The Unique World of the Kirk Rogers Series
Charleen Boyle discusses her transition from screenwriting to novels, blending humor with sci-fi, and exploring themes of heroism, teamwork, and resilience in her acclaimed works, including the Kirk Rogers Series and Sarisart.
Charleen Boyle is a literary force to be reckoned with, seamlessly transitioning from the world of screenwriting to the expansive realm of novel writing. Her unique ability to blend humour, action, and science fiction has captivated readers and critics alike. Boyle’s work is characterized by its sharp wit, engaging narratives, and a deep understanding of human nature, all of which are evident in her popular Kirk Rogers Series and the thought-provoking novel Sarisart. Her storytelling prowess not only entertains but also challenges readers to reflect on themes of heroism, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Boyle’s dedication to her craft and her ability to weave intricate tales that resonate with a diverse audience make her a standout voice in contemporary literature.
In this exclusive interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Charleen Boyle delves into her creative journey, sharing insights into her transition from screenplays to novels and the impact it has had on her storytelling approach. She discusses the delicate balance of humor and action in her Kirk Rogers Series, the influence of her father’s love for Star Trek on her work, and the profound themes of survival and teamwork in Sarisart. Join us as we explore the mind of an author who continues to push the boundaries of genre fiction, offering readers a thrilling and thought-provoking literary experience.
Your transition from writing screenplays to novels represents a significant shift in your creative process. How has this transition impacted your storytelling approach and your connection with your audience?
Screenplays largely consist of dialogue and lack a lot of detail, which would be fleshed out later during the production or shooting process. Writing novels would have all that dialogue plus all of that extra detail the writer sees in their head. I’m not a big fan of writing that extra detail, which is why I liked screenplays.
The Kirk Rogers Series combines sci-fi elements with humor and action. How do you balance these diverse genres to create a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of both science fiction and comedy?
I created the Kirk Rogers Series in order to poke a little fun at scifi tropes. Anyone reading the series would be able to recognize elements from Star Trek, Stargate, Farscape, Lost in Space, and many others. Humor comes naturally to me but as far as balancing the action, I can’t have my characters standing in one place just chatting for too long.
In The Adventures of Kirk Rogers: Inside the Moon, the protagonist must solve a critical problem involving an alien device. How do themes of problem-solving and heroism play into the overarching narrative of the series, and what do they reveal about your own values or beliefs?
The device they need to find and fix is designed to fire at the sun and prevent it from going supernova, thereby saving the entire human race. From the very beginning, it seems like an impossible task. I’m Kirk’s creator, so his beliefs align with mine. He will do anything he has to do to save his family. And in this case, saving the world saves his family.
Your book Sarisart involves characters from diverse backgrounds forced to collaborate in a challenging new environment. What insights about human nature and teamwork do you hope readers will gain from the interactions between Sara Newman and the special forces troop?
In Sarisart, the team is very much divided between the loyalty to their commanding officer, Colonel Strickland, and their “brother” Zeeman. The troop was formed of pre-teen orphaned children who were given a purpose. Strickland was their father figure and most of them would never even think about crossing him. When their plane is sucked into a wormhole and subsequently crashes on a different planet with Sara Newman aboard, thinks take a worrisome turn for all of them.
Your father’s influence and your love for Star Trek are evident in your work. How has his introduction to science fiction shaped your own creative vision, and how do you honor that legacy in your writing?
I think Star Trek was my first exposure to science fiction so my love for it runs deep. I’ve watched every single version or iteration of it, and will probably continue to do so until the day I die. That being said, sometimes, the scifi elements in Star Trek don’t always makes sense. I’m not the smartest cookie in the world but I research stuff before I write it (or as I write it) so that everything meshes and people don’t call me out for making stupid mistakes.
The themes of survival and resilience are central to Sarisart.How do these themes reflect your personal experiences or challenges, and what message do you hope to convey about overcoming adversity through your characters’ journeys?
The survival aspect of Sarisart is something that we are all forced to do every day. When you think about it, even if you were a very wealthy person, all you’re trying to do is survive and live your best life. Humans are resilient. If you take 20 people from 20 different walks of life and set them down in a forest on a different planet… they wouldn’t all lay down on the ground and wait for death. They would do what they did in Sarisart. They would find out what talents or knowledge each one of them have, band together, build shelter, and try to survive the best they can.
