Every Friday, we meet a member of the BFS and peer deep into their soul (or, at least, a form they filled out). Want to be featured? Email us: online@britishfantasysociety.org
Name:
Charlotte Langtree (she/her)
Which region are you based in?
North West England
If you write, which genre:
Fantasy
Are you drawn to any specific SFFH sub-genres?
I dabble in most subgenres of fantasy but I am particularly drawn to high/epic fantasy.
Your influences
Tell us about the book/film/thing that got you into SFFH: What was it? How old were you? What impact did it have on you?
The Belgariad series by David Eddings was my first fantasy love. My mum and auntie read them to me when I was six and I got my own copies aged seven. When she got me my own copies (pictured), my auntie wrote little messages inside the covers. One said that if I looked for magic in this world, I was sure to find it. I took that to heart. Now I like to create my own magic with my writing.
How does that early influence show up for you (in life/writing/agenting/publishing/editing/reading) now?
I’m always looking for the magic, and striving to create magic with my words. I love to find ways for my characters to highlight the universality of emotions even when they’re in fantastical situations. For me, that’s where magic truly lies—in moments of love and sacrifice, in kindness and compassion, in a mother’s love for her child(ren)…
Where do you draw your creative inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from all around me. An idea might crop up in a dream or be inspired by a conversation with my daughter. I’m always interested in why people do things, and that can be another form of inspiration—what would have to happen to make a character act in a certain way? I do a lot of family history research with my best friend, and that can also be great inspiration. There’s so much to draw from. The ideas stew in my head for a while until I’ve picked at the threads and woven some semblance of a story.
(Pictured: Charlotte clearing graves for family research)
Who do you look to as a genre hero? Why?
I have a few favourites who also seem to be good human beings. I admire Robin Hobb and Cecilia Dart Thornton. Peter S. Beagle writes beautifully. Of course, there’s Tolkien—I can’t not mention Tolkien. In terms of writers I’ve met in person, I have to say that Jasper Fforde, Juliet E. McKenna, Tiffani Angus, and David Green were all just so lovely. Green (pictured with Charlotte) goes out of his way to help other authors and McKenna gave me the most wonderful words of support when I met her at FantasyCon 2024.
Your Work
You’re stuck in an elevator for 60 seconds with that hero, and they want you to describe your work. Give us the pitch.
Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury is a collection of epic fantasy tales focused around womanhood, motherhood, and what it means to be human. These themes are woven through each story, from the journey of an abused wife to a mother’s plea for her daughter’s life. Each world has darkness, and each has power. What connects them? What holds them together when all hope is lost? Queens and soldiers, wives and mothers, these women rebel, resist, and rise to the challenge.
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently editing book one of a trilogy exploring abuse of power and issues of morality from the viewpoint of a woman who needs to decide where she draws her own line in the sand. It’s a project that’s been a long time in the making but one I’m really enjoying. I’m excited to be picking it back up again.
Thinking about all the stories/work you’ve done, what sticks out most in your mind? Why?
My debut book, Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury, represents the achievement of a lifelong dream.
It’s something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s a collection of eight short stories focusing on diverse women facing terrible situations, and it really explores the emotional strength and resilience of each of these women. I was inspired to write this one when I became a mother, which changed me immensely and filled my world with so much more than I’d ever known was possible. I wanted to explore what motherhood looked like in fantasy outside of all the common tropes, and to write motherhood in different incarnations, from warriors to housewives, and everything in between.
This book led to me being shortlisted for Best Newcomer in the British Fantasy Awards 2024, which was the most amazing experience.
Where and when do you create/are you at your most creative?
I’m incredibly busy as a mum so I have to steal moments to write. This means I can’t be too fussy about where I am or what time of day it is. Given the choice, I quite like to sit in a quiet café and get in the zone, but I’m equally at home standing at the kitchen island as long as I have a cup of Yorkshire tea to keep me going.
What’s the best advice you’ve received about creativity?
That you can’t edit a blank page. I used to be such a perfectionist that I’d be stuck not writing much of anything but now I focus on getting my ideas down and I edit later. It works out so much better for me.
What’s your writing soundtrack?
It varies depending on what I’m writing. Sometimes a Lord of the Rings soundtrack gives me the right vibes but other times I might need something like Valhalla Calling by Peyton Parrish to fire me up for a battle scene.
The Quick-Fire Round
Sci-fi, fantasy or horror?
Fantasy
Quiet or loud?
Quiet
Dark or light?
Light
Strict lines or genre blend?
Whatever works
Awards or bestseller?
Can I have both? No? Maybe the awards… But I might change my mind daily!
Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction
(Pictured: Charlotte at her first book signing)
Poetry or prose?
Poetic prose
Plotter or pantser?
Plotter
Reading or listening?
Reading
Notebook or computer?
Laptop
Favourite SFFH book of all time?
There is no way I can choose! I love the Belgariad series by Eddings. I also love The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. And Lord of the Rings…
Last book you read?
I recently treated myself to a signed copy of Magic, Maps, and Mischief by David Green. It’s one of my favourite books of all time. It’s a beautifully written cosy fantasy featuring neurodivergent characters, and it’s so amazing to see that representation and see myself in some of these wonderful characters. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Any SFFH author on auto-buy?
All the names I mentioned before are auto-buys for me. There are also several other indie authors I really enjoy, such as Rachel L. Tilley and V.H. Stone.
Favourite podcast?
I’m not great at listening to podcasts, to be honest. I just don’t take things in very well in audio form.
The Home Stretch
What’s the best thing about being part of the SFFH community?
Feeling like I’m living my dream and creating my own magic in a space alongside immensely talented writers. Also, the support on offer. Everyone I’ve met has been so kind and goes out of their way to support other writers.
Time to plug your stuff! Where can we find you and your work? What have you got coming up? Consider this your advertising space.
- I have several projects in the works at the moment, including book one of the trilogy I mentioned earlier. I’m currently working with a wonderful artist on the book cover and I’m very excited about it.
- My website is where you can find more information and links to all my publications
- Follow me on Facebook
- You can find my debut book, Fractured: Tales of Flame and Fury, by following this link—this is the book that led to me being shortlisted for Best Newcomer in the British Fantasy Awards 2024!
(Pictured: A selection of books featuring work by Charlotte Langtree)
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