Sci-fi and fantasy authors Leigh Bardugo, author of The Ninth House, and Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus, revealed new details about their upcoming books and TV shows on Thursday afternoon at SDCC ’19.
The two authors also discussed world-building, writing tips, and the inspiration for their latest works in this panel, moderated by NPR Books Editor Petra Mayer.
But first, a surprise for Bardugo!
During the panel, Bardugo was presented with a Comic Con International Inkpot Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy. The Inkpot Awards are given out every year at SDCC, since 1974, and recognize individuals’ contributions in the fields of comics, science fiction/fantasy, film, television, animation, and fandom services. Past Inkpot winners include Rumiko Takahashi, Cory Doctorow, Julie Newmar, and George R.R. Martin.
@LBardugo receiving the Inkpot reward from Comic Con International for Science Fiction and Fantasy!!!!#inkpot #sdcc #leighbardugo pic.twitter.com/eAk8oEljTL
— Book of Cons@#SDCC (@BookofCons) July 18, 2019
Bardugo also talked about the upcoming Shadow and Bone Netflix adaptation, mentioning that the show will be a 50/50 split of Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows. It was also revealed that David Peterson, who worked on the Dothraki language for Game of Thrones, will be working on the languages for Shadow and Bone.
While talking about Morgenstern’s newest novel, The Starless Sea, the author confirmed that this new story will be set in the same universe as The Night Circus. Twitter user @TheGeekiary tweeted that the moderator had asked about an elaborate clock featured in The Starless Sea:
The moderator mentioned an elaborate clock in “The Starless Sea” and asked if it was the same universe as “The Night Circus”. Author Erin Morgenstern said yes. #SDCC
— TheGeekiary🏳️🌈 (@TheGeekiary) July 18, 2019
Morgenstern also admitted that The Starless Sea was in part inspired by her play-through of the video game Dragon Age: Inquisition, and that she wanted to write a book where different decisions led to different stories. Additionally, Morgenstern sometimes uses tarot cards as inspiration. We’d love to see what her tarot deck looks like!
Erin Morganstern sometimes uses tarot cards when she is writing to get ideas. She made her own tarot deck.#thestarlesssea #thenightcircus #books #sdcc50
— Book of Cons@#SDCC (@BookofCons) July 18, 2019
