In this episode, we’re joined by Stacia Stark, Amazon #1 bestselling romantasy author, to discuss her latest novel, We Who Will Die - the first novel in her new Empire of Blood series.

We dive into the bold worldbuilding behind the novel (where Roman history, vampires, and magic collide) and explore how those influences shaped a setting that feels both brutal and intimate. Stacia walks us through the emotional architecture of the story, including how Arvelle’s trauma and self-protective instincts informed the novel’s distinctive narrative style.

We also unpack the careful balance required to write a deeply flawed yet fiercely empathetic heroine, the slow reveal of Tiernon through memory and relationship rather than exposition, and the polarizing presence of Rorrick—what readers are meant to question about him, and what may still be waiting beneath the surface.

Finally, Stacia reflects on the craft and discipline behind managing multiple ongoing series at once, how she keeps character arcs and worlds distinct, and what the transition to traditional publishing has been like as her readership continues to grow.

If you love romantasy with morally complex characters, emotional depth, and expansive myth-building, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Find Stacia:

Website: staciastark.com

Instagram: @taciastarkauthor

The Subtext Society Journal: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thesubtextsocietyjournal.substack.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

We’re thrilled to announce our newest venture: The Subtext Society Journal—the first of its kind, dedicated to Romance, Romantasy, and fandom with an academic yet accessible voice. We’re publishing original essays and thought pieces, and we encourage listeners to submit their own articles for a chance to be featured.

Sponsor: Vionic

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