Godzilla to Gorn: Monsters, Christian Fiction, and Comedy with Karina Fabian

Summary

In this engaging discussion, the author talks about their new installment in the Dragon Eye Series, featuring a character named Gap Man, who protects the interdimensional portal between the mundane and fairy worlds. They explore the concept of fiction as a means to teach truth through imagination and the importance of balancing 'greenhouse' safe fiction with the 'hot house' of challenging narratives. The author also delves into creature creation, sharing insights on developing compelling monsters for fictional worlds and their upcoming session at Legend Haven, a convention that blends writing workshops with a fan convention experience.

Takeaways

• 📚 The author is releasing a new book in the Dragon Eye Series, featuring Vern, a dragon detective, through a paid Substack subscription.
• 🔍 The book is not a series but part of an existing series, and it introduces a new character, Gap Man, who has been in the author's mind for over a decade.
• 🌐 Gap Man's name is derived from 'the Gap,' an interdimensional portal between the mundane and fairy worlds, and he is there to protect the town.
• 🎭 The author is experimenting with a serial release on Substack to gauge interest and potentially create an early reader community.
• 💰 The author quit their job in March and is exploring different publishing models to support themselves financially through writing.
• 📈 The response to the Substack has been more significant in terms of free subscribers than paid subscribers, indicating a need for further audience engagement.
• 🎉 The author is involved in Legend Haven, a convention that combines a writing camp with a traditional convention, aiming to cater to both creators and fans.
• 👾 The author will be hosting a session on creature creation, discussing how to develop compelling monsters by combining existing knowledge from myths, science, and real-world extremophiles.
• 📝 The session will delve into the importance of giving creatures their own agency and reasons for actions, going beyond plot convenience.
• 📆 The author has been conducting this class for over 10 years, with the content evolving to incorporate more sophisticated examples and insights from participants.

Q & A

What is the title of the new book series being released on Substack?

The new book series being released on Substack is part of the Dragon Eye Series, featuring Vern, the dragon detective, and is the ninth or tenth book in the series.

Why is the character Gap Man introduced in the Dragon Eye Series?

Gap Man is introduced because Vern, the dragon detective, needs assistance from someone on his level, as his sister Grace cannot handle the physical aspects of their adventures.

What does the term 'Gap' refer to in the context of the book series?

In the book series, 'Gap' refers to the interdimensional portal between the mundane and the fairy worlds.

Why has the author chosen to release the book in a serial format on Substack?

The author is experimenting with a serial format to see if there is an audience interested in being early readers and to potentially bring in another income stream after quitting their job.

What has been the response to the author's Substack so far?

The author has gained more free subscribers but has not yet gained any additional paid subscribers.

What is Legend Haven and how is the author involved?

Legend Haven is an annual convention that the author has been involved with since its inception. The author will be hosting a session on creating monsters for your worlds.

What are the two topics the author will be discussing at Legend Haven?

The author will be discussing 'Creating Monsters for Your Worlds' and 'Why Fiction Shouldn't Always Be Safe' at Legend Haven.

What is the difference between a greenhouse and a hothouse as it relates to fiction, according to the author?

A greenhouse represents fiction that is safe and protective, while a hothouse represents fiction that is more challenging and exposes readers to harsher realities, preparing them for the real world.

What is the author's perspective on the role of fiction in a reader's life?

The author believes that fiction serves to teach truth through the imagination and that there is a place for both safe, nurturing fiction (greenhouse) and challenging, real-world fiction (hothouse) in a reader's life.

What is the author's approach to creating monsters or creatures for her stories?

The author's approach involves using existing knowledge from myths, science, and real-world extremophile species to create creatures, and then delving deeper into the creatures' motivations and instincts to give them compelling agency.

How has the author's class on creature creation evolved over the years?

While the principles of the class have remained the same, the author's examples and knowledge have become more sophisticated, and the class is enriched by the insights and contributions of its participants.