Long Island, NY – Thomas D’Aguanno is no stranger to hard work. As an elevator mechanic in New York City, he spent years troubleshooting and ensuring safety in the inside of towering skyscrapers. However, in 2024, an unexpected layoff from his job forced him to think outside the box and embrace his creative side. What followed was the creation of Starstruck: Book One, a captivating young adult novella filled with the nostalgia of ‘90s pop culture, the hustle of a young teen, and a compelling story about chasing dreams.
The journey to becoming an author was not a straightforward path for D’Aguanno. A native of Massapequa, New York, he grew up in the vibrant streets of Queens, where he spent his teenage years immersed in the hustle and dreams of youth. “In New York, an elevator mechanic out of work? That’s not supposed to happen,” D’Aguanno recalls. But as unemployment required him to look for work in an industry that had slowed down, Thomas decided that he wouldn’t wait for work to find him. Instead, he would create his own opportunity.
This decision led to the birth of Starstruck: Book One, a 22,000-word novella set in the world of 14-year-old Jake, a teenager who trades his skateboard for a job at a kid’s birthday party space called Starstruck Events. The story weaves a tale of chaotic parties, first loves, teenage heartbreak, and moments of self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of ‘90s nostalgia. The narrative is packed with the era’s iconic elements – from boy bands and pop divas to remembering what it’s like having your beeper go off. He is creating a vivid scene for readers who grew up during this time, it’s also for the younger readers, and older readers alike. This is a story for everyone.
“Starstruck is me, but it’s also every kid who ever wanted something more,” D’Aguanno explains. The character of Jake represents a younger version of the author, capturing his experiences of growing up, skating through Queens, and hustling for every opportunity. The rich ensemble of Starstruck brings the narrative to life, including Mandy, the fiery dancer ex, and Nicole, the senior with a dream of opening a candy store. With a wider group of friends facing non stop character themed adventures and all of them working for a no nonsense boss. It’s got layers of humor that translate into a truly relatable tale no matter what your first job was or where you are working now.
A major differentiator for D’Aguanno in bringing this story to life has been his use of Grok, an AI service developed by xAI. While many authors rely on traditional writing methods, Thomas has leveraged the power of this free AI to shape his creative process. “Grok’s like my DJ booth. It takes my raw ideas and spins them into something incredible,” he shares. “I’m a mechanic, not a poet, but Grok helps me nail Jake’s voice, the ‘90s vibe, everything. It’s like having a buddy who gets it.” This innovative collaboration with AI has allowed D’Aguanno to refine his storytelling while staying true to his vision.
The creation of Starstruck was also a process of learning how to protect his creation. D’Aguanno, having a background in mechanical work, and no prior experience in the literary world. Initially, he hoped his story might be a series for TV or streaming. He took the precaution of registering it with the Writers Guild of America. “I thought that would be the best way to protect the story I had in mind,” he explains. However, after further research, he realized that using the music and characters he had originally envisioned wouldn’t be possible due to licensing restrictions. A setback that would have sent most people packing. “I channelled my younger self, I asked what would Jake do?” After digging deeper into intellectual property law It was then that he realized he could write about the essence of the story. “I never thought I’d get permission for all the music and characters I wanted. So, I shifted focus and created a story I could legally control,” he recalls.
As a result, D’Aguanno wrote Starstruck as a standalone novella, later securing a U.S. copyright for his work to ensure that it was fully protected. “I realized that no one would let me make something like this without a lot of permission. So, I researched copyright laws and found a way to write about it,” he says.
His book now carries a U.S. copyright, signifying a legal safeguard for his work as he seeks to share it with the world. The recognition of his creative labor does not end there. D’Aguanno has launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the publication of Starstruck: Book One. The campaign, which began on May 3, 2025, has gained traction with supporters who resonate with his story. “It’s wild seeing people believe in this,” D’Aguanno says. “It’s not just my story now – it’s theirs, too.”
The story of Starstruck is not just about a book – it’s about resilience and transformation. D’Aguanno’s decision to embrace writing was a way to take control of his future, something that he felt was out of his hands when the elevator mechanic job disappeared. “Elevator work’s steady, but when it’s gone, what do you do, sit and wait?,” he asks. “Unemployment rules say keep looking, but I was stuck waiting for the union to call me. I created my own hustle, just like young Jake in the book.”
D’Aguanno has set his sights on more opportunities for Starstruck, including entering the novella into writing competitions such as the Weatherglass Novella Prize. His goal is not only to have the first book published but to expand it into a series of books that gets adapted into live action. An idea he’s been developing since the beginning.
As a creator, D’Aguanno’s journey to publication is a testament to the power of perseverance and the potential of modern tools like AI to help bring a dream to life. His raw passion and commitment to telling his story in the most authentic way possible have earned him a growing fanbase and supporters who are excited to follow his journey.
For more information about Starstruck visit: Here
Thomas D’Aguanno is a writer and creator based in Long Island, New York. He is the author of Starstruck: Book One, a YA novella that blends the excitement of teenage dreams with the nostalgic chaos of the ‘90s. You can follow his journey on his Kickstarter campaign.
This press release is designed for publication on various platforms. To request additional information or media inquiries, please contact Thomas D’Aguanno via email at tj******@***il.com or by phone at 516-302-7097.
