We were delighted to welcome Naomi Ishiguro to the podcast to discuss the first book in her new trilogy, The Rainshadow Orphans. Her world is inspired by Japanese culture, involving three brave young people, undocumented workers in a found family, the young son of the emperor, and the outsider who has become mixed up with a terrifying gang.

Although written as an adult novel, Naomi explains how the students she once taught at high school were also very much in her mind while writing. The conversation ranges from how to create characters, plot and stylistic choices, via anime and snacks. We end with a flight on dragonback.

To order your own copy of The Rainshadow Orphans, visit:

For UK readers: https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-rainshadow-orphans/naomi-ishiguro/9781398562400
For US readers: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rainshadow-orphans-naomi-ishiguro/1148779915

(00:00) Introducing Naomi Ishiguro and The Rain Shadow Orphans
(01:14) Childhood Stories, Disney Animation, and a Love of Fantasy
(05:17) What Readers Can Expect from The Rain Shadow Orphans
(07:47) Space, Belonging, and the Politics of the Island
(11:16) Writing After the Pandemic and Finding a New Creative Direction
(13:47) Building an Anime-Inspired Fantasy World
(18:45) Eastern Dragons, Weather Magic, and Representation
(21:40) The Main Characters and the Heart of Found Family
(30:28) Discovering Plot, Structure, Drama, and Shakespearean Influence
(45:00) Snacks, Comfort, Dragon Travel, and Final Reflections

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