Episode 4: Shen Tao on writing from the heart, poetry magic, and her debut The Poet Empress
On today’s episode I sit down with Shen Tao, the author of the debut fantasy novel The Poet Empress, which publishes on January 20 via Tor’s Bramble imprint.
On today’s episode I sit down with Shen Tao, the author of the debut fantasy novel The Poet Empress, which publishes on January 20 via Tor’s Bramble imprint.
Set in the fictional Azalea Dynasty, The Poet Empress follows a young woman living in a world where women are forbidden to read, famine is rampant, and survival demands impossible choices. In this conversation, Shen reflects on writing eight novels before her debut, unlearning the urge to write for the market, and why poetry, rooted in truth and emotion, became the heart of her book’s magic system.
She also talks candidly about the vulnerability of publishing deeply personal work, the emotional impact of early reader responses, and what it’s been like watching the book find its audience through online book communities all while navigating life as a debut author.
Intro music by Trevor Vaughan
Author Photo credit: Yuqi Shan
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