PHOTO: Laurel McHargue, award-winning multi-genre author and podcast host, whose creative worlds inspire and transport readers to extraordinary places.
From YA Fantasy To Memoir And Beyond
Laurel McHargue discusses her multi-genre works, creative process, personal inspirations, podcasting adventures, and advice for aspiring authors while unveiling the magic of imagination and the inspiration in everyday life.
Laurel McHargue stands as a literary tour de force whose works traverse an impressive spectrum of genres, crafting stories that remain etched in the minds of readers long after the final page. A graduate of West Point and an award-winning author, Laurel’s life and creative output reflect the same indefatigable spirit that saw her transition from the landscapes of Boston to the rugged grandeur of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Her ability to infuse real-life experiences with boundless imagination is nothing short of extraordinary, and her body of work is a testament to her commitment to storytelling in its most impactful form.
Among her multifaceted achievements, her Waterwight trilogy has drawn comparisons to Neil Gaiman’s Coraline—a distinction that underscores her talent for crafting eerie yet deeply compelling narratives that captivate readers of all ages. In Dark Ebb: Grim Tales, Laurel pairs chilling tales with her own evocative sketches, a creative decision that enhances her storytelling while showcasing yet another layer of her artistry. Meanwhile, the supernatural mystery Crow-Magnum introduces readers to brilliant twin dynamics and otherworldly intrigue, demonstrating her knack for weaving complex relationships into her plots.
Laurel’s non-fiction ventures are equally captivating. Her memoir, Hunt for Red Meat, is a vivid and often humorous recounting of her adventures in the outdoors, offering an intimate exploration of relationships and resilient determination in the face of nature’s challenges. That profound bond to her surroundings is mirrored in much of her storytelling, where Colorado’s awe-inspiring peaks and valleys influence the mood, characters, and themes in her work.
As the host of the acclaimed podcast Conversations with Laurel, she delves into the art of storytelling and the human condition, engaging with others in ways that enrich not only her creative craft but also her listeners’ perspectives. Her passion for storytelling shines through in every word, whether spoken or written, and Laurel’s ability to inspire—both through her own narrative journey and her heartfelt advice to aspiring writers—is unparalleled.
In this interview, we delve into the creative mind of a truly remarkable author—a woman whose stories, characters, and ideas continue to mesmerise, while her vibrant connection to life and literature serves as an inspiration to readers and writers alike. Readers, prepare to be dazzled as Laurel shares insights into her work, her creative inspirations, and her boundless imagination.
Laurel McHargue is an extraordinary storyteller, blending creativity, deep emotions, and captivating narratives to inspire readers of all ages.
Your Waterwight trilogy has been compared to Neil Gaiman’s Coraline. What elements of your story do you believe resonate most with readers of Gaiman’s work?
I had not read Coraline until this comparison was pointed out! When my MC (Celeste) finds herself in a magical undersea castle, she reunites with her lost parents—or does she? The eeriness of Celeste’s experiences in this alternate world is startlingly reminiscent of the alternate world Gaiman creates for Coraline.
“The eeriness of Celeste’s experiences in this alternate world is startlingly reminiscent of the alternate world Gaiman creates for Coraline.” – Laurel McHargue
In Dark Ebb: Grim Tales, you blend horror with original sketches. How does the visual component enhance the storytelling experience?
Some authors start short stories with quotations, which prime readers with hints of what will follow. I’m a visual thinker—my dreams are insanely detailed—and I love to draw. Each little sketch before my bizarre—and often dark—short stories foreshadows some plot element. And don’t we all love picture books?!
Crow-Magnum features twins solving a crime with mystical crows. What inspired you to intertwine sibling dynamics with supernatural elements?
I believe twins share a connection one might consider to be mystical. Although I could have written a similar story with one main character and one crow, adding the twin dynamic creates a more engaging plot and allows for more tension between the characters (including the crows) in the climactic scene. Crows are smart and beautiful and scary and mysterious, and I loved playing with how they interacted with the twins.
Your memoir Hunt for Red Meat explores relationships and the outdoors. How did your personal experiences shape the narrative?
I’ve been married to my mountain-goat-of-a-husband for 42 years. His idea of fun is climbing straight up mountains . . . no switchbacks for him! Over the course of several years, we hunted for elk together in the mountains of Colorado (never successfully). My idea of fun is writing about how I survived the way-too-early mornings, the stealthful trudging through snow, the thrill of finding “signs” (fresh poop), and the truly breathtaking experiences in nature. We’ve had lots of fun together over the years. Despite the physical discomfort that always plagued me during those adventures, I always returned home feeling like I’d accomplished something far more important than I would have if I’d stayed a couch potato!
Living in the Colorado Rockies offers unique inspiration. How does the mountain setting influence the tone and atmosphere of your stories?
Everything I see in this glorious landscape provides me with character and setting inspiration! The rock outcropping of an old man on Mt. Massive, the crisp line between mountain tops and bluest blue sky, the child who told me his superpower would be “to build things,” the arrow stuck high in a tree suggesting a most unique archer, the dragonfly visiting my paddleboard on Twin Lakes . . . every day I’m inspired by my surroundings.
Your podcast, Conversations with Laurel, delves into storytelling and the human condition. How does hosting this podcast complement your writing journey?
Much like reading many books in various genres, having conversations with others expands my knowledge base and enriches my life. Stories can surprise, delight, frighten, anger, sadden, intrigue, and leave readers with all of the “feels.” When guests make me feel something, I know they’ve done something to change my world in a way that wouldn’t happen if I spoke only to myself—and my often-precocious Muses!
What advice would you offer to aspiring authors seeking to find their unique voice and storytelling path?
Aspiring authors have heard this before: READ. Read widely. If you find you’re amused or intrigued or sad or bored, ask yourself what the author did to make you feel that way. Don’t waste time with books that bore you. Experiment with techniques. If your words feel forced, readers will sense it. Join a critique group—and temper your ego! If you can’t take constructive criticism of your work, you’ll never improve. Seek people who will be honest with you; these people generally are not your family and your bffs. Have fun with your writing journey, and don’t take yourself so seriously!
What are you working on now?
As a former Army Major and West Point graduate, I’ve been asked to write about my military experiences. I’m not one to live in the past, and many before me have written excellent books about their experiences, so I’ve not been interested in that story . . . until a friend suggested I set a military academy in the future! My latest novel takes my MC into an undersea metropolis with a questionable military academy. I’m currently doing a major edit, changing it from past to present tense. I plan to have my edits completed by the end of this summer. The title is the year: 2183.
