The following is an interview with writer E.L. Starling regarding the upcoming release of the sci-fi YA novel, Bound by Stars, through Entangled Teen. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Starling about her creative process in bringing the story and its characters to life on the page, the themes that she hopes will resonate with readers, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Bound by Stars! What are you most excited for readers to experience with this action-packed sci-fi thriller?
E.L. Starling: Thank you, thank you! I can’t wait for readers to meet Jupiter and Weslie and make them their own, as well as diving into the world of the book and all its twists. I’ve lived there for years. It’ll be nice to have some more company.
BD: How would you describe your creative approach to bringing this story and characters to life on the page, especially in light of your deft work in weaving speculative fiction and romance into your narrative?
ELS: Involved. I spent three months working on the outline for Bound by Stars, as well as weaving a backstory for each character to really learn who they are. I tend to find character voices in the writing process. Weslie immediately shouted from the page. Jupiter took a little more writing to find. But once I had them, their story flowed.
Weaving the speculative and romance together gave me so many fun scene opportunities. I really explored using every possible angle of the sci-fi setting (the luxury starliner, space, and tech) to progress the romance, and in turn, I think the romance enhanced the sci-fi elements.
BD: What makes Entangled Teen the perfect home for this story?
ELS: When I finished Bound by Stars, I knew I needed a team who appreciated it for the romance. The sci-fi setting is the twist on the Titanic retelling and it’s a lot of fun. But romance was top priority for me, and Entangled knows romance.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Weslie and Jupiter’s story may connect with and impact today’s readers?
ELS: There are some big underlying topics in Bound by Stars: socioeconomic disparity, unhinged capitalism, and climate change. All common topics in dystopian novels and real issues of today. Dystopian stories, though set in the future, are really about today and though they tend to reflect the darkest outcome, they deliver inspiration to take a stand for what’s right.
But Bound by Stars is also about a cast of teenagers trying to make the best choices and figure out who they are. Yes, it’s a love story, but my characters find appreciation for their own strengths, appreciate each other’s differences, and celebrate them. That’s the standard: Invite people into your life who love who you are and support you.
BD: Are there any other projects that you would like to highlight for our readers?
ELS: There’s more to come in the world of Bound by Stars. I don’t trust myself to say more without giving something away!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Bound by Stars and your other work?
ELS: Subscribe to my newsletter (elstarling.substack.com), visit my website (www.elstarling.com), and/or follow me on Instagram (@e_l_starling).
