#127: Holly Black — Crafting Bestselling Fantasy: World-Building, Character Development, and The Prisoner’s Throne

Jan 14, 2025

Holly Black, the #1 New York Times bestselling author known for her enchanting fantasy novels, opens up about her creative process. She shares how childhood experiences in a Victorian house filled with ghost stories inspired her magical worlds. Black discusses overcoming rejection in her writing journey and offers insights into character development and world-building. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in writing for different audiences, illustrating the balance between creative integrity and the unpredictable nature of publishing.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Magic of Childhood Memories

01:36 • 4min

Reflections on Early Writing Journeys

05:52 • 15min

The Writer's Journey: Process and Iteration

21:11 • 16min

Exploring Age-Specific Storytelling: Differences in Writing for Middle Grade and Young Adult Audiences

37:08 • 2min

Navigating the Writer's Journey

39:29 • 11min

Navigating Praise and Criticism in Writing

50:08 • 2min