We were lucky to catch up with T. L. Coughlin recently and have shared our conversation below.

T. L. , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

I am a firm believer that everything aligns at the right time, whether you expect it to or not. Being an author was always a dream of mine, but for the longest time I never thought it would be a possibility. Writing and becoming an author seemed like an unattainable objective, something completely unknown. Growing up no one in my community, family, or friends were writers, full-time or otherwise. Self-publishing and smaller independent presses were also not as common or well-known, which made the goal of becoming an author be defined by publishing with a Big 5 publisher or bust. It was only when the world started opening up through social media did I start to recognize that there were many people out there who had the same dream, especially those who are working full-time, but wanted to pursue a creative passion as a side career as well.

For me, the concept of becoming an author became more of a reality when I heard that my coworker and long-time friend P. L. Stuart published the first book of his series: The Drowned Kingdom Saga. It was the first moment where I realized that not only was I not alone in wanting to create stories, but that this was an attainable goal. At this time, I had an established career in a different field and finally wanted to soul-search for my true passion. COVID hit and with shifting priorities in Canada, it really gave me time to find what I’ve wanted to do for so long. P. L. Stuart introduced me to the Writing Community on Twitter, I sent my first tweet, and from there I was welcomed into this incredible and diverse world of fellow creatives trying to find their place in the world. I did research into the querying process and slowly it became more of a real concept. For so long, this was entire world and industry was hidden from me and now it opened up at the perfect time, a time where I could and wanted to pursue my passion.

I’ve always loved reading as a kid, but I noticed that there was a massive lack of multiracial perspectives when it comes to Young Adult fiction. I could never fully immerse in a story because there was always that racial disparity or a more Western background and upbringing that I couldn’t fully grasp. The issues they tackled with were universal at a superficial level, but no one had grasped the larger issues that multiracial kids would experience: being stuck between two worlds and yet belonging to neither. I felt there was a gap there that I could really hone in on.

I feel that this came at a perfect moment for me, where I had the extra time and energy to really deep dive and learn a new industry. Of course, so many aspects were new, writing synopses, query letters, trying to “sell” yourself to industry professionals while also avoiding imposter syndrome for as long as I could (still learning this one). But because I was passionate about it, it made the introduction easier. I wanted to learn more. So every moment I had to myself, especially during COVID isolation, I was able to immerse myself in a different literary world than the one I grew up in. This time, I was surrounded by real-world people going through the same learning curves, aches and pains, and excitement.

If I tried to do this any earlier, I don’t think I would have been as successful. My introduction to the community was by the right person who had my best interest at heart. He wanted me to succeed and knew which aspects I should carefully tread into to guard my heart and maintain my passion. I found an incredible community that bolstered my confidence when I needed it most and who supported me when my I had finally attained what I thought was unattainable: a publishing contract for my very first multiracial YA science fantasy story.

Although there was much to learn and my emotions were so intrinsically tied to the process, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience. It happened at the right time for me, when I knew it was possible, had the support, and had the time and energy to truly give my all to it. I’m forever thankful for how and when I was introduced to this world and career. I was ready and wanting, and to me, that meant everything.

T. L. , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is T. L. Coughlin and I am a multiracial, award-winning Canadian YA science fiction and fantasy author. My debut YA science fantasy Of Us and Them, was published in November 2021 by Darkstroke. It is a 2022 Silver Medal Winner for Readers’ Favourite Book Awards, a 2022 Finalist for the Page Turner Book Awards, and a Distinguished Favourite for the 2022 Independent Press Award.

Being multiracial is a huge part of my identity as an author, especially how much it influenced my mindset and how I grew up. I found as a young mixed-race kid, it was difficult to find my place. Everyone had this preconceived notion of who I was based on which culture I “looked like” that day. It was a very unsettling feeling and I constantly felt at war with myself not knowing if I was “enough” to be in each culture. I wanted to take that feeling and put it into a book, which surprisingly tied into many sci-fi fantasy concepts of reclaiming one’s power, fate, or identity just with a little touch of magic! My stories feature global mythology with multiracial main characters (like me) who journey to find a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose in a world unprepared for who they are, combining a touch of magic with real-world issues. And my dream is to bring this to future generations who are facing similar problems so that they can see themselves in literary works.

Ever since high school, I was always enamoured with idea of writing your own stories, interweaving details and subplots, until a grander story shines through, but I never really gave myself the chance until recently. My mentor and coworker, P. L. Stuart was actually my inspiration for taking this big step, especially with the intent to query and hopefully publish my first novel. Prior to this, I wrote stories for fun, mostly short stories to entertain my little sister with bed-time stories.

I am incredibly proud of my debut novel. It delves into a genre-blending world of science fiction and fantasy, but holds its roots in global dragon mythology and a murder mystery. Yes, it’s a bit out of the ordinary, and for the longest time I was told that there wasn’t a place for it in today’s publishing industry due to its potential “niche-like” qualities, but I knew there was a community who wanted to read something like this and venture into new territory. And based on its reception, I know that the audience was there all along! I simply needed someone to take that first step in believing in it, and that was Darkstroke Books.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The publishing industry is a fickle one. And for those who have dipped their toe into this world, you’ll know the tell-tale words: “this is a subjective industry”.

For the longest time, I read those words in rejection letters and in guides, but I don’t think I ever took it to heart. I always grew up thinking that people’s opinions and words – especially industry experts and professionals – were law. That if they said the beginning was too slow that I had to immediately edit it based on their sole feedback.

Well, I’m here to tell you that that’s simply not true. Or at least, not entirely accurate. I had to unlearnt this concept that the person I spoke to on the other side of that email knew what was best for my manuscript. Do not get me wrong, their opinions and feedback are valid. But when they say it is a “subjective” industry. It truly is.

As I received more feedback, I realized that agents and publishers’ opinions varied. My first iteration of my opening pages that I submitted for querying agents and publishers received countless opposing remarks. Some said they loved my main character and her growth, some found her hard to identify with. Others said the beginning was slow, but many also said that it was quick. For someone who loves to action feedback, this quickly became my worst nightmare. How was I supposed to fix something if every expert is saying completely opposite?

After speaking with my writer support group, I slowly had to unlearn my knee-jerk reaction to “fix” things and to really see this feedback as subjective. Like when you pick a book to read at a library, you’ll read the title, see the cover, read the back jacket and decide whether this story is right for you. If it is worth your purchase and then your time to read it front to back. It has to be a story you’re interested in. And that’s exactly it. That’s what the agents and publishers were determining. Is this the kind of book they personally want to read and invest time in.

What it finally came down to was this, if multiple people are saying the same thing, then yes, it’s actionable feedback to consider. But if it’s a one-off, then it’s more than likely personal preference. You are literally the writer of this story, especially as the creative owner, as much as you feel like you don’t have a say when it comes to the professional industry… you do. You need to see the feedback as subjective, but take what you can that can make your story better. Evaluate each and don’t take every word as law. Determine how best to navigate and what aspects are ones you never considered but know that it is something to look into and potentially adopt.

It’s definitely tricky, but to not take those rejections or recommendations personally is a huge step. You can then objectively see which of the varying feedback could truly evolve you as a writer and can make your story better.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I have two words: Imposter Syndrome.

It’s a menace through and through. It’s a mental state that doesn’t hold back and likes to poke its head out and the worst possible times.

The querying process in the publishing industry is a long one, especially with COVID allowing people to venture into their passions and have time to write their stories. It’s brutally competitive and the timelines of hearing back from agents and publishers has extended to multiple months.

Throughout the process, I knew I was bring something new to the industry. I was combining multiple genres, introducing an entirely multiracial cast, and tied that up into the past and future of global dragon mythology and its many interpretations. I knew my story wouldn’t be for everyone, but in a weird way I hoped it would. That everyone could find an aspect of the story that they loved (for example, if you love murder mysteries, Of Us and Them sure has you guessing) but could also be introduced to parts of other genres.

I was told many times by agents that despite thinking the concept was unique and fascinating, they ultimately didn’t know how Of Us and Them would fit into today’s market, I was left devastated, thinking I was missing the mark and wasn’t good enough. Once again, I was hearing the same thing as I did as a multiracial kid growing up: you don’t fit.

The imposter syndrome latched itself to me and drew heavily on my energy. My bright and shiny excitement turned to festering bitterness and I thought that it would be the end of my story.

Fortunately, I didn’t give up hope. I shifted my goal, instead of focusing on agents, I opened my world up to independent publishers. Those who weren’t necessarily confined to industry standards of trends and “what’s in”, but rather to the audience they directly see who could benefit from these niche stories. At first, it was hard to give up the hope that an agent would want to sign me, but then I found I could turn this into an opportunity.

After speaking to my mentor, he told me that creating an author platform is important, establishing your story and putting yourself into the world no matter which way, is critical in this industry. He and many others told me that if an independent publisher wanted my book that that is still a massive accomplishment not many could attain. Yes, it wasn’t exactly what I set out for, but it was something just as exciting and ripe with opportunity.

So just as I was about to shelve my story in hopes that agents would come around years down the road when dragons and multiracial stories were “in”, I received an email from Darkstroke Books, an award-winning independent small publisher who specialize in fiction with darker stories.

Within a month, I was signed. They fell in love with my story and knew it had its place in the world. Finally, someone else believed in me and my work. And now I sit with my published book in hand. The cover affixed with award badges and messages from readers saying how much they enjoyed Of Us and Them and the unique messages they took with them that resonated.

True, imposter syndrome never truly goes away. It often comes back for me when reading reviews or participating in interviews just as this one where I sit and wonder if I belong and how I deserve this incredible reception, but in the end, resilience is key. Keep pushing and you’ll find the right solution for you. It may not be the one you planned, but it can be just as incredible if not more so. The unexpected is equally as fulfilling and surrounding yourself with the right people can put that imposter syndrome at bay.

And ultimately, my larger goal was to pay it forward. I wanted to deliver that same magnificent, immersive experience given to me by other authors. Sure, publishing or getting an agent was the “on paper” goal, but I had to keep reminding myself of my larger purpose: the reason I write. I write so that I can share my story and to give my readers a chance to escape their world into great adventures and see aspects of themselves that no other books offered.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tlcoughlin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tl_coughlin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TLCoughlinAuthor
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TL_Coughlin
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WaV0vPK_ys
• Other: Purchase link for OF US AND THEM (Available as a Paperback, Ebook, and Audiobook) https://books2read.com/ofusandthem

Image Credits
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