Episode Summary: Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Featuring Rebecca Yarros at Denver’s Paramount Theatre

Episode Information:

• Podcast Title: Fantasy Fangirls
• Hosts: Nicole and Lexi
• Special Guest: Rebecca Yarros
• Episode Title: Rebecca Yarros Interview LIVE at Denver’s Paramount Theatre
• Release Date: February 6, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast, hosts Nicole and Lexi engage in an exclusive live interview with bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Recorded at Denver’s Paramount Theatre during Yarros' Onyx Storm tour, this episode delves deep into the intricacies of Yarros' acclaimed book, Onyx Storm, part of the Empyrean series. Fans are treated to an intimate conversation covering character development, world-building, and the creative process behind Yarros' captivating fantasy universe.

Interview Preparation

Before diving into the interview, Lexi provides essential information for listeners:

• Spoiler Alert: The interview contains spoilers for the entire ACOTAR series. Yarros instructs listeners to skip certain parts using "earmuffs" if they haven't completed the book to avoid ruining their reading experience.
• Exclusive Access: The podcast team received special permission to record this audio interview, a rare opportunity that Yarros and her team are excited about.
• Additional Content: Fans can find video clips of the interview on the Fantasy Fangirls Instagram and TikTok accounts.
• Upcoming Event: On Saturday, February 8th, Nicole and Lexi will host an "All Things Onyx and Rebecca Yarros Tour Q&A" for their fan club, offering behind-the-scenes insights and further discussions on theories and experiences from the Denver interview.

Live Interview at Paramount Theatre

Welcoming Remarks

• Nicole [03:32]: Opens the stage with a warm welcome to the audience and Rebecca Yarros.
• Lexi [03:37]: Expresses excitement about the interview and thanks sponsors like Tattered Cover and Paramount Theatre.

Character Development: Violet

One of the standout discussions revolves around Violet, the protagonist of Onyx Storm.

• Lexi [05:56]: Asks Yarros about her favorite aspects of writing Violet.
• Rebecca Yarros [06:28]: "My favorite thing about Violet is she's so much more confident in this book. She's realized that the problems and shakiness she experienced in Iron Flame don't matter to her anymore." (06:28)

Nicole echoes this sentiment, highlighting Violet as an instant favorite among listeners.

Signets and Lore

The conversation shifts to the lore of the Empyrean series, particularly the concept of "signets."

• Lexi [08:43]: Inquires about hints regarding Colonel Atosis' signet.
• Rebecca Yarros [08:43]: "No." (08:43) Emphasizing the mystique surrounding the signets.

As the discussion progresses, Yarros elaborates on how signets complement each other and their appearance throughout the series.

• Rebecca Yarros [13:42]: "Nature plays into balance. When nature realizes something's going to happen, it brings certain powers back for necessary times and necessary timelines." (13:42)

She explains the significance of signets in maintaining the balance of power within the series' magical framework.

Interpersonal Dynamics Among Characters

Yarros delves into the relationships between the central characters, addressing fan questions about their interactions.

• Nicole [11:19]: Asks about the interpersonal drama among the first six characters.
• Rebecca Yarros [11:26]: "Wouldn't you like to know?" (11:26) teasing fans without revealing too much.

Later, discussions about Jack Barlow and his knowledge of Feather Tales surface, though Yarros chooses to keep specific details under wraps to preserve the reading experience.

World-Building and Geography

A significant portion of the interview focuses on the world-building elements of Onyx Storm, including geography and magic.

• Lexi [14:16]: Questions the mechanics of magic on the continent versus other regions.
• Rebecca Yarros [14:16]: "There is magic on the continent. In other locations, there hasn't been any." (14:16)

Yarros explains that magic is concentrated on the main continent, with varying influences based on geological features and the presence of magical beings.

• Rebecca Yarros [22:35]: Discusses how Colorado's scenery inspired the geographical layout of the fictional world. "I love the mountains and our topography and our geography and how we have the plains and then we have the Front Range and we have the valleys and we have the high plains and we have the rivers and the waterfalls. We have such beautiful scenery. And it really plays into Bisgayeth, but it mostly plays into Orisha." (22:35)

Pets and Companion Characters: Broccoli

The introduction of Broccoli, a beloved pet character, sparks lively discussion.

• Lexi [35:00]: Asks about other pets in the world and their roles.
• Rebecca Yarros [35:00]: "Broccoli is safe. I'll kill a dragon, but I feel like cats are off." (19:15)

Fans delight in Broccoli's adorable presence, leading Yarros to joke about the character's unexpected popularity.

Writing Process and Inspiration

Yarros shares insights into her writing process, highlighting challenges and inspirations drawn from her personal life.

• Rebecca Yarros [47:33]: Reflects on how writing Onyx Storm helped rebuild her confidence after the demanding process of Iron Flame. "Going into Onyx Dorm, it was like, no, no, no, no. I know what I'm doing. This is the role. This is the story. This is it. And so I think I love it because, one, I love to go places and do things." (37:48)

She discusses balancing deadlines with creative inspiration, emphasizing the importance of passion in her storytelling.

Fan Interaction and Questions

The live interview features numerous fan-submitted questions covering a wide range of topics:

• Favorite God/Goddess: Yarros mentions Malik as her favorite deity in the series.

  • "Probably Malik. Cause he's just you meet him, and you're done, I think, because everyone kind of fears him, and I kind of love that everybody fears him." (36:14)

• Desert Island Books: Yarros recommends East of Eden by John Steinbeck and the Children of Blood and Bone series by Tomi Adeyemi for fans looking to explore beyond her works.

  • "I would probably take all of, like, J.R. Ward books, man. I really love Children of Blood and Bone. That whole series." (46:36)

• Mental Health: Discusses the analogy of a chilled pond ice to describe mental health struggles, inspired by her children's outdoor hockey activities.

  • "I think anyone who disassociates does that a lot. It's a very, like, it's a very universal emotion." (45:47)

• Favorite Characters and Underrated Heroes: Yarros highlights Sawyer as an underrated character who faces personal struggles.

  • "I think it's really hard, especially when you're a first person point of view and you have an unwieldy cast, which is what I call like the Empyrean series. It is an unwieldy cast." (44:11)

Upcoming Projects and Adaptations

Yarros provides tantalizing hints about upcoming books and the anticipated TV series adaptation of the Empyrean series.

• TV Series Adaptation:

  • "I've read the pilot. I've read a couple drafts of it. It just gets better. I can tell you that the lines that you guys love are there, and a lot of the dialogue is the same... I'm just really glad it's in her hands." (64:23)

  Yarros praises Moira Wally Beckett's handling of the adaptation, expressing confidence in the creative direction.

• Future Books:

  • "I know exactly what happens at the end of book four and the end of book five. I'm always moving toward those points." (37:53)

  She hints at the evolving nature of signets and character development in future installments.

Closing Remarks

As the interview wraps up, Yarros extends heartfelt gratitude to her fans, acknowledging the overwhelming support and enthusiasm.

• Rebecca Yarros [73:30]: "Just want to say thank you. This is... like, you've blown every expectation I ever could have had or hope or dream out of the water. So thank you." (73:30)

She emphasizes the collective experience shared between authors and readers, celebrating the vibrant community that has formed around her works.

Conclusion

This episode of Fantasy Fangirls offers an in-depth look into Rebecca Yarros' creative journey, character insights, and the enchanting world of Onyx Storm. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on the complexities of fantasy writing, the importance of character depth, and the magic of community among fans. Yarros' candid responses and enthusiasm provide a memorable experience for both long-time followers and new enthusiasts eager to delve into her mesmerizing fantasy realms.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Yarros [06:28]: "My favorite thing about Violet is she's so much more confident in this book. She's realized that the problems and shakiness she experienced in Iron Flame don't matter to her anymore."

• Rebecca Yarros [13:42]: "Nature plays into balance. When nature realizes something's going to happen, it brings certain powers back for necessary times and necessary timelines."

• Rebecca Yarros [22:35]: "I love the mountains and our topography and our geography and how we have the plains and then we have the Front Range and we have the valleys and we have the high plains and we have the rivers and the waterfalls. We have such beautiful scenery."

• Rebecca Yarros [36:14]: "Probably Malik. Cause he's just you meet him, and you're done, I think, because everyone kind of fears him, and I kind of love that everybody fears him."

• Rebecca Yarros [73:30]: "You've blown every expectation I ever could have had or hope or dream out of the water. So thank you."

Timestamp Reference: All quoted segments are referenced with their respective timestamps from the transcript for authenticity and context.