Melissa de la Cruz discusses new novel, 'Love and War: An Alex and Eliza Story'

New York Times best-selling novelist Melissa de la Cruz is holding a discussion about her latest novel, “Love and War: An Alex and Eliza Story,” on Tuesday, April 24, at Flyleaf Books at 7 p.m.

De la Cruz emailed staff writer Will Shropshire about “Love and War,” her experience with screen adaptations and her advice for aspiring authors.

The Daily Tar Heel: Can you tell me about your latest novel, "Love and War: An Alex and Eliza Story"?

Melissa de la Cruz: It is the sequel to the first book, “Alex and Eliza,” and it’s about the first several years of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler’s marriage, which includes the events of the Battle of Yorktown and Alex setting up his law practice in New York City.

DTH: Tell me more about the series. Can we expect more sequels?

MC: Yes. I am writing the third book now. The series follows the main structure of the storyline of their life, with a few fictional additions and omissions to keep it in the young adult genre.

DTH: Did any works inspire you while writing this novel?

MC: I’ve always been a fan of 19th century novels, and the first book is a little more like (Jane) Austen's “Pride and Prejudice” and the second book is maybe a little more Anthony Trollope.

DTH: What's it like being a New York Times best-selling author?

MC: The first time one of my books hit the list, I was on tour (usually you are on tour as they send you out for at least two weeks). My editor called, my agent called, both of them sent champagne and flowers to my hotel room. I called my husband, my parents. My dad said he was so happy for me he had a headache. That really summed it up. It’s so much joy it’s a bit painful. 

But I remember my editor telling me I was on the way up, and I told her, “Oh, I’ll be fine on the way down.” I was happy to experience it in the moment, but even then, I didn’t want to feel any pressure to have to keep up that kind of expectation of success. That’s way too paralyzing. I was a mid-list writer for ten years before I was a best-seller. I made good money, and wrote books I enjoyed writing that sold all right. Success is nice, but you can’t let it go to your head.

DTH: What series or novel of yours are you most proud of?

MC: I’m proud of all of them, but I am very fond of my vampire series "Blue Bloods," which changed my life and allowed me to write about art history, American history, the art world, New York City — basically everything I hold dear.

DTH: How did it feel to have your novel "Witches of East End" adapted for television?

MC: It was fun and surreal. My husband and I would watch each episode together and cheer every time my name was on the screen. It was cool. I made some good friends from that show. I went to visit the set a few times and it was great — like being a visiting dignitary. They spoiled me. Great group of people. 

DTH: Now a seasoned writer, what advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to when you were writing your first novel?

MC: Outline!

DTH: What advice do you offer to students who want to write young adult novels one day?

MC: The same advice I give to all writers: never give up, and read, read, read everything you can get your hands on.

@willshrop

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