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.