Meet Darlene Deluca at Readers & 'ritas in November!

As part of our countdown to Readers & ‘ritas 2017, our Meet the Author interview series helps you get to know the authors joining us in Texas on November 10-12. Read on to get acquainted with author Darlene Deluca , and purchase your tickets to meet her in person at Readers & ‘ritas!

What book made you fall in love with the genre you write?

I write two genres: contemporary romance and women's fiction. For romance, probably Paradise by Judith McNaught. And for women's fiction, the choice is tough, but I'd say The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

If a movie were made of your most recent book, who would you cast in the lead and why?

I'm going to answer this based on one of my contemporary romance novels, SOMETHING GOOD, because several readers have commented that it feels like a movie, or would make a great movie. (I have to agree!) I would cast Jennifer Lawrence as the heroine, Mandi Evans, because she seems real. She's attractive, but not your traditional model/movie-star gorgeous. Mandi's character is independent, attractive, and strong and reminds me a little of Lawrence's role in Silver Linings Playbook.

What was the first story you ever wrote?

I honestly can't remember! I've enjoyed reading and writing my whole life. English was always my favorite class in school. My first published novel was UNEXPECTED LEGACY, a fiction with romantic elements about a man who discovers he has a son when the boy is 16 years old. It's about parenting, changing courses, and compromise.

If you could change the ending to any famous book, TV show, or movie, what would it be and how would you rewrite it?

Oh, this is hard. I am often disappointed in the endings of movies and books. I guess it's because I like a happy, or positive, ending. I hate movies that just stop without a real ending, and I don't like books where everyone is left sad, broken, or dead! One that comes to mind because I saw it recently (for the hundredth time!) is The Shawshank Redemption. This is an incredible movie, and I love it. But what bothers me at the end is that I feel shortchanged when Red finally makes it to Mexico to reunite with Andy, and as he is walking up the beach, the camera pulls back and we only get a quick glimpse of a hug in the distance. I would rewrite it so that the camera captures more of the emotion of that moment, the depth of the friendship.

What is your favorite part of meeting your readers (and new readers)?

I love meeting readers! It's so interesting to hear feedback not only on my books, but on books in general, what kinds of plot points or characters they like or dislike, and what kinds of pet-peeves they have. I want to know what makes them really connect with or treasure a book, or what makes them stop reading and want to throw a book across the room!

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You can meet Darlene Deluca and more fabulous authors at Readers & ‘ritas this November! Readers & ‘ritas is a weekend getaway for book-loving ladies like you. Our guests of honor this year are Sherrilyn Kenyon, Marie Bostwick, and Cathy Maxwell! Join us at the Hilton Garden Inn in Allen, Texas, November 10-12 for:

• A private signing with all of our authors
• Raffle baskets benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter
• Panels and discussions in the author lounge
• Signature bags stuffed with free books and swag
• The Annual Fresh Fiction Awards and after party with a gaming parlor
• Delicious meals with an author host at every table!