Take a peek behind the curtain of Unfangled. This post shares the challenges and joys of bringing the story to life, from drafting intricate plotlines to creating relatable characters.
When writing Unfangled, the idea of balancing technology with humanity was at the forefront. The concept was born during a quiet moment on a weekend retreat, away from the noise of emails and notifications. I remember sitting in a small cabin surrounded by towering pines, reflecting on how disconnected I felt despite always being “connected.” That moment of clarity became the seed of Riley’s journey in the novel.
One of the biggest challenges was crafting a protagonist who felt relatable yet unique. Riley needed to embody modern struggles—feeling overwhelmed by the digital haze—but also possess a spark of curiosity and resilience that would drive the story forward. Early drafts of Riley’s character leaned too heavily on their disillusionment, making them feel distant. It took countless rewrites to strike the right balance between their frustration and their potential for growth.
The city, another critical element of the novel, was inspired by visits to bustling urban centers like Tokyo and New York. I wanted readers to feel the overwhelming energy of a place that never sleeps, contrasted sharply by the tranquility of nature that Riley discovers later.
Interestingly, the mysterious guide almost didn’t make it into the story. Initially, Riley was meant to navigate their transformation alone. But as I developed the plot, it became clear that a mentor figure would add depth and provide a necessary counterpoint to Riley’s skepticism.
Writing Unfangled was as much a journey for me as it was for Riley. I hope that the themes of connection, simplicity, and rediscovery resonate as deeply with readers as they do with me.
No responses yet