Beth McCue Crafts Enchanting Worlds That Blur the Boundaries of Fantasy, Romance, and Science Fiction
Photo: Beth McCue, the creative force behind Darker Demons and Oceans Ending, inspires readers with her unique blend of fantasy, romance, and sci-fi.
Fantastical Realms and Unforgettable Characters
Beth McCue shares her creative journey, writing process, and inspirations behind her novels, blending fantasy, romance, and science fiction into captivating stories with relatable characters and richly immersive settings.
B eth McCue is a storyteller whose novels craft extraordinary escapades rooted in imagination and human emotion while defying the ordinary bounds of genre. As mysterious as her own origins, Beth’s ability to weave fantastical worlds, as seen in Darker Demons, Oceans Ending, and The Quest of the Crystal Steeds, demonstrates her distinct talent for creating stories that resonate deeply while offering breathtakingly unique journeys. Her books enchant readers with their blend of fantasy, romance, and science fiction, bringing humanity and wonder to realms far beyond our own.
In this exclusive interview for Mosaic Digest magazine, Beth opens up about her creative process, her characters who seem to breathe with distinct vitality, and the vital interplay between setting and story. We dive into her inspirations, her approach to crafting gripping plots, and how she intricately balances dark themes with uplifting resolutions. Beth’s advice is refreshingly straightforward yet profoundly encouraging: to simply write—because for those destined to be authors, storytelling is inevitable.
Whether you’re a fan of richly imagined worlds or compelling, relatable characters, Beth McCue’s creations leave a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page. Mosaic Digest is proud to feature such an inspiring voice in literature, giving readers an intimate look into the mind behind novels that transport and transform.
What inspired you to create such fantastical worlds in your novels, particularly in Darker Demons and Oceans Ending?
At a very early age, I was fascinated by the stars and distant planets. I found the idea that we are alone in the universe absurd, although as a youngster I wouldn’t have put it like that. I went from that idea to creating other realities, other populated planets, other realms.
Can you tell us more about your writing process, from conceptualization to publication?
My approach involves first developing a concept and then presenting it to my husband for his perspective, as he provides a practical and realistic viewpoint. If he considers the idea plausible, I am confident that others will also find it credible.
After selecting a premise, I proceed directly to writing. While numerous individuals, including my daughter, prefer to begin with a comprehensive outline and detailed planning, I personally do not follow this approach. Instead, I focus on narrating the story as it unfolds.
Your novels seem to blend elements of fantasy, romance, and science fiction, what draws you to these genres?
To be honest, it’s mostly the idea you can make up any reality you want.
I’ve always been drawn to stories that defy boundaries and combine the magic of other worlds with the emotional depth of human relationships. Fantasy, romance, and science fiction each offer a unique way to view the world.
How do you develop your characters, such as Alexandra in Darker Demons, to make them relatable and engaging?
As I said before, I don’t really have specific traits or even a plot in mind when I start. I think with Alexandra, I just wrote the opening phrase, “Alexandra awakens” and went from there. She awakens and discovers she is unable to move. So, what then?
I get to know my characters as I write the book. Alexandra in Darker Demons is very different from Dana in Oceans Ending, but, in neither case did I plan out what they would be like. They spoke to me as I wrote, and they are what they are.
What role do you think setting plays in your stories, such as the use of New Orleans in Darker Demons?
New Orleans is as much a character in Darker Demons as Alexandra or Jake. Without the personality of the city, I would have ended up with a very different novel. If you have ever been to the city, you will understand immediately and if you haven’t, maybe it will influence your decision to go.
There are other settings in the book that are chosen for very specific reasons. They are a crucial part of the story.
I would say the same is true with Oceans Ending. Without the ocean, there is no plot.
How do you balance the darker themes in your novels with more uplifting messages, such as in The Quest of the Crystal Steeds?
The Quest of the Crystal Steeds is a children’s book, but I believe the themes in all three are the same. I think good triumphs over evil in all of them
What advice would you give to fellow authors who are just starting out on their writing journey, particularly in regard to overcoming self-doubt and staying motivated?
Just write. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, or if it’s good or bad, if you are born to write, you will write.
