Troy University alumna
and New York Times Best-
selling author Rebbecca
Yarros has captured the
hearts of readers across
the country with her
books, including the mega
popular fantasy-romance
novel “Fourth Wing.”
Now, students
in Professor Audra
S h u m p e r t - E b a r b ’ s
Advanced Technical and
Professional Writing class
(ENG-3365) are writing
a grant to apply for funds
from the Alabama Hu-
manities Alliance to
attempt and invite Yarros
to campus in the Fall.
The project is also being
spearheaded by Adjunct
Instructor of English
Savannah Mathews.
“Having Rebecca
Yarros come to Troy
will certainly inspire
students,” Mathews said.
“I think it will be a great
moment to honor her for
her accomplishments and
give students an oppor-
tunity to meet and speak
with someone who has
walked in their shoes and
made a name for herself.”
This will be at least the
second time Yarros has
been invited to Troy. She
declined the first time due
to scheduling. However,
students are hopeful the
grant will give them an
opportunity to meet an
author who they look up
to.
“I find such inspiration
in Yarros’ books through
her world-building and
character dynamics,”
said Michelle Perez, a
senior English major
from Dunedin, Florida.
“Meeting Rebecca would
allow me to not only
fangirl but also ask her
questions about her career.
“As someone who is
about to enter graduate
life, I’d love to pick her
brain about her experienc-
es in the publishing and
author industry.”
If Yarros did come to
Troy, she would be invited
to interact with students,
such as by speaking on a
panel or participating in a
book signing.
Regardless of Yarros’
acceptance, Mathews
said learning how to write
grants is a vital skill for
students wanting to go
into publishing.
“Learning how to write
grants helps students
develop research and
project management
skills,” Mathews said.
“There’s a lot of work that
goes into writing a grant,
and giving students the
skills in grant writing can
make them more valuable,
and hirable, in any profes-
sional field.”
Mathews also shared
insight into why Yarros’
work has held readers
across the world in such
tight claws.
“There’s definite-
ly a sense of belonging
surrounding ‘Fourth
Wing,’” Mathews said.
“This series has comedy,
heartache, friendship,
love and action.
“It’s really a series that en-
compasses human emotion –
and, of course, it doesn’t hurt
to have dragons, either.”
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