumatra.

My wife and I spent several weeks in Sumatra on our honeymoon. In addition to sleeping in hammocks overlooking volcanic lakes, playing hearts with Scandinavian card benders and drinking earthy coffee, we also spent days exploring the jungle.

While we were there, we experienced orangutans – both those at a rehabilitation center and the wild males coming down out of the trees to drink by the river.

Those moments were formative for me and, since then, I have had a soft spot in my heart for orangutans and their habitat.

Unfortunately, demand for palm oil in consumer products is leading to slash and burn practices in the vanishing forest habitat of these amazing primates.

Check out this video of the palm oil threats to orangutans and Sumatra and take action to help protect this awe-inspiring part of the world.