Author Love Maia

Photo by Erik Johnson and Kristina Lemons

I'm an author, a dreamer, a drummer, and a lover of all things music. My likes are: pizza, cheesecake, long runs to work off the pizza and the cheesecake, movies, clubbing, fog, sleep, underground hip hop, death metal, and butterflies. Dislikes are: people who ignore you when you say hello, shopping in malls (all shopping actually), talking on the phone, violence, and stereotyping (people who say all guys do this or all females are that way, or all teens are this way, etc.). My hope for DJ Rising/DJ Ice is that it'll inspire people and readers will relate the story to their own lives and dreams. I hope people will find meaning in the book and like getting to know my main character, Marley.  All you can really do as an author is write from the heart and then sit back and wait and hope somebody out there gets it. So I'm here... Hoping... Welcome to my site and please feel free to ask me questions on the contact page or just say hello.  ~Love

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The Qs and the As:

Comment from Marley E.:
Hey Love, nice to meet you, I'm Marley. I was just curious on why and how you came up with DJ Rising? A friend of mine called me up and freaked out about it, just because of the similarities between me and the book. It's almost like reading a biography. I'm currently a 16 year old junior in high school from Chicago, trying to fulfill my career as an up and coming Producer/DJ. I'm still struggling with a very broken life, but now know how to deal with things and still be happy. There are many many other similarities between my exact situation and the story, it's crazy. It would be awesome to get in touch. Thank you for your time!
Ok, I've heard from people with parallel stories before, but never from someone with the same name, that is really crazy. I'll def drop you a separate line to be in touch cuz I wanna know more. Not even sure what else to say or write in reply cuz I mostly just have questions and you won't get them here. Yeah... I'll e-mail you mos def.  

Comment from Jack S.:
What gave you the idea of creating the book DJ Rising, and can you relate to the book?if so how?
It was a combination of things I think - wanting to write a book about my love affair with music, wanting to write something inspiring, wanting to tell a story of overcoming struggles, wanting to create a character who was black and Puerto Rican and special and a role model because that wasn't what I was seeing on bookshelves when I looked for books with male main characters of color... I think most fiction writers use their imaginations, but still write based on what they can relate to and what they know. I incorporate my own life experiences, but in tweaked ways. Marley is definitely a part of who I am, but a whole lot braver than me and with an altered take on things. I'm still trying to follow in his footsteps and overcome things myself, but yeah; wrote it at a time when I was practically living in clubs and struggling a lot with my own family ish. 


Comment from Brenna S.:
Hey love! First of all I just wanted to say great book not done with it yet :) Just go it yester day and already in like chapter 8 or 7 (don't know) I just wanted to know how you came up with the story ? Cuz it's really GOOD!!!!!!!! like I can't put it down! :)
Thanks, Brenna, I sure hope you ended up liking the rest of it too. The overall idea formed pretty easily during a time when I was doing a LOT of clubbing. As for the story itself, I feel like it's not an unusual one. There are so many musicians, painters, writers, performers out there carrying big dreams. I think for many of us it's our art form that keeps us going even when everything else full on sucks. I know that's true for me and it's been nice to see how many readers have related personally to the story and felt it was true for them too. Music is my other love alongside writing so I'm always trying to find ways to pull the two together. The soundtrack for the book has been the much harder idea and dream to get off the ground, but still fighting for that too. Every artists should fight for their dreams always. If you don't put yourself out there, you'll never know what could have been.


Comment from Kenijah M.:
 Would you ever make a Dj rising 2 to show how much marley has improved over his mother and fathers death and what happen when he won the contest .
The authors I admire most are those who write in many voices and right now I am also working on a couple other books that explore different characters and voices. But I definitely feel like once you start to imagine a character, something inside takes over and they become a thing of their own. I feel like I really know Marley - the way he talks and thinks, the things he would or wouldn't eat, or wear, or whatever. So yeah, I do sometimes think about his future and what would happen to him next. I don't have a strong enough idea in my mind to be driven to sit down and start working on anything, but I like the idea of seeing where his life would go from here. And of course I'm always open to ideas and would love to know what directions you think his life might take. I think it'd be mad cool to sit down and write knowing what others have imagined and fitting what I can of reader's thoughts and imagined futures for Marley into the story. Anyway, many thanks to you for asking and if you did picture something in particular when you reached the end of the book, let a girl know.

Comment from Kelly D.:
I am looking for a book trailer for DJ Rising for our school library website. Do you know where I can find one or are you in the process of making one? Thank you.
I'm so sorry to say that I don't know of a book trailer for DJ Rising. I was actually going to make one, but then up and moved out of the country. I'm in a small city in China for a year and can't even access American sites like YouTube since the government blocks them. So sorry I can't be more helpful, but if I hear of a trailer for the book anywhere, I'll def let you know and if anyone else reads this and knows of one, please drop me a line.

Comment from Blaine B.:
Hey Love! I loved Marley so much because i could relate to him. In many ways his life reflected mine. Every tragedy and uplift that happened to him i felt like i was right there with him. I finished DJ Rising and as i read the last page i couldn't help, but feel encouraged and empowered. I have a dream of creating my own music some day and this really inspired me. I loved this book and can't wait to read your next book! 
My goal with this story was to encourage and empower whoever happened across the book, so it's really awesome to hear that you felt that way. I hope you'll always follow your dreams and always hang in there through thick and thin. I hope you'll remember the words on the last page and other words, ideas, people, things that inspire you when times get tough and let them get you to the other side so you can do big things! 


Comment from Alex G.:
hey Love i just want to say that from the moment i picked up your book i could not put it down. The story was just great and i connected instantly because of the passion i have for music and well it kind of sounds cliche but i am trying to be a rising DJ. Thats why i connected to DJ Rising instantly. I would love to see a movie of this book. It would be so awesome. Thank you for making a book that i could relate to.
Please keep pushing with your music, and growing, and fighting to make it. Being a creative person seriously sucks sometimes. But it's SO worth it in the long run, it really is. Keep me posted on your own journey as a DJ if you can!

Comment from Nia S.:
i love your name its very unique. i normally dont read books with the main characters as males because i want something that relates to me but with the name of your book and after reading the first page i had to get it it took me about 2 days to read and i enjoyed every minute of it. i'm looking forward to seeing more books from you.hopefully with a leading female role :) thanks
I'm so glad you ended up giving it a shot. I have to admit my next book has a male lead as well. But there is also a very cool, very strong girl in it and she's a main character too. And the book I'm working on now is told through the eyes of my first female main character who is a very strong, extremely cool female lead. :-)

Comment from Lizeth G.:
Do you send out bookplates?
I don't have bookplates at this time, I'm sorry. That's often something that's done in collaboration with the publisher. I'll drop you an e-mail though to see what I can do. Maybe I can send you an autographed book instead.  :-)

Comment from Tiffany T.:
You're book was so good! I read it in a day... I love how you incorporate a bunch of different genres of music.  I picked up your book because I saw that it was about music, the one thing that always makes me happy, and I can just relate to everything in your book.  It's an amazing story and I can't wait for more! Love from Hawaii :)
It's such an awesome compliment when someone can't put your book down. My third book, is another music-based book and my ideas for another book are based around a band. In other words, I know what you mean about love of music, all kinds! In the meantime, def keep an eye on our progress on the DJ Rising soundtrack. It'll be the first ever novel soundtrack and of course, even though it's starting out pretty hip hop heavy, it's my goal to include many genres of music to match the book. Mahalo for the kind comments, Tiffany.
 
Comment from Brandon G:
I recently read DJ Rising and I was wondering how much the rights for it cost to make it into a film?
I actually have no idea. A lot of people have been saying DJ Rising would make a great movie and I've always dreamed of that so it feels really nice when people ask about it. The only thing I can really do is put people in touch with my agent. As of right now, no one has purchased the movie rights... but I'm still hopeful...  :-)

Comment from Manuel V.: 
First I just want to say for this being your first is amazing and its one that a lot of people can relate the mother thing I was wondering if its not to personal is where were you born?
I'm from San Francisco, California and thank you for the comment about the mother storyline, I hear you on that one, too many of us can relate. I didn't want to get too specific about where Marley was from, so I tried to put in details from a lot of places and never name the city where he lives (although my publisher insisted on a specific location mention so in one spot I mention a state and just hope no one notices). To me he lives in a made up place that's a combination of several different cities. The clubs  are also made up of various aspects of lots of different clubs, with the exception of "Cream" which I very loosely based on a San Francisco club called "Butter."

Comment from Yesh:
I am amazed by your book and I reallllyyyy enjoyed reading it. I wish someone makes a movie based on this book :) Keep up the Great Work and looking forward to more. Peace...
A movie has ALWAYS been my ultimate dream. My friends and I used to pick actors we thought should play Marley. But like everything in publishing it's a waiting game, which sucks cuz I'm not all that patient. ;-)  I'm hopeful that one day a production company will buy the rights and want to make it into a film. We shall see... In the meantime thanks for your positive thoughts cuz two people wishing for it has to be better than one!

Comment from Estefanie F.:
Hey , First of all I want to say that you have the most amazing name - like ever. Is it really your real name ? , because it's so awesome. Well , I thought that DJ Rising was an astonishing book. It was just amazing , the words that you put in there to describe the scen , it was honestly one of the best books i've ever read. This book really touched me , it honestly made me want to cry when marley was going through all that rough stuff. It made me picture someone in real life going through that , & that's one of the things that I liked about this book. It had a real vibe to it , like it was a true story. I just want to congratulate on making this amazing book, you truly have a talent for writing remarkable books. I really hope there is a sequel to Dj Rising because I'm telling you , the minute that it's out , im getting it :) I would really be so overjoyed if there was a sequel , It would be so coool , besides you were amazing in Dj Rising , so for the sequel you will be like so awesomeee . Well , just know that I am a big fan of yours and I can't wait to read your next book (meaning ..Dj Rising ;)
I actually did have a pen name, but my publisher said no way, you have to go with your actual name, which I think sort of sounds even more like a pen name. Anyway, I'm really grateful for all your comments. I just finished my next book and am working on my third now and they are both pretty different from DJ Rising, but comments like yours def make me reconsider revisiting Marley at some point in the future. I'm also really focused on the DJ Rising soundtrack (check out djrising.com). So at least for now DJ Rising will live on through the music...

Comment from Darcy S. :
Hey love, Just wanted to let you know that your book is amazing! Being a lover of music myself I found that this book really stood out to me and my only regret is reading it too quickly! Keep up the awesome work! Darcy :)
The fact that it was a fast read for you makes me feel really good. Trying to hurry up and finish my next book as fast as I can. ;-)

Comment from Kayla B.:
I just wanted to ask what was Lea writing in her notebook while Marley is giving his speeches? And why was she ignoring him while he stared at her? Did she even notice him watch her?
Marley always thought Lea was writing notes or doodling, but she was actually sketching (he didn't know she was an artist yet). She did know that he liked her. And she always liked him too. But her friends didn't approve so she didn't know how to approach him at school and her parents didn't approve so she didn't know what to say to him at the restaurant and panicked. I always felt like Lea wasn't normally shy, but the way she was always catching Marley staring at her made her feel shy. Thanks for asking, Kayla. Wishing you all the best!  

Comment from Rosa Elena O.:
Hey love, 
I read your book and loved it! i could relate to it so much because I am a DJ myself and started at the age of 15. I am 21 now so I understand Marley's struggles with making a living out of something he loves to do. I gave a copy of DJ Rising to my DJing partner as a birthday gift. Keep up the good work and thanks for giving disk jockeys a spotlight on the bookshelves :)
- DJ Rosa Elena
I love that you've been a DJ since fifteen and am so happy you liked the book! It was EXTREMELY important to me to do right by all the DJs out there. As a writer and musician, the closest I'd been to DJing was partying in clubs. I was in the middle of writing this book when I realized I needed to hurry up and learn and get on the decks myself. I've been in love with the 1s and 2s ever since. I really admire that you've been at it for 6 years. It's rare to make a living as an artist so I know how you feel and know how hard it is to have to compensate for your dreams, but keep on, girl. All the best to you and thank you!

Comment from Kevin F.:
I just picked up DJ Rising from the library earlier this evening, and I just finished it at 3:29am. Great, great book I enjoyed it a lot. :) 
Oh wow, thank you, I'd kill to be able to read the way you do. People who read that fast amaze me. I'm so excited it held your interest and kept you up (although hopefully you didn't have anything too important going on the next morning)!

Comment from Robert H.: 
Will there ever be a sequel to DJ Rising?? This was a great novel and it would be great if you made another.
Honestly, it's something I need to think about. I've been hard at work on other books and never had any intention of writing a sequel to DJ Rising. A bunch of people have asked this question though so I'm realizing I need to give it some real thought. When I picture Marley's future, I always see him getting an opportunity to travel and guest DJ, maybe even make it to Miami, big league-style. Would love to know how you'd like to see him.

Comment from Aparna P.:
Hey Love Maia! I'm actually reading this book for school.. i love it by the way! :D i was just wondering, where does the book take place?
I wanted DJ Rising to take place wherever the reader imagined it. I didn't want to have a real location because then I'd be committed to the details of real places. My descriptions needed to be made up for me to take Marley's story where I wanted it to go. I see DJ Rising as like 92% realistic fiction and 8% inspirational fairytale and wanted the freedom to play with the fairytale side of it. A make believe place made that possible. Thanks you so much for the question. So happy to hear that you're enjoying the book so far and I hope you enjoy the rest!!!

Comment from Beth C.:
What advice can you give to aspiring fiction writers?
I think the most important thing is to never give up on your writing. You will be turned down. There will be discouraging times. Being rejected is part of being an artist. It happens. No matter what, you have to stick it out. It's really important to get lots of readers to give you constructive criticism so that you make absolutely sure your short story, book, whatever you're writing, is ready. Keep editing, keep revising, and really listen to what your readers have to say both good and bad. "Writer's Market" is an awesome tool when your work is ready for publication. I went the old school way and researched the Writer's Market books at the library (long live our libraries!), but you can find them online.  Anyway, Writer's Market will list all the people who are willing to review your work and tell you how to contact them. It's really great. I hope that helps. And I wish you the best of luck, Beth. Write on, girl. Write on!

Comment from Arturo V.:
Are the clubs in your book real places?  Where does DJ Rising take place in?
The clubs aren't real. At the time I was writing the book, I was clubbing a lot, as in a WHOLE lot, as in there were a couple clubs that kept special drinks on hand they didn't normally carry cuz I was there so much. "Butter" in San Francisco was the closest inspiration for "Cream," although other clubs inspired it too. Fever was inspired by a combo of several clubs. One club inspired the entrance, another the multiple rooms and billiard room, another the VIP room, etc. I never mention where Marley lives because so much of the book is made up that I didn't feel like it could be a real place. I knew it wasn't close enough in description to anywhere I knew of to use a real location. Plus I wanted readers to relate the story to themselves. DJ Rising is meant to take place in whatever city the reader wants it to take place in.

Comment from Dawn S.:
How did you come up with the title DJ Rising?
The book's original title was "Out of Blue Comes Green." If you've read it, you may know why.  The publishing world peeps did their job - they decided a book about a DJ would do better if "DJ" was in the title. I came up with "DJ Rising" in a last minute moment of desperation when things were being finalized and the book still didn't have a title. I wasn't a fan of the title at first. It felt cheesy and commercial, and the 'rising' part seemed overused. But now I think it fits for a novel about a boy chasing a dream of becoming a big time DJ with a soundtrack partly focused on seeking out undiscovered talent and helping peeps get their shot. Many thanks for the question, Dawn.

Comment from Brie W.
What are you writing now? Are you working on another book?
I'm working on a book right now about depression, love, social hierarchies, suicide, bullying, and terminal illnesses. It's a bit ambitious. Thanks for asking, Brie! Much appreciated.

Comment from Kristina L.
WOW! Who took that awesome photo? hehehe... I really like this site. Its simple, and its also informative. I love Q&A's.
Um... you and Erik did, LOL! Glad you like the site. It feels like me. Or at least it feels like the best that someone like me can do without help and for free. ;-) And I LOVE my pics!!! Even if I wasn't allowed to have one on the book jacket which F-ing sucked. They feel like me too. Much love to you, Lady K!

Comment from Sam K.
Why don't you run for president? I'd vote for you, or you can just keep being yourself. You're doing a REALLY good job of that!
Ahahahaaa! I'm so thankful to have friends like you, Sam. I'll consider it, but something tells me things in my past would create a scandal and I'd have to drop out of the race.

Comment from Eddie P.
Finally got your book in the mail. I think your amazing.
Thank you. Always follow your dreams...

Some book release pics!