T.L. Coulter on Lost Among the Stars
Q: Welcome, T.L.! For readers who may be new to your work, can you tell us a little about Lost Among the Stars?
Lost Among the Stars is different from anything else I have written. It’s a sci-fi romance with a strong coming of age journey. Aiyana is not just running from her overprotective life, she’s running toward something greater, a hidden truth about who she is and who she’s meant to find.
Q: What inspired the story of Aiyana and her journey across galaxies?
As a young girl, I would sit beneath the night sky, wondering what and who might be out there among the stars. That sense of searching, of not quite fitting in anywhere, has stayed with me, and it’s what inspired Aiyana’s story. Like her, I understand the longing to belong and the curiosity to discover what lies beyond the familiar.
Q: Your book blends sci-fi and romance—how do you balance adventure, world-building, and love in your storytelling?
For me, everything comes down to balance. If you get too caught up in one aspect of the story, you risk losing your readers. Rather than filling pages with long, drawn out descriptions, I weave worldbuilding naturally into conversations and give just enough detail for the readers to use their imagination. I like to move between romance and adventure, always keeping that balance with a sprinkle of love here, a dash of adventure there.
Q: Aiyana discovers she must unlock the warrior within. How did you approach writing her transformation?
Aiyana’s transformation needed to feel authentic. From the beginning, I gave her a thirst for adventure paired with a touch of clumsiness. The warrior was always with her, she just needed the right push to discover it. Seeing her friends in danger became the perfect catalyst for the warrior within her to be unleashed.
Q: What’s your favorite relationship dynamic in the story, and why?
It’s so hard to choose just one. While Aiyana’s journey is central, there are other love dynamics unfolding throughout the story. If I had to pick, I’d say Revin’s journey of self-discovery stands out to me. Without giving away spoilers, there’s something incredibly powerful about seeing yourself clearly for the first time. That kind of realization doesn’t always come from another person, it can come from within.
Q: Can you share a scene that challenged you the most while writing?
Don’t laugh at me, but I would say the love scenes between the characters. The scenes were particularly important to me. My goal was to strike a balance; I didn’t want them to read like the cliche romance novels of the past, yet I also aimed to steer clear of overtly explicit scenes. I sought to create scenes that evoke a more sensual atmosphere, allowing the readers to truly immerse themselves in the emotional connection between the characters.
Q: If Lost Among the Stars were adapted into a movie, who would you dream-cast as Aiyana and her love interest?
I believe Timothee Chalamet would be the ideal choice for the love interest. His appearance closely aligns with the image I had in mind while writing the story, making him a perfect fit for the character.
Q: What do you hope readers feel when they finish the book?
My hope is that when readers finish the book, they don’t simply view it as a love story, but rather a gateway to exploring their own desires. I want readers to contemplate the unknown and the possibilities that life has to offer. After all, you never know what or who might be waiting just around the corner.
Q: What is the “why” behind your writing? What drives you to create stories like this?
I have been writing and crafting stories since I was a young girl. The only books my mother had on her shelf were the classic romance novels. While I still read those from time to time, my aim is to create a romance story that resonates with everyone. Romance serves as a foundation of all my work, but I enjoy exploring it across various genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary etc. My motto is to write a book for everyone, and that is what inspires me to keep going.
Q: You’ve been writing and publishing for over 12 years with 13 books out. What keeps you motivated to keep creating?
I would be dishonest if I said I never considered quitting from time to time, but it’s simply not in my nature. Writing is my passion. Almost every story I’ve crafted has originated from a dream or a vision. I’m motivated to keep creating whenever a new vision comes to me, and from that inspiration, an entire book unfolds. This process reaffirms that I am meant to pursue this path.
Q: What’s next for you and your upcoming projects?
I am currently working on a dark romance, and while I don’t want to reveal too much since it’s still in the formulation stage, I can share that it is a trilogy: Craving the Light. The title of book 1 is City of Darkness. She was born to destroy him… He was born to crave her…
Q: Where can readers connect with you online?
I lurk around in many places. Readers can find me at the following locations.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/TL-Coulter/710594152325476
TikTok:@tlc2255
Instagram:@T.L. Coulter
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/T.L.Coulter/e/B00K1J56U4
E-mail: t.l.coulter1@gmail.com
Fun & Unique Questions
Q: If Aiyana had a theme song, what would it be?
Warrior by Choe x Halle
Q: Which side character do you secretly wish had their own story?
Rion. He deserved better.
Q: If your characters could visit Earth for a day, what would they be most amazed by?
I think they would find the vast array of cultures, traditions, languages, and artistic expressions found around the world fascinating. It’s not as prevalent in their world, and only something they’ve read about in a book.
Q: What trope or sci-fi element did you have the most fun playing with in this book?
I must say that I experienced the most joy in creating the distinct names not only for the characters but also for the various worlds within my story.
Q: What’s one thing about Aiyana that surprises even you as the author?
I’m intrigued by her willingness to explore even in the midst of danger. The way she set aside her fears in order to not only complete her mission, but pursue the desires of her heart.
Rapid Fire Round
(Answer with the first thing that comes to mind!)
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Coffee or tea? Creamer with a little bit of coffee
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Early bird or night owl? Night owl
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Favorite writing snack? Cream cheese with crackers
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Space travel or fantasy adventure? Fantasy
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A book you could read over and over? Pride and Prejudice
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Music while writing: yes or no? Yes
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Dream travel destination? New Zealand
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One word to describe Lost Among the Stars? Starcrossed