Bestselling Author J.R. Ward Talks About "Crown of War and Shadow" with Club Calvi

Ward discusses her new romantasy novel, an instant New York Times bestseller, and her writing process.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Bestselling author J.R. Ward sat down with Mary Calvi of Club Calvi to discuss her new book "Crown of War and Shadow," a romantasy novel that became an instant New York Times bestseller. Ward explained how the idea for the book came to her two decades ago, and how she brought the story to life by "transcribing" the vivid pictures in her head. She also talked about her disciplined writing routine, her haunted Kentucky home, and her dedicated fan base.

Why it matters

J.R. Ward is a publishing phenomenon, with her "Black Dagger Brotherhood" paranormal romance series becoming a major success over the past 20 years. Her new book "Crown of War and Shadow" marks her debut in the romantasy genre, further expanding her reach and influence in the literary world.

The details

Ward said the idea for "Crown of War and Shadow" came to her about two years ago, when her agent asked if she had anything that could pass as a romantasy. Ward found an old outline she had written years ago and reworked it into the new book, which became an instant bestseller. She described her writing process as "transcribing" the vivid pictures in her head, and discussed her disciplined routine of writing every day with no excuses. Ward also revealed that her 1920s stone house in Kentucky is haunted, with unexplained lights, sounds, and smells.

  • Ward launched her "Black Dagger Brotherhood" paranormal romance series 20 years ago.
  • Ward wrote the outline for "Crown of War and Shadow" about two years ago.
  • Ward's first book in the "Black Dagger Brotherhood" series, "Dark Lover," was published in 2005.

The players

J.R. Ward

A bestselling author known for her "Black Dagger Brotherhood" paranormal romance series. She has now released a new romantasy novel, "Crown of War and Shadow," which became an instant New York Times bestseller.

Mary Calvi

The host of Club Calvi, who interviewed J.R. Ward about her new book.

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What they’re saying

“I don't actually write my books. I have pictures in my head. My job as the author is to take those pictures and transcribe them so that when a reader reads the words on the page, they can approximate what I'm being shown.”

— J.R. Ward, Author (CBS News)

“I put everything I got into every single book even after all of these years.”

— J.R. Ward, Author (CBS News)

What’s next

J.R. Ward is appearing at the Barnes & Noble bookstore in Union Square on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 to discuss "Crown of War and Shadow" with fans.

The takeaway

J.R. Ward's transition from her successful "Black Dagger Brotherhood" paranormal romance series to the new romantasy genre with "Crown of War and Shadow" demonstrates her versatility as a writer and her ability to captivate readers across different literary categories.