Interview with Laura DeLuca!!

Hello lovelies, it's time for The Lindsay Show!! Today, I'm sitting down with one of my many wonderful new friends, Laura DeLuca, to learn a bit more about her and the young adult books she writes. Now Laura had a special promotion going on yesterday for her short story, Jessica, where it was free so I hope you all jumped on the chance to snag that! It's a Halloween themed ghost short story that contains a BONUS chapter from her upcoming book, Morrigan. So if you don't have it, what are you waiting for??

Ok, everyone have their coffee or tea? I've got my oh so yummy pumpkin chai latte ready to go!

Interview

Hey Laura! I'm so happy you could join me today *hugs* I've loved getting to chat with you lately and I'm excited I get to pick your brain today :) A few months ago, I must confess I probably wouldn't have stumbled over your work since I didn't read much young adult, but that would have my loss for sure! Let's get started, shall we?

This first question is nice and easy...when did you know you wanted to be a writer? 

I have always known I wanted to be a writer. I can’t remember a time I didn’t have a pen and paper in my hand. As far back as second grade I was writing stories and having my friends act them out in the school yard.

You know, I kinda envy you people who've always known you want to be writers. Silly me used to always say how much I hated writing things and look at me now lol! Love that you had your friends act out your stories in the school yard :) What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

For me, the hardest part is writing that little blurb that goes on the back on the book. It’s always a challenge to summarize the whole book is just a few lines and do it in a way that really draws people in. 

OMG I know! I just had to write two blurbs and ugh was it hard! How are you supposed to convey all the awesomeness that is your entire book in like 2 paragraphs?? That's a rant for another day I think though lol. Who are your favorite authors? 

Just a few of my favorites include Marion Zimmer Bradley, Diana Paxton, Stephen King, and Anne Rice. 

Ooo a great group, although I'm not sure I know who Diana Paxton is...I'll be looking her up today I think :) What authors inspire you? 

Christopher Pike has always been my idol. I grew up reading his young adult novels in high school, and he has been a huge influence in my books. 

In that case, he is now on my TBR pile! So, I never have done a good job with planning out my scenes. What about you? Do you like to plan your scenes out or do you just wing it? 

I usually have the first and last scenes pretty well planned out before I start a new story, then I wing it to fill up the middle. 

That's an interesting idea. I like that approach, definitely will have to give that a try. What type of books do you like to read? 

I love all types of books, but historical and paranormal are my favorites. 

Paranormal you say? Hmmm I may have to entice you to read mine :D There are rumors circulating about a strange new concept called "free time." What do you like to do in your free time? 

With four kids, I don’t have much free time these days. When I have a few minutes to myself I enjoy walking on the beach or nature trails or spending time in meditation. 

Wow, four kids? Yeah I'm betting you don't get much free time unless you lock yourself in a room somewhere with ear plugs lol! Of course you could always sneak off for a vacation. Where's your favorite place to vacation? 

I don’t think I’ve ever had a real vacation, but as soon as I do, I’ll be heading to Europe. My first stop would be Stonehenge.  Don’t feel too sorry for me though. I live in a little tourist town by the beach, so technically, my whole life is like the average person’s vacation. 

*Whimper* Never had a real vacation?? People, we MUST help Laura out! We need an intervention, quick! Living in a tourist town does not count lol. Yesterday was Halloween so I must know... what's the craziest Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?  

Before I had my two younger kids I used to work at an insurance agency. One year, the three girls in my department dressed up as the three executives.  I wish I had a picture to share. We did a fabulous job and won the costume contest by a landslide.   My idea, of course ☺ 

OMG that sounds epic!! I so wish you'd gotten a picture of that :) Yesterday you made your story Jessica free. Was there a reason why you picked Halloween to host your freebie?  

As a Wiccan, Samhain is one of the most important days of the year for me. It seemed like giving away a copy of my short story would be a wonderful way to celebrate.

Love it! It certainly is a wonderful way to start the new year! I believe I have that right about Samhain being your new year lol. Let's delve a bit more into your books. Why did you choose to write young adult books? 

It really wasn’t a conscious choice. I started writing novels in high school and just always stayed with that theme. I am, however, getting ready to branch out into some more adult works. 

Ok now I'm intrigued and I will want to know all about these new ventures you're planning! What has been the most fun about working on your books? 

I love the character development. I love watching my characters grow and change and sometimes do things that even I wasn’t expecting.

 

I am constantly amazed at home my characters seem to just write themselves, it's so exciting to see how they develop. How do you come up with the premise for your books?  

My ideas come from all different places. Some of them started out as dreams. Some were inspired by the people around me or the music I was listening to. It’s strange how one little idea can creep into your mind and it just grows and takes on a life of its own. 

That is so close to how I come up with my own stories! Sounds like we're alike in a lot of ways :) What has been the hardest scene for you to write? 

Sex Scenes! I am such a prude. I am working on my first erotic romance for an anthology I was invited to join and I swear I giggle and turn red every time I write a naughty word. It makes me feel more like a high school girl than writing YA novels ever did!

ROFL. Sorry, it's just that's the EXACT same response I'd have given to that question!! Writing my first book, I literally just stopped writing as I came up to the sex scene part and wrote in all caps "TO BE FINISHED LATER" because I just had no idea how to write it lol. Do you have any favorite characters from your books?

I shouldn’t play favorites with my creations, but Lord Justyn from Phantom has a special place in my heart. I think it’s because he’s so REAL. My other books all have paranormal elements, but Justyn could actually exist. He sort of does exist, since I based the character off a real person.  However,  the fictional Justyn took on many of his own characteristics as the story developed.  

Phantom is on my TBR so can't wait to read about Justyn. I know you have a new book being released soon. Can you give us a little insight into your latest book, Morrigan?  

Morrigan is a fantasy novel set in the land of Tír na NÓg.  It was inspired by my love of Celtic mythology.  Here is the blurb to tell you a little more:  Shuffled from place to place in the foster system, Morrigan doesn't know the meaning of home. Plus, she is different. She has power over fire, the ability to move objects with her mind, and glimpse into the future. Just when she believes her life can’t get any stranger, she discovers her true identity. Filtiarn, a knight with a dark past and a surprising secret, has been tasked with guiding the heir of Tír na NÓg through countless perils to be returned to her family. Once Morrigan has been reunited with her mother and grandmother, their triad can save the forgotten land of magic from being devoured by an ancient evil.

Not only do I freaking adore all things Celtic, that sounds absolutely amazing. I will most definitely be reading Morrigan as soon as I get my grubby little hands on it :) What's next for you? 

My next project will be Demon, the second book in the Dark Musicals Trilogy.  This book was inspired by Sweeney Todd. 

Eek another amazing premise! You just want to keep my TBR pile stocked and never going down, don't you? *shifty eyes* Well Laura, I'm afraid we are just about out of time and now I have to go make a run to Amazon to grab some of your books lol. Before you go, is there anything else you want your readers to know? 

Thanks so much for checking out my interview. To learn more about me or my books, visit my website at http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com

Thank you again so much for joining me today Laura! And lovelies, go read her books! They sound fantabulous! Read on to find out a little about Laura's background and to buy her books :)

Laura's Latest Books

Remember, Jessica contains the first chapter of Morrigan so grab your copy today!

More about Laura!

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.  Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan and Player.

Find Laura Online:

• Blog: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/authorldeluca
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorlauradeluca