Today we’d like to introduce you to C.H. Carter.
C.H., we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is C.H. Carter and I’m a fantasy writer based in North Carolina. I’ve been creating my own stories for as long as I can remember, but I started writing seriously with an eye towards publishing in 2019. Fairytale and folklore retellings are two of my favorite sub-genres of fantasy, seeing that new twist on a familiar tale. My debut trilogy the Kingsport Chronicles, a Little Mermaid retelling set in a queer-normative world, was completed in May 2025.
Tamora Pierce is, without a doubt, one of my biggest inspirations as an author. I actually wrote her a fan letter when I was in middle school, asking for advice about becoming a writer, and she sent the most encouraging reply!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I learned a great deal about publishing in general, before pursuing Indie publishing. I tried for about two years to get book 1 of the Kingsport Chronicles, To Kiss the Sea, traditionally published. While I received some great feedback from agents, the traditional world is so subjective to what the agents are looking for, I set myself a deadline. If I didn’t sign with an agent by a certain date, then I would switch gears.
By then, I’d learned so much from my Indie author friends and different resources online. Since book 1 was ready to go, and I’d already started book 2, I decided to release the series myself! It’s been an exciting and educational experience, I still make mistakes, but I’ve built a fantastic team (editor, cover designer, etc.) and I’m very proud of these books. Seeing my work out in the world or having a reader tell me that a character or scene resonated with them, makes it worth all the effort.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m best known as the author of the Kingsport Chronicles, a trilogy inspired by the Little Mermaid and set in a queer-normative world. The books in the series include:
To Kiss the Sea – Book 1 (2023)
To Brave the Deep – Book 2 (2024)
To Free the Waves – Book 3 (2025)
I’m proud of all of my books, but especially of To Kiss the Sea. The extensive world building and research that went into creating a world vivid enough to support an entire series seems impossible. But I’m so thrilled each time a reader compliments me on the world itself, in addition to the characters and the story.
Since my publication journey began, I’ve had the fantastic opportunity to be a guest on a few writing podcasts, including the Merry Writers and Worthy Writers podcasts. I’ve also led a workshop on plotting and story development, in partnership with the Wake County library system.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Writing can feel very solitary, but luckily I’ve formed a wonderful community both of local and online authors from around the world!
For local connections, look for writing groups that focus on your genre or upcoming events. There are also many free or low-cost writing events put on by libraries, in addition to those sponsored by publications, vendors, or conventions.
Online, find your fellow writers who love the same books or write a series you enjoy. Find ways to support and uplift each other and celebrate each other’s milestones!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chcarterwrites.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chcarterwrites/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chcarterwrites
