Meet the Author... Laura DeLuca

I'd like to welcome fellow NJ native and YA author Laura DeLuca to the mix today...

 What motivates Laura DeLuca the author? Why do you write?

I write because I love being a story teller. I love to see an idea grow and morph until it takes on a life of its own.  There is nothing more satisfying that holding a completed manuscript in your hands, except seeing that manuscript become a published novel!

When did you know you were a writer? Was it always your destiny or did you stumble upon your craft by accident?

I started writing in second grade, and finished my first YA novel when I was 13. So, I would say writing has always been a part of my genetic makeup.

 What is it about the YA genre that motivated you to write a book?

I started writing young adult when I was a teenager myself. I think the main reason I stuck with it, is because it keeps me in touch with my younger self. It makes me feel young at heart, no matter how much time passes.

What was one of the hardest things about writing a novel for young adults?

Keeping up with teenage fads and slang can be tough, especially because things change so quickly.  I try to stay away from being too trendy and stick with classic looks and sayings that never go out of style.

How did you get into eBook publishing?

I can’t say that I am into eBook Publishing. I am still old fashioned when it comes to books, and prefer a hard copy. My books are available in eBook format only because my wonderful publishers took care of the details on that end. I have a Kindle Fire, but haven’t figured out how to use it yet, and my tween has kind of hijacked it.

How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you have a set routine or do you write when the mood strikes?

I am a mom of four and own a restaurant in addition to writing novels. I don’t really have a routine when it comes to writing. There are times I’d love to just stop what I’m doing and write, but it’s been 11 years since I had that freedom. LOL Now, I write whenever and wherever I can. Sometimes it’s when the babies are napping or while I’m waiting in the car for my older kids to get out of basketball or dance practice.   I’m probably the only person in the word who enjoys getting stuck at a doctor’s appointment for hours because it means I’ll actually get some quiet time to write while I’m sitting in the waiting room!

Tell us about the most intriguing character you've created.  

Lord Justyn from Phantom is definitely my favorite character so far.  He is dark and mysterious, romantic and unique. You can’t help but feel attracted to him, even when you think he might be doing terrible things. Much like the real Phantom, you find yourself wanting to love him in spite of his dark side.

Who is your favorite author? And, if given the opportunity to meet them, what would you ask them?

In the YA genre, my favorite author is Christopher Pike. Back in the 90’s, when I was a teen, he wrote dozens of YA novels and I used to devour them. His stories were unique and original, and I always hating to see them come to an end. If I met him today, I would ask him why he stopped writing YA novels when he was so amazing.

What did you do when you found out your first book had been contracted?

Laughed, cried, jumped up and down! I tried to do a cartwheel, but I fell on my face. LOL

Has there been a person or influence in your life that has helped you reach your writing goals?

I believe finding my spiritual path has been the greatest influence in my work. It has given me the inspiration for my stories and the confidence to do what I needed to do to get them in print.

Do you have any words of inspiration to aspiring authors? What advice would you offer a writer trying to publish?

Never give up on you dreams! This industry can be tough and the criticism can be disheartening. But if you learn to listen to both the good and the bad things people tell you about your writing, you can only grow as an artist and improve your work.

Tell us about your current release.

 

When her high school drama club decides to produce the musical phenomenon, “Phantom”, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker.

     Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva. She finds herself torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer, who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

   Almost immediately after casting, strange things happen both on and off the stage as people are hurt in true phantom style. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as opening night draws closer. To reveal the identity of the real-life Phantom, Rebecca must strip away his mask—and in doing so, risk her own life.

Buy Link:  http://paganwriterspress.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_5&products_id=4

Do you have any upcoming projects in the works?

The sequel to my first novel, Destiny, will be released in mid May. I am also just about finished another fantasy novel entitled, Morrigan, which will be drawing on a few Celtic myths and legends with a lot of my own imagination mixed in.

Where can readers connect with you?

Blog: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com

Twitter- @authorldeluca

Face Book- https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraDeLuca

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorldeluca/

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Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children.  She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years.