Flights of Fantasy Podcast Summary
Episode: S4 : Ep 26 - Author Interview: Carissa Broadbent - Crowns of Nyaxia Series
Release Date: November 12, 2024
Introduction
In this special episode of Flights of Fantasy, hosts Anna and Kim welcome Carissa Broadbent, the acclaimed author of both the War of Lost Hearts trilogy and the Crowns of Nyaxia series. The discussion primarily focuses on the Crowns of Nyaxia series, delving into world-building, character development, and insights into Carissa's upcoming book, Songbird and the Heart of Stone.
World-Building in Crowns of Nyaxia
Timestamp: 04:27 - 05:49
Carissa Broadbent shares her approach to crafting the expansive and diverse world of Crowns of Nyaxia. Unlike her War of Lost Hearts series, where the world revolves around the protagonist, Carissa deliberately constructed a vast world first and then identified stories within it.
Carissa Broadbent (04:40): "I came up with a world, a big world, and then I found stories within it that I wanted to tell."
This method allowed her to create a world rich with various vampire houses, gods, and lore, providing numerous possibilities for storytelling.
The Art of the Prologue
Timestamp: 06:03 - 09:11
Anna and Kim commend Carissa on her captivating prologues, which set the tone for her books. Carissa explains her love for prologues, drawing inspiration from Dan Wells' lectures on plot structure and her desire to give readers a glimpse of what's to come.
Carissa Broadbent (07:02): "Almost all of my prologues tell you the end of the book in some way."
She emphasizes the importance of creating prologues that resonate differently upon re-reading after finishing the book, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
Developing Morally Gray Characters
Timestamp: 10:15 - 15:35
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Carissa's ability to create complex, morally gray characters, particularly Vincent from the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Carissa delves into the intricacies of Vincent's character, highlighting his internal struggles and the challenges of balancing power with emotional vulnerability.
Carissa Broadbent (11:14): "It's about whether you can hold power without truly emotionally damaging yourself beyond the point where you can be a positive influence."
The hosts express admiration for how Vincent is portrayed not just as a villain but as a deeply conflicted individual, making him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Balancing Power and Vulnerability
Timestamp: 16:12 - 20:43
Anna and Kim explore the theme of power versus vulnerability in Carissa's books. Carissa explains her process of intertwining high-stakes fantasy elements with intimate character moments to create a balanced and engaging narrative.
Carissa Broadbent (16:12): "Character moments and character arcs are very important to me as a writer."
She discusses the importance of depicting strong, capable characters alongside their vulnerable sides, ensuring that their relationships feel authentic and enduring.
The Evolution of Rain and Aurea's Relationship
Timestamp: 19:57 - 24:23
The conversation shifts to the evolving relationship between Rain and Aurea. Carissa talks about the challenges of developing their connection, especially transitioning from established characters in her previous series to building their bond anew in Crowns of Nyaxia.
Carissa Broadbent (20:15): "Starting from zero again, you have to be like, oh, man, it doesn't feel like that."
Their relationship is portrayed as deeply interconnected and occasionally codependent, adding layers of complexity to their characters and the overall story.
Introducing Asar: The New Love Interest
Timestamp: 29:07 - 30:32
Anna and Kim introduce Asar, the new love interest in Songbird and the Heart of Stone. Carissa describes Asar as her favorite character in the Nyaxia series, highlighting his reserved nature, intellect, and deep affection for his dog.
Carissa Broadbent (29:12): "Asari's definitely that guy for me."
Asar is crafted to contrast with Misha, showcasing a harmonious balance between different personalities while maintaining a profound bond.
Behind the Scenes: Writing Challenges and Inspirations
Timestamp: 17:25 - 27:38
Carissa shares personal anecdotes about her writing process, including moments of creative block and unexpected inspiration—such as the infamous chicken wings breakthrough that led to pivotal scenes in her books.
Carissa Broadbent (18:04): "They should eat chicken wings. Like, that's what should happen in this book."
These stories illustrate her dedication to authentic storytelling and her willingness to embrace unconventional ideas to enhance character development and plot progression.
Upcoming Discussions and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: 31:12 - 37:08
As the episode nears its conclusion, Anna and Kim express their excitement for Carissa's upcoming book, Songbird and the Heart of Stone, and tease exclusive spoiler-filled content to be released on their Patreon. The hosts also take a moment to reminisce about the emotional depth of the War of Lost Hearts series, encouraging listeners to revisit those books.
Notable Quotes
- Anna (02:33): "We cannot wait for you to read it. It is absolutely amazing."
- Carissa Broadbent (08:22): "Almost all of my prologues tell you the end of the book in some way."
- Kim (06:22): "It's extremely rare to see an author who can captivate their audience so quickly in the first paragraph of a book."
- Carissa Broadbent (20:44): "He is a fucking mess."
Conclusion
This episode of Flights of Fantasy offers an in-depth look into Carissa Broadbent's creative process, her dedication to complex character development, and the intricate world of Crowns of Nyaxia. Listeners are treated to valuable insights and engaging discussions that not only celebrate Carissa's current works but also build anticipation for her forthcoming novel, Songbird and the Heart of Stone. For more exclusive content and detailed discussions, fans are encouraged to join the podcast's Patreon community.
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