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Melissa De La Cruz is known as one of America’s most prolific authors of her time. Born in 1971 in the Philippines, and later immigrating to the United States, her life’s story is truly one of American success. She is best known for some of her earlier works, like the Au Pair series of novels, and the Blue Blood series. Specializing in the genre of Young Adult and Teen Fiction, Melissa De La Cruz’s writings have received worldwide recognition.
Most of her early years were spent in Manila, Philippines. She later settled with her family in San Francisco, California where she attended grade school, and later studying at Columbia University in New York City where she received her formal education. Although Melissa comes from very humble beginning, she seems to gravitate towards the middle, and upper middle class lifestyle. On the surface it appears that she almost shedding every aspect of her cultural ties to the Philippines’. A truly intriguing question is, what makes a writer of her background produce such memorable, and fictional material that appeal to such a mass audience of readers?
Her career spans decades with a wide variety of jobs leading up to her career as an accomplished writer. It’s often said that “all real estate is based on location, location, location.” However, with the career of this author and her works, it appears the substantive drive, and her motivation for her writing is based on “location, location, location.” Most of her inspiration came from her earlier work as a nanny, and her numerous visits to the luxurious Hamptons, a far cry from the location of Philippine Islands. This inspired one of her first greatest works.
In a strange twist of events, her work as a fashion writer for Marie Claire helped to propel her into the spotlight. This was a definite boost to her writing career. The amazing part is that, although she’s a terrific writer within a specific genre, she still maintains her credibility as a fashion expert. She is often sought after by major news and cable outlets around the country for her opinion. She often appears on CNN, E!, and Fox News and voice her expertise on fashion, latest trends and fame.
Most books today are written for an older and aging demographic group. However, due to an increasing population shift in the United States, and interest in more diverse social topics, Melissa De La Cruz takes on subjects like witchcraft, teen life, and LGBT issues. These types of subject matter are a far cry from more traditional writings of authors of previous eras. De La Cruz is among the many successful authors that has received many critically acclaimed awards for her novels from the New York Times, and USA Today.
One can only wonder where Del La Cruz gets her inspirations for such subject matter. Melissa De La Cruz lives between her two homes in Los Angeles, and Palm Springs, California. However, parallels can certainly be drawn between her middle class up bring, and the current lifestyle where she lives with her husband, Michael Johnston and her children in suburban USA.
It appears most of her fictional books invoke ones imagination, which draws the reader deeper into the creative recesses of their mind. This is a trait that very few authors possess, especially those writers who specialize in writing fiction specifically geared towards young adults. Drawing individuals in is no menial task. This is a talent that can only be achieved by understanding the true human element within all people.
One would usually expect a writer with the background of Ms. De La Cruz to write about life’s transition from a tough & rumble experience of her early years in a third world country, however this is certainly not the case. She explores subjects in a more enlighten and creative fashion. One in which your imagination is required.
Fantasy exploration appears to be a favorite subject of this great author. It’s a subject written so well, she has been able to turn one of her popular novels into a series adaptation for the Lifetime Television Network. A prime example is the “Witches of East End.” This series received critical reception which was most positive. In 2002, Lifetime made its intentions known by announcing their plans to film a television pilot the Witches of East End with their partners 20th Century Fox and Pacific 2.1. For the most part, the television adaptation held true to the overall structure and story of the book, with just a few minor changes with characters. Overall, the series was a great hit.
Melissa De La Cruz’s writing style is truly engaging. Where most writers start giving character backgrounds a quarter of the way in their novels, Melissa starts the story right away. She starts drawing you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go. If you like cliffhanger, this is definitely her specialty. She draws her reader in with cliffhangers at the end of her chapters, with readers desiring more.
Selfless, thoughtful, intriguing and mysterious are just a few words to describe this amazing author. Even though she has achieved great success with her writing career she has not failed to give back to the community at large. Whether it’s offering advice to new authors, conducting readings or sharing her most intimate thoughts, her giving for a person of her stature and accomplishments are truly amazing.
A true talent that few writers rarely master is reflection. De La Cruz’s admits that in her 30’s, she was truly able to make deep reflections of her life as a teenager. These reflections are a representation of her true core. One in which she is able to grasp, explain and put to paper. So popular and needed, it makes her a leader in her specific genre. Very few young writers achieve such accolades early in life as De La Cruz. Usually, seasoned writers are much older and have years of experience under their belts, and are rewarded in their last years. After the series of novels, books, articles and movies that Melissa as contributed to world, one can only image what’s next. She is truly gifted!
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