Living in an Alternate World
by Kathryn Starke
From Narnia to Sherwood Forest, books have taken readers on incredible journeys to fictional worlds for hundreds of years. Each world serves a purpose and possesses specific traits that cause readers of all ages to get lost in them for days. After creating a new world in my sleep one night, I wrote and published a YA fantasy novel, that will be released at the end of January 2025, entitled The Alternate World. While citizens are selected to live in the alternate world, the idea of choosing to live in a fictitious world has been heavily on my mind. What famous storybook worlds would I love to live in, and which ones would I never choose to reside in? Remember, there’s no place like home.
Hands down, I’m living in Emerald City. The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie of all time. A beautiful green setting that is complete with a palace, a good witch, and a powerful oz to help fulfill our heart’s desires has always intrigued me. Perhaps a hot air balloon ride would also be a regular mode of transportation for me as well.
Another famous setting I would consider living in would be Whoville, made famous by Dr. Seuss in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, a popular holiday title. While I certainly would not choose to have the grinch to take my perfectly decorated tree, presents, and treats away from my home, the beautiful spirit of the citizens is contagious. To see a community of people come together for good and to celebrate gratitude and positivity is extra symbolic and needed these days in America. Cindy Lou Who has remained a favorite character of mine over the years.
The final fictional location I would consider living in comes from a comic book. The city of Gotham City is highly influenced by New York City, which is one of my favorite metropolitan areas in the world. If I could live somewhere that combines the energy and breathtaking attractions from the big apple plus the protection from Batman, I would move today. Batman has always been my favorite superhero, so that’s a major selling point for me.
A setting is all about location, location, location, so there are also three fictional worlds that I would never choose to live in. The first location I would not move to is Neverland. The idea of a bunch of lost boys never growing up does not appeal to me. In addition to trying to avoid Captain Hook, this fictional world provides me with too many headaches to enjoy the land. I would also never choose to live in the world depicted in The Hunger Games. To me, Panem, the name of the dystopian nation, seems too violent and chaotic to me. The ideas of punishment or the spectatorship of fighting do not present a welcoming environment for me to live a pleasant life, which is essential for my well-being.
The third destination that I would not choose for myself is Hogwarts in JK Rowling’s popular books about Harry Potter. The popular boarding school of witchcraft and wizardry sounds magical and intriguing, but the former teacher and student in me would not choose it as the building for my teaching and learning experience.
Every fictional world is different. It connects with readers for varying reasons and evokes different feelings, both positive and negative. There is no right or wrong world. A world that welcomes you today may not be the same world you chose to live in yesterday. I invite you to explore more worlds and settings through a number books this year and see where it takes you.
The Alternate World by Kathryn Starke: Book Release Date: January 28, 2025
The Alternate World by Kathryn Starke
Blurb: Every decision is ultimately determined based on two choices-one that comes from following your heart and one that comes from following your head. So, what prevents people from achieving their own hopes, dreams, and desires? Eve Thompson enters a New England boarding school for high school where she and her classmates are presented with an array of everyday life choices and decisions faced by teens. Will each student take the most common route or the road less traveled? There is no right or wrong answer, but only one choice leads to the path that represents your true self. What if a world existed where people could be their authentic selves without judgement-where life choices are entirely up to you and what’s best for you. What are you going to choose to do? Welcome to The Alternate World.
About the Author
Kathryn Starke is a national literacy consultant, author, and founder/CEO of Creative Minds Publications, an award-winning publishing company. She helps authors bring their book ideas to life. She is also the creator of the 9th annual Tackle Reading event, which is supported by the National Football League. Starke has written books for children, teachers, and fans of Hallmark movies. The Alternate World is her sixth book.
http://creativemindspublications.com/
Social Media: @KathrynStarke, X/Instagram; @CreativeMindsPublications, Instagram
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