Navigating The Writing Industry With Honesty And Humour
Kate Messick discusses her journey from music to writing, her creative process, and offers blunt, practical advice for aspiring authors in a challenging industry.
Kate Messick is a storyteller whose life reads like one of the vibrant, multifaceted narratives she crafts. A classical musician turned author, Kate’s journey is as dynamic as the worlds she creates. With a background steeped in fantasy, a passion for the clarinet, and a career that has spanned everything from road construction to data mining, she brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to her writing. Her philosophy—life is short, so never shy away from adding a little spice—shines through in her bold, genre-blending novels.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Kate opens up about her creative process, the inspiration behind her urban fantasy romance series The Thorns of Charbon Institute, and the challenges of writing morally complex characters and intricate magical systems. She also reflects on her transition from music to literature, revealing how her artistic roots continue to shape her storytelling.
With her trademark wit and candour, Kate offers invaluable advice for aspiring authors, encouraging them to embrace their voice and navigate the often-turbulent waters of the publishing industry. Whether discussing the nuances of reverse harem tropes or the intricacies of world-building, her insights are as engaging as they are enlightening. Dive into this conversation with a writer who fearlessly defies conventions and invites readers to explore the shades of grey in both her characters and their choices.
What inspired you to blend urban fantasy with romance in your books, especially with themes like reverse harem?
I grew up reading fantasy novels. As a child of the 80s, I watched as many of the concepts of magic came true through technology. I’m absolutely fascinated with the blending of the two. My choice to write reverse harem comes from a similar place. I am a very practical person who lives in today’s world. Writing about people so in love they will burn the world rather than fit into the boxes society creates is sexy as hell and adds spice to my very average life.
Can you tell us more about your journey from classical music to writing novels? How did your background influence your storytelling?
To me, music is texture. Every song is a journey. Every articulation is a chance to sway someone’s heart. I moved from the US to England (for my partner’s job), and in doing so, I lost most of my music. It was at my lowest point when I first put pen to paper and found writing lights up that same happy spot in my brain that music did.
How did you come up with the unique magical systems and character dynamics in “The Thorns of Charbon Institute” series?
Aphrodite’s books revolve around not knowing what the ‘right’ thing to do is. When I write, I have one concept that guides everything. The magic system. The men. Even the setting is crafted to make what is ‘right’ constantly change. Aphrodite exists in shades of grey, which I want the reader to connect to deeply. She must learn to trust herself and the hot guys she’s banging if she wanted to carve out a happy life.
Your books often feature complex relationships and characters with difficult choices. How do you approach writing morally grey characters?
Very carefully.
I wrote that as a joke, but honestly, that is how it starts. My books are about emotional growth through deeply personal experiences. Nothing is black and white. I overthink everything, which is horrible, except when I’m writing. Looking at every situation from multiple perspectives gives me an understanding of why, and that understanding is where the scale of morality becomes fun to play with.
What was the most challenging part of writing your reverse harem stories, and how did you navigate it?
To be too honest, the most challenging part is the sex scenes. I love the drama and the emotional build-up. The little touches, the wicked verbal exchanges, and the small details are what I write for. But the down and dirty… what’s hot to each reader is so deeply personal that I really struggle with my confidence. I am still learning to navigate it. I’m a technical writer, which is not a strong point in romance. I only have a few scenes in all five of my books that I feel I actually hit a good balance of flowery adjectives and graphic details.
As an author, how do you balance world-building with character development, especially in a fantasy setting?
Your world only exists through your character’s eyes. It’s that simple. You, the person reading these words. Stop reading right now and observe your surroundings.
In this moment for me: The heat pad under my ass has overheated my backside while leaving my bare legs cold. I have two computers in my office. The fans’ whir creates a flat perfect fourth between them. A bright window behind my monitors makes me squint as I puzzle over what answers readers might find the most entertaining to these interview questions.
What you notice defines who you are and the experiences you’ve lived through. What I wrote above not only brings you into my world but also gives you a sense of who I am.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are looking to create their own unique stories and find their voice in the industry?
The industry is shit. People are shit. If writing makes you happy, do it, do it lots. Exchange your writing with people willing to give you honest feedback and listen to it. Don’t necessarily take it to heart, because, see above (people are shit), but let the exchange fuel your creativity.
