Author Talk: June 26, 2025
Inspired by Caroline Prince’s real-life story, CHASING AIR is a powerful reminder that the greatest adventures often come when you least expect them. In this interview, Prince talks about her inspiration for the novel, which is her first; how the story evolved during the writing process; who she would cast if the book was made into a movie; and what she’s working on now.
Question: What inspired you to write this story?
Caroline Prince: I was drawn to the idea of starting over --- when everything familiar has fallen apart and you’re forced to rebuild from the ground up. I’ve had a few of those chapters in life myself. Writing this story became a way to explore what courage looks like when no one’s watching and when the path forward is unclear.
Q: Were any characters or events based on real people or experiences?
CP: Yes, but with a lot of fiction layered on top. Some moments are grounded in things I’ve lived through or observed, but the characters truly took on lives of their own. A few are composites of people I’ve known. Others came out of thin air and surprised me with their honesty.
Q: Did the book evolve during the writing process in unexpected ways?
CP: Absolutely. I originally thought the story would go one direction, but about halfway through, it shifted. I realized that the main character’s strength wasn’t in what she did but in how she endured. That revelation changed the tone and gave the second half of the book a more emotional core than I had planned.
Q: Was there a character who surprised you as you were writing them?
CP: Yes! One character who originated as a quiet background presence ended up becoming a moral compass of sorts. They challenged the main character more than I expected, and in doing so helped shape her arc. I didn’t see that coming, but I’m grateful for it.
Q: What themes did you set out to explore, and did any themes emerge unexpectedly?
CP: I set out to explore resilience, reinvention, and what it means to truly live after loss. But along the way, themes like identity, forgiveness (especially self-forgiveness) and belonging emerged as well. I didn’t realize how central those ideas would become until I wrote them into the story.
Q: Do you write with an outline or let the story unfold as you go?
CP: A little of both. I like having a rough road map --- a general sense of where things are headed --- but I give myself permission to veer off course. Some of the best scenes came from letting go of the outline and following the characters.
Q: How long did this book take from first draft to final version?
CP: Longer than I expected! The first draft took about a year and a half. Then came revisions….and more revisions. From first words to final proof, it was close to three years.
Q: Are there sequels, spin-offs, or other works in progress?
CP: I wouldn’t call it a sequel, but I am working on a new novel that shares some emotional DNA with CHASING AIR. It explores a different kind of transformation --- still centered around a strong female lead, but with a new setting and tone. There may also be a short story or two that revisit side characters from this book just for fun!
Q: What books or authors inspire your work?
CP: So many! I’m inspired by writers who blend introspection with momentum, like Cheryl Strayed, Joan Didion, Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout. I also love memoirists who write with raw honesty and a sense of earned perspective.
Q: If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?
CP: Oh, that’s a fun one. For the lead, maybe someone like Robin Wright or Hilary Swank --- someone who can carry both vulnerability and quiet strength. For a supporting role, I could see Mahershala Ali or Laura Linney --- actors who bring depth to every scene they’re in.
