If you have been following along on our socials, you will have seen we recently had a launch event for The Shadow Weaver by Ivy Cliffwater. It was the most magical evening full of laughter and celebration which we are still buzzing about. A massive highlight for us at Enamoured Books is that Ivy is a New Zealand author, with The Shadow Weaver being her debut title. To see such an incredible amount of love and support for a NZ author has been such a cup filling experience, so we decided we had to sit down and have a chat with Ivy about her recent release. 

Can you give us a taste of what the Shadow Weaver is all about?

The Shadow Weaver is a fast-paced fantasy romance set in a dark medieval world. It follows Caris, a blacksmith who disguises herself as a knight to enter a tournament and hunt down her mother’s killer. But things don’t exactly go to plan when a golden-retriever-hearted blacksmith and a broody captain from her past come into her life.

What was your favourite scene to write?

I always look forward to writing action scenes, so getting to write the tournament and the siege of Capita was an absolute blast.

What was the biggest inspiration for The Shadow Weaver?

The Shadow Weaver was inspired by a single scene I wrote about a young girl whose grief over her father’s death becomes so powerful it turns into a dark, destructive shadow. Months later, I reread it and couldn’t stop thinking about her. I needed to know who she was, and what would happen next!

This is your debut novel (so very exciting!) what has been a stand out moment so far during the process of having your novel published?

The most memorable moment of my debut year was when the Moa Press team surprised me with a display of 100 copies of my book in their office. It was the first time I’d ever seen The Shadow Weaver final cover in print.

When you wrote The Shadow Weaver, did you feel as though you had a really clear vision of the story to begin with or did you discover the story and characters while writing?

I started out discovery writing to get to know the characters and the world, but once those pieces clicked into place, I was able to build a solid plot I knew would span a duology. Even while I was writing The Shadow Weaver, I was already thinking about what would happen in book two.

What is your favourite writing spot?

I have two big window seats in my office where I can stretch out with my laptop, a pile of cushions, and a cozy blanket.

You have mentioned before you are very passionate about the much loved romantasy world, and The Shadow Weaver does fall into this. What draws you into romantasy?

Romantasy is such a fun genre. It’s breaking all the rules and becoming something entirely its own. There’s a real sense of freedom when writing for romantasy readers. It can be tricky to balance a strong fantasy plot with a central romance, but what all romantasy stories share is a focus on the heroine’s journey—whatever shape that takes for each author.

Do you remember the first book you read that got you hooked on romantasy?

The first true romantasy I ever read was From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, and her books have definitely earned a spot on my reread list.

You have written a really strong female main character in The Shadow Weaver, what was your main inspiration behind her?

Caris was born from my desire to see a different kind of heroine in romantasy. I’ve always admired women in stories who carry a quiet confidence, it can show up in many ways, but for Caris, it’s her courage and resilience, her ability to keep going even through heartache and loss.

Finally, what is your favourite romance novel or series?

Persuasion by Jane Austen will always be my favourite romance novel. Anne Elliot is the only Austen heroine I’ve ever really related to, and Captain Wentworth’s letter to her is still the most romantic thing any fictional man has ever written!