An Interview With Ian Benke
Character arcs. To pen compelling fiction, a writer needs to create characters that have clear development and growth. In many books, a character will have a flaw or believe a lie that’s addressed by the story’s end.
Science Fiction and Fantasy are hugely popular genres. What does it take for a writer today, to write compelling and successful Science Fiction and Fantasy stories? Authority Magazine started a new series called “How To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories”. In this series we are talking to anyone who is a Science Fiction or Fantasy author, or an authority or expert on how to write compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy .
As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Caroline George.
Caroline George is the multi-award-winning author of Dearest Josephine, The Summer We Forgot, and other YA fiction titles. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in publishing and public relations, and now travels the country, speaking at conferences and writing full-time.
Before signing a three-book deal with HarperCollins, Caroline worked various jobs within publishing, including positions with HarperCollins, BookGrabbr, Cyle Young Literary Elite, and Hillsong Publishing.
When she’s not glued to her laptop, Caroline can be found hiking or sipping a lavender latte. She plans to road-trip later this year while she edits her Southern Gothic YA book titled Curses & Other Buried Things, releasing in 2023. Her most recent novel, The Summer We Forgot, released March 8, 2022.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share a story about what first drew you to writing over other forms of storytelling?
I began telling stories before I could write my name. My mom jotted down my tales, and I illustrated them. Throughout elementary and middle school, I was a veracious reader and started posting short-stories on a teen writing website. It was during that time I made it a goal to be published by sixteen.
My middle/high school English teacher encouraged me to try my hand at a novel. (I am still close friends with her and credit her for much of my author journey.) Ninth grade, I wrote a novel. It was terrible, but I loved it so much, I wrote a second, which became my debut book.
Agents and industry professions told me I was “too young” to pursue an author career. Being stubborn and determined, I learned how to self-publish. With eBooks new to the publishing scene, I educated myself on formatting, coding, and distribution. Twenty-five days before my sixteenth birthday, I self-published my debut, and a year later released my second book.
After graduating high school, I began pursuing traditional publication. I signed with a literary agent during my freshman year of college. Senior year, my third book was published with a small traditional press.
I graduated with a degree in publishing and public relations from Belmont University, worked various jobs within the industry while pursuing my dream of being a full-time author.
After years of rejections and trying my hand at different genres, I signed a three-book contract with HarperCollins. (Dearest Josephine and The Summer We Forgot are now available.)
Over the course of my life, I’ve dabbled in film, songwriting, and other forms of storytelling, but I’ve always returned to fiction writing. It is my medium of choice, allowing me to put on a full production with mere words on paper. I love writing because it’s an individualistic experience. A hundred people could sit in a movie theater, and they’d all have a similar experience. However, if a hundred people read the same book, they’d gather different takeaways, mental images, etcetera. I love the intimacy of books.
There wasn’t a specific moment in which I chose to pursue writing. I believe it was always my purpose. It’s not who I am. It’s simply what I do.
You are a successful author. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
First, thank you! Everyone has a unique definition of success, and I believe that definition changes over time. I’ve learned to gauge success with grace, patience, and attainable goals.
Before I publish a project, I tell myself, “If my book touches one person, it was worth the effort.” Granted, I have a lot of goals and dreams, but I think success is simply doing what I love and having the means to keep doing it.
Which leads me to answering your question. I think realistic expectations are instrumental in growing an author career. Disappointment, setbacks, rejection — it’s all bound to happen. Understanding that, being resilient, and maintaining realistic expectations during the development process allow one to keep moving forward.
Logical and resilient — I believe those are vital character traits.
Something I tell aspiring authors: Don’t give up too early. I spent years writing book after book, getting rejection after rejection. Once, my mom asked me, “Why do you keep doing this? Why don’t you give up?” I told her, “Because what if next week, I get a yes? If I give up now, I’ll never know.”
Publishing isn’t like other facets of the entertainment industry. It doesn’t have a time limit, meaning a writer doesn’t age out of being eligible for a contract. I’ve found that writing is a waiting game, a “keep trying” journey. Write a book, then another. Learn as much as possible.
And don’t give up too early.
Patience and determination.
Lastly, I’ve found success in a willingness to collaborate. Publishing takes a village. Countless hands touch a book before it prints. Being “team minded” will take anyone far.
I love my publisher for this reason. I work with the best team and trust their opinions.
Can you tell us a bit about the interesting or exciting projects you are working on or wish to create? What are your goals for these projects?
Yes! I am currently writing a Southern Gothic YA novel titled Curses & Other Buried Things. It is set in the swamps of South Georgia and is based solely on my own family folklore. So far, it’s the most personal book I’ve ever written, and I’m excited to share it with the world in 2023. The story includes fantastical elements, which has made the creative process extra fun.
Along with that book, I am working on a secret project and navigating the release of my latest novel The Summer We Forgot. My goals are simple: To continue to challenge myself as an artist, grow my career, and keep writing.
Wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define sci-fi or fantasy? How is it different from speculative fiction?
I define sci-fi as fiction revolving around technological, scientific, and/or social and environmental changes. Personally, I believe dystopian fits into the science fiction genre. In regards to fantasy, I consider fantasy to apply to fiction with impossibilities, anything that defies normal reality. Some people may argue a book needs a magic system to be considered fantasy. I disagree. Hey, writing and publishing are subjective!
The term “speculative fiction” pertains to stories that blur genre lines.
It seems that despite countless changes in media and communication technologies, novels and written fiction always survive, and as the rate of change increases with technology, written sci-fi becomes more popular. Why do you think that is?
Years ago, when eBooks first entered the scene, people thought brick-and-mortar bookstores and hardcopy books would go extinct. Now both are on the rise! I believe the written word has a timeless quality as does science fiction. Sci-fi explores “what ifs,” and I think people are drawn to that especially as “what if” becomes “maybe” and “when.”
In your opinion, what are the benefits to reading sci-fi, and how do they compare to watching sci-fi on film and television?
Like I said earlier, books offer an individualistic, intimate experience unlike watching a film or TV series. Reading in general increases literacy, comprehension, and overall personal development. A mentor once told me, “Leaders are readers.” I believe that’s true.
In relation to science fiction, I think reading the genre provides more context and commentary and encourages deeper reflection.
What authors and artists, dead or alive, inspired you to write?
I grew up reading The Chronicles of Narnia, Nancy Drew, and YA novels like Inkheart and Eragon. Looking back there wasn’t a specific author who inspired me to put pen to paper. I loved stories. I studied them. And I wanted to tell my own.
Anthony Horowitz and Isaac Marion influenced me as did the Bronte sisters.
If you could ask your favourite Science Fiction and Fantasy author a question, what would it be?
Oh, good question! I’d ask them about worldbuilding: What is your approach to constructing a believable and lush science fiction or fantasy setting?
We’d like to learn more about your writing. How would you describe yourself as an author? Can you please share a specific passage that you think exemplifies your style?
I write Young Adult Fiction, everything from time-bent historical romance to murder-mysteries. I’m known for writing lush, atmospheric books with provocative prose and strong messages. I also have a tendency of using different mediums i.e., emails, letters, transcripts, etc.
Here’s a short excerpt from my latest novel The Summer We Forgot:
We’re terrible people.
Every fiber of my body numbs as I inch toward the pool. I glance from Kip to Morgan to Cyrus to Eliza, static humming within my brain. Yes, we were friends once. The best of friends. Middle school comrades bound together by spit handshakes and secret clubs and bicycling from Grayton Beach to Seagrove. We would’ve gone to any lengths to protect each other.
Two summers ago.
A memory opens in my mind, a door creaking on its hinges to emit a ribbon glow. We are gathered on a dock, all of us, under a pitch-black sky, surrounded by inky water. We gaze at each other as we do now. And in that darkness, we make an oath.
Based on your own experience and success, what are the “Five Things You Need To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories?” If you can, please share a story or example for each.
The Why. Before I start working on a book, I pinpoint why the book needs to exist, what I want to say. I am a purpose-driven person, so I need to believe in what I’m doing. I think every story needs a why to not only motivate the author but to drive its plot forward and offer a takeaway.
A science fiction or fantasy story needs a message, a purpose to make it truly compelling.
Common ground. Sci-fi and fantasy offer readers new versions of reality. I think it’s important for even the most abnormal settings, whether that be space, another world, time-period, or dimension, to provide some level of familiarity, a common ground with the reader. For example, perhaps a space captain is on mission to another galaxy, and he carries a photo of his family, his favorite food is Oreos — you get the idea. Readers may not relate with his lifestyle per say, but they’ll resonate with his affection for family and his snack cravings.
Same but different. This isn’t a “thing.” However, it is important to keep in mind when writing science fiction and fantasy. A book should be comparable to other books but offer a unique take. If a writer can’t walk into a bookstore and determine where their book should be shelved, they likely need to rework their concept. Tip for writers: Make a list of comp titles — books “same but different” to yours.
Character arcs. To pen compelling fiction, a writer needs to create characters that have clear development and growth. In many books, a character will have a flaw or believe a lie that’s addressed by the story’s end.
Lastly, all science fiction and fantasy need stakes. The characters must have something to lose.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Entertainment, Business, VC funding, and Sports read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them 🙂
I’d love to sit down with Anthony Horowitz and talk to him about writing both fiction and for television. He is an accomplished storyteller. I would be honored to learn from him.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I’m reachable via my website (authorcarolinegeorge.com) and post regularly on social media: Instagram @authorcarolinegeorge, Facebook/AuthorCarolineGeorge, Twitter @CarolineGeorge_, and TikTok @authorcarolinegeorge. My novels are available wherever books are sold.
Thank you for these excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent. We wish you continued success.
Author Caroline George On How To Create Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.