Podcast Episode Summary: "Open Book with Jenna" Featuring Rebecca Yarros

Podcast Information:

• Title: Open Book with Jenna
• Host: Jenna Bush Hager
• Episode: Featuring Rebecca Yarros
• Release Date: March 13, 2025
• Description: In "Open Book with Jenna," Jenna Bush Hager engages in inspiring conversations with authors, celebrities, and fellow book enthusiasts. This episode marks the premiere of season two, highlighting a discussion with best-selling author Rebecca Yarros.

Introduction to Rebecca Yarros

Jenna Bush Hager welcomes Rebecca Yarros to the show, expressing excitement about the guest's achievements and latest work.

Jenna Bush Hager [00:00]: "Rebecca, I am so excited to be with you."

Rebecca Yarros shares her humble surprise at her success, highlighting the unexpected magnitude of her rise in the literary world.

Rebecca Yarros [01:20]: "Surreal. I don't think maybe Colleen Hoover a little... I really didn't see this coming."

Beginnings as a Reader and Writer

Yarros delves into her lifelong passion for reading, which was a constant source of comfort during her childhood as a military kid moving frequently.

Rebecca Yarros [00:53]: "I'm a reader first and foremost. I was a reader all through my childhood... I found a lot of comfort in books."

Her transition from a devoted reader to a writer was propelled by personal challenges, including her husband's deployments and injuries, which led her to write during sleepless nights.

Rebecca Yarros [00:53]: "When he was injured during his first deployment, I stopped sleeping at night. So I was reading a book a night... And when he came home, I had my first book complete."

Exploring the Path to Success

The conversation shifts to Yarros' meteoric rise in the literary scene, particularly with her foray into the "romantasy" genre—a blend of romance and fantasy—which garnered her a significant following almost overnight.

Jenna Bush Hager [01:38]: "Do you remember knowing that you had hit some sort of chord?"

Rebecca Yarros [02:01]: "Books are hit or miss. It's a fourth wing. And no one thought it was going to be this big."

Yarros attributes part of her success to the mentorship and support from fellow author Colleen Hoover, especially during the challenging phases of her career.

Rebecca Yarros [01:28]: "Before Iron Flame, I was like, I don't know if I can do this... Colleen Hoover was someone I called and that really helped me get through it."

Writing Process and Productivity

Yarros discusses her intense writing schedule and disciplined approach, which have been key to her prolific output. She shares insights into her process, including extensive research and the ability to produce substantial work in short periods.

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

During the deadlines for her books "Onyx Storm" and "Variation," she maintained a rigorous writing routine, dedicating 12 to 15 hours daily. However, she notes a shift towards a more balanced schedule in the current year.

Rebecca Yarros [02:42]: "12 to 15 hours a day. But we're backing that down this year."

Connecting with Readers and the Collective Experience

A significant highlight of the discussion is Yarros' appreciation for the communal experience shared with her readers. She finds joy in knowing that her fictional worlds resonate deeply, allowing readers to feel connected to her imagined settings and narratives.

Rebecca Yarros [03:29]: "It's this collective experience we all have. If you've read it, you've been in my head, you've been there with me."

She emphasizes the positive and joyous atmosphere at reader events, where fans bond over shared love and understanding of her work.

Rebecca Yarros [03:34]: "It's just such a joyous atmosphere."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Yarros reflecting on the unexpected yet fulfilling journey of her writing career, underscored by her commitment to her goals and the profound connection she shares with her audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Jenna Bush Hager [01:38]: "Do you remember knowing that you had hit some sort of chord?"
• Rebecca Yarros [02:01]: "Books are hit or miss. It's a fourth wing. And no one thought it was going to be this big."
• Rebecca Yarros [03:29]: "It's this collective experience we all have. If you've read it, you've been in my head, you've been there with me."

Key Takeaways:

• Passion for Reading: Yarros' lifelong love for books provided a foundation for her successful writing career.
• Overcoming Challenges: Personal hardships, including her husband's deployments, inspired her to write and persevere.
• Mentorship: Support from established authors like Colleen Hoover played a crucial role in her journey.
• Writing Discipline: Her ability to maintain a strict and productive writing schedule contributed to her prolific output.
• Community Connection: Yarros values the deep connections she forms with her readers, fostering a sense of collective experience and joy.

This episode offers an insightful look into Rebecca Yarros' journey as an author, highlighting the interplay between personal experiences, disciplined creativity, and the powerful bond between a writer and her audience.