After thirty years of following Isaac Asimov's example of replying to every reader's first letter, fantasy author Robin Hobb is no longer writing back. In this interview, Hobb discusses her creative process, from maintaining glossaries to why magic must have limits.
Despite her world-famous beauty and talent, Vivien Leigh's life was far from charmed. In this compelling new biography, author Lyndsy Spence presents a raw and nuanced portrait of Leigh and her lifelong battle with bipolar disorder.
In this interview, biographer Lyndsy Spence shares her expertise on Vivien Leigh and the humanity behind her art, how to write mental illness realistically yet respectfully, the enduring kindness of Vivien's first husband, and more.
interviews
Author
A renowned award-winning author best known for her speculative fiction novels, Robin Hobb has been translated into 22 languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.
Her Realm of the Elderlings series, beginning with Assassin’s Apprentice, is known for its emotionally rich storytelling and deeply developed world. Hobb’s work centers on character-driven narratives, particularly the struggles of Fitz, a royal bastard navigating duty, identity, and relationships within a complex magical world.
This interview reflects on Hobb’s career and lasting impact, her restrained approach to magic, her focus on sensory details that make her settings feel vivid and lived-in, and her tips for a strong first draft.