Charlotte author finds community, creativity through indie fantasy series

Carter Pugh holding her two books "Death Twitch" and "Death Rattle." (Courtesy of Carter Pugh).

For one Charlotte author, Carter Pugh, becoming a published writer began with a lifelong love for books, a renewed passion for reading and a story she could not ignore. 

At 40, Pugh has spent much of her life writing, beginning with journaling and eventually taking a creative writing class in college. But it was not until COVID-91 that she returned to reading with the same enthusiasm she had as a child. She rediscovered books, particularly romance and fantasy, and eventually found herself immersed in Sarah J. Maas’ “Throne of Glass” series. 

“Something just clicked and I wanted to do this,” said Pugh. “I wanted to see what stories I had inside of me.”

On New Year’s Eve, she told her husband that she wanted to write a book. With nearly a year of planning, she already knew what story she wanted to tell. 

That story became “Death Rattle,” the first book in her fantasy series. 

She began writing the book in 2023 and completed it in about nine months. The process was driven in part by personal experiences and challenges in her own line, which found their way into the story before she even realized she was processing them through her writing. The result is an urban fantasy series that blends fantasy elements with mystery, romance and other genres. 

“I wanted people to see themselves in the characters, even though they are magical creatures,” she said. 

At the center of the series is Clarke, a flawed and sometimes messy protagonist who is learning how to navigate a work that is new to her. Clarke’s experiences are also shaped by isolation, bullying and emotionally difficult home life. The character enters adulthood having spent much of her life caring for a sick parent and experiencing abuse from her father and peers. In many ways, her journey is about experiencing life for the first time. 

The author said that she wanted readers, including those who may have experienced bullying or felt isolated growing up, to recognize themselves in Clarke and see that there can be light at the end of difficult situations. 

A fantasy rooted in Charlotte

Although “Death Rattle” incorporated murder-mystery elements, the story was always rooted in fantasy. Pugh wanted to blend genres and create a story that did not fit neatly into one category. Setting the series in Charlotte also allowed her to incorporated places that she knows and loves. 

“Write what you know,” she said. 

The first book features locations by places she has walked, visited and experienced in Charlotte. In her fictional world, she imagines that there is a hidden portal tucked away somewhere in uptown Charlotte. 

Carter Pugh's fantasy series (Courtesy of Carter Pugh).

Learning the indie publishing business 

Publishing independently meant learning much more than writing when it came to publishing for Pugh. She has had to navigate marketing, social media, bookstore relationships, travel and events while building a readership from the ground up. 

“I think we have something special here,” she said, speaking about the North Carolina literary community. “Our community is strong and tight-knit here. The readers are really supportive.”

Pugh also embraces a philosophy of “community over competition,” celebrating the accomplishments of fellow authors while building genuine relationships with readers. “I truly believe we will reach success together,” she said. 

The experience has given her an opportunity to learn how to run a business and understand the publishing industry—knowledge she believes will help if she eventually works with an agent or traditional publisher.

Bringing the series to a close

The final installment, “Death Knell,” is scheduled for release this fall. Pugh said she has known how the series would end from the beginning and is excited to finally answer the questions she has left for readers. 

She is especially looking forward to the release party, which she describes as a “love letter” to her readers. After the series concludes, she plans to continue promoting the books, attend more literary events and eventually begin another series. For now, her focus remains on “Death Knell” and the readers who have followed Clarke's journey.

“Just keep creating content and being authentic because I don't know how to be anyone else,” she said.

With plenty of stories still waiting to be told, the author said she is excited to see where her writing takes her next.

To check out the series by Pugh and follow her through her journey, check out her website, Facebook and Instagram for updates, releases and events. In addition, check out your local bookstore for her book series or find her on Amazon.