More with Author C.K. Sorens
1. What inspired you to write this book?
My writing centers around the idea of choice vs. fate and individual needs vs. societal expectations. Tattered was inspired by that confusing middle space so many of us hit: when you’re no longer sure if you’re making choices because they’re right for you or because they’re what you’ve been told is right. Ember, the heroine, is pulled between three societies that each claim to know what’s best – and none of it is best for Ember. This book captures her defiance in figuring out what’s actually right for her.
2. How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?
The working title for this book was actually completely different for the majority of my writing, but I knew it wasn’t the right fit and kept looking. Then one day, my middle son and I were talking and he used the word ‘tattered’ to describe something and the word dug its hooks into me and wouldn’t let go. Tattered is a direct reflection of how Ember’s trust, beliefs, and sense of self are unraveling.
3. Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?
Tattered took me longer than expected to write, to be honest. Over time, my drafting process has been streamlined so I’ve been able to knock first draft completion down from three months to six weeks, but with Tattered, I had to restart a couple times to get the tone aligned with the message. After that, I was able to fall into my standard timelines with about 3 – 4 months of editing with the help of alpha and beta readers before sending it to an editor and starting the packaging part of the process. The break between books two and three was longer than I hoped, but in the end, I was able to deliver the story I truly wanted to give readers.
4. Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?
Tattered, specifically, has been the most difficult for me to write, mostly because of the emotional arcs of Ember and the supporting cast. Everyone is having their own type of break from what they believe to be true and making sure each break was perfect for each character type, that their reactions were true to them, became an exercise in intentional rewriting. Once I tapped into each of those threads, the process smoothed out, but in the meantime there’d been a lot of frustration and novel study (where I read other authors work who already nailed what I was trying to create).
5. How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?
I love being able to share my work with the world. It’s always the highlight of the process. My books are for readers who are trying to make sense of the pressure to conform, who wonder if it’s okay to want something different. I definitely pull from past experiences to create the narrative, and it’s always a little nerve-wracking to share those parts of yourself, even through fiction. But that’s also the point: creating connection. If my stories help readers feel seen or spark a shift in perspective, then I’ve managed to hit my goal.
6. Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
Definitely. There’s something deeply important to me about showing characters who fight, not just for survival, but for the right to define their own lives. These stories carry the lessons I hope to pass on: that defiance can be beautiful, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is choose your own way forward.
7. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
That it’s okay to question the path you’ve been handed. That doing what’s right for you, whether it’s continuing tradition or going against expectations, isn’t wrong as long as it is your choice. That’s true growth and bravery.
8. Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?
There’s a moment we face when we commit to change where we figuratively walk away from parts of ourselves that no longer serve us. There’s a powerful grief there, and a grand transformation. Because I’m a discovery writer, I came to a scene where this became the truth for one of my main cast – and it developed into this literal, powerful change. I went over that scene multiple times, not having planned for it at all, yet came to the same conclusion every time. It was absolutely necessary. The hope is the reader feels the grief of that change, and then the relief that comes from transformation, and can recognize that hard things can lead to beautiful outcomes.
9. What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?
For this book, what surprised me the most was how hard it was. I’ve written and published three novels before this one, and yet this one wasn’t easier. It was a long time before I felt anything like falling into a groove with it. It was a very strong reminder that writing is a practice and that dedicating to the process is far more beneficial than tying yourself to the goal.
10. Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?
I am very excited to be able to say yes here. Where I struggled to shape Tattered’s message, the next books in the series are falling in line. The fourth book is currently with my critique partner and my fifth book is in draft one stage. This is the first time in my writing career so far that I’ve been able to tap into this particular type of flow. Fresh off Tattered, I’m enjoying the change of pace without taking it for granted. I’m not sure about publishing dates, yet, but I am really excited to be on the path to delivering the rest of the series to my readers, especially after they’ve had to wait so long for Tattered
All about author C.K. Sorens
C.K. Sorens writes Defiant Fantasy. Her stories are fast-paced, emotionally grounded, and centered on heroines who refuse to be controlled. Her work combines unique magic systems, sharp character arcs, and the belief that choice is the most powerful kind of magic.
She’s the author of the Trimarked Series, an urban fantasy about forbidden power and hard-won freedom, and Eighteen Wishes, a standalone romantasy set in a genie-filled Las Vegas where every wish comes with a price.
In addition to writing fiction, Sorens is a certified writing coach where she focuses on helping authors find confidence, clarity, and sustainable momentum.
When she’s not writing or coaching, you’ll likely find her buried in a favorite fantasy novel or talking story structure with fellow writers over tea.
How to follow author C.K. Sorens
- Website: www.cksorens.com
- Newsletter: www.cksorens.com/newsletter
- Instagram: @ck_sorens
Facebook: C.K. Sorens
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