Rebecca Yarros on literary tropes, writing through chronic illness and 'Fourth Wing'

Rebecca Yarros' writing is heavily influenced by her upbringing in a military family and her early exposure to a wide variety of literary genres, as well as her personal experiences with love and romance.

Exposure to a variety of books and genres

The constant change and variety of moving from base to base as part of a military family provided Yarros with an eclectic reading experience from a young age.

Fantasy as a foundational genre

Yarros' entry into the fantasy genre came courtesy of her aunt, who had a basement full of books. It was in this book-filled haven that Yarros was handed her first Mercedes Lackey book, which ignited her passion for the genre. She devoured not just Lackey's works but also series by giants of fantasy such as Anne McCaffrey and Marion Zimmer Bradley. This early introduction to fantasy sparked Yarros' lifelong love for the genre.

Romance novels and personal experiences of love

Yarros also has a deep appreciation for the romance genre, deriving great joy from the emotional journeys and the promised " ...

Yarros's perspective on genre combination

Writer Yarros regards the combination of fantasy and romance genres as the consummate blend, striking an ideal balance that satisfies both her creative and emotional inclinations. For her, the fantasy setting serves as a backdrop for high-stakes narratives rich in world-building. Simultaneously, romance infuses the story with an emotional core and the promise of a "happily ever ...

Rebecca Yarros discusses her unique take on popular romance tropes within the fantasy genre, articulating her desire to use familiar elements in a way that intensifies the narrative and explores deeper themes.

Embracing Romance Tropes with a Fantasy Twist

Yarros clearly expresses her fascination with the classic "enemies to lovers" romance trope. She aspires to elevate the stakes of this trope beyond the relatively mundane conflicts often found in contemporary settings. By transplanting the trope into the high-stakes environment of a war-torn fantasy world, she amplifies the tension and conflict inherent in the trope.

In addition, Yarros takes the "forced proximity" trope and gives it an imaginative twist. Instead of focusing on human characters who are begrudgingly thrust together, she delves into a fantasy setting where dragons are bonded by a mating bond, thereby applying this narrative mechanic to deepen the lore and character dynamics of her novel's universe.

Prioritizing Thematic Exploration Over Subverting Tropes

Rebecca Yarros is not particularly interested in subverting tropes for the sake ...

The remarkable success of Rebecca Yarros' novel, "The Fourth Wing," has had profound and multifaceted effects on her life, challenging her both mentally and physically.

The unexpected and rapid success of Yarros' novel, The Fourth Wing, has taken a significant toll on her both mentally and physically.

Rebecca Yarros has opened up about her struggle to adjust to the sudden demands of the publishing industry and the attention from her growing fanbase, which has led to periods of disassociation and exhaustion. She didn't anticipate the level of success "The Fourth Wing" would bring and as a result felt unprepared, which only compounded her challenges.

Yarros struggled to adjust to the sudden demands of the publishing industry and the attention from her growing fanbase, leading to periods of disassociation and exhaustion.

Yarros mentioned that after completing her book "Onyx Storm," she plans to take a break from writing to care for her wellbeing, particularly because she has a chronic illness and her body requires rest. The last year included many events she does not remember, as she experienced moments of disassociation due to anxiety. It became evident that Yarros must prioritize becoming more grounded and present to remember and enjoy experiences without fear.

Yarros has become more open about the challenges of being a successful author, drawing inspiration from other creatives like singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers who have also spoken candidly about the impact of fame.

Yarros identifies with Chapel Rowan and other creatives who have been open about the physical toll of sudden fame. She has ex ...

Yarros shares her intimate understanding of military life and the impact of war on individuals and families, informed by her husband's service and experiences. Her insights fuel her writing, bringing a depth of real-world emotion and ethical complexity.

Yarros' husband's experiences with multiple deployments and combat injuries have deeply shaped her perspective on the realities and consequences of war.

Yarros delves into the emotional and physical scars of war, often neglected in broader discussions. She has personally dealt with the aftermath of her husband's deployments, which include mourning the loss of friends and facing fear when her husband was seriously wounded in combat. These experiences bring a poignant awareness of the high stakes involved in military service and the gravity of war's toll on soldiers and their loved ones.

Yarros has grappled with the emotional and psychological toll of war on her family, including the impact of PTSD and the constant worry of her husband's safety.

Living with the consequences of her husband's many deployments, including the presence of PTSD and the constant anxiety over his safety, has given Yarros a unique perspective on the emotional and psychological impacts of war. This grips her family firsthand, wrestling with the complexities and enduring fears that linger well after the battlefield.

Yarros' writing, particularly in The Fourth Wing, reflects her desire to examine the complex moral and ethical questions surrounding war and violence.

In her book "The Fourth Wing," Yarros extends her personal encounters with the military into a broader commentary on the intertwining of war, history, and culture. She dissects the motivation behind conflicts and kingdoms' justifications for wars, influenced by her feelings towards historical censorship, especially the distortion or omission ...