Interview With Author Justin Delarosa
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hi there. I’m a writer, husband, and dad. I love the Yankees, watching my kids play soccer and dance, and spending time outside. I recently published my first book, The Benefits of Sobriety, about my journey to cut out booze. I’ve got another book on American sports history in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book, The Benefits of Sobriety: Get Curious About Drinking Less & Living More, was inspired by kids. I was a crummy dad while I was drinking. I missed soccer games and dance recitals while hungover on the couch. I yelled at my wife when she didn’t deserve it. I lectured my teenagers about “making good decisions” with my third beer of the night in my hand. I desperately needed to make a change and, eventually, I did. Today, I’m sober and happy. And I firmly believe that those two things are related.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a passion writer. I just throw everything onto the paper on my first pass and then go back through to see what sticks. It’s messy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many. I’m a lifelong reader and really admire a lot of writers. As a child, the book that made me fall in love with reading was A Prayer for Owen Meany. I re-read it recently and it is just as good as I remembered. I still love fiction, but these days I read more from the business, sports, general non-fiction genres. If a reader I trust recommends a book to me, though, I will read it, no matter the genre.
What are you working on now?
My second book is in the pipeline. I’m hoping to have it wrapped up by the end of 2023. It’s a book on American sports history, a topic that has always been a passion of mine.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Kindlepreneur to find book promotion sites.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. You learn so much with that first book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
No one is paying as much attention to you as you think they are. Just go live your life like you want to.
What are you reading now?
I’m in the middle of Clementine by Sonia Purnell. It’s a biography of Churchill’s wife and it’s fascinating. I binged Tom Lake by Ann Patchett right when it was published, and I also recently finished 10% Happier by Dan Harris.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I love writing and so I don’t anticipate stopping anytime soon. I have plenty of ideas floating around so I have no doubt that I’ll keep myself busy with another project as soon as I finish my current sports book.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“How To Thrive on a Tropical Deserted Island” – I haven’t read this but it sure seems practical if I’m stuck on an island.
“100 Years of Solitude” – it’s a big book and one I can re-read over and over again and always enjoy.
“War and Peace” – I’ve never read it and I think I’d need a long book to keep me occupied.
Author Websites and Profiles
Justin Delarosa Amazon Profile