Federica Lastretti

Interview With Author Federica Lastretti

Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Federica, and I’m an enthusiast of life in all its facets.

I was born in 1972 in Cagliari, the stunning capital of Sardinia—an island that, to me, is a paradise of authentic beauty. This unique place, with its breathtaking coasts and wild nature, taught me to look at the world with curiosity and wonder, fuelling my desire to explore what is new and different.

I chose to study tourism management because of my passion for travel. I absolutely love discovering new cultures and sharing them with others. My career in tourism has allowed me to nurture this passion, though I must say my professional life has been anything but monotonous! I had the privilege of successfully managing an Italian restaurant in Chiang Mai, in the heart of Northern Thailand. This experience taught me so much about the importance of creativity, adaptability, and connecting with people through flavours and traditions.

At the same time, I pursued another great passion: wellness. I am a health and nutrition coach, and I love helping people improve their quality of life by teaching them to take care of themselves on physical, mental, and emotional levels. I firmly believe that wellness is a form of freedom, and this conviction drives everything I do.

I am a tireless explorer, both of the physical world—traveling and living across continents—and of the inner world. I’m fascinated by what makes us human, authentic, and unique. I love hearing people’s stories, uncovering the threads that connect us all.

Writing felt like a natural step for me—a challenge, but also the fulfilment of a dream. Willed by the Divine, my debut novel, is a project that holds a special place in my heart. At the same time, I’m already working on a new book, a non-fiction project focused on practical well-being, because I believe writing is a powerful tool to inspire and bring value to others.

As a Sagittarius, curiosity and a love for adventure are core to who I am. I approach every experience with passion and embrace the opportunity to reinvent myself, finding in personal freedom one of my most cherished values. Every new page I write is an opportunity to connect with readers, sharing ideas, emotions, and dreams.

I love life and its beautiful unpredictability, and I hope this enthusiasm shines through in my writing, inspiring others to embark on their own journeys—whether within themselves or across the world.

What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The inspiration for Willed by the Divine came to me during one of my walks along the ocean, in the south of Tenerife, surrounded by the extraordinary beauty of Amarilla Golf and its elegant marina, framed by a breathtaking panorama that feels like a scene from a painting.
One location left an indelible mark on my imagination: the restaurant shaped like a lighthouse at the far end of the marina. Surrounded entirely by glass, the restaurant offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean, revealing its ever-changing nature—sometimes calm, sometimes wild—in all its majesty. The experience is hypnotic, immersed in a deep blue that seems to stretch infinitely.
Behind the restaurant, the landscape transforms: lush green golf courses gently descend toward the ocean, dominated by the imposing figure of Mount Teide. This majestic gray mountain towers as a silent guardian, creating a striking contrast with the vibrant greens of the grass and palms and the intense blue of the ocean. This dramatic interplay of colours and contrasts inspired me both visually and emotionally. It was here, in this unique setting, that I experienced a moment of profound clarity. It felt as though the island itself were narrating a story to me—a powerful flow I couldn’t ignore. I began jotting down notes, captivated by the energy of this place, which became the perfect backdrop for the dynamics and conflicts of my characters.
This novel is deeply influenced by the years I spent in Tenerife, where the contrast between the island’s natural beauty and the opulent life of the elite shaped the intricate dynamics of the story’s characters and plot. The image of luxury yachts, the aura of power surrounding a mighty family that owns the marina, and the tension between nature and wealth all came together to form the world I’ve created.

Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a very specific and personal approach to writing, which I would consider somewhat unusual. I exclusively use blue pens with very round tips and a thicker, more substantial barrel. I find the smooth, consistent flow of ink from these pens helps me get into the right mental state. There’s something almost meditative about the process, and the visual satisfaction of writing with these pens is important to me.
I prefer to write very late at night, in complete silence. The quiet of the night allows me to fully focus, and there’s something calming about the world being at rest while I’m immersed in my thoughts. But the process doesn’t start at night—throughout the day, I constantly catch inspirations, ideas, and snippets of thoughts. I make it a habit to jot these down as notes, sometimes in the most random places or moments, so that when I sit down to write at night, I have a collection of ideas to draw from.
This method allows me to capture the essence of the day and translate it into my work during the peaceful, reflective hours of the night, when everything feels more aligned with the flow of creativity. These habits form the foundation of my writing process, helping me stay connected to my inspiration and write with purpose and clarity.

What authors, or books have influenced you?
The authors and books that have influenced me profoundly are varied, but they share a common thread: they challenge conventional perceptions of the world, encourage deep reflection, and invite readers into rich, immersive experiences.
James Redfield’s The Celestine Prophecy had a monumental impact on my life. It sparked a curiosity in me to look beyond the surface and explore the underlying forces that shape human behaviour. Redfield’s narrative taught me to notice the subtle connections between events and people, to ask deeper questions about the world around me, and to reflect on what motivates us at a soul level. From that moment on, I began to question the patterns in my own life and the lives of others, trying to understand what lies beneath the everyday appearances.
Tiziano Terzani, with his works like A Fortune-Teller Told Me and One More Ride on the Merry-Go-Round, shaped my worldview in a way that few authors have. His intimate and profound observations on life, particularly during his time as a war correspondent in Asia, resonated deeply with me. Reading Terzani felt like encountering an older, wiser version of myself. His deep curiosity and reflections on the world, especially on Asian culture and spirituality, mirrored my own thirst for understanding. Terzani’s immersion in Asia, his studies of Asian culture, and his quest for meaning after years of witnessing global conflicts, left a lasting imprint on me. After reading his works, I felt compelled to move to Asia, where I sought a deeper understanding of life and existence, much like Terzani did in his own journey.
Carlos Ruiz Zafón, with his dark and mysterious storytelling, completely captivated me. His books, especially The Shadow of the Wind, took me to magical, enigmatic worlds where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur. His writing style—rich, evocative, and layered with suspense—fascinated me and inspired me to weave complex narratives that also embrace mystery and intrigue.
Marc Levy, too, has had a significant influence, particularly with his humor and plot twists. Levy’s ability to balance light-heartedness with deep emotional currents in his stories taught me how to infuse my writing with humor while still making it meaningful. His approach to storytelling, mixing whimsy and seriousness, encouraged me to create characters and situations that felt both real and whimsically surreal.
In terms of my literary heritage, Grazia Deledda, the Sardinian author and Nobel Laureate, has been a huge influence. Her works, which explore the complexities of human emotion, identity, and connection to place, resonate deeply with me. I admire how she was able to capture the essence of Sardinia and its people, with all their struggles and triumphs, while also making the themes universal. I find that the tone of my writing often echoes hers—rich, descriptive, and intimate, with an intense focus on the emotional undercurrents of my characters’ lives.
The Brontë sisters, particularly with Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, are another foundational influence in my writing. There is something about their exploration of passion, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships that mirrors my own fascination with the intricacies of character development. I would love to think that my book carries a bit of the same intensity and timeless quality found in their works.
These authors, with their diverse voices and perspectives, have shaped the way I approach writing. They’ve taught me to look deeper into the human experience, to embrace complexity and contradiction, and to always leave space for mystery and wonder. Their influence is present in my work, and I hope readers will see echoes of their styles and themes woven into the narrative.

What are you working on now?
At the moment, I am working on a book that is not a novel, but rather a guide born from my experience as a health nutrition coach. Over the years, I have observed how many people are constantly rushing through life, like frantic spinning tops, chasing after goals and deadlines without truly understanding the underlying purpose of it all. It’s as if they are marionettes, controlled by external forces, trying to meet expectations at the cost of their own well-being. In this race, they often sacrifice their health, their relationships, and precious time with their loved ones, all while missing the bigger picture.

The book I’ve written aims to help people reconnect with themselves in the midst of this chaos. It’s not a solution to all the world’s problems, but it’s a guide to finding peace and serenity, encouraging individuals to slow down and savour the present moment. My goal is for this book to be a tool that helps people step off the treadmill of life, reflect, and discover a healthier, more balanced way to live—where they can prioritize their well-being, relationships, and personal growth. Through this book, I hope to inspire others to take back control of their lives, one mindful step at a time.

What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
When it comes to promoting my book, I am still in the process of finding the right path. Writing the book was the easier part; the real challenge lies in navigating the intricate world of publishing and promotion, which, at times, feels like a vast jungle. I’ve been taken aback by the complexity and competition in this industry. Social media, for example, can be helpful, but without millions of followers, and real interactions it doesn’t always lead to the results one hopes for.

At the moment, I’m focusing on figuring out what works best for me. I’ve been experimenting with different strategies, but it’s still a work in progress. I hope to have found a promising approach, but I’m not yet ready to say what that is for sure. What I do know is that the journey of promoting a book is much more challenging than I anticipated, and it’s a constant learning experience.

Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing. Keep creating.

What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The most valuable advice I’ve taken to heart came from a book by Jack London: “Work! Don’t wait for inspiration; dig it out yourself.”
Jack London offered simple but impactful advice for writers: He emphasized persistence and effort over waiting passively for creativity to strike. His method included carrying a notebook everywhere to capture stray thoughts and ideas, and he advised aspiring writers to focus on consistency and craft, rather than chasing instant success.​
This advice underscores the value of diligence and constant practice, a timeless tip for writers aiming to refine their skills and maintain productivity.

What are you reading now?
Paul Ballard “Breaking the circle of anxious attachments”

What’s next for you as a writer?
My current goal is to build a solid audience, a true tribe of individuals, the right audience, those who would not only enjoy my books but also find value and inspiration in the suggestions I share. I believe that my writing can resonate deeply with readers who are seeking meaningful stories or practical insights for personal growth.
At the same time, creating remains a central focus in my literary journey. My projects are driven by the desire to explore new ideas, share fresh perspectives, and keep growing as a writer.

If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Dan Brown – The lost symbol and Origin.
Marc Levy – The first day and The first Night.

Author Websites and Profiles

Federica Lastretti Amazon Profile

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