Interview With Author Francis DiClemente
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Syracuse, New York, and I work as a video producer. I write in my spare time, and I have written a number of poetry collections. Some of my earlier work includes Outward Arrangements (independently published, 2021), Dreaming of Lemon Trees: Selected Poems (Finishing Line Press, 2019), and Sidewalk Stories (Kelsay Books, 2017).
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest poetry book is entitled The Truth I Must Invent (Poets’ Choice, 2023). It’s a collection of narrative and philosophical poems, written in free-verse style. Some themes include self, identity, loneliness, memory, existence, family, parenthood, disability, gratitude, and compassion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I get up every weekday morning at 4 a.m. and write before I need to catch the bus for work. I also carry a small notebook with me, just in case someone or something captures my attention. I want to be able to jot down notes before the image or sound fades away.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many writers and books have influenced me. And influence me every day. Some of my favorite authors are Thomas Wolfe, John Steinbeck, Ernest Hemingway, Jack Kerouac, Langston Hughes, Albert Camus, Joyce Carol Oates, Charles Bukowski, Mary Karr, and many others.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a coming-of-age memoir and a couple of other poetry projects.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think Goodreads is great because that’s where readers go for information about books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Oh, I’m terrible at giving advice, but my suggestion is to get that first draft down. You can always revise … again and again.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
When I worked as a feature reporter/editor at a small newspaper in Florida, I made a glaring mistake — the its/it’s error. Our managing editor was very kind. He said, “It’s OK. Everyone makes mistakes. Just don’t make the same mistake again.”
What are you reading now?
Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional by Isaac Fitzgerald
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep plugging away, working on projects, hoping some will come to fruition.
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?
The Bible
The Stranger by Albert Camus
Selected Poems by Langston Hughes
Look Homeward Angel by Thomas Wolfe
Author Websites and Profiles
Francis DiClemente Amazon Profile
Francis DiClemente’s Social Media Links