An Interview with Yasmine Galenorn
Interview conducted c. early 2010s
Introduction
Yasmine Galenorn is a prolific urban fantasy author best known for the Otherworld and Indigo Court series. Her work blends dark paranormal elements with emotionally driven characters, regional settings, and an unapologetically immersive approach to magic, danger, and transformation.
This interview was conducted during a period when Galenorn was sustaining an exceptionally high output, writing multiple books per year while balancing long-running series arcs. The conversation focuses on organic storytelling, intuition-driven drafting, series continuity, and the discipline required to maintain creative momentum over decades.
Galenorn’s responses reveal a storyteller guided by instinct, persistence, and fierce commitment to the work itself. Her approach emphasizes emotional authenticity, flawed heroes, and forward motion, rejecting perfectionism in favor of productivity and resilience.
This interview is preserved as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, documenting the voices and working methods of contemporary genre creators.
YamineGalenorn_Interview
The Interview
Life as a Writer
How did you get into writing?
I knew from the time I was three years old that I wanted to “make books.” I began writing short stories before I knew how to print my name. I guess I’m just a born storyteller.
When did you first realize that you have what it takes to be a writer?
I always knew it in my gut, but I also understood it would take time and a lot of hard work. I never shied away from submitting my work, and I was never shaken by rejection. Disappointed, yes—but not discouraged. To me, rejections were proof that I was trying.
Premise
Where do you get your ideas from?
Everywhere. From dreams, snippets of conversation, music, license plates—everything. I honestly don’t understand not having ideas.
How do you develop your ideas into a story?
My subconscious moves things around and eventually delivers them to my conscious mind. I’m an organic writer, so I don’t plot heavily. The story evolves as I write. Sometimes ideas hit in the middle of the night, and I have to capture them immediately before they disappear.
Genre
What kind of stories do you enjoy working with?
Dark urban fantasy. A story has to contain strong paranormal elements for me to want to write it.
What genres would you like to explore in the future?
Paranormal horror, possibly cyberpunk, and magical realism.
Structure
Do you work from an outline?
I write a brief synopsis for each book and work from that. Writing series makes this easier, since there’s already a larger arc in place even as each book tells its own story.
Plot
How do you build your story?
Organically. I know the highlights—the beginning and the end—but everything else grows as I write, including both the individual plot and the larger series arc.
Character
For you, what makes a great hero?
Someone flawed. Someone with doubts and fears who perseveres anyway. I’ve always preferred heroes who operate in the gray areas—who get knocked down and get back up again.
If one of your characters were to describe you, what would they say?
Opinionated. Volatile. Magically delicious. Not G-rated. Loves fiercely. A mean author who beats up her characters and expects them to keep fighting.
Setting
How much time do you spend researching the setting for your stories?
My books are regionally grounded, so I know the areas well. Fantasy settings require additional creation, but the real-world foundation is already there.
What settings would you like to explore in the future?
Regional settings and fantasy worlds. That won’t change.
Theme
Do you like to know the purpose of your story before you sit down to write it?
My purpose is to give readers a great adventure, not to teach a lesson. Themes often emerge afterward, but I never write with an agenda.
Dialogue
Do you have any favorite lines from your stories?
Yes, a few that stayed with me—lines that capture emotional truth, magic, and aftermath.
Writing Process
Do you have a routine?
I write full-time in a home office. I work long hours that include writing, research, and administration. Music often plays while I write, and each book develops its own atmosphere through sound.
How do you deal with writer’s block?
I don’t get it. If the story slows, I’ve gone off track. I step away briefly—take a walk, play with the cats—and the flow usually returns.
Story Development
How do you go about fixing a story?
I revise in collaboration with my editor, then continue tightening during copyedits. If I write the story that wants to be written, revisions are usually straightforward.
How do you know when to stop?
When I reach the end. No book is ever perfect. At some point, you have to let go and move on to the next one.
Words of Advice
What words of advice would you give to new writers?
Prioritize writing. Sit down and do it. Learn the business side. Expect to spend years honing your craft. Learn how to revise. Don’t expect instant gratification. Learn to handle rejection. Not everyone has the talent—but persistence, hard work, and love of the process matter more than anything else.
Final Thoughts
What’s the best thing you’ve ever written?
My most recent book.
What are you working on now?
Continuing work on the Indigo Court and Otherworld series.
Closing
This interview captures Yasmine Galenorn’s instinct-driven, high-output approach to storytelling. Her reflections emphasize momentum, emotional honesty, and resilience, offering insight into how long-form genre fiction can be sustained through discipline, intuition, and refusal to fear imperfection.
Presented here as part of the Better Storytelling Archive, this conversation preserves a voice defined by energy, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to the work itself.