All about the novel The Alternate World

Who is Kathryn Starke?

Kathryn Starke is an international literacy consultant, author, and CEO. She has written books for children, teachers, and Hallmark movie fans with her two contemporary romance novels. This is her first YA fantasy novel. Her first children’s book, Amy’s Travels, celebrates its 20th book birthday in 2025.

What is The Alternate World about?

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.

Interview

What inspired your book The Alternate World?

I had a dream about ten years ago, in which I had a clear vision of a mysterious new location that I had never seen before. I knew I had to write a book about it. For the past decade, I have written and rewritten a variety of characters and scenarios, but the setting of the alternate world always remained.

What drew you to writing? 
I’ve been writing stories and songs since I was an elementary school student. For me, it was always the best way for me to express myself. My first published children’s book, Amy’s Travels, was written when I was teaching second grade because I was looking for a story to teach all seven continents. 

How did you choose which character to centre the story around? 

While the book follows a group of friends, I chose to really develop the story around Eve because I felt like she was an example of an everyday person or “the girl next door.”

What was your process for writing your book?

This is my sixth published book, but it’s the one I have spent the most time writing and rewriting. I took a few years away from the book and came back to it last year to finalize and focus on finally bringing into the world for readers. It’s my first YA fantasy book.

What is your approach to world and character-building?

I like to visualize each setting and character in my mind first. Then, I make a list of descriptive words for each place and person. The dialogue for my characters is then built page by page.

Did you have a favourite moment in the book to write?

I loved creating the setting, background, and purpose of the alternate world. When you can see a place in your mind and are able to put words together that enables readers to visualize the world is a great feeling.

Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?

Eve Thompson, the main character, is the character I relate to the most. She is a friend to everyone, she is an observer, she is goal oriented, and she often lives in her head.

Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?

I wrote my first book twenty years ago, so I have certainly seen how I have grown as an author throughout the years. As a person, publishing a book hasn’t changed the way I see myself. In fact, I often still see myself as the ten-year-old version of me and can’t believe I am a published author today. Like everyone, I am always wondering, questioning, doubting, analyzing, or exploring something in my mind.

Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

As a child, I loved the poems by Shel Silverstein. As an adult reader, I love everything written by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I believe that being an avid reader of a variety of genres has greatly impacted my vast interest in writing and publishing.

What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book, and what advice were you given?

I would remind every writer, as I must remind myself, that writing is subjective. There is a reader for every book, and there is a book for every reader. The best advice given to me was to find a great editor.

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink?

When I’m writing, I’m often in a zone, so I’m not snacking, but I’m always refilling a glass of iced water.

Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favourite music?

I am a music person in general; I love having it on in the background. When I’m writing, however, it’s either silent or I’m playing a playlist ranging from today’s Top 40 to music from the eighties, nineties, and early 2000’s.

Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?

My family has been the best supporters from the very beginning. Now that I’ve been writing for a little while, I’ve gained the support of fellow authors and my readers as well, which is a great feeling.