Alison DeLuca

Hello and welcome to The Author's Studio!  This site will be devoted to Author interviews and ONLY author interviews.  You won't have to read my thoughts on proper use of the semicolon between interviews . . . which will not only be good for you, but it will be good for me as well.  (Just between you and me, I don't really have any thoughts on the proper use of the semicolon)


I'd like to make this a fun place to get to know authors, so some questions will be a little quirky and designed to get the author and readers thinking outside the bounds of typical interview questions.  I won't spend much time on details that will be available in bios and from other sources but rather include links so readers can look into those details on their own ( and I'd encourage them to do so ).


Our first guest is Alison DeLuca - author of  The Night Watchman Express, an excellent book which I have had the privilege of reading.





You can buy The Night Watchman Express at:


Amazon 


and


Barnes & Noble


And check out Alison's Blog: Fresh Pot of Tea


TAS: Let's get the plug out of the way.  Tell us a little bit about your book - who will be interested and why?


AD: The Night Watchman Express is steampunk Fantasy for 12 – 15 year olds, although a lot of adults are reading it and telling me they love the book. Anyone who love loads of adventure and a little bit of romance and magic will enjoy it.

TAS: What aspects of being an author do you most enjoy?

AD: I love the actual writing. When I am in the zone, it’s as though I’m watching a movie and merely transcribing it as quickly as possible. I also love the camaraderie with other authors.

TAS: What aspects of being an author do you least enjoy?

AD: I really enjoy every part. I suppose, though, that the “shameless promotion” part is a bit foreign to my nature. Authors don’t make very good sales people, but as Indie authors we have to be that way.
  
TAS: What moment as an author have you experienced that you are likely to remember 20 years from now (good or bad)?

AD: Definitely it was the moment J Darroll Hall put my book up on Amazon. I suddenly realized that people all over the world could get and read words I had written. It was a terrifying, exhilarating moment.

TAS: What bad habits do you have when it comes to writing/promoting your books and/or what do you wish you could do better?

AD: I get distracted by social media. I love to see what’s going on in Twitter and Facebook – it’s my biggest downfall.

TAS: What is your favorite book and why?

AD:  Jane Eyre. I have read it at least thirty times – probably more – and I honestly find something new in it every time I read it.

TAS: Do you have any moments or anecdotes that led you to want to be an author?

AD: As a child I spent long summers in Ireland without a TV. My sister and cousins and I got very proficient at amusing ourselves by creating stories and adventures. It became second nature to imagine a new world or an exciting adventure.

TAS: Do you have any pet-peeves related to writing?  Are there any things that other authors do that drive you crazy?

AD: Ah, no. It’s difficult enough to be a writer – I believe we all have to stick together.

TAS: Would you paint your web-site on your back and streak the Superbowl if you KNEW it would make your book a smash hit?

AD:  Damn straight I would, although the front row might want to be careful. As a fifty year old I need “support” if you know what I mean.

TAS: Tell us about the most interesting place you’ve ever been.

AD: The Alhambra in Spain is amazing. It’s like being in a fantasy novel when you’re there. The Moorish kings created the palace and a system of water irrigation and fountains fed by the melting snow from the mountains.

TAS: Is there anything that you look forward to that gets you through a tough day?

AD: Seeing my daughter’s face!

TAS: If you could have any super-power, what would you choose and why?

AD: The ability to create a fresh cup of tea at will, I think. Plus, if I can cheat and have another, the ability to go without sleep. Then I wouldn’t need the tea, so it all works out!

TAS: Have you ever stolen anything?  Can you elaborate?

AD: My daughter did once nick a packet of seeds from a grocery store. She was three at the time, and having a meltdown. I had just dragged her out of the store, yelling her head off, so I was too cowardly to go back with a screaming child. Result: nice fresh daisies by my house.