Celeste
Celeste
Dador
Dador
young adult author
swoony, fun, belly-laugh inducing rom-com’s
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Latest news
IT’S HAPPENING!!! My Young Adult debut STARS, STRIPES, AND SUMMER NIGHTS will be published by Delacorte Romance the summer of 2026! I cannot wait for you to meet my Filipino American First Daughter of the United States & her unexpected 4th of July holiday romance with an aspiring photjournalist because everyone deserves a “happily ever after.”
For the latest book news, behind-the-scenes, and giveaways, please join my newsletter To the Stars! Here: bit.ly/CelesteEmail
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Books
On the hunt for tales that make your heart race with fear, love, or both? Dive into my stories showcased in the books and anthologies below. (Short stories under pen name D.C. Dador :)
To Root Somewhere
beautiful
This collection of stories from twenty-two diverse authors shows the anger of an abused planet where the choice to either fight back or embrace a changed future.
when other people saw us
they saw the dead
Blending Gothic, horror, folklore, fantasy and fairy-tale, these eerie short stories will disturb, move and humor you.
Stars, stripes, and summer nights
(Delacorte Romance, 2026)
GoodReads
about celeste
Celeste Dador (“da-door”) (she/her) is a Filipino American author of feel-good escapes, thrilling adventures, and belly laugh-inducing romantic comedies. As a former wedding planner’s assistant, Celeste’s all about swoon-worthy details and making sure her readers are having their best day.
Celeste’s words have been published by Outland Entertainment and Haunt Publishing. She was a reality show finalist on America’s Next Great Author. By day, she navigates the halls of power in Washington D.C. to advance issues like STEM education. By night, she weaves stories where her characters keep falling in love. When she’s not writing, she can be found attending fan conventions, watching Hallmark movies (especially Fall-themed ones) or exploring historic (often haunted) sites in Virginia where she resides.
She is a volunteer for SCBWI and has been selected for multiple competitive writing mentorships, including Author Mentor Match and WriteMentor. Her favorite words of advice: “find something only you can say” and “if you have to choose between a werewolf or a vampire – always choose the vampire.”
Photos: (top to bottom) “official-ish” author headshot; dancing on Bourbon Street in New Orleans; on set on America’s Next Great Author; hero pose on the shores of Boracay, Philippines (to be clear the horse is the hero, Celeste was just glad she didn’t fall off!)
q&A
What lit the spark for your writing journey?
3 firestarters: I was practically raised in a library, penning fan fiction, and beating breast cancer. A true writer at heart adores books! Crafting fan fiction means you're bursting with tales to share (and secretly hope the world reads them). Overcoming a serious illness? That's rocket fuel for pursuing your wildest dreams & for me it was becoming an author.
Writing can be like trying to juggle flaming torches. What's your top tip for writers?
Find your squad! When crafting your masterpiece, teaming up with fellow writers for feedback is key to polishing your story & honing your skills. Writing can feel like a solo journey, so having a crew to cheer you on through the ups & downs of publishing is a must.
Why do you write for teens?
The easy answer is that I enjoy reading and writing YA novels, of course! The teenage years are all about transformation, e.g. new experiences, exploring identity, and it’s a fun & challenging perspective to write. I hope the teens (and not-quite teen readers) who pick up my books are entertained & see themselves represented.
In & Out Burger or Five Guys?
Duh, this California girl has to go with In & Out Burger, and she’s willing to debate anyone on this matter!
Resources I Recommend for Writers
Stay in touch
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contact celeste
For publishing-related inquiries, please contact Celeste’s literary agent Ann Rose: ann@thetobiasagency.com
E-mail: celeste@celestedador.com
or
Connect with Celeste on social media at:
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author celeste dador | COPYRIGHT 2024