Featured Author - Laura DeLuca

[Mandie]

Tell us about your book. Demon is the second book in the Dark Musicals Trilogy and was inspired by Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. A college drama club is performing the play and before long, their lives seem to mirror the characters they portray.

Where did the idea of your (latest) book come from? The first book in the series was inspired by the Phantom of the Opera and was originally meant to be a stand alone thriller. A few months after Phantom was released, the Johnny Depp version of Sweeney Todd was on TV. It was the first time I ever saw it, and my first thought was Lord Justyn, my main male character from Phantom, would be perfect for the role.

Who and what inspires you to write your books? The people who tell me they want to read them inspire me to keep going. Even before I was published, just one or two friends asking for more kept me going.

Each author has their own fascinating journey. How did you begin writing? I have been writing for as long as I can remember. In grade school I would write plays and force my friends to act them out in the school yard. My novel, Player, was actually first penned in 1994 when I was only sixteen and Destiny was written when I was nineteen. My short story, Jessica, was an assignment for a creative writing class in college. At one point I found myself in a unhappy situation and I didn't write for many years. But happily I eventually broke away from the negative and found my true path in life, and that road led me back to writing. I started again around 2005 but didn't actively seek publication until I was a stay-at-home mom in 2010. I met my first publisher through my review blog and since then, things has just fallen into place.

What has been the most pleasant surprise about being a writer? How about the most unexpected downside? The most pleasant surprise is how wonderful the writing community is. Authors help other authors with no worry about compeition. The biggest downside is how much time is takes to promote. I'd rather spend that time writing, but if you want your work seen, you have to do it

Do you have any particular writing routines or rituals? I always like to burn incense when I'm writing. Depending on the book, I might gave themed music in the background. With the Dark Musicals Trilogy, I always has the movie version of the plays on in the background. My family is very happy I just finished the third one

Do you write in order? Usually, but if I think of a great line or scene, I will jot it down so I don't forget it.

What is on your playlist when you write? Depends on the book, with the Dark Musicals, it was the soundtracks for the plays.

Favorite writing snack? Anything sweet

Where do you like to write? I love to write out in nature, especially on the beach.

Do you have any advice for authors wanting to publish? Don't be discouraged by rejections. The right home for your work is out there somewhere. When the time is right, you'll find them.

Are you currently working on anything else? I am just finishing up Hyde, the third book in the Dark Musicals Trilogy.

Who is your favorite character and why? Lord Justyn is my favorite character. I love his unique sense of romance, his spirituality, and the fact that he's not afraid to me himself.

Favorite book of all time? The Mists of Avalon

Breakfast says a lot about a person, what is your perfect breakfast? Stuffed French Toast - stuffed with cream cheese and strawberries

Please tell us in one sentence why we should read your book.

The Dark Musicals Trilogy puts a new and hip spin on the classics.

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