Interview with an Author featuring A.D. Luna

The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is A.D. Luna! Her debut book, Spellbound released in the Magic & Malice Anthology on May 15h 2022.

Congrats on your new release! How has the new release been going for you?

It’s been going great so far! I love all the excitement over Eli, Shayna and the rest of the Aldridge Crew and can’t wait to get the next book out!

How long have you been writing?

I have been publishing for 2 years, but I’ve been writing all my life. I started my author journey in 2020 and have been writing under another pen name, one that focuses more on steamy adult romance. This year I officially started releasing books under A.D. Luna as well, shifting the focus to YA and adult clean romance.

Describe a typical writing day.

I usually do a lot of administrative author things during the day, and write at night after my husband goes to bed. I sprint with other authors sometimes, and sometimes I just work solo, but either work I usually get in anywhere from 100-1500 words in whenever I sit down and write. I try to write every day, even if it is just a little bit.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I’m a fangirl at heart and an avid reader. My inspiration mostly comes from a love for fandoms and my eclectic tastes in literature, but it isn’t so much the story that comes to me first as it is the characters. I get an idea for a character, and then I figure out where they fit in the world, what kind of world it is. At the heart of my books, it’s about the characters, their emotions, relationships, their struggles and victories. Their awkward moments we can all relate to.

What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope readers can relate to these characters and their experiences, whether they are adults or teenagers. I hope that they find the world of Aldridge and all it’s magic entertaining.

What is the significance of the title?

Shayna is a mortal who embarks on a journey to a magic academy. While she possesses a rare kind of magic to Aldrigde (mortal magic, in which she can see and speak to the dead), there is a lot she needs to learn. Spellbound is what she ease- bound to learn how to control and wield the magic in herself, but also to see the magic in others like Eli.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Imaginative, Romantic, and Caffeinated.

What was the highlight of writing this book?

I loved the challenge of writing a romance without heavy steam. I really enjoyed writing Eli’s character the most.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I am currently working on many projects, the majority for my other pen name, but I do have some projects you should look out for!

The sequel to Spellbound! Eli, Shayna, and the Scooby Gang will return in Bewitched! It will be released early 2023.

I’m also working on another series that will debut next year, The Royal Hearts Series. It is a duology, the first book will follow Harlow, a modern day princess and her quest to find a suitor on a bachelor-esque reality show. Think the Selection meets The Bachelor and The Princess Diaries. The first book is Crown Royale.

What advice would you give to other authors?

I always used to think I couldn’t do this. There were lots of reasons why, aside from worrying about whether or not I could finish a project, or write a book. Many of the things that worried me, like if I would be good, if people liked it…all those what if’s are what held me back. Finally, I said to myself why not? I decided to try anyway, because I wanted to say that I did it. I got published, and if all I ever wrote was one short story, I’d be good. I could cross it off my bucket list.

My advice would be to take the what if’s out of it. If you want to write, write. Do it because you want to, because it makes you happy, and I guarantee you’ll never regret it. And if you love what you write, chances are others will too.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I will always be a fan of love, of adventure, and of perseverance, and those things will always be a part of my books. I believe in inclusion and will always feature diverse characters and worlds in my books. At the heart of all my stories, steamy and clean, it’s about connection and acceptance within ourselves as much as it is with others and the world. I want to tell stories that lift you up, give you a little bit of escape, and remind you that there is magic everywhere. Especially within yourself.

Thank you A.D. Luna for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Spellbound today!

~Synopsis~

Shayna

All my life I’ve been different. For starters, my family are vampires, and I am a human who can see and talk to the dead. I also have a natural ability for witchcraft. An ability that’s landed me at the most prestigious wizarding academy around.

But when I set foot on the ground of Aldridge Academy in the middle of the night after being whisked away, I know there’s more to the story, and I intend to figure it out.

Eli

My life has always been about the end game. A fourth-generation wizard with gifts like mine means I’m on a path not many will follow. It also means I’m an outsider, especially among the students at Aldridge. I’m used to being alone, with only my magic and mountains of paperwork to keep my company.

At least I thought I was. Until Aldridge gets a new student.