Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Award Winning Author, Angela T. Pisaturo.

Good day Angela and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

Could you tell our readers something about yourself and how you became interested in writing? As a follow up, what keeps you going?

Angela:

Actually, I started out studying Commercial Art. After spending a heartbreaking year looking for work I took a job as a Secretary and that’s where I remained until I moved to Florida and discovered I could write. I do not recall what prompted the interest, but I remember something that happened when I was in fifth grade. The teacher gave me an assignment to write poetry based on some descriptive words she had given me.  She said I had a keen imagination. So I suppose writing has always been in my blood. What keeps me going; I do not know except for the fact that it is something akin to drive or a calling. When I don’t write I am frustrated and then as if heaven sent, I get an idea for a book or a request to teach a class and I know I must continue.

Norm:

What is Christian romance and why did you become interested in this genre?

Angela: 

Christian Romance is becoming popular even with the mainstream. Bookstores, both Christian and mainstream now have a variety of Christian Romance Novels. Recently the director of a local Regional library told me he receives requests all the time for Christian Romance novels.

 I believe the reason for the interest is the fact that while these novels have the ‘boy meets girl’ factor they do not promote sex as a prime reason for the relationship. Instead, these novels focus on developing true relationships built on mutual respect and love. In novels where the main characters are married, the intimacy is left to the reader’s imagination. Again, just like my ‘so-called’ art career, I started out writing children’s books. It was only after I had completed the three year correspondence course at the Jerry Jenkins Christian Writers Guild that I realized my potential as a Christian Romance writer.

Norm:

Can you share a little of your current work with us?             

Angela:

My current novel is entitled Treasures in Clay Vessels. The heroine of the story is an eccentric middle-aged woman who had a tragic childhood. Nellie, orphaned as child finds her solace in running an antiques shop located off the coast of Maine. There she retreats from the outside world until a renowned Biblical Archaeologist comes to town and turns her world upside down. What follows is a beautiful testament to the human spirit and the power of unconditional love.

Norm:

Do you write from your own experiences?

Angela:

In a sense I do, as all writers do at times. Treasures in Clay Vessels was developed from an experience I had at a local Biblical Artifacts exhibit. I purchased a replica of an ancient Herodian oil lamp otherwise known as a Jesus lamp. After reading the history of the lamps and how the lamps were probably used by Jesus’ himself, I got to thinking what would happen if a modern day person came in contact with the real oil lamp that Jesus used – that is how the story evolved.

Norm:

Is your work improvisational or do you have a set plan?

Angela:

I really don’t have a set plan. I write when I feel moved to write, at least with my novels. As for my inspirational column for pet lovers on EastLakeBlister.com – my 18 year old Bichon-Poo gives me plenty of material everyday! (Check it out in the community section)

Norm:

What's the most difficult thing for you about being a writer?

Angela:

I once heard a lecture from a well known local author who said ‘writing is a solitary life’. At the time I wasn’t sure what that meant, but now I can see how that is. A writer writes alone in solitude. They travel to book signings and meet people then move on to the next book signing – it can get lonely. You miss social events because of commitments, but I would not give it up – it’s my calling.

Norm:

In fiction as well as in non-fiction, writers very often take liberties with their material to tell a good story or make a point.

But how much is too much?

Angela:

An editor once told me that with fiction you can make up whatever you want, but make sure it’s believable. When I wrote my first novel, The Rich AmericanWoman, I did extensive research regarding the education needed for lay missionary work. Also I researched the course study. The main character, Amelia DeLuca, is disgusted with her corporate lifestyle so she opts for the mission fields of India. (The India part came easy, I spent time there myself, so I wrote from memory). In order for the novel to make sense I had to research what it entailed to be a lay missionary. When I wrote the classroom scenes and Amelia’s experiences, I could stretch the details to make it more vivid and alive while keeping the actual facts of the course study intact.

Norm:

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
 

Angela:

One of the most surprising things I learned when writing my novels is how much imagination I had to be able to look into a character’s very essence, their heart and soul and what makes them tick. I believe this gift has given me an edge up teaching others about true to life character development. By the way my nickname is The Character Creator.

Norm:

Do you feel that writers, regardless of genre owe something to readers, if not, why not, if so, why and what would that be?

Angela:

Yes, I believe writers owe something to their readers. For me it’s to send an uplifting message that no matter how hard life can be at times, if you have a little faith, mix it with hope and add some love you will find that all things are possible.

Norm:

What is next for Angela T. Pisaturo and how can our readers find out more about you?

Angela:

I am writing my third novel about a reporter who is bent on finding the brutal truth at all costs. Then she uncovers an unsettling secret about her own family’s past and it forces her to face her life. It’s a story about forgiveness and healing from family abuse and hurts. At present I write an inspirational column for EastLakeBlister.com. It’s about my dog Winnie who inspires me on a daily basis. The column is a big hit with the local community. I will also be teaching writing workshops in the fall at the Largo Community Center in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I also anticipate the release of an author video in the near future that I made for the Pasco County Library System discussing the genre of Christian Romance.

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavors