Melissa de la Cruz’s new novel, The Encanto’s Daughter, is finally out! And we’ve had the honor of interviewing Melissa de la Cruz herself! You may know her from her novel, The Isle of the Lost, AKA the prequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie Descendants (yes, that one!). Or you may know her from one of her incredible fantasy series like Blue Bloods and Witches of East End.
Well, she’s starting a new YA fantasy series with The Encanto’s Daughter, and we’re psyched! The Encanto’s Daughter is the first of two books set on the magical Island of Biringan. The story draws inspiration from Philippine lore, and that’s all we had to hear!
Melissa de la Cruz’s newest release speaks for itself, but remember to check out our official book review on The Encanto’s Daughter! We’re already so excited for the sequel. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s get into our author interview with Melissa de la Cruz.
Welcome to The Honey POP! We’re so excited to talk with you today. To get things started, can you share three fun facts about yourself?
I am terrible at parallel parking.
I am also terrible at regular parking.
Valet is my friend. It’s a miracle I can drive at all, I got my license at 33 years old!
Her New Novel
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your new YA romantasy, The Encanto’s Daughter! What is the main thing you want readers to take away from this novel?
I think I’d just like them to be entertained, to have some fun reading the story and escaping for a while. Real life is boring, that’s why we read fantasy novels! And to realize there are other fairy mythologies and legends around the world, it’s nice to be exposed to other culture’s myths.
How would you describe the research and publishing journey for this book compared to your other fantasy series?
It’s the same, but maybe a little more reliant on the stories I heard as a child and also growing up in a different culture. My grandfather practiced anting-anting, so I wanted to weave that into this book.
When you first started writing The Encanto’s Daughter, did you plan for it to be a duology? Did you have to make any major changes to the original idea?
Yes, I always planned for a duology. I tend to outline my books, so no, I didn’t do any major changes. I always have a set plan for the story in my head before I write them.
Her Characters
How much do you see yourself in MJ? In what ways is she similar to or different from you?
MJ is a lot braver than me in a lot of ways, but her curiosity and her love for her family is like mine.
Out of all the characters in The Encanto’s Daughter, who is your favorite to write about?
I loved Phoenix and Lucas. I always enjoy writing the best friend and the love interest!
If anything, what hints can you give us about the sequel to The Encanto’s Daughter?
Ooh, now we delve a little into Chinese mythology, which is the other side of my heritage.
Diverse Representation
We love how you drew elements from Filipino mythology for this novel, and we’re here for the diverse representation! Growing up, what were some of your favorite stories to read and/or hear?
I’ve always loved fairytales, and there was a book of Filipino fairytales that I remember loving as a kid.
Speaking of diverse representation, we absolutely love the work you’re doing at your imprint under Disney Publishing. What has that experience been like?
Super fun! It’s been so fun discovering writers and figuring out new fun stories we can tell from Disney.
What advice would you give to Asian and Southeast Asian writers who are trying to make it as a YA author?
Be proud of your heritage and tell stories from it! It took me twenty or so years but I’m glad I got there. I think young writers don’t have to wait as long.
More About Melissa de la Cruz
Between family time, Melissa de la Cruz Studios, and the annual young adult book festivals you co-direct (YALLFEST and YALLWEST), how do you manage your writing time?
I work all the time, I am a workaholic, so while I’m not one who can write DURING a signing line like I have seen my author friends do, I can work 24/7.
What is your favorite thing about book tours?
Meeting readers of course! Mine are the cutest.
Just for fun, which romance trope is your favorite one to read and write?
Ooh I like them all. Enemies to lovers. Friends to lovers. Only one bed. Fake dating. What’s not to love?
I’d just like them to be entertained, to have some fun reading the story and escaping for a while. Real life is boring, that’s why we read fantasy novels! And to realize there are other fairy mythologies and legends around the world, it’s nice to be exposed to other culture’s myths.
Melissa de la Cruz
You can order a copy of The Encanto’s Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz here!
We had the best time chatting with Melissa de la Cruz on her new novel, The Encanto’s Daughter! Do you have it on your TBR? What do you think of it so far? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Interested in reading more bookish interviews? You’re in luck!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
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