Insights on Publishing from Kameron Hurley: An Exclusive Interview

Kameron Hurley: Subverting Fantasy Norms and Shaking Up Reader Expectations

Kameron Hurley, a multiple award-winning author, is making waves in the literary world with her unique approach to storytelling. Her writing, which inspires people to tackle stories they never thought they could write, is a testament to her groundbreaking work.

Hurley, with an academic background in historical studies, did not want to be pigeonholed into a specific genre. Instead, she chose to create her own. Her current project, a space opera titled The Stars are Legion, due out in 2016, and her previous work, such as the God's War trilogy and the science/fantasy noir series, are a testament to her determination to break free from conventions.

The Mirror Empire, her most recent novel, is a subversive epic fantasy that challenges and reimagines traditional fantasy tropes. The different cultures and philosophies in this novel are influenced by Hurley's intention to embed diversity and complexity within her world, focusing on gender fluidity, deep cultural conflicts, and complex social structures.

This multiplicity is central to the narrative's exploration of war and empire, where characters navigate and embody these varied worldviews in a shifting multiverse. Hurley's approach overturns typical fantasy conventions, inspiring readers to reconsider power, identity, and colonialism in the genre.

The sequel to The Mirror Empire, titled Empire Ascendant, is set to be released on October 6th. Early reviews have been positive, indicating that Hurley's subversive take on epic fantasy continues to resonate with readers.

Timing plays a significant role in a book's (or a writer's) success, and Hurley's case is no exception. The Mirror Empire sold more in five months than her first book had in four years. This success has not gone unnoticed, with editors who previously passed on her work approaching her after the success of The Mirror Empire.

Hurley finds short fiction challenging due to its length and complexity compared to full-length novels. However, she has not shied away from this challenge, and she is also working on edits for an essay collection titled Geek Feminist Revolution, to be released in May or June 2016.

Despite her success, Hurley was not prepared for the business aspects of publishing and had to learn them as she went along. Twitter, she admits, is her greatest writing distraction. But it is clear that Hurley's determination and unique vision have paid off, making her a force to be reckoned with in the literary world.

For those interested in Hurley's work, her books can be found through the links provided for her books, or on her blog. Receiving a Hugo award, she described as surreal and almost like stepping into another reality. With two Hugo Awards under her belt and several prestigious awards nominations, it is clear that Hurley's unique voice and vision are making a significant impact on the literary world.

Kameron Hurley's unique approaches to storytelling and genre-bending work extend beyond her fiction, as she works on an essay collection titled 'Geek Feminist Revolution,' set to be released in May or June 2016.
Hurley's writing, encompassing genre-defying space operas like The Stars are Legion and subversive epic fantasies like The Mirror Empire, has found a significant audience in the fashion-and-beauty and entertainment sectors, with celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts taking notice of her groundbreaking work.
As a multiple award-winning author, Kameron Hurley's work is not strictly confined to the realm of literature, but also intersects with broader aspects of contemporary society, such as lifestyle, including the exploration of gender fluidity in her fiction, and pop-culture discourses.