What is your most recent book? Tell us a bit about it.
My third book is a contemporary romance, titled Born to Sing
Tell us something about yourself.
I’m half Latina, so my first two books were reflections of my Hispanic background. Operation Familia
What inspired you to write this book?
I had some issues of my own to work out, and this was the only constructive, creative way I could do it.
How did you choose the title?
My third novel’s title, BORN TO SING, grew naturally from the story, itself. I researched grand opera, an entertainment medium that I love, and its famous singers and their lives. Then I felt compelled to tell the story of two gifted people, whose drive to succeed in the ruthlessly competitive world of grand opera causes them to make difficult personal choices.
What obstacles did you encounter in getting this book published? How did you overcome them?
No American publisher wanted a story about opera singers, but a Canadian publisher did: Devine Destinies, headquartered in British Colombia.
How did you know you wanted to be a writer? How did you get started?
After 34 years of teaching high school English, I was more than ready to be creative, rather than a people manager.
Do you have any writing rituals?
Every morning I do my emails first, then my stock portfolio. Only then do I slip into my “other world”.
How do you come up with the names for your characters?
From people I know, books I’ve read, fiction characters from all over.
Did you learn anything from writing and publishing this book? What?
Ebook publishing is the future. Even the big NY publishers are moving to this route.
If you were doing it all over again, what would you do differently?
Never give an agent an exclusive. It’s a waste of time.
What types of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors? Why?
I read all kinds of commercial fiction, but I’m especially fond of thrillers and literary historicals.
Are you working on your next book? What can you tell us about it?
The second in the BORN TO SING series, about a professional R & B singer in Los Angeles, who also has to make a difficult choice. It’ll be called: BORN TO SING: SCHEMING AND DREAMING IN LOS ANGELES.
What is the best advice you could give other writers about writing or publishing?
Forget agents and look at all the eBook publishers. Choose the best.
Who is the perfect reader for your book?
My two critique partners, Diane and Phylis. They’re tough scrutinizers but ALWAYS give great advice.
Where can readers learn more about you and your book?
Go to my website: www.donnadeloro.com
