I've had a love affair with the desert ever since I can remember. No matter what I wrote - contemporary romance, spy thriller, high fantasy - it was going to have a desert in it. Rae Carson affaircontemporarydesert Change image and share on social
Some of the most common pitfalls I see occur when authors don't check their privilege. Billions are living in a personal apocalypse right this second, so a little research and empathy can go a long way toward developing a convincing world. Rae Carson apocalypseauthorbillion share on social
I must be honest here; I don't think there's such a thing as 'unconventional' when it comes to YA. YA readers are the most open-minded in the literary world. They'll read anything. Rae Carson honestliterarymind Change image and share on social
The common thread in all my projects is 'girls being awesome.' Can we make that a genre? Rae Carson awesomecommongenre Change image and share on social
Competing in pageants made me hyper-aware of the unfair expectations society places on women in terms of youth and beauty. But it also gave me empathy for women who use beauty as a creative exploration. When expressed healthfully, dressing up, doing hair, crafting makeup, etc., is an art form. Rae Carson artawarebeauty share on social
When you write about faith, people will be upset with you no matter what. I've heard from readers who were disgusted with the depiction of monotheistic religion. I've also heard from readers who were upset because my portrayal of faith did not adhere to their specific doctrines. Fortunately, I have high risk tolerance. Rae Carson adheredepictiondisgust share on social
I dreamed about this as a kid, that I would write - and people would read - a whole series of books. I feel accomplished, giddy, and tired. Mostly, though, I feel thankful. A trilogy is a huge investment on the part of author, publisher, and reader, and I'm grateful that so many people were willing to invest along with me. Rae Carson accomplishauthorbook share on social
I'd love to see more middle and high school teachers who are not teaching English develop classroom libraries. Our message to kids should be that reading is for everyone. Rae Carson classroomdevelopenglish Change image and share on social
I love George R.R. Martin's 'Game of Thrones' series. Rae Carson gamegeorgelove Change image and share on social
I don't plot with huge detail, just big moments and important elements, and then I have a structure but can fly by the seat of my pants when I write. Rae Carson bigdetailelement Change image and share on social