Tell us a bit about yourself …
I am Melbourne born and raised and have lived in Melbourne all my life.
Loved growing up with an Italian heritage. I am the youngest of all of the cousins and would love the weekend get-togethers at my aunties houses surrounded by laughter and food.
We would all pile into a small lounge room and watch movies on end. Steve Martin and John Candy movies would be watched over and over and I believe my humour stems from my siblings, cousins, Steve Martin and John Candy.
I have a passion for animal welfare and believe that all animals deserve to be loved and care for.
I believe a good cup of coffee can lift your day!
What draws you to writing?
I have been told that I am a good storyteller, I think I inherited that from my mum.
Writing a book was always an item on my ‘to do’ list. It’s just something I always wanted to do.
So tell us about your book?
My book is a humourous take on the multitude of characters that we meet through all walks of life.
It calls out some of the not-so-nice behaviours that we may encounter but it also details all of the wonderful characters.
There are some ‘light ‘strategies at the end of some chapters on how to best handle the behaviour being exhibited.
It also recognises and celebrates the fact that everyone is uniquely different.
Where did the idea come from?
The idea was created in the hard lockdowns, thinking of all the behaviours that seem to be evident in many people. Same behaviours – different people.
From there my imagination went into overdrive and I could visualise characters, almost cartoon like displaying the behaviours.
Each chapter tells a new story of a character, the behaviours they display and any associated strategies.
What’s the story you’re trying to tell?
Recognise that life encompasses all, good, kind and the not-so-kind and that from each is a lesson to be learned, but what’s ultimately important is that you remain true to who you are.
And what do you hope your readers draw from your writing?
My hope is that readers will relate to a chapter or two and know that they are not alone in experiencing some of life’s challenges but also to appreciate the good and to cherish those moments.
What’s your writing process?
Not sure that it is a process, but I hear the chapter unfolding in my head and I take to my laptop. I take a break when I feel that the writing is not free flowing, and return when the ideas are in my head.
Tell us one thing about your book, or your writing process, that nobody else knows.
The illustrator has never met me in person, nor does she know my name and yet I am told that the cover looks like me.
A little uncanny.
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on documenting my father’s migration to Australia in the 1950s and all of the discrimination and hardships he faced during this time.
When readers talk about you as an author, what do you hope they’re saying?
I hope they enjoy the book and if they relate to it would be great.
Any advice for other writers?
The same advice that was given to me – ‘start writing’.
And don’t be so hard on yourself.
Where can we get your book?
It’s not me, It’s YOU! Is available online on Amazon, Booktopia, Barnes and Noble and other online stores.
I will also be participating in the Clunes Bookstown Festival on the 25th and 26th March and will have a stall where it can be purchased. Matching coffee mugs will also be on offer.
Links: