Making Space with Hoda Kotb – Episode: ‘Open Book with Jenna’ Featuring Rebecca Yarros

Release Date: March 13, 2025

In this engaging episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb, host Hoda Kotb welcomes a special preview of Jenna Bush Hager's podcast, Open Book with Jenna, featuring a heartfelt conversation with best-selling author Rebecca Yarros. The discussion delves into Yarros's journey as a writer, her meteoric rise in the literary world, and the profound connection she shares with her readers.

1. Introduction to Rebecca Yarros's Reading Journey

The conversation begins with Jenna Bush Hager inviting Rebecca Yarros to share her origins as a reader. Yarros reflects on her childhood, highlighting how moving frequently as a military kid fostered her deep connection with books.

[00:51] Rebecca Yarros: "I'm a reader first and foremost. I was a reader all through my childhood... I found a lot of comfort in books."

2. From Reader to Writer: The Birth of a Bestselling Author

Yarros recounts how her personal experiences, particularly her husband's military deployments and subsequent injuries, inspired her to transition from reading to writing. The challenges she faced during this period, including sleepless nights, became the catalyst for her first book.

[00:53] Rebecca Yarros: "When my husband deployed... I stopped sleeping at night. And so I was reading a book a night, and finally... I wrote a page a night... I had my first book complete."

3. Navigating Success: The Meteoric Rise of 'Fourth Wing'

Jenna acknowledges Yarros's astonishing rise to fame, comparing it to unparalleled success stories and expressing admiration for her achievements.

[01:18] Jenna Bush Hager: "You have had similar rises, actually... I don't know that there's ever been anything like this."

Yarros humbly reacts to the unexpected scale of her success, noting that even industry insiders like Colleen Hoover recognized the potential of her work.

[01:28] Rebecca Yarros: "But no one thought it was going to be this big. But I was so focused on writing Iron Flame already..."

4. Intensive Writing Process and Productivity

The discussion shifts to Yarros's remarkable writing habits, characterized by intense focus and long hours. She shares insights into her process of researching and writing, often dedicating 12 to 15 hours a day to meet deadlines.

[02:27] Rebecca Yarros: "I wrote about three weeks. I researched it for months, and then I wrote the last letter in three weeks... I hyper fixate."

Jenna comments on Yarros's productivity, highlighting the sheer volume of work she produces.

[02:23] Jenna Bush Hager: "I mean, that is also wild. Your productivity is fast."

5. Building a Collective Experience with Readers

Yarros expresses her awe at how her readers share the same imaginative world she created in her books. She emphasizes the joy of seeing readers connect with each other and with her narratives, fostering a sense of community.

[03:14] Jenna Bush Hager: "The pace in which it became so popular is sort of the gold standard... making people feel seen through Dragon Rider."

[03:34] Rebecca Yarros: "It's like this collective experience we all have... it's such a joyous atmosphere."

6. Reflections on Resilience and Goal-Setting

Yarros reflects on her unwavering determination to achieve her goals, regardless of the challenges. Her resilience is a recurring theme, illustrating how personal struggles can fuel creative and professional success.

[02:58] Rebecca Yarros: "If there's a goal, I'll meet the goal. No matter what it costs. I will go get that goal."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Yarros's appreciation for her readers and the shared journey they embark on through her storytelling. Her ability to create immersive worlds and connect with her audience serves as a testament to the power of resilience and passion in achieving extraordinary success.

Notable Quotes:

• Rebecca Yarros: "I'm a reader first and foremost... I found a lot of comfort in books." [00:51]
• Jenna Bush Hager: "You have had similar rises... I don't know that there's ever been anything like this." [01:18]
• Rebecca Yarros: "If there's a goal, I'll meet the goal... I will go get that goal." [02:58]
• Rebecca Yarros: "It's like this collective experience we all have... it's such a joyous atmosphere." [03:34]

This episode of Making Space with Hoda Kotb offers a profound insight into Rebecca Yarros's life as an author, her unwavering dedication, and the inspirational bond she shares with her readers. For those who haven't listened yet, this conversation is a compelling exploration of creativity, resilience, and the enduring impact of storytelling.