When did you start writing, and at what age did you decide
to pursue publication?
I’ve been
writing stories since the moment I could grasp a pencil. Being an avid reader
inspired me to write books of my own. I wanted to create something that would
connect with readers as much as I connected with the works of other authors.
In middle
school, I wrote two novels and posted over sixty short-stories on a teen
writing website. It was during this time that I set the goal of being published
by sixteen. The Prime Way Program: Be the
Victor was released twenty-five days before my sixteenth birthday.
Tell us about your book. What was your inspiration? How does this trilogy
differ from other books in the sci-fi/dystopian genre?
When the Prime Way Program is shut down and a majority of
its recruits are locked away, Kyle Chase and Cora Kingston, both genetically
modified soldiers who managed to escape the initial imprisonment, try to adapt
to normal, civilian life. They live with Cora’s aunt, brother, and cousins in a
bungalow on the beach. And for a while, everything seems to be going great.
Kyle surfs. Cora learns how to cook. They’re happy. But when their covers are blown
and tragedy strikes, Kyle and Cora must return to their aggressive world of
deception and mutation, and wage war against a strengthening enemy.
The Prime Way Trilogy delves into the themes of sacrifice,
honor, and choosing to be different when it’s easier to succumb to normalcy.
When writing the installments, I was inspired by events in my own life, movies,
music, and books.
The trilogy blurs genres and dares to have a unique
structure and character voices, which makes it stand out in a sea of novels.
What were the advantages of pursuing publication as a
teenager? Any disadvantages?
Pursuing publication as a teenager allowed me to have the
time and financial backing to develop my craft. I’ve been able to focus on my
books without having to worry about another job, providing for myself, etc. In
my opinion, there isn’t a disadvantage of pursuing publication as a teenager.
If a teen loves to write and is motivated to publish their work, what could
possibly be a negative?
Why did you choose self-publishing over the traditional
route? What are its perks?
As a fifteen-year-old
wanting to publish my debut novel, self-publishing offered me the chance to
have control over the released content of my book, the cover, and a large
percentage of profit from sales. Originally, I had hoped to take the more
traditional publishing route; but after several setbacks, it became clear that
self-publishing was the route God wanted me to take.
For those of you
who are considering self-publishing, I do have a few tidbits of advice. First,
be aware that self-publishing requires you to be the author, publisher, agent,
cover-shoot coordinator, and publicist. You are in control of every aspect of
your publication, which is both a gift and a burden. Second, always aim for
quality. As a self-published author, you will be constantly trying to prove
that your book is worth reading. There won’t be an agent or a publishing house
vouching for you, so you must do everything possible to create a product of
topnotch quality. Invest the money! Find a great editor! Pick an original
cover! Do not give anyone a reason to criticize the format and presentation of
your book. Lastly, don’t be discouraged. It’s easy to feel defeated during and
after the publishing process. Keep working! Stay strong! Never give up!
Do you think every aspiring teen author should strive
towards publication at a young age?
No. Pursuing publication is a 24/7 job. It takes a ton of
time, determination, and resourcefulness. If a teen loves to write but doesn’t
have those three elements, they should continue to write, develop their craft,
and pursue publication once they’re ready.
As a Christian, how do you avoid not compromising your
beliefs when it comes to writing secular fiction?
God has given me a passion for storytelling. He’s blessed my
efforts and continues to provide opportunities. I owe everything to Him!
I believe a great story can be created without excessive
profanity and immorality, and I strive to prove this belief when I write. When
it comes to not compromising my beliefs, I feel that if John Green can publicly share his atheist beliefs in his writing, I have the right to share
my Christian beliefs in my secular writing. How could someone argue with that
logic?
Do you see writing as a life-long career for you? Are there
any other areas that you’re interested in pursuing as well?
Writing will definitely be my life-long career. This fall, I’m
attending Belmont University to major in Publishing and minor in Motion
Pictures. Stories, in all forms, are my life, whether that be film,
songwriting, or books.
What are you currently working on?
I’ve recently completed my latest novel and am now in the
market for an agent,
Is there any advice you’d like to share with aspiring teen
authors?
1.
Find
a way.
I learned at an early age
that success wasn’t going to be handed to me on a platter. People weren’t
planning to give me their time because I was Caroline George, little girl with
big dreams, who asked for it. If I wanted something, I would have to work for
it. Relentless. Perseverant. If someone told me NO, I’d find a YES.
The publishing industry isn’t
going to hand you an agent and contract on a platter. You have to work hard.
Relentless. Perseverant. And if someone tells you NO, find a YES.
2.
Don’t
let other people hurt your confidence.
Everyone experiences days
when they feel inferior and unsuccessful. I often have these days.
Get up. Look in the mirror.
Cringe.
Check email. No messages.
Cringe.
Scan sales report. No sales.
Cringe.
It’s easy to allow situations
to injure your confidence, but in my opinion, people are the worst
confidence-wreckers. One cruel remark will tear down any and all your
self-esteem. And to be honest, there isn’t a foolproof way to prevent
confidence-wrecking attacks. I can, however, advise you to keep your priorities
in check. Believe in your purpose. Trust in the talent God gave you. Stay focused.
3.
Love
what you do. Fight for what you love. And love the fight.
