An Interview with Crystina Luna

Crystina Luna is an author from California. When she’s not writing, she can be found reading, enjoying motorsports, or on a long run with her Jack Russell, Larry.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

I am the sort of writer who works on more than one project at a time. I have a limit, of course, but I need to have the ability to move from one subject matter to another. My other project is very big and very heavy in its subject matter. I found myself needing a break. I enjoy reading romance books and enjoy writing them. So it didn’t take long for me to decide I wanted to write a romance. When it came to what it would be about, that didn’t take long either. Having studied film in college, it only made sense to write a book set in the film industry. I wanted to explore women’s roles in film, a still very male-dominated field. Writing a love story about a stunt coordinator seemed like a fun adventure, and a way to showcase women in under-represented film-related careers.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

The playlist I’m slowly curating for the book is sort of all over the place, which heavily reflects my already eclectic music tastes. Some of the songs included are: Tell You Straight by Jigitz, IdgaF by Audrey Nuna, Show Me Love by WizTheMc and bees and honey, BAILE INoLVIDABLE by Bad Bunny, Tell Me What It Is by Tyler, The Creator, Nights Like This by the Kid Laroi, and 12 to 12 by Sombr.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

Currently, I’m reading a lot of books about the behind-the-scenes of F1 for a project closely related to Intimately Coordinated. Books such as The Formula by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg, and Inside Mercedes F1 by Matt Whyman.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I tend to attribute my passion for writing to my love of reading. The person whom I largely credit with influencing my voracious reading habits is my grandfather. When I was in elementary school, he would take me to Borders every month, where we would each pick out a book and stop at Starbucks for a café au lait and steamed milk. My grandfather passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, but to this day, every year on his birthday, you will find me in a bookstore-café buying a book and ordering a café au lait.

Where is your favorite place to write?

I’ve always struggled writing at home, especially recently, since I introduced a new member to my family: a little Jack Russell named Larry. As a result, I often find myself cafe-hopping, especially on weekends. There are a few that I frequent, but I try to shake things up on occasion to keep the inspiration flowing.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

Find joy in every moment, even when times get rough. Otherwise, you risk losing yourself.

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Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.