Interview with Isabel Ibañez for Woven In Moonlight

Woven in Moonlight

by Isabel Ibañez
Publisher: Page Street Books
Release Date: January 7th 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Synopsis:

A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.

Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.

When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.

She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.

Can you briefly describe WOVEN IN THE MOONLIGHT and its characters?

The story follows Ximena, a decoy for the last royal in Inkasisa. In order to protect the Condesa (Countess in Spanish), Ximena ventures into enemy territory in order to discover the whereabouts of a weapon capable of summoning a ghost army. Her ability to weave moonlight allows her to send secret messages hidden in her tapestries. But her mission puts her on the path with people who would challenge and confuse Ximena’s worldview and her understanding of the truth. 

Who would you say is your favourite character from the story and why?

While I have many, I think the character I most enjoyed writing was Ximena. She is my total opposite—daring and brave, loves the outdoors and exercise (I’d much prefer to read and lounge), and her quick temper can be truly frightening. I’ve never been a yeller and so writing someone who lets her passion and emotion run away with her was fun to explore. I never tried to tamper with her personality, and I let her be as fierce and feisty as she wanted to be. 

How did the story occur to you? Did you find inspiration anywhere?

The story came slowly, and it began with the magic. A girl with the ability to weave moonlight, someone who can’t use her own name and volunteers for a dangerous mission. The messages within the tapestries came shortly after and suddenly I had the core of the story. The details and plot fit within the story I wanted to tell—Bolivia, my culture, and the current politics. 

If you could choose one song to describe your book, which one would it be?

This is a tough one as I wrote the whole book to a compilation of different movie soundtracks. All of them were epic songs that dropped me right into the middle of the action. If there was one song I played over and over again—especially when writing any of the romantic tension, it was a cover of Go Your Own Way by Lissie! 

If your book was going to be made into a movie, who would play your characters?

I love this question! 

Ximena: Natalia Castellar Calvani

Rumi: Vito Basso

Juan Carlos: Diego Boneta 

What drink and place do you think will go with your book to have a perfect book date?

What a fun question! In Bolivia, we drink A LOT of fruit juices. So to me, I think it’d be fun to be with a tall glass of maracuya juice, at a lively restaurant. 

Can you recommend your readers any other books in case they are left hungry for more once they finish WOVEN IN THE MOONLIGHT?

So, so many!

UPROOTED: Dark Fairytale, a favorite 

SKY IN THE DEEP: Viking Fantasy, enemies to lovers! 

ENCHANTMENT OF RAVENS: Romantic Fae Fantasy

ALL THE STARS AND TEETH: You’re going to want to preorder this bloody pirate book

SERPENT & DOVE: Witch + Witch Hunter in an arranged marriage 

WINTERWOOD: Delightfully creepy 

What’s next for you?

I’m hard at work on WRITTEN IN STARLIGHT, the companion to WOVEN IN MOONLIGHT! Aside from that I’m finishing up a secret project that I have very high hopes will sit on shelves one day. Fingers crossed!

Isabel Ibañez was born in Boca Raton, Florida, and is the proud daughter of two Bolivian

immigrants. A true word nerd, she received her degree in creative writing and has been a

Pitch Wars mentor for three years. Isabel is an avid movie goer and loves hosting family and

friends around the dinner table. She currently lives in Winter Park, Florida, with her

husband, their adorable dog, and a serious collection of books. Say hi on social media at

@IsabelWriter09.

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