“Noble by birth. Smuggler by trade. Mage by destiny.”

– A Noble’s Path by I.L Cruz

There’s no better way to kick off my author interviews than with my first ever blog tour! I.L Cruz, a fantasy author based in Maryland, USA, has recently released the second novel in her Enchanted Isles series, A Noble’s Path. With both books already on my TBR list, I found this a great opportunity to really get to know the author and her motives behind why she writes.

The blurb.

Divided loyalties test Inez Garza. The infamous incident at the Academy of Natural Studies has forced her to work for the King’s Men while continuing to serve the hidden market. Supporting Birthright furthers the cause of Magical Return, but the cost may be the fall of the royal house and losing Zavier forever. And the strongest pull of all is her growing and erratic magic, which demands everything and offers only destruction in return. Inez must decide where her loyalties lie – saving Canto or saving herself.

An excerpt.

Over the years when he’d checked on it to reassure himself it was still in his possession he’d noticed its shine had dimmed, which he took as a warning. In his heart he knew the dress was still just as powerful, but he sensed time was running out on the magic.

With eyes still shut, he made his way over to the far corner, irritated to have to avoid the old furniture and other boxes. He was drawn along by a sensation—a light but persistent tug. Then, when it ceased, he opened his eyes. The box he’d looked for was there, in front of him. Without hesitation he reached for the latch, tarnished and ornate.

Click.

It responded to his touch. His frosty glare warmed. As he opened the lid he felt the lingering presence of that “first girl” and his grandmother. And he sensed they approved his course. Ironically, the stage for what would happen next had been set, just as it had been all those years ago. Rex lifted the gown in his strong hands.

He allowed himself a smile. He’d completed his task.

The time has come. In his mind, his grandmother’s voice encouraged him.

Yes…

Q & A.

1. Tell us your favourite thing about being an author.

Honestly, it’s all the notebooks and pens! I love coming up with new ideas and writing stories, but it’s a real perk being allowed to buy lots of notebooks and pens and having an excuse now.

2. Would you ever consider writing anything other than fantasy?

I have quite a few projects waiting while I finish my current series. Although many of them are fantasy novels, I have a mystery, a few fairy tale retellings and historical fiction books. 

3. If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose?

When I was a kid I wanted to live in Wonderland or Narnia. Now that I’m an adult I think I’ve settled on Wonderland. In Narnia survival depends a lot on whether you can fight, run and summon a lion. At least in Wonderland you can get around by being clever. Plus, with the books in hand I’d feel prepared for whatever comes. 

4. When you get writer’s block, what gets you out of it?

I have a three pronged attack. First, I take a break because I don’t believe in writing every day no matter what. After a break, I work on another project. Paying attention to another story seems to make my main project jealous and new ideas just start flowing. Lastly, I work on a few writer’s prompts. 

5. Tell us about your work! Which novels have you published so far?

So far I’ve published two books in my Enchanted Isles series, A Smuggler’s Path and A Noble’s Path. And I’ve also published a paranormal romance novella, The Cemetery Circle. 

6. What are you currently working on?

I’m working on editing book three in my Enchanted Isles series, A Rebel’s Path. I wrote all four books except for the ending, which seemed like a genius idea, but now means I spend most of my time editing. I can’t wait to write a first draft again!

7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

This is going to sound crazy, but I wrote a five year writing plan! I already know what I should be working on for the next four years. So, I’ll likely be working feverishly to stay on schedule while being driven crazy by my daughter who will be 17. The writing schedule sounds less stressful.

8. What’s your favourite book at the moment?

I recently fell in love with A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab. 

9. Who is your all time favourite author and which is your favourite book?

This is a tough question. I read a lot of genre fiction and each one has a different book and author. In epic fantasy, Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Historical Fiction: Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman. Mystery: The Samurai’s Wife by Laura Joh Rowland. Contemporary Fiction: Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder. And in non-fiction it’s a toss-up between Word by Word by Kory Stamper and my unabridged thesaurus.

10.  What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to indie authors?

My least favorite part of being a writer is marketing. I never know if I’m doing too much or too little, or if I’m even doing it correctly. But a fellow indie author put it all in perspective for me when she wrote that the best way to promote your book is to write another book and another one. And that’s how I look at this career. It’s a marathon and what doesn’t gain traction today might tomorrow, but I’m going to keep writing because I love it. Readers will respond and happy readers are the best marketing.

About the author.

I.L. Cruz decided to make writing her full-time career during the economic downturn in 2008. Since then she’s used her BA in International Relations to sow political intrigue in her fantasy worlds and her MA in history to strive for the perfect prologue. When she’s not engaged in this mad profession she indulges her wanderlust as often as possible, watches too much sci-fi and reads until her eyes cross. She lives in Maryland with her husband, daughter and a sun-seeking supermutt named Dipper.

You can purchase your own copy of A Noble’s Path here from a range of great eBook stores. Follow I.L Cruz over on Twitter and over on her blog or website to keep up to date with her work!

If you want your own author interview, or would like me to take part in your blog tour, get in touch! Just fill out my contact form and I’ll get back to you 🙂