The Scene That Stopped Her Cold: How Kristen Illarmo Writes Duologies That Burn Bright and Fast

What happens when a character takes the reins, and you’re brave enough to follow? In this episode, YA sci-fi and fantasy author Kristen Illarmo reveals how a poetry-loving kid from South Carolina became a New Orleans novelist crafting propulsive two-book series with heart, heat, and high stakes.

Kristen opens up about the scene that stalled her for years, and how she finally broke through. We talk about:

Writing Process & Story Craft

• Why outlines fail her (but ruthless synopses don’t)
• How she sniffs out plot holes at the exact midpoint
• The moment she stopped writing for an “imaginary reader” and found her voice

Building Worlds & Characters

• How travel shaped Enzo Cruz and the eco-drama at the story’s core
• Why pairing him with Maddie sparked the story’s tension and soul
• Astral projection, solar flares, and genre-bending sci-fi/fantasy blends

Creative Confidence & Craft Fears

• What to do when a scary scene blocks you for years
• How motherhood cracked open her imagination
• Her refreshingly honest take on revision, character agency, and trusting your gut

Indie Author Life

• Meeting readers IRL at book fests and art markets
• Tools she swears by: StoryOrigin, BookFunnel, Voracious Readers, and more
• Her marketing mix: TikTok, Facebook ads, newsletters, and knowing when to call in an editor

Plus: What she’s reading now (hi, Marie Lu!), why she chooses duologies over trilogies, and how a sky-high TBR pile can feel like a promise instead of pressure.

The best way to reach Kristen is via her website.

If you're a writer, reader, or process nerd, this one’s packed with insight and inspiration. Hit play, then tell us: what’s the hardest scene you ever had to write?

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Links to Stephen's incredible novels:

The Death Letter
The Bondage of Innocents