Sunday, August 22, 2010

Why I Write Fantasy - C.K. Green



Welcome C.K. Green, author of YA fantasy!

Amber: Why do you write fantasy?
C.K.: In my years growing up in Southern California, I think my world was inundated with fantasy—from fairy tales to Disneyland. It’s a good thing, isn’t it, to stave off life for just a little bit and get lost in a world of fancy.

It all started with my mother. I wouldn’t exactly call her an advocate for the fantasy novel. But together we watched all those great MGM Technicolor musicals and danced together in the living room. That was my entrance into the world of fantasy. This was followed by reading fairy tales from the true Cinderella story, Little Mermaid and even The Wizard of Oz. In high school, I added to my reading those great fantasy creators like David Eddings, Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman and R.A. Salvatore. (If you’ve never read these authors, get to the library and check them out.) One of my favorite books of the fantasy genre would have to be The Princess Bride. You say, you’ve seen the movie. That’s great. It’s a good movie, but reading the book is an experience. Trust me! All of these stories and authors influenced me in my need to write fantasy—to get lost in another world.

Amber: Why do you write YA Fantasy?

C.K.: I write in the genres that I read. Under my real name, Cindy K. Green, I write romance in many sub-genres. Fantasy was the one genre I had yet to attempt. I imagined a hero who was part Robin Hood and part Scarlet Pimpernel who came to bring justice to the world. Of course, this is a completely different book than I want to tell you about today.

Until about six years ago, I taught middle school and read a whole lot of YA fiction. I especially liked the funny ones with a spunky heroine who tells her story with a quirky sense of humor. It only made sense to take a stab at writing my own.

I’ve written a few YA stories, but Struck by Conscience is the first I actually sent out into the world. In part, it’s just a regular teenage story about life and loves. But on the other hand, it’s also a fairy story as my heroine was born with a Fairy Guardian who is with her 24/7. I was greatly influenced by all the fairy tales I’d read as a child mixed with modern day YA novels. This fairy is a representation of the adult influence in all teen’s lives. They may not like it, but they have the words of their parents ringing in their ears even when they are far from home. In this story, the heroine actually has her fairy with her and she wonders what it would be like if she could face life alone. Of course, when she faces just such a scenario she isn’t sure she’s ready. Just like growing up.

Amber: Would you write fantasy even if no one else read it?

C.K.: Just like anything else I’ve written, the answer is YES. Of course! Writing isn’t just about the accolades and rewards because they are few and far between. I, like many other writers, write because I must. If anything, I like to read what I write. I like to write for my sisters who always rave and therefore are not exactly great for critiques, but I have fun entertaining them. When you have a story in your head that wants to be told, well then, it must be told.

Amber: Tell Me More About Yourself.


C.K.: To be short and sweet: I'm a mother to two boys, a wife to my sweetheart, a teacher to my children and a writer to all who will read. I spend my days cleaning house and teaching school while wondering when my fairy godmother will arrive and return me to my rightful place. Supposedly I was born in California, but I've since transplanted to North Carolina. I love history, reading, photography, Period Dramas, and spending time with my kooky family. My stories are fun with a touch of romance. I aim to make you laugh and stir your heart.

Find out more about C.K. Green at her website or her blog
Struck by Conscience is available for the Kindle 
on Amazon or other e-book formats.

21 comments:

  1. Excellent post, Cindy. You're a terrific writer, and I know you'll do well with this series! :)

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  2. Hi MM! Thanks for stopping by today. I'm looking forward to finishing Book 2: Sold My Soul to a Frog.

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  3. Hi Cindy. It's always fascinating to learn more about other writers. The beautiful thing about your story is that you've carried the innocence of childhood with you for all these years. That, I believe, is why you're able to share your fantasies with all who read your books. Those of us who can still call up our inner child are very fortunate in my opinion. Thanks for sharing with us.
    Dale

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  4. Cindy & Amber, what a nice interview. I think how we all grew up resonates with us and I see that's reflected in your writing. I can't wait to read the story!

    Smiles
    Steph

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  5. Hi Pat and Steph! Thanks for your comments. Yes, I do hang on to my youth. My husband asks when am I going to grow up as I still love teen movies and tv shows. ;) What can I say? I taught middle school for too long. They infected me.

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  6. Hi, Cindy. I love the premise of your book. I can't imagine life with a fairy guardian, but it would be tough to go without once you've had one.

    Good luck with the book and the series!

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  7. You can read an excerpt on my publisher's website: http://www.whimsicalpublications.com/ck_green/Struck_By_Conscience.html

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  8. Sold My Soul to a Frog is a great title.

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  9. Thanks Amber! It's a play on the fairytale--the Frog Prince.

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  10. I can't wait to see the next book in the series. Struck By Conscience is a great story about growing up and becoming an adult, and about letting go. Cindy did an excellent job; I know she will excel with her other books, too.

    Janet

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  11. Hey Janet! Thanks for coming! :) I'm really looking forward to getting book 2 & 3 finished very soon.

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  12. Hi Cindy and Amber,

    Sounds like a great story, and isn't that the truth? Kids always think they're more ready than they are!

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  13. Hey Lorraine! Yes indeed. :) I see it even in my 6 y/o LOL!

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  14. Cindy,
    I did love reading The Princess Bride but the movie is really special to me. My husband proposed while we were watching it.

    I also loved reading Struck by Conscience. I hope you'll keep writing fantasy.

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  15. Hi, Cindy and Amber, great interview. I admire your ability to write in more than one genre!

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  16. Hey Kara, my friend! Thanks for popping over. Princess Bride is a great movie. :) It really is fun writing fantasy. I plan to keep going with it.


    Hi Liana! I do enjoy writing in more than one genre but it's also a lot of work. But I don't think I can confine myself to just one.

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  17. Hi Cindy,

    I enjoyed reading about your beginnings and fantasy influences. I'm impressed by the variety of things you do each day. Your kids are so lucky to have you.

    Hugs!

    Maggie
    http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.com

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  18. Hello Maggie! You've been so busy lately--thanks for coming by. :)

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  19. Cindy!! Great post. I was inspired in the same way. I found fantasy in the bookstore with the fancy covers. After that, I spent my summer nights on my front porch reading under the glow of the orange porch light...

    David Eddings, Terry Brooks, C.S. Lewis. Those are my roots. Man, I loved those books. As a kid, I always wondered why my local bookstore had signed copies of David Eddings' books. After I grew up, I found out he lived in Carson City, the very town where I grew up dreaming of his stories!

    I wish now I'd bought one of those signed copies. He's passed away now.

    ~~Becka

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  20. Hey Becka! Wow I didn't know Eddings had lived in Carson City. Yes, you should have bought one. LOL!

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