Melissa De La Cruz

Born in Manila, Philippines, Melissa de la Cruz immigrated to the United States at age 13. She harbored ambitions of becoming an author from a young age and pursued her passion through education, studying art history and English at Columbia University. After graduation, she initially worked in the corporate world before transitioning to writing. De la Cruz began her writing career in journalism, publishing freelance essays and working as a beauty and fashion editor. She has since authored numerous young adult series, some of which delve into supernatural elements like vampires and witches, and historical fiction.

Her notable young adult series include 'Au Pairs,' 'Blue Bloods,' and 'The Beauchamp Family.' She has also contributed original novels to the 'Descendants' franchise. De la Cruz has seen her work adapted for television and has published articles in major publications such as The New York Times and Cosmopolitan. She is married to fellow writer Michael Johnston, and they reside in California with their daughter.

Melissa de la Cruz's literary career is primarily focused on young adult fiction, with a notable tendency to explore supernatural and fantastical elements. Her early work, such as the 'Blue Bloods' series, centers on vampires, while 'The Beauchamp Family' series, set within the same universe, features witches. These series suggest an engagement with occult and magical themes within a contemporary young adult framework. Beyond the supernatural, de la Cruz has also ventured into historical fiction, with series like 'Alex and Eliza' which reimagines the romance of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler, blending historical narrative with fictionalized elements. Her broader work, including articles in prominent magazines, showcases a versatility in her writing approach.

De la Cruz's writing often draws inspiration from her personal experiences and observations. Her time working as a nanny and visiting The Hamptons directly informed her 'Au Pairs' series, grounding fantastical elements in recognizable settings. Her background as a fashion writer also played a role, leading to the book 'How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less.' This integration of real-world experiences into her fiction, even when dealing with speculative genres, lends a certain texture to her narratives. Her early career path, moving from corporate consulting to freelance journalism and eventually to full-time novel writing, reflects a dedicated pursuit of her literary aspirations.