"Enchanted Paths: Luxana's Rise to Empress" follows Luxana, the illegitimate daughter of a fallen royal, as she embarks on a transformative journey to reclaim her identity and assert her rightful place in a politically charged fantasy realm. Haunted by her lineage and societal expectations, Luxana discovers her unique ability to wield the Dragon Flames, a powerful force that could alter her kingdom's fate. As she navigates treachery and forges complex alliances, she confronts both external adversaries and her own doubts, ultimately seeking not just power but acceptance and self-discovery. The narrative intricately weaves themes of love, ambition, and resilience, making Luxana’s rise from obscurity to empress a captivating tale of courage and transformation.
About Me
Hello, dear readers! I'm Ruby_Keira_365, a passionate storyteller and aspiring author from Saudi Arabia. As a first-year high school student, I'm navigating the exciting world of writing while balancing my academic life. Due to parental restrictions, my social media presence is currently limited, but my imagination knows no bounds. Writing has always been my escape, a way to explore the depths of imagination and the complexities of human nature.
My Writing Journey
"Enchanted Paths: Luxana's Rise to Empress" is my debut webnovel, born from countless hours of dreaming and creating characters that challenge perceptions. Inspired by my personal experiences of navigating life's challenges, I crafted Luxana as a resilient princess who defies expectations. The story intertwines adventure, romance, and moral dilemmas, reflecting the intricate world of political intrigue and hidden powers.
My Inspirations
My creative fuel comes from a diverse range of sources—captivating manga, manhwa, Pinterest images, and cultural dramas. I'm fascinated by how stories can reflect our struggles and triumphs, allowing us to confront fears and desires through fiction. As a young writer, I draw inspiration from the complex characters and unexpected twists that make storytelling magical.
What I Believe
Stories have the power to connect us, transporting readers to worlds both dark and beautiful. My writing aims to entertain while provoking thought about morality and personal choices. I love exploring themes of identity, power, and resilience through Luxana's journey.
A Bit More About Me
When I'm not writing, you can usually find me studying or exploring creative worlds on Pinterest. Being in high school gives me unique insights into different personalities, which I carefully weave into Luxana's character. My friends often tease me about my tendency to daydream, but I see each conversation as a potential spark for a new chapter in my story.
I also have a deep admiration for Rudbeckia Van Omerta from a certain manhwa; her beauty and strength resonate with me so much that I've adopted her as my pen name and profile picture. This connection inspires me to infuse elements of her character into my writing, enriching the world I create for Luxana.
Join Me
I invite you to join me on this thrilling adventure through enchanted paths filled with magic, drama, and unexpected twists. Your insights are invaluable as I grow as a writer, so please share your thoughts!
The webnovel "Enchanted Paths: Luxana's Rise to Empress"—also known as "Enchanted Shadows: The Empress of Cinders"—is a captivating tale of identity, resilience, and destiny. It follows Luxana’s journey as she unravels secrets, confronts challenges, and ultimately claims her true identity.
This enthralling story is available on multiple platforms, including:
Tapas
RoyalRoad
Webnovel
Charades
ScribbleHub
Inkitt
Penana
Moonquill
I am excited to share that "Enchanted Paths" may soon be available on even more platforms, expanding access for readers everywhere.
Whether you're a fan of fantasy epics, strong female leads, or intricate political intrigue, "Enchanted Paths" promises a thrilling journey. Its presence on multiple platforms ensures that readers can follow Luxana's rise to power in the format and style they prefer. Join me as we explore the enchanting world of Luxana and witness her transformation into a powerful empress!
Questions people ask me:
What inspired you to start writing "Enchanted Paths: Luxana's Rise to Empress"?
Ans. My primary inspiration for writing "Enchanted Paths: Luxana's Rise to Empress" stems from my fascination with manhwas. Observing how novels evolve into mangas or manhwas and subsequently into anime has profoundly captivated me. I aspire to create a character with whom readers can share a deep emotional journey—someone they can laugh with, cry for, and even scream alongside. Additionally, my admiration for rebellious dark characters, particularly Roxana (Luxana's mother in the story), has significantly influenced my creative process, motivating me to explore themes of strength and resilience through Luxana's narrative.
Can you tell us more about Luxana's character and what she represents in the story?
Ans. Oh, Luxana? She's that fierce girl who knows how to shake things up and get out of any sticky situation! Seriously, she's the kind of character anyone would want to be—totally fearless and living life on her own terms. She doesn’t care about the haters, especially since she's the daughter of the Empress, which gives her more claim to the throne than anyone else in the royal family.
Luxana is like a mashup of my whole family in one awesome character. My siblings are rebellious in a hilarious way, I’m the one who just wants to dodge awkward situations, and my parents are always there to support me through school struggles. So, all those traits combined helped me create Luxana.
While we haven't hit the academic stage in her life yet, trust me, it’s coming soon! You’ll get to experience all those school vibes and challenges alongside her. It’s going to be a wild ride!
How do your personal experiences influence your writing?
Ans. Oh, good question honestly. You see, I'm quite anti-social in a certain community. Just in this certain community to be precise. So when I encounter anyone who resides in this community, telling them about the turn of tables in my life is exhausting and the thoughts of escaping this situation is soo wanting, that I resonate it within Luxana. And especially the conversations I have with my cousins and friends. Like I mentioned earlier in this blog that I would daydream a lot, If I was asked to refine it, I'd say I'd space out more often when something interesting happens, such as maybe a cool scene in the school or anime. So they're what influence my writing.
Could I connect with you on any of your social media platforms?
Ans. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but as I mentioned earlier in this blog, I currently do not have access to social media due to parental restrictions. However, you are more than welcome to connect with me through my writing websites, where I will certainly read and respond to your messages.
Who are your favorite authors or influences in the dark fantasy genre?
Ans. My biggest inspiration is Aidairo. The way they craft their manga, particularly with all those bittersweet elements, truly hooked me. Their storytelling seamlessly blends humor and depth, creating characters that resonate on multiple levels.
Additionally, I draw influence from other authors who explore complex themes within dark fantasy. The emotional intricacies found in works like "Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun" showcase how characters can navigate their struggles while dealing with supernatural elements. This balance of light and dark, along with the ability to evoke a range of emotions, is something I aspire to achieve in my own writing.
Overall, these influences fuel my passion for creating rich, layered narratives that allow readers to connect deeply with the characters and their journeys.
What challenges have you faced as a young author, and how have you overcome them?
Ans. Honestly, one of the biggest challenges for me is choosing between focusing on my studies or diving into writing my novel during breaks. It’s not just holidays but any time I have to study for exams. Both sides of my family are total bookworms and athletes, so straying from that path feels a bit daunting.
Another challenge is my writing process itself. I like to go with the flow when I write, which means I need to keep my brain engaged and creative throughout the whole thing. Sometimes, that can lead to some serious mental fatigue—like it takes me about 4 to 6 hours to write just one chapter (TwT). When my brain isn’t braining for when it's not firing on all cylinders, it feels almost illegal not to be in the flow!
To overcome that, I try to get my energy up and get moving. I pump myself up with excitement about all the cool scenarios coming up in my novel, which helps kickstart my creativity and get me writing again!
How do you develop your characters and their backstories?
Ans. When it comes to side characters, I start by relating them to the main characters in some way. I consider how vulnerable their positions will be within my world, and based on that, I design their traits, motivations, and backstories. For example, characters like Myla and Mylo are shaped by their connections to the main storyline and the challenges they face alongside Luxana.
For the main characters, I focus on their roles and the achievements they'll pursue throughout the story. I think about their goals, strengths, and weaknesses, which helps me create well-rounded individuals who resonate with readers. By intertwining their personal journeys with the overarching plot, I ensure that each character has depth and significance in the narrative. This approach allows me to explore their growth and transformation as they navigate the challenges in the story.
What do you hope readers take away from "Enchanted Paths"?
Ans. I hope that readers come away with a sense of acceptance—both of themselves and the challenges they face in life. Luxana's journey is all about embracing the ups and downs that come her way, and I want my readers to see that it's okay to confront difficult situations head-on. By learning to accept their circumstances, I believe they can turn those experiences into powerful tools for personal growth and resilience.
Additionally, I aspire for "Enchanted Paths" to serve as a daily escape for readers. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, I want my novel to provide a sanctuary where they can immerse themselves in Luxana's adventures. Whether it’s the thrill of her battles or the depth of her relationships, I hope my story offers a refreshing break from everyday stresses, allowing readers to recharge and find inspiration in Luxana’s strength and determination.
Ultimately, I want "Enchanted Paths" to resonate on a personal level, encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys while finding solace in the pages of my story.
Are there any specific scenes or plot twists in the novel that you are particularly excited about?
Ans. Oh, please don’t get me started! I’m really excited about how cunning Luxana is going to become. When she becomes the Little Duchess of Valentine, she’ll be manipulating situations left and right, which is going to be so much fun to write!
I can’t wait for her random adventures where she meets non-human characters along the way. These encounters will really open her eyes to the complexities of existence and show her just how varied life can be. It’s going to be a wild ride- trust me when I say this, and I’m thrilled for readers to experience all the twists and turns in her journey!
What are your plans for future projects or expansions of "Enchanted Paths"?
Ans. As I continue to develop my writing skills, I have ambitious plans for "Enchanted Paths." My ultimate goal is to introduce the novel to the Korean manhwa industry, as I believe that its rich narrative and dynamic characters would translate beautifully into that format. I envision Luxana's journey being adapted into a visually stunning manhwa, followed by an anime adaptation that could bring her story to life on screen.
While writing is currently a beloved hobby for me, I am passionate about sharing my work with a broader audience. I aspire to see my characters and their adventures resonate with readers and viewers alike through these adaptations. This journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about creating an immersive experience for fans of dark fantasy and storytelling.
Ultimately, I hope that "Enchanted Paths" can inspire others while providing entertainment and escapism through its narrative.
How do you balance your studies with writing?
Ans. Don't ask me that, I'll probably lash out my eyes, crying just telling you my daily struggles. Mid-term and final exams are what kill me most, that's basically when my writing-spurt grows so bad, I'm just buried alive in my grave.
Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the writing mindset?
Ans. Nope, not really! I just open my laptop, and boom—I'm in the writing zone. It’s like flipping a switch.
What advice would you give to other young writers who aspire to publish their work?
Ans. Buddy, don't steal other's works. There's a line between grabbing inspiration from something and just straight out copy-pasting other's work into yours. So yeah, another practical piece of advice is to dream big, not small. Your dreams are what guide you toward your specific goals, so aim high.
How do you engage with your readers and incorporate their feedback into your writing?
Ans. Well, the platforms I use are pretty user-friendly, so I usually communicate with my readers through those. Incorporating their feedback is like banging on my novel-loving friend Yara's door at 2 AM just to ask if a suggestion is worth considering. Sometimes I feel a bit clueless, so my friends help me sort things out most of the time!
What platforms do you envision for sharing your work in the future?
Ans. No idea as of yet, but once my popularity rises, In Sha Allah, we'll go for more.
Thank You~
A special thank you to Yara, my family, and my friends for your unwavering support and encouragement throughout my writing journey. Your belief in me has been a guiding light during moments of self-doubt, reminding me that my voice matters.
Each piece of feedback you’ve offered has helped me grow not only as a writer but also as an individual. You have celebrated my triumphs with genuine joy and stood by me during the inevitable struggles, showing me the true meaning of friendship and camaraderie.
Your kindness and understanding have created a safe space for my creativity to flourish, allowing me to explore the depths of my imagination without fear. I am profoundly grateful for your presence in my life and for the countless ways you have enriched this journey. Thank you for being such an integral part of my story; I couldn’t have come this far without you.