I read Fyrebirds like I did Nightbirds: slowly at first, and then reading the last 300 pages in one sitting that lasted many hours and ended way past my bedtime. I have no regrets.
I definitely screamed when Fen and Sayer had their ~moment~, but I remember thinking that having Dennan die saving Matilde was such a good writing choice because it preserves his good character/bad character ambiguity. It was also the first time I felt I was being personally thanked in a book's acknowledgements, which made me feel all fuzzy 🥰
Oh I’m so glad that the podcast is continuing! I will definitely be monitoring for when the short series drops occur, and am so glad that you have settled on a plan which maintains the heart of the pod, your upcoming book schedules, and your wellbeing.
I second poppydots on having Dennon sacrifice himself - it was so unexpected and brought so much depth to his character arc (‘s end). I also loved Matilda’s character arc - several of her learning moments but especially her choice to protect Simta and her Fyrebird sisters at the very end, knowing the consequences to come.
For a standalone future episode on the pod, could you elaborate more on how you realize that you have an extra character who should be removed, or what characters you put in to add a specific few point or contrast? You’ve both touched on that in some previous episodes and it seems like such a challenge to balance for the best story. I would love to hear more thoughts or tips on how you recognize this, make changes, and why.
I’d love for you to do an episode exploring the decision-making process behind determining the number of books in a series. How do you decide whether to make a series a duology, like Nightbirds and Isles, versus a trilogy, tetralogy, etc.? What factors influence that choice? Do publishing houses provide input, and how do current trends play a role? (It feels like duologies are so popular now, whereas trilogies used to dominate YA.)
P.S — I loved so much about Fyrebirds! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the moment in the Callistan where Fen and Sayer finally admit their feelings for each other was a highlight. The descriptions of the Callistan are so vivid and immersive that I felt like I was right there. And of course, it was so satisfying to see these two be vulnerable and sweet as they came together. 'There's something freeing about stripping off her armor. A beauty in being, at last, truly seen'—such a beautiful line. Shivers!
I read Fyrebirds like I did Nightbirds: slowly at first, and then reading the last 300 pages in one sitting that lasted many hours and ended way past my bedtime. I have no regrets.
I definitely screamed when Fen and Sayer had their ~moment~, but I remember thinking that having Dennan die saving Matilde was such a good writing choice because it preserves his good character/bad character ambiguity. It was also the first time I felt I was being personally thanked in a book's acknowledgements, which made me feel all fuzzy 🥰
Our Pub Dates listeners were such a huge support to me in writing FYREBIRDS! I will forever be grateful for you.
Oh I’m so glad that the podcast is continuing! I will definitely be monitoring for when the short series drops occur, and am so glad that you have settled on a plan which maintains the heart of the pod, your upcoming book schedules, and your wellbeing.
I second poppydots on having Dennon sacrifice himself - it was so unexpected and brought so much depth to his character arc (‘s end). I also loved Matilda’s character arc - several of her learning moments but especially her choice to protect Simta and her Fyrebird sisters at the very end, knowing the consequences to come.
For a standalone future episode on the pod, could you elaborate more on how you realize that you have an extra character who should be removed, or what characters you put in to add a specific few point or contrast? You’ve both touched on that in some previous episodes and it seems like such a challenge to balance for the best story. I would love to hear more thoughts or tips on how you recognize this, make changes, and why.
Thanks for sharing, Janine! I have a soft spot for Dennan. He easily could have been his own book.
I’d love for you to do an episode exploring the decision-making process behind determining the number of books in a series. How do you decide whether to make a series a duology, like Nightbirds and Isles, versus a trilogy, tetralogy, etc.? What factors influence that choice? Do publishing houses provide input, and how do current trends play a role? (It feels like duologies are so popular now, whereas trilogies used to dominate YA.)
P.S — I loved so much about Fyrebirds! It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the moment in the Callistan where Fen and Sayer finally admit their feelings for each other was a highlight. The descriptions of the Callistan are so vivid and immersive that I felt like I was right there. And of course, it was so satisfying to see these two be vulnerable and sweet as they came together. 'There's something freeing about stripping off her armor. A beauty in being, at last, truly seen'—such a beautiful line. Shivers!
Thank you, Taylor! My heart is very warmed to hear this. I loved writing that section perhaps most of all.
THE MARS HOUSE is so, so good.