PHOTO: Author Kern Carter: A Master of Emotional Storytelling, Inspiring Readers and Writers Alike
Celebrated Novelist Shares Insights Into Creativity, Craft, and Connecting With Readers
Kern Carter shares his journey from indie author to acclaimed novelist, revealing his creative process, mentoring approach, and dedication to emotionally resonant storytelling that connects deeply with readers.
Kern Carter emerges as a literary powerhouse, an author whose works resonate deeply with themes that touch the very fabric of human connection. With unforgettable novels like And Then There Was Us and Boys and Girls Screaming, Kern masterfully delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and the often-painful intricacies of those bonds. A storyteller who seamlessly blends emotional depth with cultural relevance, he continues to establish himself as not only a skilled novelist but also as a voice of influence in the intersection of literature and contemporary culture.
Beyond his acclaimed fiction, Kern’s dedication to craft and community sets him apart. As an educator, workshop host, and sought-after public speaker, he has nurtured emerging writers while sharing a candid look into the world of writing and publishing. His openness, both in his art and his mentorship, has earned him a reputation as a guiding light for those striving to tell their own stories.
In this conversation, Kern Carter reflects on his journey, from navigating the challenges of publishing to crafting authentic, emotionally resonant narratives. He offers insight into his creative process, his inspirations, and his unwavering commitment to connecting with readers and writers alike. It is both a privilege and a pleasure to feature Kern in this issue of Reader’s House, celebrating both the man and the stories that remind us why we turn to fiction in the first place.
Kern Carter is a gifted storyteller whose emotional depth and authentic characters make his work unforgettable and profoundly impactful.
How do you approach writing emotionally intense stories and developing deep, complex characters?
I start every novel thinking about the emotion I want to be felt throughout the story. So for my novel And Then There Was Us, anger was the prevailing emotion and it was palpable in so many interactions with the main character. I don’t find writing emotions so difficult because I am not exactly writing emotions, I’m putting my characters in circumstances and having them react, and if I’m doing a good job, then their reactions typically emanate some type of emotion that readers can connect with.
“I start every novel thinking about the emotion I want to be felt throughout the story.”
– Kern Carter
What was the biggest challenge you faced transitioning from indie author to signing with major publishers, and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was not getting comfortable. It’s easy to see “Penguin” attached to your name and feel like you’ve made it. But for me, my goal is to touch millions of readers with my stories and until that goal is reached, then it doesn’t matter who the publisher is. I will continue to push equally as hard regardless.
What advice would you give to someone struggling to organize their book idea into a coherent story or proposal?
Get help. My biggest leaps as a writer came when I pushed my ego to the side and accepted harsh feedback on the quality of my writing. It’s hard because writing is emotional work, but to me, the most effective way to improve as an author is to allow yourself to be edited. Quick story: I remember attending a conference in New York and pitching my novel idea well enough for five agents to request the full manuscript. A few months later, all of them declined to rep me but the blessing occured when the final rejection came with detailed feedback of all the ways my novel was falling short. I was hurt because I had already self-published two books at this point and thought I was ready to be published, but the feedback was so sharp that I couldn’t ignore it. So I shoved that hurt to the side and registered into a Novel Writing course at a local college here in Toronto. The course was eight months and long story short, the book I workshopped in that class became my first published novel (Boys and Girls Screaming).
What strategies have you found most effective in nurturing and supporting emerging writers as a community builder?
Being as vulnerable as possible and really taking research seriously. I think putting those two things together has really earned me respect among emerging writers because they know I will let them all the way into my experiences and they can trust that what I am telling them about the industry and culture is accurate.
How did you turn your passion for writing into a sustainable career, and what advice would you give to writers looking to do the same?
Be super patient, but aggressively patient, meaning make sure you aren’t just waiting for things to happen but that you are in constant motion – learning, connecting, putting your work out there. Motion builds momentum and it’s the momentum that will form the building blocks of your career. Also, pay attention to what’s happening in culture. Shifts in culture create opportunities, and if you can leverage those opportunities they usually turn into dollars.
What inspired you to write about themes of trauma and healing, and how do you ensure authenticity in portraying such sensitive issues?
I became a father at 18 years old (still my only child). Those early years were some of the most traumatic of my life and reflecting on those moments, on the time with my daughter, has provided a well of inspiration for the stories I tell. And while I am writing fiction and primarily using my imagination, what I often don’t need to imagine are the emotions the characters are going through because I’ve felt all of them.
How do you connect with your readers on a personal level, and how has their feedback influenced your writing?
I think craft plays such a big role in connecting with readers. Writing is about storytelling, yes, but the other half of writing is technical, and if you aren’t skilled enough technically, the quality of your communication suffers. And if that communication suffers, it makes it harder to connect to readers on any level. So for me, if you want to better connect with readers, become a student of the craft.
What can readers expect from you in the future, and are there any upcoming projects or themes you’re excited to explore?
More novels! I am moving into exploring different genres and am currently working on three story ideas that I feel really excited about. My agent and I are in pitch mode for one of the ideas and the one that I am most excited about is 1/3 complete. I went through a bit of a rough period where I struggled to think of what I would write next. This went on for months and it scared me a bit because I’ve never struggled with ideas before. But the last couple of months have been the exact opposite and I’ve been overflowing with stories. I can’t wait for them to be out into the world.
