Protector of Beyond
by Shara Curlett
(Penguin Books)
“ ‘Today, you will have the honour of touching an Oath Stone,’ Charleston announces. ‘For those of you who produce a spark, you will leave this realm forever, entering into a training programme to fulfil your lifelong duty as a Protector of Beyond.’ ” (Protector of Beyond)
Author Interview: Shara Curlett
Thank you for speaking to Joy in Books at PaperbarkWords blog, Shara.
Thanks so much for the opportunity. I’m in incredible company, as I’ve seen from your blog!
Congratulations on your exciting middle fiction fantasy novel, Protector of Beyond.
Thank you, I’m SO excited for Protector to finally be out in the world. It feels like it has been a long time coming!
Where are you based and what is your background in the literary community?
I’m a kiwi, living in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Early on, once I’d decided I wanted to pursue writing, I formed early connections within the Australian children’s literary community through various courses and groups. This led to me establishing a low pressure critique group for mums who ‘write in the gaps’, which included myself and a group of Australian mums, many of whom have become lifelong friends. As the group grew (and we added a few more kiwis!) we developed our craft together and I invested in opportunities such as KidLit Vic and the CYA conference. This eventually led to the publication of my debut middle-grade novel, Welcome to Miracle, published by Scholastic Australia in 2025.
What are your literary influences for Protector of Beyond?
If I’m honest, I have never read any of the truly popular middle-grade series (including Harry Potter! Shock horror!). Probably because prior to becoming a writer I would read adult speculative fiction or fantasy, and since pursuing writing I’ve had young kids with very little spare time, so I’ve been immersed in the world of picture books and funny junior fiction (which I LOVE!). Any spare time I do have I’m usually writing or practicing illustration.
All to say, while Protector has been pitched for readers of Nevermoor, Percy Jackson, Skandar and Wings of Fire, I haven’t actually read the majority of those! I did however pre-listen to Wings of Fire to check it was okay for my daughter, and one aspect I did like about it was how the dragons felt like real characters. They each had their own stories and emotions, and this really stuck with me. So, while I was developing my mythical creatures throughout this story, I wanted to make them feel just as real as the human characters, with the idea that you could branch off to any other character and continue on with their story.
Aside from that, I read Game of Thrones when it first came out around 2016 and continued the series, and the immense world building of that series really stuck with me. I also really enjoyed listening to Jim and Jamie Dutcher’s The Wisdom of Wolves when I was developing the idea of the Pterawolves.
In regards to influences for Protector though, I would say it is more of a culmination of years of bottom-drawer manuscripts! There are so many different elements and ideas that I’ve taken from my early novels that never quite made it over the line, and I really do feel that Protector represents the story I’ve wanted to tell for years, but wasn’t quite ready to. And now, my craft is finally at a level where I can tell it.
The media packaging for Protector of Beyond signals something very special. Could you briefly introduce your story?
Yes, Penguin Australia’s passion, vision and support for this project has been incredible and so aligned with my own. It’s been amazing to see these characters and creatures I’d dreamed up, brought to life through the incredible illustrations of Jennifer Beam.
Protector of Beyond is about 12-year-old Elder Triss, who produces a spark unlike any other. She is sent with other children who sparked to a realm called Beyond, where they will train at the Academy of Protectors, match with mythical creatures and grow powers, all with the goal of becoming a Protector of Beyond to defend the realms from an invading enemy.
What is your concept of ‘Beyond’?
The idea behind Beyond really did begin with a few simple ideas. I was in that incredible early stage of developing a new story and I knew I wanted to include the idea of a spark, the word, ‘gloaming’, the Arbiter, and the lunar singularity. I was then letting those ideas float around in my head, trying to decide how to bring them together, when the words, ‘You spark, you fight!’ popped into my mind. That was when I knew the story had to open with a ceremony – it was a central theme that could link all four ideas. I also knew then that children would be going to another realm. And from there, the first seven chapters poured out of me!
Once I got those initial chapters out, that’s when I really thought about what the story needed. I knew I wanted mythical creatures, but I also wanted to reimagine them and create creatures that were unique to Beyond. This became the Fiercers, and that was a super fun process. Once I’d decided on the creatures, this naturally lent itself to the four gards. So then it was a matter of working out the dynamics of each gard. Ultimately, I wanted every child to feel like they could belong in any gard, no matter who they are. And while most children wouldn’t want to be forced to leave their families and train to fight monsters in another realm (!) I do want every child to feel like they could.
I’m passionate about getting kids to read, and I wanted to create an exciting world that captures all children, and is so engrossing that it keeps them turning the page. To have that experience of Bastian in The Neverending Story, where they feel like they’re right there in the pages of the story.
I’m intrigued by Elder’s unusual name. What is its significance?
I absolutely love coming up with names for my characters. I love researching the meaning of names, looking through name lists and finding the right fit, and I particularly love unusual names. However, when it came to naming this fierce, determined girl whose voice came through loud and strong in first person (when I typically write in third person), the name, Elder Triss just appeared out of nowhere. That was her name from the very beginning. Perhaps, there is some subconscious double meaning to it, but if there is, that hasn’t emerged yet!
Could you explain the ‘spark’ and how Elder’s isn’t like the others’?
The idea of a spark has held significant meaning for me for a long time. Back in 2016, I experienced an intense period of grief, which led me to write two full manuscripts. Following this, it felt like a lightbulb had gone off in my head, and I realised I wanted to become an author. And whilst that thought had never crossed my mind before, it felt like that was what I was always meant to do.
In the past, I had struggled to finish things and was constantly chopping and changing both degrees and careers. I felt a little lost, and while I enjoyed my various career roles, I never quite felt like I’d found what I was truly capable of – of fulfilling my potential or finding my true purpose in life. But once I had this thought of becoming an author, it was like a spark had ignited within me. I fell in love with writing, in improving my craft, and I dedicated myself to becoming an author like nothing else before it.
So, when I was thinking about the magic system for Beyond, I knew I wanted the spark to be a core focus, along with the idea that once someone’s inner spark is ignited, they can step into their true power and potential.
It might be tricky, but could you introduce some of Elder’s fellow rook supporters and antagonists?
I’m a big believer that in storytelling, even the most minor of characters should have a story, even if it’s not shown on the page. I’ve always been an empathetic person, and I love how different characters develop throughout the writing process, and particularly how some steal the story in the most unexpected ways. Elder’s close friendships and her ‘enemies’, both represent this.
When Elder steps into Beyond, she’s on the backfoot. Her spark is unusual. But it’s the empathy she shows in those early stages towards those who will eventually become her friends – Bear and Carter – that helps to form their strong friendship. And they, in turn show that same empathy back to her. The trio are very different from each other, however the dynamic feels balanced. And ultimately, it’s a friendship full of acceptance and without judgment.
The antagonists – ‘Braids’ and Arron – by contrast, make a snap decision about Elder and decide they don’t like her because of her ‘weird spark’, even before they get to know her. However, Elder also contributes to this through her interactions with Braids, even before they step into Beyond. I wanted to make it clear that Elder isn’t without fault! She has her own flaws, and that’s what makes her feel more real as a character.
Perhaps my favourite relationship that develops throughout the story however, is the one between Elder and a particular creature, which has both its ups and downs, and was so much fun to write!
How is Elder’s relationship with her sister Azalea unexpected?
Elder has strong memories of having a close relationship with her older sister, Azalea. So, when Elder arrives in Beyond, she expects that to continue. However, Azalea has been away for a long time, and during that time she has grown and changed. She has experienced and seen a lot. Elder only sees things through her own lens at the beginning, so it takes her a while to realise that Azalea is not the person she remembers.
Of the four types of allied species – the Fiercers – that the characters hope to match or bond with, why have you featured the Pterawolf, giant winged wolves?
While I’m a huge animal lover, I’ve always had a particular love for dogs, I think perhaps for the bond you can grow with a dog. I even wanted a wolf as a pet when I was younger! We grew up with cats (at one point we had five, because I started feeding a stray cat that never left us!). However, cats are aloof and everything’s on their terms, whereas a dog is more loyal and more of a companion. So, the day after my husband and I moved into our first house, we went straight out and adopted our first puppy. When then adopted our second puppy after fostering for a while, earning us the proud title of ‘foster fails’. We even rescued a third puppy that was deaf and on its last chance, and eventually adopted that one out into a beautiful family.
I think I chose wolves ultimately though, because of the idea of the pack. They work together, they mourn for each other, they stick together. They’re strategic, and careful, and measured, and their primal instincts are powerful.
What is a symbol you use in the story?
In regards to symbolism – throughout Protector, Elder is trying to find a place where she belongs, not just in Beyond, but in the world. This is really a metaphor for growing up, because children go through a similar journey as they get older, trying to find their own place in the world and figure out where they belong.
In regards to tangible symbols – there are four symbols that represent the four gards – Wolfgard, Seagard, Tailgard, and Skygard. I had been considering different symbol ideas when I caught a virus. While recovering, I had a whole day in bed (unheard of!) and started drawing something completely different for the symbols, by incorporating the heads of Jennifer Beam’s incredible illustrations. I used to design tattoos in high school while I was listening to the teacher, and this felt like a really natural way to represent the gards. Once I’d drawn the Wolfgard symbol – a Pterawolf howling, I knew that was what I wanted these to be – symbols that were completely unique to the Fiercers. They were so much fun to design, and they’re reinforced in the story, because when a child matches with a Fiercer, their spark shows the head of the Fiercer in the sky.
Withour spoilers, which scene are you particularly proud to have written?
I’m particularly proud of a scene near the end, where everything has been building in quite a page-turning, intense way, and it culminates in an emotion-filled scene that really tugs at the heart.
What is a high stake that you have included in the plot?
Everything is against Elder from the very beginning and the stakes are high throughout. Once in Beyond, children don’t leave. There’s no going back. And soon, her journey becomes not just about accepting where she is and getting into the academy, but surviving the trials. Because something is out to get her, and she doesn’t know who, or why.
What is an issue that you’ve integrated into the story?
In regards to themes, I never go into my books with an intention of a message. All I want to do is write an exciting story that makes children want to keep turning the page. However, themes naturally do emerge throughout the writing process, and ‘found family’ is a strong one, as friendships slowly emerge.
I’ve also always been interested in why people do what they do and how different personality types interact, along with conflict management and mediation. So, while those issues aren’t at the forefront, they have definitely entered the story in a subtle way.
But mostly, I wanted to share the idea that every child belongs. Every child has something to offer. And every child has their own unique power within.
Are you writing Book 2 now? If so, without spoilers, what’s a teaser?
Yes! And I’m excited to share that I’ve just sent book 2 to my publisher and editor! The real work begins now, with the editing process being a crucial part in shaping the book, but I’ve absolutely loved writing this second book and jumping back into the world of Beyond!
As a teaser, Elder continues her journey in Beyond and despite all challenges thrown at her, she has made it into the Academy of Protectors. She’s hopeful that the hard part is behind her, but from the moment she arrives, chaos ensues and secrets unfold. I’ve really enjoyed amping everything up and throwing everything at our characters to see what they’ll do. All I’ll say is, if you thought book 1 was a page-turner, wait for book 2!
(And now I can’t wait to get stuck into book 3!)
Thanks so much for answering these questions, Shara. We look forward to hearing much more from you.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions!
Protector of Beyond can be purchased at Penguin Books Australia
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