The following is an interview with author Rebecca Yarros regarding the upcoming release of the New Adult fantasy novel, Fourth Wing, from Red Tower Books. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Yarros about her creative process in bringing the story and characters to life, what she hopes that readers may take away from the story, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the upcoming release of Fourth Wing! For those who may be unfamiliar, how would you describe the book’s premise, and what inspired you to tell this story?
Rebecca Yarros: Hi! Thank you! Fourth Wing is a romantic high fantasy about an elite war college for dragon riders! I’ve always wanted to write fantasy; it’s my favorite genre. Being someone with chronic illness—I have Elhers-Danlos—I never really saw heroines like me in fantasy, so I was excited to write one.
BD: The novel deftly combines suspense, fantasy, and romance. What can you share with us about your creative process in weaving these narratives together, and what have been some of your creative influences?
RY: Thank you! I’m a plotter, so I lay out each arc, for plot, character, and romance, then make sure they’re each hitting in time so that each chapter has a purpose. I’d definitely say that I’m a HUGE fantasy reader and have been my entire life, so my creative influences really come from what I’ve read, the music I listen to, and, of course, what I personally love in stories!
BD: This is the highly anticipated first release from Red Tower Books, the New Adult imprint of Entangled Publishing. What makes Red Tower Books the perfect home for Fourth Wing?
RY: I’ve been published with Entangled for nine years, so when I heard they were starting a new adult fantasy imprint, it was the easiest choice in the world to raise my hand! Though I’ll have to say I was absolutely shocked when I was told I’d be launching the line! I love the sprayed edges on the first editions throughout the line, and the team has been an absolute dream to work with.
BD: At Fanbase Press, our #StoriesMatter initiative endeavors to highlight the impact that stories can have on audiences of various mediums. How do you feel that Violet’s story will connect with and impact readers,?
RY: I really hope that readers with chronic illness can see themselves in Violet, and that every reader can step back and give a second thought to who has the power to tell history in our own world.
BD: As this is the first book in your Empyrean series, what can readers anticipate with the upcoming books of the collection?
RY: More dragons, of course! But really, readers can anticipate the world widening, and for Violet to make some tough decisions about where her loyalty truly lies.
BD: Are there any upcoming projects on which you are currently working that you would like to share with our readers?
RY: Absolutely! I have a new contemporary romance coming out in August called In The Likely Event, and the second book in the Empyrean series will release in November!
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about Fourth Wing and your other work?
RY: My website, www.Rebeccayarros.com, has links to all my social media and other work.
Thanks for having me!
