What is your writing process like?
I believe in discipline, so I try to write at least 2 pages per day, especially on those days I do not feel like writing. It happens to every writer, especially if, like myself, you have to take care of promoting your books and market them. I wake up in the morning very early, I would say around 6 am, and I love to write whilst the house is still silent. I prepare some tea and sit down in front of my laptop with my notebook by my side, where I write ideas that pop into my brain during the day and start writing.
How do you come up with ideas for stories and characters?
I grew up in a cult and a very dysfunctional household, the environment was very abusive, mentally and physically. Everything that I write is part of my childhood experiences and life events, real-life events. Well regarding the characters I get inspiration from my friends, family members or people that I have met in my life. The main character in my fantasy saga, is Joshua, a superhero part of the LGBT+ community, I got the idea of this fantasy character when I was 12 years old. I suffered from depression and anxiety and I didn't like myself. For a very long time, I thought of changing my name from Jonathan to Joshua because I wasn't feeling at ease in my skin, so Joshua was born from that idea and from that mental state.
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
I translate that word into another one, I call it "another opportunity". Opportunity to reflect. It happens to every great author. When that happens I don't focus too much on the state of block per se but on how to get rid of it. Writing every day can drain you and drain your spirit so, it is your brain sending you a specific message, which is 'You are tired and you should take a break'. That is what I do when happens. I remove myself from that situation and do other tasks. I go out with my partner for a walk, I take my dog out to the park or I simply listen to music which is another of my favourite things to do. When you stop thinking or forcing yourself to do something, it will vanish automatically, and without you noticing it you will be craving to get back to writing, which is what happens to me most of the time.
How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
I have taught myself to not focus too much on the negative but pour my energy on the positive. It happens to receive a negative comment or negative feedback, especially if like me are active on social media. I get that as fuel to be better and do better. Writing is a gift and a skill that you need to perfect. And you can only do that through practice. So I concentrate on what I can do to make things better. We can only grow from feedback. Writers, like everything else in life, especially if we decide to share it with the world, are subject to critics, people can be vicious, but the main point is how you will absorb that information. I get all the negative and transform them into positive ones, and try to make a better future project.
What is the most challenging part of your writing process?
Concentrate I would say hahaha. I live with my partner who works at home too, a dog, and a cat in a two-bedroom flat. Things can get tight sometimes so yes, it can be difficult to concentrate sometime.
How long have you been writing, or when did you start?
I start writing down thoughts and rhymes when I was 12 years old. I love art, I love writing, and I love music. It was an escape for me, a way to remove myself from that toxic environment where I lived. I ran away when I was 17 years old and I had to stop my writing projects to focus on other priorities. When I moved to London in 2009 I started doing Creative Writing classes and re-opened that drawer. Since then I never stopped and never will. Writing is what sets my soul on fire.
What advice would you give writers working on their first book?
Have in mind a clear vision of the story. Make your research. Read other people's books, find inspiration on others, it is not copying. If writing is really your calling, don't be afraid of making that leap of faith. The hardest part is to jump.
How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?
I have written four books so far and writing two more. One is the sequel of my fantasy saga 'Joshua Bane & The Five Watchtowers' and the other one is in Italian for my Italian friends who do not read in English. My favourite is Joshua Bane. This fantasy saga means a lot to me. It is very dear to my heart. Somehow writing down what Joshua has to face to find his twin sister has given me the chance to exorcise my demons. Joshua has taught me how to be brave and how to face the challenges that life presents you, even if you don't have magical powers.
What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?
I would have to say the ending of the first fantasy saga 'Joshua Bane'. It took me almost 12 years to finish it, from start to finish, of course on and off. So I rushed things I wanted to publish and I was not getting it right, so I had to stop for a while and let my brain and imagination do the job.
What inspired the idea for your book?
My childhood. My life experiences. For a very long time, I felt like trapped in a curse, because I was not able to reach that point of peacefulness. Nothing was giving me that in my life, professionally speaking. Until I decided to really listen to my guts and got back that little notebook hidden in that drawer and start writing. I remember being a kid and imagining that I was this superhero with magical powers, who could travel through dreams and times.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
I would love to turn back in time and have a coffee with Allan Edgar Poe and absorb as much information as I can from his twisted creativity.
When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?
This morning. I found great pictures and others not so great when I first started, however, I am still pleased with how much I have grown from that little scared man who was wondering if it was the right thing to do.