By Jukebox Time got a chance to interview Elijah DeVivo in regard to his memoir Oceans: A Parting Promise. We got insights into his book, tips for aspiring writers, upcoming book, and much more!
Q. Your book Oceans: A Parting Promise delves deeply into the challenges and intricacies of long-distance love. What influenced your portrayal of these relationships.
Well, my book is a memoir, so obviously the portrayal of this relationship is very real. I started writing it in the fall semester of 2019, and it fully blossomed during the COVID-19 lockdown and quarantine. I guess it was time that influenced me to write about this story. Lots of time spent with my thoughts and reflecting on the past is what prompted this creative journey.
Q. The theme revolves around the dichotomy between fairytales and reality. In your opinion, how does modern love walk the line between these two?
The love we see in fairytales are obviously fictional, but there must be some truth to them or elements that occur in real life. It isn’t just modern love that walks the line between fairytale and reality, it is love, period, that walks the line. Love sometimes seems too good to be true. It can be very dream-like and magical to be in love, and sometimes the line between fairytale and reality becomes blurred. Still, one should embrace the feelings of butterflies and the dream-like state they’re in—even if it may not last.
Q. Who are your favorite authors and why?
Strangely enough, I am not a big reader. I really like Carole Radziwill’s memoir, What Remains, but I mostly read history or art-history related books. I have a hard time paying attention when reading so I seldom do it, funnily enough.
Q. Any advice or tips for aspiring writers?
My advice would be to be yourself, write unapologetically, ignore haters, and try to learn and apply a business mindset to your work. As a writer, you are your brand.
Q. Do you have any upcoming books or projects you’re working on?
Aside from Oceans, which comes out September 1st, no. I think I’ll be taking a hiatus from writing for a while. If successful; I’ll ride out the waves of this memoir and enjoy the fruits of my labor. Someday I’d like to put out a short series on the whacky things I experienced growing up in a Christian home, but that can wait. The only projects I’d entertain would be to come out with urban exploring inspired merch. And to return to blogging, of course.
Q. Throughout the book, the characters undoubtedly face emotional and logistical challenges. What do you hope readers will take away from the resilience and strength required in love?
Yes, the two main “stars” of this story are faced with exceptional challenges: having to coordinate schedules, making travel plans, study abroad programs, separation anxiety, depression, and fear of the unknown. Even though this book is a memoir (about my experience), I want it to be a personal journey for each reader individually. Do you see yourself in any of the characters? Can you relate? Do you have a similar story? I want readers to live vicariously, to be transported to a place and story that feels beyond adventurous. Most of all, I hope readers take away three main points:
Never let fear get in the way of anything beautiful, because you’ll lose it and ultimately regret it forever.
Don’t ever beg someone to stay or love you, because the right one won’t ever have to be begged… they’ll just love you without convincing.
And lastly, even if you get hurt a thousand times, wearing your heart on your sleeve will eventually pay off. Everything in life that is rewarding involves some kind of risk.
About the author: Elijah DeVivo is a blogger, former columnist for an award-winning blog, former creative editor, and an Amazon best-selling memoirist. He also holds a B.A. in History.
The book is set to release on September 1. Order your order now: www.amazon.com/Oceans-Parting-Promise-Elijah-DeVivo