Have you ever reached a point where you wanted to give up on your creative dreams after piles of rejections? Have you been struggling to push past a serious creative block? How about knowing when to put a story aside, and when to start a new one? We get into all of that (and way more) with today’s special guest: Stephanie Garber.
Stephanie is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Caraval and Legendary that just released this week! Her debut novel, Caraval, has been translated into over 30 languages, and the film rights for it have been optioned by 20th Century Fox.
I can’t get enough of soul-filling conversations and this chat with Stephanie fulfilled that need to a tee (or shall I say tea?) This episode is longer than most and I promise you it’s worth every minute- Brace yourself for inspiration overload.
Books & Resources Mentioned in Stephanie’s Episode:
Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Big Sur Writers’ Workshop – Andrea Brown Literary Agency
The Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee
Under a Painted Sky by Stacey Lee
The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great by Donald Maass
The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass
On Writing by Stephen King
The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller by John Truby
Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook by Donald Maass
ALL books by Donald Maass!
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We dedicate a ton of heart and soul into fostering a space that encourages learning, creativity, growth, and community. The most sincerest thank you for your love and support!
Check out these highlights:
- How Stephanie creates her impactful and sincere social media presence [6:40]
- How to cope with loneliness and rejection as a storyteller and turn it into a learning experience [9:15]
- Hilarious tidbit: Find out what Stephanie would do as a kid in her home videos! [11:25]
- Stephanie shares her story of persevering beyond rejection and shame to fulfill her passion of becoming an author [21:00]
- How to find the courage to push past a creative block and share your voice [23:30]
- How to determine when to put a story aside and begin a new one [37:00]
- The importance of writing the story you want to tell, read, and live inside of [45:40]
- A snapshot of Stephanie’s newly-released novel Legendary [46:37]
- How to craft vulnerable and confident characters [48:20]
- Ways you can practice self-care to help ease your anxiety [1:03:20]
- Fun fact! Learn how Stephanie first discovered she has synesthesia and her specific type of synesthesia [1:36:54]
- Something crazy happens here, be sure to pay attention at this time marker! [1:54:16]
- We dive into our listeners’ Q&A segment of the episode (If you’d love to submit your questions for upcoming guests, join our private Facebook group):
- Does Stephanie have some insights she could share about her “skeleton draft” and that drafting process? How much is character-building detail put into the draft at that stage?
- I’d love to get Stephanie’s insight on how it was writing Caraval for herself and first getting to know and explore her characters and their world alone… and how it feels continuing their story with a loyal fanbase with opinions and expectations of their own. Is it exciting to share the friends you’ve made in your head or scary that you have readers watching and waiting? A little of both?
- What is the hardest thing for you when trying to write your first draft? Also any tips on getting past the dreaded first draft? Because right now I am stuck 15k words and can’t get forward.
- I would love to know about her decision to give her main character what seemed to be a form of synesthesia. Why did she specifically choose to give Scarlet the ability to see emotions as colors? What is her process like when it comes to fleshing out her characters, and does she have any tips/tricks for creating a vivid sense of place?
- I know that she has mentored a few authors and that she’s a big part of the YA community, so I would love to know what are her tips on being a good member of that society. What are some things you can do to give back to the community, even when you haven’t been published yet? How do you let writer friends know that you are here for them and that you want to help and support them in their journey, without sounding like a crazed stalker?
“When your big fear happens, it’s actually the best thing because you realize it’s okay.”
-Stephanie Garber
“I didn’t fall. The world didn’t stop. I did it. Now I’m a little closer to that goal.”
-Stephanie Garber
“I pushed myself until I had nothing left to give for this book.”
-Stephanie Garber
“With each draft it took me a while to hunt for that story until finally it was like, okay, here we go this is the story I have to tell.”
-Stephanie Garber
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Learn More About “Legendary”
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber’s limitless imagination takes flight once more in the colorful, mesmerizing, and immersive sequel to the bestselling breakout debut Caraval.
A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister Scarlett from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.
The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more―and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister’s. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice. But now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about―maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever.
Welcome, welcome to Caraval…the games have only just begun.
Learn More About Stephanie Garber
Stephanie Garber is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of Caraval and Legendary and Finale (releasing 2019). Her debut novel, Caraval, has been translated into over 30 languages, and the film rights for it have been optioned by 20th Century Fox. When she’s not writing, Stephanie teaches creative writing, and watches superhero shows on Netflix.
