welcome blog: Delightful Debutantes #20: Josephine Angelini & Starcrossed.

Have you read Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini yet? It's a big sweeping epic of Greek Myths, dangerous enemies, swoonworthy romance, and all that other fun stuff, making it the perfect summer read!

Read on to find out all about the inspiration behind Starcrossed and some sneak peeks into Dreamless, the next book in the Starcrossed trilogy.

Starcrossed is one of those books that has something for everyone – it’s a perfect blend of rich mythology combined with a forbidden romance that will keep readers hooked right to the end. Where did you get the inspiration to write such a great story?

Well, I was trying to pitch a different idea for a supernatural YA series to my husband who is a screenwriter here in LA. I blew it. The idea was just way too complicated for a first novel, and I confused the heck out of him. He wisely suggested that I start with a simpler idea.

I cried my eyes out, but only for about ten minutes. Then I looked at my beloved bookshelf for solace and I found a copy of Romeo and Juliet sitting right next to the Iliad. I looked at my husband and asked him if anyone had ever tried to do a modern day re-telling of the Iliad set in high school, and focusing on the love story.

His eyes lit up and I started outlining. A door closed, but a window opened.

Starcrossed UK

I loved the depth of characterization in Starcrossed, and even though there are a lot of characters (especially in the Delos family!) I felt like I got to know them all. I loved finding out about all their different quirks, character traits and special abilities. Apart from the main characters of Helen and Lucas, who were your favourite secondary characters to write, and why?

Claire is just a hoot. Claire and Hector are my favorite to write, mostly I think because I can really flex my sarcasm muscles with both of them. Also, it’s so gratifying to be a woman and get to think like Hector—who can, on occasion, be a big jerk and a womanizer. I love his swagger.

While we’re on the subject of characters, I keep on hearing about this character called Orion who is going to feature in Dreamless, the second book in the Starcrossed trilogy. Can you tell me anything about him? Do I sense trouble ahead for our favourite starcrossed pair Helen and Lucas hmmm…?

Trouble indeed! I don’t want to tell you too much about Orion, but I will say he is a Son of Aphrodite. He’s got some very interesting…ahem…talents. Gods, I love that guy.

Speaking of Helen and Lucas, I think readers are going to love their dangerous and forbidden romance. Of course it helps that Lucas is drop dead gorgeous too. Can you tell me some of your all-time favourite literary couples?

I tend to rock the classics when I do “all time” lists. I love Anne and Gilbert from Anne of Green Gables. I love how the fight for half their lives and then realize that they are perfect for each other. I love Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice. Also another couple who fought bitterly before they realized they were in love. Wait, I see a pattern here…

Starcrossed US

Starcrossed left me wanting to know more about Greek Mythology and all its legends. Can you recommend some books for fans of Starcrossed who would like to do some further reading of their own?

Anything by Homer, Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes—you know the usual suspects. But if those guns are a little too big, I’d just suggest getting an anthology of Greek Mythology at the books store. The myths are just so bizarre and cool-- lots of blood and sex and people turning into flowers or trees or monsters. It’s awesome.

I’ve recently started a feature on my blog that’s all about spotlighting great summer reads. Starcrossed is on a lot of summer reading lists this year. What books are top of your summer reading list?

I want to read Beauty Queens by Libba Bray. I’ve always had a strong feminist streak in me (With 6 big sisters it was more of a survival instinct than a philosophical stance. If I didn’t respect women I’d end up getting crushed by one, you see.) I’m glad that there are more feminist books out on the shelves nowadays. For a while women rejected even the word “feminist”, but I think that’s changing. I think women are starting to realize that you don’t have to stop being feminine to be a feminist and they are coming around.

So, I’ve already asked about Orion, but is there anything else you can let readers know about Dreamless, the next book in the series? Any sneak peeks as to what happens next?

Dreamless is darker, and there is a lot more action. A fair portion of it takes place in the Underworld so there is a creepy edge to this story. Oh, and it’s sexier. I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. :)