Tina Strachan interviews New Zealand author Shara Curlett during the launch of her new middle-grade fantasy series Protector of Beyond. Curlett describes book one’s premise—12-year-old Aldetris sparks, is transported to another realm, bonds with a magical creature, and faces trials to train at the Academy of Protectors—plus the creation of the four Gards and Fiercers with illustrator Jennifer Beam, and comps like Nevermoor, Percy Jackson, and Wings of Fire. She recounts a busy release month including publisher and bookstore visits, school presentations featuring a Guard-sorting activity, and events in Australia with QBD and Kinokuniya. Curlett outlines her persistence-focused journey from Welcome to Miracle to signing with Zeitgeist’s Samuel Bernard after publisher interest, her productivity habits (writing in small gaps, formerly on her phone), and confirms Protector of Beyond (book two) is drafted for September 2027. Her top tip: separate emotion from publishing because it’s a business and rejection isn’t personal.

00:00 Podcast Intro
00:56 Meet Shara Curlett
02:37 Protector of Beyond Premise
04:32 Worldbuilding Sparks
06:27 Comp Titles Vibes
08:29 Launch Tour Whirlwind
13:29 School Visit Secrets
17:36 From Miracle to Protector
22:37 Courses Craft Growth
25:54 Writing Over Rejection
26:31 Finding Time As A Mum
27:31 Writing In The Gaps
29:51 Compartmentalize And Capture Ideas
32:21 No Perfect Time To Write
34:34 Protector Pitch Breakthrough
36:11 Landing An Agent Fast
38:16 Do You Need An Agent
40:32 Tips For Querying Agents
43:06 Protector Two Update
45:41 Top Tip Publishing Is Business
50:54 Final Thanks And Wrap

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