Walking over to the midtown venue for Melissa de la Cruz’s studio launch, I observed breathtaking views of the bright Empire State Building, and the even brighter full moon above it, and I knew it was the perfect start to a magical evening! I was met with adrenaline-pumped guests, a delicious charcuterie board, and the wonderfully emotional, opening speech from Melissa.
Melissa had tears of happiness running down her cheeks, as she thanked her team, and the Walt Disney Company, for making her next chapter come to life! I was blissfully touched by her kind and grateful heart, and her new purpose of paying it forward to the next generation of authors (whom she invited to come up and meet the audience). Post-speech, she continued mingling with guests and signing her book, “After Life,” with, “Welcome to the Afterlife,” alongside one of her newest writers, Mariko Tamaki, who signed her book, “Anne of Greenville,” with the groovy message, “Disco 4 Ever!”
Nova: It’s a pleasure meeting you! I would like to know, what is the significance of this event, and what do you hope that readers take away from it?
Melissa: Sure! It is the launch of Melissa de la Cruz Studio, at the Walt Disney Company, and it is my imprint, where we create books, from new and established, diverse group of writers, to create fun, fabulous, feel-good stories, that will then hopeful be turned into film and tv on Disney’s media platform.
Nova: Amazing! And being that you’re a successful author, what sort of advice would you give to younger authors, or even your younger self?
Melissa: You know, I really think that there’s so much rejection in the creative industries, so you just have to power through it, and never give up. Always believe in yourself and keep knocking on that door till it opens!
Nova: I love that! What kind of writers are you looking to find?
Melissa: We’re looking for writers with a sense of humor, who share our sensibilities, so really writers who enjoy the kind of books I write, are the kind of writers that I’m looking for…but also bring their own, unique voice to something that maybe we haven’t heard of before…you know, from another culture, or another perspective!
