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Curious about what makes YA sci-fi stories really stick with readers, and how creators find meaning (and an audience) for their work? In today’s episode, I chat with bestselling author and creative director Christian Hurst about blending heartfelt themes with bold storytelling. We talk about crafting genuine characters, why it’s okay to share flawed protagonists, and how feedback can shape a series.
If you’re a writer or creator, you’ll hear how Christian moves from “idea” to “published book”—including the critical role of just putting your work out there and treating it like a product. You’ll also learn how his background in branding informs both his stories and his approach to audience connection.
Tune in for an honest look at handling creative doubt, chasing validation (the real kind), and the surprising lessons Christian learned about readers’ reactions to imperfection in fiction. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or a creator looking for practical, down-to-earth wisdom, there’s something here for you.
Connect With Christian Hurst
Website: https://www.churstpublishing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churstpublishing
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Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Meet Christian Hurst
00:47 The Lily Starling Series Explained
01:40 The Spark Behind the Story
02:53 Exploring Identity and Themes
03:33 Starting With Characters
03:56 Making Fictional Worlds Real
04:49 Branding Background and Storytelling
06:00 Symbols, Imagery, and Meaning
07:29 Readers’ Surprising Reactions
09:47 Making Work Meaningful and Marketable
12:35 Writing Challenges and Process
14:21 Legacy and Humanism
18:00 Handling Creative Doubt
20:23 What’s Next for Christian Hurst
21:53 Where to Find Christian’s Books
22:50 Outro and How to Connect
