Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"I just like, I love writing about the push and pull in relationships romantically which like obviously we all love it but what first you specifically really makes you tick about that type of dynamic" — Alex Cooper
"If anything I genuinely believe that when people are telling you that you're crazy for wanting to start something or do something and they're all looking at you kind of cross-eyed that is like your first indicator that you're on to something incredible" — Sarah J. Maas
"I don't, Alain came out of me just, and like there was no planned evolution. Alain, in some ways, her journey mirrored so much of me growing up, growing into, like I poured a lot, like she's not me in any way, but like there was a journey, like a mirror journey there." — Sarah J. Maas
The episode features a deep dive with bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, hosted by Alex Cooper. Maas shares her journey from a teenager writing fantasy to becoming a global literary phenomenon. She details her writing process, which is deeply intertwined with her personal life experiences, emphasizing how emotions and life events directly influence her characters and narratives. Maas discusses her ideal writing setup, which involves a cozy personal space where she can fully immerse herself emotionally in her work, often leading to intense crying sessions.
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Maas's approach to her popular series, including "Throne of Glass," "A Court of Thorns and Roses," and "Crescent City." She explains the intricate planning and foresight required to weave these interconnected worlds together and her desire to maintain creative control over any potential adaptations. Maas also addresses the development of her strong, complex female characters, explaining how they often serve as mirrors to her own growth and how she aims to portray women realistically, including their anger, flaws, and triumphs. The discussion touches upon the societal dismissal of romance and "smut" in literature, with Maas advocating for its validity as a storytelling tool that can profoundly impact readers.
The interview delves into deeply personal territory, with Maas sharing her traumatic childbirth experiences and mental health struggles, drawing parallels to her character's journeys, particularly Nesta's in "A Court of Silver Flames." She highlights how therapy and self-reflection were crucial in her own healing process and in informing her writing. The conversation also explores the concept of "mates" in her fantasy worlds, the complexities of relationships, and the significance of character names and their perceived sexiness. Towards the end, Maas provides updates on upcoming "A Court of Thorns and Roses" books and her innovative approach to storytelling, including multi-part releases.