We chat with author J.C. Cervantes about The Daggers of Ire, which is a rich and exciting new Latine middle grade fantasy about sisterhood, magic, and the power of kids to face what grown-ups refuse to see.
Hi, J.C.! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I grew up in a big city but prefer small towns. I’m an ambivert, obsessed with hiking, hot tea, winter mornings, amazing books, all dogs, New Mexico sunsets, deep conversation, gardening, flower arranging, and the peace and quiet of nature.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve loved stories since I can remember, especially growing up in an oral storytelling household. But books have truly been the underpinnings of my creative life. Ultimately, though, writing found me when my youngest daughter asked me to write her a tale. I put pen to paper and felt a spark that I knew was going to be long lasting and meaningful.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: Little Witch
- The one that made you want to become an author: No single book made me want to be an author–I think I’ve been collecting stories for as long as I can remember and each and every one has contributed to my writing life.
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: All the Light We Cannot See
Your latest novel, The Daggers of Ire, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Magical
Mysterious
Spellbinding
Action-packed
Touching
What can readers expect?
A thrill ride through a dark and mysterious world where nothing is as it seems.
Where did the inspiration for The Daggers of Ire come from?
I wanted to create an origin story for a different kind of magic, one that reflected a wider view of witchcraft beyond the European.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I adore Fetch–which is probably why he is getting his own book!
How do you stay inspired and writing?
We live in the woods, and I am always so inspired by the trees, the wide open sky, the sculptural mountains. Being in nature connects me to something deeper and that provides greater access to creativity and inspiration. Aside from that, I try to toss out all the external voices and connect with that creative curious part of me that’s been there since I was a girl
What’s next for you?
I have an adult book coming in March of 2025, Anatomy of Magic. And there are some other projects that I can’t wait to talk about!
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you can’t wait to get your hands on?
Excited to read Graci Kim’s, Dreamslinger and Martha Beck’s Beyond Anxiety, Curiosity, Creativity and Finding your Life’s Purpose. Oh, and Patrice Caldwell’s Where Shadows Meet
