Author: Leti Del Mar
Series: Unaltered (#1)
Genre: Dystopian/Romance
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: June 18 2013
Rose comes from the capital of the Confederation of Cities where its citizens live in luxury and the greatest fashion statement of all is being Altered. People change everything about the way they look as often as they do their hairstyle but Rose is different. Her position of privilege has made her an outcast and led her to suspect that something sinister is happening to the citizens and flees the capital along with a past that imprisons her in search of a fresh start in the Land of the Unaltered.
Flynn lives in the Land of the Unaltered and hates the capitol and everything it stands for. So when a spoiled capital girl is assigned to work with him, he wants nothing to do with her and is prepared to make her life miserable. But Flynn was not prepared for someone like Rose. She doesn’t fit the mold he expected and finds himself strongly attracted to her. As she continues to surprise and outwit him, they begin to forge a bond that is tested when they discover a secret that could change everything they know about Land of the Unaltered.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born, raised and still live in sunny Southern California. I live in a suburb outside of Los Angeles and love it.
What or who inspired you to write? And how long have you been writing?
I’ve always played around with story telling but it wasn’t until 2009 that I was struck with creative lightning and decided to write one of the many stories in my head.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
My first book sale made me feel like it was official. I was a professional writer.
What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Land of the Unaltered is a YA Dystopian Romance about two young people with different backgrounds who forge a special bond and discover a secret that could change their world.
I love reading the warnings on the blurbs for many books. If you could write a warning label for yourself as a person or an author, what would it say?
Warning: A truck load of romance is coming your way!
If you gave some of your characters an opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say?
Rose would want to defend herself. She is speculated on and judged because of her family and would love the opportunity to tell her side.
Which character speaks the loudest, to you? Do any of them clamor to be heard over the others?
Meliah. She wants to get out of the Land of the Unaltered, she is practically screaming it from the rooftops. I have to respect someone with such single minded determination.
Do your characters try to make like bunnies and create ever more convoluted plots for you? Or do you have to coax them out of your characters?
A little of both. Although I like for my plot ideas to develop organically, sometimes I need to force an issue or two.
Have you based any of your characters on someone you know, or real events in your own life?
All of my characters have a little bit of the people I know. My husband always ends up in there somewhere.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I am so organized, I’m practically obsessive compulsive about it. I use flow chart and check lists and calendars and posters as I create.
How did you come up with the title?
I loved the term “Unaltered” and I wanted each book in the trilogy to have it in the title. From there, I just used lots of imagination.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Accept who you are and don’t change for others.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of a series?
I’m already brainstorming the next two books. This is part of a trilogy.
How did you come up with the title and cover design?
I love the redwood forests in Northern California and and wanted my two protagonists to be seen exploring it. I had a very specific idea in mind.
Who designed the cover of your book?
Digital Donna took my idea and made it happen!
Where do you see yourself in five (5) years?
Still writing and blogging only doing it better!
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Hawaii. My best friends keep moving there and every time I visit them, I feel the urge to stay.
Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?
I would have loved to meet the Bronte sisters. Can you imagine what dinner at that house would have been like?
What books have most influenced your writing most and why?
Jane Austen fed my love of romance and Agatha Christie makes me want to add some mystery to everything.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
Once I went e-book, I never turned back!
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
More YA Dystopian Romance. I also plan to continue my Romantic Suspense series, The Thief and I have plans for a non-fiction guide book on how to self-publish your work.
How do you market/promote your books?
I network and make connections. I am also a big believer in finding out what works for others and then giving it a try.
What do you think makes a book a really good/bestseller ?
Sometimes I think it is a matter of hard work meeting the right moment. Having what people want when they want it is a huge matter of timing.
Have you ever suffered from a "writer's block"? What did you do to get past the "block"?
I get past writers block by not writing. I try to focus on the business side of being an author or read something for pleasure. I find that clears it right up.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
I had way too much fun writing the scene where Rose and Flynn share a sleeping bag. It’s the steamiest thing I’ve ever written and I think I want to continue to push that envelope.
What has been the toughest criticism you’ve been given as an author? What has been the best component?
I had someone tear my grammar apart. It was tough, but I needed to hear it. Anything honest is always helpful
What do you do to unwind and relax?
I read and then plan my next vacation where I will read some more.
Have you ever read a book more than once?
Yes, some several times!
Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?
Call me crazy but loved the movie version of Gone With The Wind way more than the novel. The novel felt a little too slow and the movie is just fantastic.
What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?
I am reading an e-book called State of Emergency by Summer Lane. Its dystopian and right up my alley.
Are there any new Authors that have seized your interest and why?
I’ve recently discovered these great Scottish detective stories by RR Gall. I LOVED them.
Is there anything you would change in your last book and why?
I could always go back and change things. The process could be never ending so I have to force myself to step away from it and call it done.
Do you have a book trailer?
Nope.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
If all goes well, we will be doing this for decades to come. So pace yourself and keep on writing.
What is the best advice that you have ever been given when it comes to writing?
Write a series.
Do you write under a pen name?
I use my family nickname with a variation of my last name. I think it sounds much better than my full name and is much easier to spell and remember.
Just For Fun
What are your pet peeves?
People putting on mascara while they drive
Cats or dogs?
Cats
White Wine or Red?
Red
Coffee orTea?
Both!
Favorite Food?
Ravioli
Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream?
Vanilla
What are 4 things you never leave home without?
Chapstick, my kindle, lotion, and hand sanitizer
Laptop or Desktop for Writing? Or Old School Pen and Paper?
Laptop!
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Whenever my toddler is sleeping or watching cartoons
If you were deserted on an island, who are 3 famous people you would want with you?
I would pick the last three winners of Survivor. They would help me not die and we could discuss some serious strategy.
One of your favorite quotes - I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying. -- Oscar Wilde
List 3 of your all time favorite books?
Pride & Prejudice
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Murder on the Orient Express
List 3 of your all time favorite movies?
Gone With The Wind
You Can’t Take It With You
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
An actor you have a crush on -
Ryan Gosling
What is a movie or TV show that you watched recently and really enjoyed?
Firefly- I only lasted one season and I still watch it over and over again
Places to find Leti
Places to find Unaltered
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1 comments:
Great interview Anna!
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I would love to hear your thoughts. :) HAPPY READING !!!!