The intense demands of the Empyrean series have led Rebecca Yarros to ease her writing pace.
Rebecca Yarros has taken the literary world by storm with the rapid-fire releases of Fourth Wing (2023), Iron Flame (2023), Variation (2024), and Onyx Storm (2025). However, the demanding pace has led her to take a step back. While working on Variation—a novel outside her popular Empyrean series—and Onyx Storm, Yarros revealed she was writing for 12 to 15 hours a day. Even the most dedicated authors would find that pace exhausting.
In an interview, Rebecca Yarros explained that her decision to slow down was driven by a desire to spend more time with her six children and prioritize her physical and mental well-being. She also lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that makes the intense pace of writing the Empyrean series unsustainable over time. Following the release of Onyx Storm earlier this year, Yarros made the choice to step back and focus on balance.
Empyrean fans, don’t worry — Rebecca Yarros isn’t stepping away from writing. She’s simply moving at a pace that’s healthier and more sustainable for the long haul. It’s commendable that she’s choosing to prioritize her well-being and family time. More power to her.
