Melody to Manuscript: Steve Carlson’s Journey to Create Minstrel and the Princess
Some artists tell stories with chords. Some with words. Steve Carlson has always done both. Minstrel and the Princess marks the moment those creative instincts met on the page.
When Carlson speaks about his debut novel, there’s more than just an undeniable warmth in his voice. He lights up. Not with the excitement of a musician trying something new, but with the unmistakable certainty of someone who has carried a story with him for a long time and is eager to share it. Fans may know him for the melodies that have shaped his career, but in conversation, it became evident that this book found it’s voice from a deep love of storytelling and his natural inclination to wield his craftsmanship in a new direction.
During our interview, Carlson unfolded his journey. Every memory he shared led to another. He revealed how his talent for songwriting became the spark that evolved into a new world of storytelling. He spoke with the kind of enthusiasm that makes you want to lean in to capture every detail as you live vicariously through his experience in bringing this book to life. Minstrel and the Princess isn’t simply a shift from music to prose, it is a natural progression for his artistry.
The Review
Knowing that Steve Carlson created Minstrel and the Princess as a screenplay, I have opened this review by sharing my understanding of those mediums. There are inherent differences between writing a screenplay and writing a novel. Screenplays are blueprints for a collaborative visual medium, while novels are complete, self-contained artistic expressions. Novel formats require the ability to build a richer, more immersive experience for the reader. Conventional theory states that screenplays are harder to write, and novels are way more work. The challenge is to adapt a screenplay into a novel without falling victim to the typical pitfalls; the absence of descriptive prose, scenes lacking connectivity, plot mechanics vs authentic motivations and the absence of backstory.
While I’ve never written a screenplay, I am quite sure that the best compliment I could pay any novelist is that their story met all those immersive requirements and possessed the ability to transport me. Reading their novel had the power to lift me from my work-a-day life into another place and time alongside well-crafted characters.
The Minstrel and the Princess did that.
This novel is an intriguing venture into a time of historical significance. Rather than being a factual account that can be traced in history books, it is a place where history dances with fantasy to weave a love story that plays out against the back-drop of war, political loyalties and familial duty. It is the stuff of Kings and Queens.
Steve Carlson’s writing is almost lyrical. He has a wonderful turn of phrase that is delightful and often moving. He also serves the story well in his ability to deftly work in comedic dialogue between key characters.
While the forbidden love story born on the pages of Carlson’s novel runs center stage, this piece of work also flirts with the notion that art, and in particular music, has the power to influence, to transform. Music can bring joy, ignite passion, sooth the soul or rally a nation. The Minstrel, Ethan, is a young man whose ability to write and perform his music shows the King what is possible, while winning the heart of Amelia, the Princess, whose life is being played out on a chessboard of political strategy.
While the Minstrel’s motivation for finding a way to infiltrate the walls of Windsor Castle are steeped in vengeance and murder, his love for Amelia tampers his youthful hubris while he discovers that not everything is as it seems. His story arc is artfully written, and we take Ethan’s journey with him through the sweeping themes of love, war, loss, vengeance, loyalty, courage, duty, friendship and the undeniable power of music.
I recommend Minstrel and the Princess. You will be delighted, as I was, to step into the world that Carlson created.
*Minstrel and the Princess is available on Amazon
*For other articles that highlight Steve Carlson’s musical talents, visit our Music Section 💖
This is amazing ! Congratulations Steve for this amazing work ! We’re all really proud of you 💪🏻💪🏻❤️
Hey Mathilde 🥰 So glad you enjoyed the article / interview. Steve has proven himself to be skilled at writing as well as creating the music we all love. I can’t wait to see where this leads for him. Cheers! 💖
This was such a beautiful read. Steve Carlson’s passion shines through every part of his creative journey, and the way Minstrel and the Princess came to life is honestly inspiring. I love seeing artists open up about the heart behind their work — it makes the music feel even more personal. Thank you for sharing this; it’s a reminder of how powerful storytelling and authenticity can be.
So much love for Radio Company ♥️ for Steve and Jensen.
Lia 🥰 I’m so glad you enjoyed the article and the interview with Steve. You are so right – his passion for this project comes through in all he shares with us. Something happens in the telling… hearing him talk about it somehow lets us all take a tiny piece of his story to heart, we feel like we are a part of it. It’s a gift that keeps giving. I could have listened to him all day. I’m such a lover of live music, live theater, writing and the stage (movies and TV). That kind of creativity and skill leaves me in awe. Creatives are brave and that definitely shows up in Steve’s dogged determination to bring this book to life. I truly enjoyed the book and it sounds like you did too. I look forward to the day when he can share the songs he wrote for the screenplay. Cheers! 🥰
Great interview and review! I just received my copy of The Minstrel and the Princess and now can’t wait to start reading! I love that Steve actually rented a cottage near Windsor Castle to research England. You listen to Steve’s music and always wonder what his inspiration is. I’m so glad you interviewed Steve so we could learn his inspiration for his novel. Fingers crossed we’re treated to a movie too at some point.
Thanks so much Joann. I can’t wait to chat with you about the book. It’s a good read. Steve shared so much about his journey it was such a treat for us all. The Windsor Castle research was a real point of curiosity for me too. I really hope his movie dreams come true. But I also love live theatre. I wonder how this would play as a live theatre production. I’ve been to Stratford Festival many times where they do Shakespeare so it feels like this kind of story would fit right in. Cheers! 💖
Definitely plan to read it next. Love article and felt like I was already in the book .