S.2 Ep. 41: Every Rose Has Its Thorns: Sasha Peyton Smith on The Rose Bargain & The Thorn Queen

🎙️ Welcome back to The Mythic Mic Podcast, where bargains come with consequences, magic is as dangerous as it is seductive, and stories dare to ask what you’re willing to trade for power.This week, hosts Bethany Amanda and Sara Santillan sit down with bestselling author Sasha Peyton Smith, the mind behind The Rose Bargain and its highly anticipated sequel The Thorn Queen. Sasha reflects on her unexpected path to authorship—from studying science and public health to discovering storytelling in her early twenties—and what it took to finally give herself permission to pursue writing. She shares how stubbornness, vulnerability, and a willingness to start before feeling “ready” ultimately shaped her career.We also dive into the lush, dangerous world of The Rose Bargain, a story built on glittering deals, layered ambition, and the irresistible pull of power. Sasha unpacks the heart of the series and how writing for joy, rather than the market, transformed her storytelling.🩸 What are you willing to trade to get everything you’ve ever wanted?🌹 When ambition and desire collide, who do you become?⚔️ And what happens when the most dangerous deals are the ones you choose?This is a must-listen for romantasy lovers, aspiring authors, and anyone who believes magic should be as indulgent as it is dangerous.🔥 IN THIS EPISODE, WE TALK ABOUT✨ Sasha’s journey from science and public health to becoming a bestselling fantasy author. ✨ Why it took time to give herself permission to pursue writing. ✨ The role of stubbornness in finishing a first book. ✨ Navigating rejection and being dropped by a publisher. ✨ How Sasha created The Rose Bargain, including the first spark. ✨ Writing for joy instead of chasing market trends. ✨ Why readers can expect from The Thorn Queen. ✨ The evolution from debut author to building a larger fantasy universe. CONNECT WITH US🎙️ The Mythic Mic Podcast – @MythicMic👤 Bethany Amanda – @BethanyinFantasyland👤 Sara Santillan – @the_magical_quill📚 Sasha Peyton Smith – @SashaPeytonSmith✨ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review. It helps more fantasy readers and aspiring authors find their way to The Mythic Mic.