Sarah J. Maas Reveals the Unsung Hero Behind Her Success: Meet ‘Papa Maas’

In a heartwarming conversation on the ‘Read with Jenna’ podcast, Sarah J. Maas, the celebrated author behind the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, opened up about the indispensable support she receives from her husband, Josh Wasserman. As she marks a decade of literary triumphs, Maas reflected on the vital role her husband has played in her journey to success.

Maas, a powerhouse in the romantasy genre, joyfully recounted a memorable event during a book signing in the Philippines. She initially panicked at the thought of losing Wasserman in Manila, only to discover him surrounded by a crowd of 300 enthusiastic fans asking for his autograph. The moment revealed the deep appreciation readers have for Wasserman’s contributions, acknowledging him as an integral part of Maas’s creative process.

“It was wonderful that the readers recognized him as part of this creative process,” Maas shared, recalling how fans expressed their gratitude by saying, “You make it possible for Sarah to write.” The fans even coined the affectionate nickname “Papa Maas”, a title Maas now embraces—despite it not being his last name.

Sarah J. Maas’s books.
Alamy Stock Photo

Maas praised Wasserman’s unwavering dedication to their family, highlighting how he balances household duties so she can fully focus on her writing. From putting the kids to bed to managing daily tasks, his support has allowed Maas to pursue her career without guilt or hesitation. His care also extends to her personal comfort—ending their evenings together by watching Bob’s Burgers, a gesture Maas equates to “true love.”

“I’m also here because my husband encouraged me,” she admitted, underscoring how much his belief in her has shaped her career.

Sarah J. Maas.
Weiss Eubanks / NBCUniversal via Getty

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As Maas enjoys the honor of being named Spotify’s inaugural Global Top Author, she thrilled fans with news of a forthcoming installment in A Court of Thorns and Roses, the beloved fantasy series that began in 2015. The saga follows teen protagonist Feyre Archeron through her journey across the faerie continent of Prythian. The most recent book, A Court of Silver Flames, shifted focus to Feyre’s sister, Nesta.

In a video update on December 9, 2024, Maas teased her readers with:
“No surprise, it’s going to be a long book. It’s too early for me to tell you who it will be about, and what’s going to happen, but I hope to have more details for you soon.”