Interview with Celeste Tlaltelpa
Published 2014-09-12.
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story I ever wrote was a picture book when I was four. I called it "Kings and Queens".
How do you approach cover design?
I create the cover based off of what the story is about and the feeling that I feel while I'm writing it.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
My favorite books are: Naruto, The Ultimate Sacrifice, Rua, March of the Kings, and the Holy Bible. I like them because they're inspirational books that have such courageous characters in them who aren't afraid of death. They sort of remind me of myself.
What do you read for pleasure?
I read action, adventure or romance for pleasure. Anything that takes my mind away from this world for a while.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
It's a Kobo ereader. But I also sometimes read ebooks on my smart phone.
Describe your desk
My desk is a small desk with metal legs and a wooden top. I have many pens, paper and pencils in a cup next on it.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a rough, southeastern neighborhood. I had bad neighbors and I absolutely hated it. But even though I consider it the worst place on earth, it made me able to endure many other problems that I faced in life that gave me inspiration for the story's main character to be someone who endured a lot.
When did you first start writing?
At five years old, but I've been making up stories since I was four.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The story of my latest book is the story of a shapeshifter who's parents were murdered by a werewolf when she was young. This caused her to hate werewolves with a pure hatred, but after she is saved by one, she falls deeply in love with him and struggles to keep their love a secret from their families and friends, but fails to and is force to run off together in attempt to be together.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
My whole life I just had always loved writing and drawing and, driven by my strong will, at eight years old, I had a dream to become a famous author and artist.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy of writing for me is to write when ever I feel full of emotions. Whether it's when I'm happy, sad, angry, or excited, I feel as though, with every stain of the alphabet that dashes on to the page, a little bit of my emotions leaks out with it. And it makes me feel better.
What do your fans mean to you?
A lot. I view them as people who believe in me.
What are you working on next?
I'm working on several things actually. Graphic novels, a romance novel and an action novel.
Who are your favorite authors?
Masumi Kishimoto, Talia Jager, and Morgan Rice.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
My hopes and dreams.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
Drawing, watching Naruto, listening to music or going on an adventure.
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