I’m thrilled to be hosting another awesome indie author today on the Aubrey Taylor Books Blog. Carly Carlson writes Clean Historical Fiction, and she is not afraid to break out of the routine and provide readers with the nuance and depth that many Christian books lack.
When Carly responded to my call for indie interviews, I stalked her Instagram for a couple of days to brainstorm some questions. Her aesthetic is both witty and beautiful, her posts are relatable and engaging, and her followers are dedicated and active. I’ve been looking forward to this interview for months, so let’s get started!
I love connecting with hard-working authors who are writing from the passion of their hearts, even if it means breaking the unspoken rules of their genre. One of your posts said, “My heart is always to write Christian Historical Fiction that takes you out of the stereotypes of the genre, bringing you stories with emotional depth and complex characters, leaving you encouraged in your faith.” That resonated with me because I also like to break genre expectations. Where do you feel that originated for you?
I have always loved reading Christian Historical Fiction, but I felt like I never connected with the female main characters because they tend to fall into one of two stereotypes. They are either a fiery, extroverted, change-the-world type, or they are so angelically good that their main character flaw is that they are too humble. Growing up, I was a tomboy and an introvert, the strong, silent type that you are more likely to find in the male main character 🙂 I wanted to write a main character who was like me, kind of awkward, who enjoys animals more than most people, but who is still a woman with a heart that yearns for love.
I love this, and I also find it hard to connect with most female main characters. I’ve dealt with it by writing male main characters, but I do love finding a great, relatable female in a book.
Your debut novel, These Wild Dreams of Ours, is set in the 1850s, in the American West. You are now working on a book that is set in Ireland in the 400s. That is quite a shift! Which would you say you enjoy more, the challenge of digging deep into a distant time period, or writing about something a little closer to home?
I love both! I have read so many books set during the American expansion that it’s as familiar to me as my own backyard, which made it really seamless to write about. But diving into a time period that very few people have ‘experienced’ through fiction is fascinating! I have done so much research—I even contacted a professor at University College Dublin to see if they could point me in the direction of deeper research on the time period, which led me to reading archeological reports from recent digs in Ireland, books on the mythology of native Irish plants, and many a blog post on how to turn flax into linen. It’s been so fun!
That is dedication! Can you share a fascinating tidbit from your research into ancient Ireland?
My female main character is a weaver, so I have done a ton of research on turning flax into linen. The whole process is fascinating and has way more steps than I would have thought! I find it incredible that ancient peoples were even able to figure it out.
Fascinating! I think that’s one of the things people enjoy about historical fiction–learning about how things were done in the past. It is up to authors to learn the in-depth process and distill it in a way that makes sense to the reader.
Another thing I love about your current project is the idea of a former Roman Legionary following God’s call to evangelize the Celts living in Ireland.
Me too! I think it adds a layer of complexity to his character—he is someone accomplished in the art of war, but is now called to a life of suffering servitude. It’s a real struggle for him.
As someone who loves stories about soldiers and veterans, I can’t wait to read this!
Now, I want to jump back to your Instagram for a minute. Another reel that caught my eye was about how Christian Historical Fiction is often full of fluff and stereotypes, with a Bible verse slapped on at the end. I pivoted to the General Market for similar reasons, but I’m wondering if you see a trend toward more gritty, real-life topics within the Christian market?
I definitely see a trend in this direction. In the past, Christian Fiction has often shied away from the difficult and gritty things of life, favoring a more sunny outlook. This is not a bad thing, and I think those books offer a lot of hope and joy for readers. But I do feel that Christians are looking for books that showcase faith at work through difficulties, books that encourage them as they walk through their own difficulties. While I don’t want to revel in the darkness of our world, there are still dark realities that can shake us and test our faith. I want to read books that show characters who struggle through tough things and yet still depend on the Lord. So that is what I write—the faith element is not just a prayer and a verse at the end, it is intricately woven into the story, integral to my characters’ lives, just as it is for mine.
“Intricately woven” is a great way of putting it. Some readers want lighter fare while others crave real-life situations. It’s about knowing your audience. What is the best way you’ve found to get your books in front of the right audience?
I’m still working on that, and I try to communicate it through my social media: For the Christian who’s looking for something deeper and grittier than what has previously been found in the market, this is not the same wagon train book they’ve read a hundred variations of already. Now if I can just get the algorithm to pay attention…
That algorithim! {Shakes head.}
Switching gears a little, most of your favorite books are fantasy classics like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Lord of the Rings. The film Gladiator and the animated version of Robin Hood also rank on your list. There is no rule that says we have to stick to one genre either as writers or as readers!
How do you think these might’ve influenced your writing, even though they are vastly different in genre? (You said in our preliminary chats that you love to “immerse readers in the vivid and epic settings of wherever the characters are.” That definitely sounds like Tolkien!)
In terms of genre, Fantasy and Historical Fiction have always been my two loves! I think that they are both essentially about creating vivid worlds that are totally different from our modern reality. I love the world-building and immersion of a well-written fantasy, and I think Tolkien absolutely fuels my love of description (but don’t worry, I don’t go on for four pages about a tree!), and C. S. Lewis cemented my love of allegory, symbolism, and faith themes that leave a lasting impact.
I’m sure readers are glad for that! Although, I have heard that male readers enjoy details, information dumps, etc. much more than female readers. Maybe not four pages worth, though! Do you think your books might appeal to both male and female readers, or do you aim for a female audience?
Because the romance is a large part of the story, it will appeal to female readers looking for a swoon-worthy slow-burn but who also enjoy the excitement of a riveting battle sequence–there are definitely a few in there! But if there are men out there who enjoy some romance, they might like it as well!
It does sound like the book could appeal to both male and female readers.
For my final question, would you share some of the other reading that has informed your work? Research books, background reading, or other works of Historical Fiction that are set in similar time periods/settings?
Louis L’Amour definitely influenced my story building in These Wild Dreams of Ours. I also read The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey by Rinker Buck, which details his attempt to drive a wagon along the historic Oregon Trail in 2011. It was a really fascinating quasi-first-hand account of the entire process.
Whew. That must have been quite an undertaking!
For Project Emerald, my current WIP set in Ireland in the 400s, the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers captures a similar time period and atmosphere.
Excellent recommendations for both books, thank you. I want to wish you all the best with your current project, and thanks again for joining me today!
I also want to thank the readers who’ve enjoyed this interview. Be sure to check out Carly’s Instagram, and read more about These Wild Dreams of Ours below.
An unconventional young woman, a disenchanted scout, and a journey more difficult than anyone could imagine.
Kate McGrath and her family join a wagon train heading to the open spaces and promises of the American West. She is eager for a life of adventure free from society’s suffocating conventions, but those expectations follow her out into the wilderness. Kate faces storms, stampedes, and swollen rivers with courage and steadfast faith, but is set adrift when her daydreaming heart is captivated by a handsome scout.
Jacob Munroe is scouting for a wagon train yet again, but his wandering ways have lost their appeal. When he meets the McGrath family, Jacob is drawn to the peace they possess despite their hardships. Especially Kate. She is full of intriguing contradictions: wild and strong, yet kind and gentle. She is a balm to his angry heart and restless soul, but brings with her a faith in a God whom Jacob is convinced doesn’t care.
Then tragedy strikes. Kate’s faith is tested and Jacob’s world is shattered, and they both face impossible choices.
Will their journey across the wilderness bring them peace or tear their worlds apart?
~~~
Set in 1859 along the American frontier, These Wild Dreams of Ours is a story of faith and perseverance. From beginning to end, the frailty of humanity and the power of the Creator to protect and preserve shines through a compelling story full of suspense, action, and love.
If you want to be informed about the latest on the Aubrey Taylor Books Blog, sign up below. Posts happen between 1 and 3 times a month, and focus primarily on writing, German history and travel, as well as films and books. I will also introduce you to other authors in a variety of genres, so drop your email to stay up-to-date!
Aubrey Taylor Books 