How to Create Meaningful Stories People Actually Want to Read—Christian Hurst | Ep 165

Curious about what makes YA sci-fi stories really stick with readers, and how creators find meaning (and an audience) for their work? In today’s episode, I chat with bestselling author and creative director Christian Hurst about blending heartfelt themes with bold storytelling. We talk about crafting genuine characters, why it’s okay to share flawed protagonists, and how feedback can shape a series.If you’re a writer or creator, you’ll hear how Christian moves from “idea” to “published book”—including the critical role of just putting your work out there and treating it like a product. You’ll also learn how his background in branding informs both his stories and his approach to audience connection.Tune in for an honest look at handling creative doubt, chasing validation (the real kind), and the surprising lessons Christian learned about readers’ reactions to imperfection in fiction. Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or a creator looking for practical, down-to-earth wisdom, there’s something here for you.Connect With Christian HurstWebsite: https://www.churstpublishing.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churstpublishingIf Observeday inspires you, subscribe so you never miss an episode. Your review and support help more people discover these stories.Get more than what you hear—join the Observeday newsletter for thoughtful takeaways, extras, and personal notes that don’t make it into the show.Sign up here: https://observeday.com/joinChapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:23 Meet Christian Hurst00:47 The Lily Starling Series Explained01:40 The Spark Behind the Story02:53 Exploring Identity and Themes03:33 Starting With Characters03:56 Making Fictional Worlds Real04:49 Branding Background and Storytelling06:00 Symbols, Imagery, and Meaning07:29 Readers’ Surprising Reactions09:47 Making Work Meaningful and Marketable12:35 Writing Challenges and Process14:21 Legacy and Humanism18:00 Handling Creative Doubt20:23 What’s Next for Christian Hurst21:53 Where to Find Christian’s Books22:50 Outro and How to Connect