Kaila Nike On How To Create Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories

…Conflict. Conflict is such an important factor of storytelling, it drives the narrative forward by creating tension and stakes. It also forces characters to make choices, revealing their true nature and propelling their growth. Without conflict, there’s no struggle, no change, and ultimately, no compelling story to engage the reader. It provides the necessary friction for a story to have meaning and potential and also prompts the reader to take a look within themselves and challenge their own morals. Octavia is met with conflict several times throughout the book, it helps to drive her character forward as well as the plot…

As part of my interview series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kaila Nike. Born and raised in British Columbia, Kaila is a dedicated mother raising two wonderful sons. While she earned a diploma in social work, writing has always been her true passion. Finding solace and expression in her words, Kaila has a knack for crafting engaging narratives. She particularly loves writing poems, ‘romantasy’ and personal growth narratives. Her debut novel, Mystique, is a testament to her talent and dedication.

After gaining valuable experience working with children in a school setting, Kaila had changed careers only to lose the new job that she loved so much. With ten days notice that she would be unemployed she jumped on the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming an author. The adversity and triumphs she’s experienced with failed and toxic relationships has motivated and led her to write this story. Inspired by true events, this novel was written while on a remarkable journey of healing and self discovery. She’s already begun working on a sequel to Mystique, eager to continue the captivating story she’s started.

Balancing her responsibilities with her writing career hasn’t always been easy. Finding time to write and navigating the publishing world requires dedication and perseverance. Kaila is grateful for the unwavering support and belief she receives from her family and friends.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share a story about what first drew you to writing over other forms of storytelling?

I have always had a passion for writing. As a child I loved to write poetry and short stories, it’s something that has always been a part of me. It’s always come naturally. As an adult, I became a single mom, worked full time and put myself through post-secondary school, so I was pretty busy so my writing took a bit of the back burner. But that never stopped the passion that burned within, I continued to write poetry and short stories. However, it wasn’t until I was laid off from my job that I was finally granted the space and time to write and complete a full sized novel. The idea for ‘Mystique’ was on my heart and mind for seven years before I finally wrote it. I knew it was only going to be a matter of time and now I am finally living out my career dream of being an author.

You are a successful author. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Creativity comes to mind first. I think it’s interesting because I never really thought myself to be a creative person. It just never really occurred to me because I would see other people who are creative and I would be like “wow, I wish I was creative like that” without even seeing my own value. It wasn’t until one day when someone had told me that I was creative that it actually clicked for me. I had a huge moment of realization, and looking back at the work I’ve created it just hit me like wow, I am creative. That was also the day I truly realized that it’s important not to compare ourselves to others because something that one person might be good at you might not be and that’s okay because you have your own strengths that others might not necessarily have. We’re unique and that’s what makes us perfect the way we are.

Determination is another trait that I feel is really important in the success of any work that is done. Mystique started with an idea, a small seed that was planned in my mind. Yes, it might have taken me seven years before I actually started writing it, but the desire to do so never went away. This idea was going to become a book one way or another. I was given ten days’ notice that I would be losing my job and as a sole provider, it should have been a moment of stress, worry and anxiety. But instead, I knew deep down my path was being paved to create this story and get it out there for the world and I wasn’t about to let that opportunity slip away. I wasted no time and began writing… and writing… and writing, and there was no looking back. I worked on Mystique, book one of the series, full time until it was completed. For a full year I was writing, editing (so much editing), researching the publishing world, editing again, hiring professionals to help edit, create the cover, format, website, market research, literally everything it takes to write and polish a novel, all while pushing myself out into the world of social media. I spent hours and hours researching and learning about the publishing world, traditional vs. indie, and which was the best route for me. I spent hours learning how to craft a book proposal, a synopsis, a query letter, I took classes, I stayed up late and got up early navigating this new-to-me world. Social media is somewhat new to me as well. I mean I have personal accounts on Facebook and Instagram but I never really used them. So I spent time learning how to create an enticing social media platform and building a following and that continues to grow each day because I stay consistent with the content and I engage with the audience. I have been doing all of this while being a full-time parent for my two sons. Without determination, I never would have gotten as far as I have. Not only does learning a new world take a lot of work and effort, staying consistent and showing up every day with writing, reading, research, social media etc. is a full time job in itself.

The third character trait that I have that I think is important to success is courage. One of the reasons that I held off putting myself, and my work, out into the world was the lack of courage. I was riddled with fear about putting myself out there for the world to see, just to be invisible and/or rejected. It took a lot of in-depth work for me to work up the courage to say you know what, I’m good enough, my work is good enough, and even if it’s not, that’s okay. My ultimate vision is to lead with courage and inspire others who wish to succeed with their goals. I basically came from nothing and I built a life that I can only dream about. If I can do it then I am living proof that it’s possible for anyone to do it. But it does take courage and that means not knowing how the world will respond to you. But one thing that I have learned is that when you’re showing up with integrity and authenticity then your people will find you and they will show up for you.

Can you tell us a bit about the interesting or exciting projects you are working on or wish to create? What are your goals for these projects?

Mystique is a series. I anticipate that it will be a four book series and I am halfway through writing the second novel. I need to complete it and write the third because it probably takes up a good fifty percent of my thought space on any given day.

Aside from Mystique, I am currently a co-author in five other projects this year. That could turn into more as there are so many opportunities out there and I want to be a part of so many of them. The projects that I am currently co-authoring in are anthologies that are more along the lines of personal growth and success. I am super excited to be a part of those projects as I am so passionate about inspiring, and lifting up others on their own journeys. The titles include, but are not limited to; Becoming an Unstoppable Woman: Rise of the Phoenix, Unleash Her: The Next Chapter Begins, UnleashHER Voice: Unlocking Confidence and Power in Every Woman’s Story, Her Path To Entrepreneurship, and The Rise of Her.

I also have one more project that I will begin working on soon and it may or may not have something to do with dragons. I can’t spill the beans yet. This is such a big year for me and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.

Wonderful. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that all of us are on the same page. How do you define sci-fi or fantasy? How is it different from speculative fiction?

I personally define sci-fi and/or fantasy and being created from a realm that goes beyond the depth of what we perceive to be reality. However, this is the case with all speculative fiction. But let me explain the difference. Many subgenres can fall under speculative fiction and this includes sci-fi and fantasy as they are subgenres, but not all speculative fiction is sci-fi or fantasy. Think of it like this. Speculative fiction is the tree and the tree has many branches. One branch is sci-fi, another is fantasy, another is horror, while another is dystopian fiction, etc.

It seems that despite countless changes in media and communication technologies, novels and written fiction always survive, and as the rate of change increases with technology, written sci-fi becomes more popular. Why do you think that is?

I think that books have been around for ions and there will always be loyal book lovers, and for good reason. There are details and ideas in books, which come straight from people’s minds, that might be tough to replicate on a screen even with the advanced technology we have today. When we read, we are able to use our imagination to create a world just by words that are on a page and I think that’s pretty incredible. When we are watching a show, it is already made, which kind of takes away that creative aspect of our own mind in a sense. And if anyone is like me, they like being able to recreate these stories in their mind and experience it into their own way. And that’s one of the reasons why, despite the advancements in technology, people will always be drawn to reading. I could be wrong but I think that anyone who says that they don’t enjoy reading, or say reading is boring etc., just hasn’t given it enough of a chance. There are endless personalities in this world, but there are endless amounts of books as well, you just have to find what interests you.

In your opinion, what are the benefits to reading sci-fi, and how do they compare to watching sci-fi on film and television?

Aside from books having much more detail than movies I think that books just create a more engaging experience. Tv does have its place but the way I think about books versus tv is that when you’re watching tv, it’s like a single layer experience. You’re consuming but not really engaging. But when it comes to reading, you’re not only getting the visual stimulus, you’re also getting to fully immerse yourself in the experience by using your own imagination and creating the images in your mind. You’re interacting with the book rather than just consuming it, and that provides a much fuller experience. For example, when I put a show on the tv, my main goal is typically to distract myself, maybe due to boredom or background noise etc. But when I read a book, I know I’m there to fully experience the world that was created with my eyes, mind and emotions.

When the Twilight series came out I was fully immersed in the books, I would even dream about it. It was a whole experience for me. Yes, I was excited for the movies but the ideas we create in our mind while reading I think cater more to our own beliefs of what things should ‘look’ like. Although I also loved the movies, there were a lot of details that weren’t added in the movies and I feel like I just got a much fuller experience out of the books. That’s one example.

What authors and artists, dead or alive, inspired you to write?

I know this might seem cliche but J.K. Rowling truly inspires me. As a single mom who aspires to be one of the greatest authors, how could she not. Our backgrounds are similar, struggling single mom, from rags to riches story. I think she’s incredible and truly inspiring. On days where it feels tough and I feel overwhelmed and I want to give up, I just think about J.K. Rowling and other successful authors who made it. It gives me hope because I know first hand how hard it is to be a single mother and she did it, so I can too.

Another artist that really inspires me and I feel like deserves credit is The Kid Laroi. I met him once and it was right after I had lost my job. My youngest son and I are huge fans of his and we traveled eight hours to Vancouver to catch his show. We arrived early so we waited outside on a whim, with hopes that maybe, just maybe we would get to see him, even for a second. Not only did we get to see him, but when he saw my son standing there by the fence, he went out of his way to come say hi and meet him. My son was so starstruck he couldn’t even say a word. I spoke for him and I was so nervous. All these things I wish I could have said were stuck in my throat because it was just such a cool experience. My son has said so many times “I wish I would have asked him ‘this’”, and I hope one day he gets to ask him the questions he wishes to. It was our first time meeting a celebrity face to face, and one of our favourites to boot. But the reason why he’s one of my favorites, besides sharing that connection with my son, is the motivation, determination and life that he puts into all his work. He works hard, continues to push out incredible art, and keeps going without giving up. And all while he was a teen! He’s an adult now and still going strong. In my opinion on his way to becoming one of the biggest artists in the world. I will never forget the energy I felt that day that we met him. I clung on to that and took it home with me and that energy carried me through the toughest times while writing my book. I just think he’s an incredible human being. Not only talented but has such a kind, caring and compassionate soul and he’s there for the people, just like I always hope to be. These two artists play a big role in inspiring me to write, and to keep on keeping on.

If you could ask your favorite Science Fiction and Fantasy author a question, what would it be?

This is such a good question. I have asked a ton of questions on this journey and they have all been answered, but to narrow it down to my favourite author makes it tough. One of my favourite authors is Stephen King. I have not read or watched a Stephen King creation and not loved it. I also read On Writing and it just wasn’t enough for me. I wanted more, I wanted that book to keep going and never end. I could read it over and over again and learn something new each time. But when it comes down to having only one question to ask, it would be, “will you mentor me personally.” Insert laugh emoji here because he would likely laugh at this if he read it. But it’s a serious question. Although, I’m sure it would be a dream of many new and seasoned authors to be mentored by the legendary Stephen King.

We’d like to learn more about your writing. How would you describe yourself as an author? Can you please share a specific passage that you think exemplifies your style?

I feel as though I pour a lot of emotion onto the pages as my heart and soul create the stories. Which makes me a very emotive writer and I think that’s obvious when reading my work, either fiction or nonfiction. My writing means so much to me, not only because it’s an idea that has turned into something bigger but because there are plenty of stories within the pages that are inspired by real life experiences. And some of those experiences were incredibly tough. It’s actually one of the reasons I wanted to write in the first place because I know that I am not the only one with struggles. This was a place of healing for me and I have hopes that it can be for someone else as well. Here is a short passage from Mystique:

“Chad…” Her voice cracks, barely audible, almost lost in the night.

She struggles to keep the tremor out of her tone, to hold on to some semblance of control. But she can’t do this, not with him on the other end of the line, not while she’s still trying to understand the depth of what he had just said.

“I need to go,” she finally manages, the words tumbling out in a rush.

Without waiting for a response, she ends the call, the click of the disconnect button rings in her ears. The phone slips from her hand, landing with a soft thud on the cool wooden deck. She sits there, staring out at the city, her mind numb, her heart heavy. The future she dared to imagine has just crumbled to dust, leaving her adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The night presses in around her, the silence overwhelming, but she can’t move, can’t think. All she can do is sit there, the phone lying forgotten beside her, as the tears she’s been holding back finally spill over, tracing cold paths down her cheeks. Octavia’s world, once a vivid tapestry woven with vibrant colors and endless possibilities, has become a bleak, monochrome canvas of despair. The call with Chad was the spark igniting a wildfire that’s consuming her from within.

Based on your own experience and success, what are the “Five Things You Need To Write Compelling Science Fiction and Fantasy Stories?” If you can, please share a story or example for each.

1. Tropes. It’s crucial to know what the trending tropes are, not only for entertainment for your readers, but for marketing tactics as well because you’re going to need to know how to market your story. Tropes are basically well known ideas of a story. For example, Mystique is filled with different tropes that include: spice (closed door), love triangle, friendship, forbidden love, and dark secrets. Tropes are used to identify what the reader can expect out of a story and decide whether they might be interested in it or not.

2. Compelling characters. Readers connect deeply with well-defined, multi-layered characters, who serve as the emotional core of a story. Revealing their flaws and vulnerabilities creates authenticity, fostering resonance and relatability. The more readers understand a character’s depth, the stronger their emotional investment becomes. Characters like Octavia, in Mystique, who grapple with insecurities and anxiety, illustrate how relatable flaws draw readers into the narrative. Ultimately, compelling characters transform a story into a deeply human experience, allowing readers to emotionally connect with them.

3. Conflict. Conflict is such an important factor of storytelling, it drives the narrative forward by creating tension and stakes. It also forces characters to make choices, revealing their true nature and propelling their growth. Without conflict, there’s no struggle, no change, and ultimately, no compelling story to engage the reader. It provides the necessary friction for a story to have meaning and potential and also prompts the reader to take a look within themselves and challenge their own morals. Octavia is met with conflict several times throughout the book, it helps to drive her character forward as well as the plot.

4. Metaphorical theories. Metaphorical depth in storytelling invites readers into a rich analytical experience which fuel theories and discussions. These layers of meaning not only engage intellectual curiosity but also create a deeper connection with the narrative as readers actively participate in deciphering its underlying messages. The possibility of uncovering hidden meanings adds a compelling layer of engagement, transforming reading into a collaborative act of discovery. I can’t wait for the day that people begin discussing all the metaphors that are buried deep within the pages of Mystique. There are many small metaphors that authors use, and some use much larger ones. Here is an example of a small metaphor: “Uh oh, I hope this Liam guy isn’t a walking party,”. This metaphor helps to paint a clear picture of what’s happening in the scenario. Mystique hosts a much larger and deeper metaphor as well. Without giving away too much information, it lies deeply within the characters.

5. Innovative ideas. Every story has been done, it’s just told differently. It’s pretty rare to come up with a truly original concept, but it’s highly achievable to tell it in your own way, through your own unique lens. That’s what makes it original, and readers love a good story with original thoughts. Mystique is original because it is loosely inspired by true events, and a lot of the ideas, concepts and events in the book came to me in my dreams. And that alone makes it original and refreshing even if aspects of the story have been told before. That’s what readers want.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Entertainment, Business, VC funding, and Sports read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we both tag them :-)

Oh my goodness. Wouldn’t that be something? I would absolutely love to have a meal with Eminem even though I wouldn’t be able to eat because I’d be too nervous. I know it’s a reach! But he has been my number one favourite artist for as long as I can remember. I grew up listening to his music. His music got me through a lot of really hard times growing up. And now I get to listen to his music with my oldest son and share that connection with him as well. The closest I’ve ever been to going to see an Eminem concert was probably about thirteen years ago now when he played in Squamish, BC. But I decided not to go because I was a single mom and I chose to stay home with my son, who’s always been my top priority. Meeting Eminem would be a dream and a half. The way that he rose from the bottom and made it to the top of the world is just so incredibly inspiring. He will always be a legend, he will always be number one. I feel so incredibly lucky to have grown up in the Eminem era. One day I will meet him, I will manifest it just like I’ve manifested everything else in my life.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

I have several social media profiles set up, along with a website. My website is www.kailanike.com**, **Instagram is @kailanike.author, Facebook is Author Kaila EM, and TikTok is @kailanikeauthor. I am a part of an amazing community on social media and I love to engage with my audience. Also, I plan to do a giveaway soon so follow me on these accounts to catch the details.

Thank you for these excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent. We wish you continued success.

Thank you so much for connecting with me and learning about my journey. I’m so excited for all that’s to come. Take care.