Meet Erik De La Cruz | Writer & Poet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik De La Cruz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Art chooses you. Ideas are channeled through you and creativity is birthed once you cultivate it. I believe we’re vessels that express what is needed in the world. Words were my first love; they sparked me. From a young age, music was the gateway to poetry. Then, I discovered great poets such as Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, and Shakespeare, and I thought to myself, “I can play with words for a living.”

I make sense of the world through writing which helps me discover elements of society and myself. The ability to create worlds with words is what gives me life. Pixar is one of my most potent inspirations, their brilliant storytelling is what planted the seed in my mind to want to tell stories that shape people’s lives.

Art consumes me. It drives me to continue despite any failure as if I didn’t have a choice. Art envelops me. I often lose myself in the process of creation, as it becomes my entire world and often my only thought(s).

Anyone can make art but if you’re talented, people will tell you that you are and that you should continue its pursuit. The pursuit of mastery is chiseled through years of grit and exerting yourself through it all. Those talented should strive for greatness in their craft and I hope to be an example of that.

I’ve had countless downs from writer’s block, wanting to quit, losing past versions of myself, scrapping entire concepts, and letting go of great ideas for even better ones that ignite my soul. The fulfillment comes from the release of art, and it brings freedom that cannot be replicated. The idea(s) expressed frees you, allows others a glimpse of your mind to connect, and welcomes more beauty through your lens.

Nothing is more cherished in my heart than when someone tells me that my art inspired them, helped them see the world/themselves differently, and wants to change for the better. That—is what artists do it for. To change other people’s lives through art while changing your own through self-expression. That’s the gift artists are given and it’s beautiful. By releasing art for people to consume it becomes a therapeutic cycle, one of healing and growth.

My themes are versatile—love, heartbreak, grief, lust, freedom, introspection, philosophy, self-love, emotions—just as life is. Life changes people and so will I with my artistry.

I pursue art because I believe there’s beauty to be discovered in the poetry of life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My writing is poetry on the surface but as your eyes travel through the words it takes you on a journey — you realize it’s short stories, truth, lyrical layers, photography with letters, a melting pot of brilliance, and a mirror to show you pieces of yourself.

What sets me apart from others? I care deeply from within every cell of my body about this craft. I create for a legacy. I create for timelessness. I want my body of work to live beyond my lifetime and infinity. I want to go down as one of the greatest writers to ever live. I stop at nothing to make my vision come to life. I’m self-taught in almost every aspect of this art form.

I’ve self-published three books that have become best-sellers on Amazon in Poetry. I never sought a publishing deal because I wholeheartedly believed in my abilities (even if they weren’t in the physical quite yet). I am a trailblazer in the poetry landscape, mixing traditional with album-like rollouts for poetry books. By curating eras/personas based on the elements and themes within the book that is released.

I can find connections in the most varied sources and unify them into a new form. My influences range across all mediums from high-art to low-art and combine them for timelessness. By allowing myself to receive from the creative source, I’m able to see what’s coming within our society. I write ahead of the curve in most cases and it takes years for it to manifest itself.

I am a fearless risk-taker. In 2018, I broke up with my life in San Diego, quit my job, and moved to Hollywood with no job or idea how I would pay for my second month’s rent. I had this concept for a book called “Between Human Hearts,” one that delves into the notion of human connection in the digital age. A book that gave me writer’s block for two years with no idea how to shape it.

I got hurt with life and love and it forced me to discover so much that I pivoted myself to write a book on those themes. I pushed through for years, I finished my debut book, “Hert” after dozens of versions. Best-seller but my life crumbled. Forced to move back home. I started my second book in the meantime—when the world stopped—and I knew I had to move back to Hollywood to write it, I did. Survived another round, and I finished “Paint.” Then, I had to start over once more by moving back home. To move back home could be a spiritual killer for most creatives, but I persevered. My persistence has become a testament to my success.

In 2024, I completed and published the book that was channeled through me in 2016. Eight years of hurdles, failures, collapses, and losses, I was able to see the light. I published the first book I started as my third book to close the trilogy, “Between Human Hearts.” A book that was destined to release and change my life for the better. It’s proof that we can have goals for ourselves but life works out as it should. We must have the drive but the flow of life will work itself out. Life sometimes has bigger plans for you than you can imagine but you have to continue its game.

Whenever I’ve felt like giving up, I’m met with synchronicity, a sign, clue, or code, that winks at me showing me that the story is far from finished. Failure is what has given me my relentless confidence and bravado, I truly believe that no other writer can do what I do.

I want to be a living inspiration for others to not give up and accept the comfort, we only have this life and the moment is now to chase better. The motto I’ve created and live by is: “To settle is to die early.”

Was it easy? Yes and no. What is valued is never seamless but with effort and an elevation of thought, it becomes just that—the paradox of life. When energy is raised and directed with definite intention the world around you begins to shapeshift into your preferred reality.

I’ve so long wanted to be a revolutionary who changes the world, and I will be with my art as I embody it.

I stand apart as I’m so unlike all other poets. I carry authenticity and a pure heart that wants to change people’s lives. I’ve gone through everything to give you the codes of everything within my lines. I’m so incredibly proud of my trilogy and the genius is hidden within it. All it takes is you taking a chance on my writing and you’ll see that I’m an anomaly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
San Diego has endless beauty and wonder, there’s something to do all the time.

I would first take them to get either Carne Asada Fries or a California Burrito from Vallarta Express Mexican Eatery. Then, I’d show them around my favorite beach, La Jolla Shores. From there, we can go to La Jolla Cove or Sunset Cliffs to watch the sunset. If they want great craft beer with an amazing vibe, it’s either Stone Brewery in Escondido or Liberty Station. Ballast Point in Miramar or Alesmith to taste the .394 Pale Ale and see the Tony Gwynn Museum. If it’s the season, a San Diego Padres game is a must. Gaslamp Quarter for late-night madness, Barleymash, or Toro. In Pacific Beach, it’s either Mavericks, PB Shore Club, or Waterbar, depending on the vibe. Take them to Hodad’s in Ocean Beach, for the best burgers in town. Epic Wings for the best wings in town. Centennial Park in Coronado to see the gorgeous San Diego Skyline and take the ferry. If you want culture, there’s Chicano Park or Balboa Park.

The city that raised me carries so many influences, cultures, and wonder. The beaches, sunsets, and weather are arguably the best in the world, that’s why they call it America’s Finest City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to God for making me an artist.

Shoutout to…

My parents for their endless support, love, and belief in me. My Mom taught me the beauty of nurturing and how it can reap magical blessings. How to cook but instead I use words as my ingredients for dishes of truth to be consumed by the masses. My Dad taught me the sacrifices that a man must make for the betterment of his family. How to work hard but instead of with my body, I have used my brain to turn words into digits.

My brothers, Kevin and Javier, for always being there for me. For listening to my sporadic rants about whatever channeled through me. You two are my fuel to never give up. I want to lead by example, that all is possible with your thoughts.

Omar, none of my writing success exists without your support and conviction in me. You are a mirror that gave me confidence in my writing and ideas. I was always destined, but you stoked the fire for my creativity to flourish. You’ve challenged me to go to great lengths in my craft and the tackling of complex concepts. Shoutout to you with echoes of thank you’s from the world.

My High School AP Literature Teacher, Tim, showed me that great authors are intentional in each word they use and create layers beyond the surface. Your attention to detail and expression in your lectures opened a universe in my mind. You gave me the foundation of ideas to create my trilogy and to chase a courageous new world.

My creative writing professor in college, David, opened up a whole new world for me in critical thinking. Our high-level conversations altered the way I’ve thought about everything and I’m grateful for all the time you would spend talking to me. That mentorship was so incredibly valuable during a time when I was hungry for information about everything. You showed me there are no rules in writing as long as you write with depth and heart.

Gina Rodriguez, for giving me the first mainstream co-sign I’d ever gotten. Gina reading my work, not only gave me the confidence to pursue writing as a career but opened the door for me into the journalism world. It gave me credibility, websites started taking chances on me. A true moment for a young Mexican-American kid who wanted to see himself as a hero.

Russ, when I was on a dark path toward quitting everything, I got to speak to you about my writing, books, and dreams. Unbeknownst to you, your validation gave me a second wind after having to start over completely from scratch. The event for your album, Santiago reinvigorated me and brought joy into my life again. It allowed me to open my heart to others for the first time in years, and that community changed my life. All of which led me to finish a book that lived within the confines of my mind for over 8 years. See you soon, the wind is elevating me.

Website: https://www.erikdelacruz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikthegenius/

Twitter: https://x.com/erikdelacruz

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@erikthegenius

www.betweenhumanhearts.com

Image Credits
Twisted Fate Photography