Thanks to Mandyevebarett’s Blog for including me in this game of tag- here goes…

What is the working title of your book?
‘A Girl from the Hill:  My Mother’s Journey from Italian Girl to American Woman”

Where did the idea come from for the book?

My mother has been taking down her memories for years, and at first I was just going to type out her journals for her.  But she left out so many details about her own strength and struggles that I didn’t think her notes did her justice.  I felt it was time for her story to be properly told.  In the process I found out a lot about myself, and about the differences and similarities between us.  It’s really been a wonderful adventure in learning and bonding.

What genre does your book fall under?

Memoir

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I envision someone Latina like Penelope Cruz playing my mother’s role when she was young.  Her mother Maria could be Isabella Rosallini with lots of hair. My Dad when he was young was so un Italian looking, blond hair and blue eyes- kind of a Matt Damon look.  And me—well in my dreams Mila Kunis!

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

My mother is the closest thing to God that I know.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

While I wish I could be represented, this first book will most likely be self-published.  Still exploring the options.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Eighteen months

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

There are so many wonderful books about mothers and daughters out there.  I think that Dr. Ed Iannuccilli’s ‘Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner” is a great memoir in essay format that talks about being Italian in Providence in the 50’s.  The times are slightly different, but the images are similar.  Mine is a little darker, and delves into places that aren’t always pleasant – but they have a lot of other things in common. 

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I have been wanting to write my entire life.  This is my first try at writing for the public.  I would love to write YA fiction some day but I figured I’d start with something familiar.  And I do love good essays – reading and writing them.  I’ve always enjoyed essay writing as far back as fifth grade, when a teacher inspired me to write in a funny, sarcastic voice.    

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

There is a lot about Providence and Italian American culture during the early 20^th century.  There will also be a lot of great recipes handed down through the years.