Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In the last eleven years I’ve been constantly writing: short stories for literary contests, novels, essays. Some of my creatures have been published on the Italian market: about twenty of my short stories in anthologies; “Tarja dei lupi”, Tabula Fati, 2008; two essays on writing (“Per scrivere bisogna sporcarsi le mani”, Eremon, 2011 – “La via delle parole”, Eremon, 2015), and the novel “Cercando Goran”, which has become “Searching for Goran”, traslated for the English-speaking market by Juliet Bates. I have four more novels ready for publication, but at present I’m focussing on helping “Saerching for Goran” find its way.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book – a YA novel – has no title yet, though it’s almost ready for the readers. It’s the story of a boy and a girl who are trying to solve their personal problems shutting themselves away from the world. When they meet a girl whose problems are much more serious than the ones they are facing, they decide to help her together, and on the way they understand that supporting each other – not isolating oneself – is always the key… and they find love, of course.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I just sit down at my desk and write, possibly with a cup of tea. I also have a tray on my desk, containing all the small things I collect while walking in nature, such as feathers, stones, pieces of wood and bark. It’s become like an altar to me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My cult book has been and still is “The Lord of the Rings”, but I have read and appreciated so many authors in my life that I find it impossibile to decide which one influenced my writing the most. I think they all did.
What are you working on now?
It’s a NA story. The main character lets her life fall apart after her brother’s death, but the encounter with a weird guy gives her the chance to pull back before reaching a point of no return.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve always sent requests for reviews to blogs so far. Only recently I’ve discovered promoting sites. I’m very curious to see how they work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Love writing more than the idea of being a writer, more than publication, otherwise you’ll easily stop writing. Protect your gift from ambition, greed and haste.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write every day. Even fifteen minutes will do.
What are you reading now?
“Walden, or Life in the Woods” by Thoreau. I love it.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Learning to promote my books, since I’ve decided to self-publish them. As an indie author, you cannot consider promotion as the bad side of writing. It’s a way to connect with your readers, so it has to be a beautiful experience, just as writing your stories… well, almost.
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 Lord of the Rings, Talking with Angels (transcribed by Gitta Mallasz) and a book on the plants and animals and rocks peculiar to that island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Grazia Gironella Website
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