Sarah J. Maas, once a 16-year-old daydreamer in the bustling city, found inspiration in the classical scores of Disney’s “Fantasia” and the animated version of “Cinderella.” Her vivid imagination led her to reimagine Cinderella as a more complex character, sparking the creation of her first book, “Queen of Glass.”
Despite the journey from teenagehood to adulthood, Maas persevered with her writing dreams. Between ages 16 and 22, she drafted several books before finally publishing her first book, “Throne of Glass,” at the age of 26. This marked the beginning of a successful series and the birth of two more: “A Court of Thorns and Roses” and “Crescent City.”
Now 37, Sarah J. Maas has become a literary sensation, with her books selling over 38 million copies worldwide. In a recent interview with Jenna Bush Hager, Maas discussed her latest romantasy, “House of Flame and Shadow,” the 16th book in her prolific career.
Seated in a midtown Manhattan cocktail bar, Maas delved into the world of romantasy, a genre she has pioneered. Romantasy, a blend of romance and fantasy, has gained immense popularity, especially on BookTok, the TikTok community dedicated to books. Sarah J. Maas stands as a central figure in this genre, with an extensive fan following and billions of views on TikTok.
In the interview, Maas revealed insights into her writing process and the influence of her favorite childhood shows like “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” on her work. She also discussed the challenges of being a working mom, balancing her writing career with raising a 5-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter.
With the release of “House of Flame and Shadow,” Maas hinted at the interconnected nature of her series, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. She shared plans for upcoming books, emphasizing her excitement for the next installment in the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series.
As the interview unfolded, Maas touched on the themes of love and romance in her books, acknowledging the steamy scenes that have become a hallmark of her work. She humorously recounted a moment with her mother-in-law questioning the inspiration behind her intimate scenes.
Reflecting on her own love story with husband Josh, whom she met in college, Maas expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she receives. Her characters’ love stories often involve elements of fate and destiny, prompting philosophical discussions about agency and true love.
In discussing her books, Maas highlighted the importance of sisterhood and girlhood, emphasizing the mental and spiritual journeys of her female protagonists. She expressed a desire to instill hope and joy in her readers, inspiring them to believe in a better tomorrow.
Sarah J. Maas, often dubbed the queen of romantasy, continues to captivate readers with her enchanting tales, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapters in her fantastical worlds.
