Today I have an interview with Isabella Ruiz, author of The Darkest War series. See my review of TDW and TEH here.
What genre do you write?
I write royalty-romance and low fantasy.
What’s your favorite book/genre? Why?
My favorite book—at the moment, because it changes quite often, I’ll be honest—is The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. This book—and the movie, which I absolutely love—really got me through a hard time and helped me process some things. It’s just a great story, and the writing style is so incredibly unique.
Who is your favorite author / Who do you look up to?
My favorite author is probably Kiera Cass. I own all of her books, and I’ve read all of them as well, aside from The Siren, which is on my TBR. Her books are just so magical, and they inspired me to start writing royalty stories, which lead to The Darkest War. Not to mention, I love her writing style, which helped shape my own.
When did you start writing / When did you start writing seriously?
I started writing when I was eleven, but I only truly got serious with it at fourteen.
Do you have a blog/email list/where people can contact you if they're interested?
I do! My instagram, where I am most active, is isabellaruizauthor, and you can check out my website at isabellaruizauthor.wordpress.com This has the links to buy my books, sign up for my email list, and check out my goodreads and other socials!
Where do you hope to go with your writing/platform?
Well, I really just want to continue what I’m doing while also growing in my writing and having more people read my books! I’m just here to have a good time and entertain some readers!
What is your (life/writing) mission? / Why do you write?
I write to entertain and inspire by sharing my stories of hope in dark times, romance, and fantastical adventures.
Do you have any books published? What are they about?
I have one book published, The Darkest War, and it’s sequel, The Evanescent Hope, comes out August 29th! This series follows Isadora Meridius, The Princess of The Night, who is engaged to Prince Drykan Seneca of The Day. They both have to navigate many challenges, such as war, forgiveness, dark times, daring adventures, grief, trauma, romance, and more.
What’s your favorite part of the writing journey?
Definitely creating characters. They are like my children, I’ll be honest. I love them all—creating them, naming them, giving them quirks, and watching them grow in their journeys and deal with the complex problems I give them, and the difficult situations they may find themselves in.
What are your favorite resources?
Instagram for marketing, The Young Writer’s Workshop for community, and YouTube, once again The Young Writer’s Workshop, and personal experiences for writing help.
What is your greatest advice to teens/young writers?
Find a community, learn as much as you can, and seek information. You can always learn something from someone. Just start writing, no fear, and see where it takes you.
Plotter, Pantser or Plantser?
Oh, pantser, 100%. I can’t plot for the life of me. I need room to be creative and see where God takes me.
Sweet or savory?
Hm…probably savory.