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Inside the Worlds of Romantasy: Alex Aster and Sable Sorensen on Inspiration, Writing, and What’s Next

Romantasy trailblazers Alex Aster and Sable Sorensen discuss creative inspirations, writing challenges, and redefining the genre for a new generation.

By Medha deb

Created on Jun 21, 2025

Romantasy trailblazers Alex Aster and Sable Sorensen discuss creative inspirations, writing challenges, and redefining the genre for a new generation.

Romantasy’s Rising Stars: Alex Aster and Sable Sorensen in Conversation

Within the ever-expanding universe of fantasy literature, a new nexus has emerged under the banner of ‘romantasy,’ a subgenre marrying sweeping adventure with the slow-burn passions of romance. Two authors leading this literary movement are Alex Aster, bestselling author of the Lightlark series, and Sable Sorensen, known for the emotionally charged Dire Bound. We sat down with both writers to discuss their origins, inspirations, writing routines, and their hopes for the future of the genre.

The Allure of Romantasy: What Draws Readers In?

Both Aster and Sorensen believe that romantasy’s surging popularity stems from its ability to offer dual escapism—immersing readers in magical worlds and in the complexities of heartfelt relationships. For Aster, the blend creates a special alchemy: “I love doing what I love every day and connecting with readers who are as passionate as I am about dramatic plots and transformative love stories.” Sorensen adds, “Romance in fantasy heightens the stakes. When the fate of the world and the heart hang in the balance, readers can’t put the book down.”

Emotional depth: Romantasy explores both inner and outer conflicts, making characters’ journeys intensely personal.
Otherworldly stakes: The fate of kingdoms, curses, and magical powers elevate the drama.
Relatable themes: Despite fantastical settings, themes of agency, belonging, and love remain universal.

Path to Authorship: Early Influences and Childhood Dreams

Alex Aster’s journey began astonishingly early. “I started writing stories in middle school and was querying agents by the age of 12,” she recalls. Fueled by a voracious appetite for YA books of the early 2000s, Aster credits fantasy novels as her escape during difficult times. “Those books gave me hope and a sense that other worlds were out there—waiting for me to write them.” She admits her impatience led to many rejections: “I was so excited, I’d finish a book and immediately send it out—often before it was ready. That taught me the value of patience and revision.”

Sorensen’s relationship with writing was no less passionate. “As a kid, I always dreamed up elaborate worlds during math class. Fantasy allowed me to imagine countless possibilities outside my small town, while romance lent those worlds tension and drama.”

Alex Aster: Started writing at 12, inspired by YA fantasy; early struggles with rejections shaped her perseverance.
Sable Sorensen: Escaped into fantasy as a young reader, writing became a lifelong passion; draws on messy, raw emotions for characters.

Literary Influences and Creative Inspirations

Aster and Sorensen both cite a love of classic YA fantasy as foundational, but their inspirations also encompass diverse sources:

Timeless works: Aster devoured every fantasy novel she could find as a child, especially those filled with peril, magic, and complicated heroines.
Darker themes: Sorensen enjoys weaving in thriller elements and exploring morally gray characters, crediting authors like Holly Black and Leigh Bardugo for showing the power of taking creative risks.
Pop culture and fairytales: Both authors love stories with visually rich settings, enchanted objects, and fairytale motifs.

World-Building and Character Craft: From Concept to Page

Creating immersive worlds is a hallmark of both writers’ styles. Aster describes her process as a balance between meticulous planning and organic discovery:

“I start with a core conceit or magical rule—like a land cursed until a condition is met. The world builds outward from that seed, with every detail tied to the central idea.”

Sorensen approaches world-building from the inside-out: “Characters’ needs and flaws steer the creation of the magical systems around them. If my protagonist is fighting fate, then the world itself will test their willpower in every possible way.”

Creating believable characters is a shared obsession. Aster believes that the best fantasy casts are defined as much by their secrets and fears as by their powers: “I always want my main characters to have weaknesses—something to lose, something to learn.”

On the Writing Life: Routines, Struggles, and Joys

Publishing success did not arrive overnight for either author. Aster recounts the years of rejections and the emotional toll: “After so many rejections, I started to wonder if it would ever happen. But I just kept writing, kept growing. My family eventually found out about my secret submissions and were incredibly supportive.”

Sorensen echoes the sentiment: “Writing is raw and impulsive. I embrace the messiness, because that’s where the real stories are.” Both celebrate the importance of a supportive creative community, whether online or in person, as essential to surviving the highs and lows of the industry.

BookTok, Social Media, and Changing the Literary Landscape

Both Aster and Sorensen have experienced firsthand the transformative power of BookTok and social media. Viral moments can propel a book to bestseller lists, but the pressure to constantly engage can be overwhelming.

Pros of BookTok: Builds vibrant reader communities, fosters authentic reader-author connections, and can catapult overlooked books to sudden stardom.
Cons: Can be stressful for introverted writers; algorithms and virality are unpredictable.

For Aster, reading responses from passionate fans makes even the tough days worthwhile: “I love seeing fan art, theories, and people dressing up as my characters.” Sorensen emphasizes the role of authenticity: “Readers connect with authors who share both their wins and their worries.”

Success and Surreality: On Finding Their Audience

Does publishing success feel real? Aster admits: “Part of me still feels like a fangirl. Even now, when I’m texting authors I admired for years, it feels surreal. My 12-year-old self would never believe I get to do this for a living.”

Sorensen concurs: “The biggest reward is hearing from readers who say my stories helped them through tough times. That’s why we write—to connect, to heal, to imagine better futures.”

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Both authors offer practical advice for those hoping to break into the romantasy scene or writing in general:

Don’t rush revision: Aster warns, “The biggest mistake I made was sending out books before they were ready. Revision is where real magic happens.”
Embrace the mess: Sorensen says, “Let your first draft be raw. Don’t be afraid to get emotional and make mistakes.”
Build community: Connect with other writers and readers, both online and in person, to find support and inspiration.
Write what you love: Both stress the importance of passion. “If you love the world and characters you’re creating, readers will feel that too.”

The Future of Romantasy: What’s Next?

Both authors express optimism about the future of the genre. Aster is excited to see “more diverse voices and stories that break and blend genres,” while Sorensen champions “messier, more experimental books that reflect real struggles as much as real magic.”

Comparing Author Voices

Author	Signature Style	Themes	Favorite Motifs
Alex Aster	High-concept fantasy with lush visuals and plot twists	Destiny, sacrifice, hidden power	Cursed lands, glittering courts, magical artifacts
Sable Sorensen	Emotionally charged, character-driven narratives	Identity, agency, the cost of love	Enchanted bonds, fated love, metamorphosis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What makes romantasy different from traditional fantasy?

A: Romantasy blends epic fantasy with central romantic plots, elevating emotional stakes and creating worlds where both relationships and magic drive the story.

Q: How can aspiring authors stand out in a crowded romantasy market?

A: Our authors suggest focusing on original world-building, embracing character flaws, and not shying away from mixing genres or subverting tropes.

Q: What are the biggest challenges in writing epic fantasy romance?

A: Juggling multiple plotlines, maintaining believable character growth, and meeting reader expectations for both adventure and romance are consistent hurdles.

Q: How important is feedback from the fans?

A: For both Aster and Sorensen, reader feedback is deeply motivating and sometimes shapes future plot developments or inspires spinoff stories.

Q: What advice do they have for dealing with rejection?

A: Aster encourages, “Keep writing and growing—every rejection is a step closer to your goal.” Sorensen reminds, “Community is key. Don’t go it alone.”

Final Thoughts: Trusting the Story

Alex Aster and Sable Sorensen stand as proof that today’s romantasy landscape is shaped not just by talent, but by resilience, passion, and the courage to chase magical stories in an unpredictable world. Whether you’re a longtime fantasy fan or new to the genre, their journeys—and their books—remind us that the truest magic comes from believing fiercely in the worlds and words you create.