Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Both born and raised in New York, Gary was born and raised in Maspeth, Queens while Ilene on Long Island. They will be celebrating 40-years of marriage in November 2020. Their blended family all live in Arizona, about 30-miles from one another. Along with these four children, they enjoy nine grandchildren ranging in age from two years to seventeen.
It took us three years to become Italian citizens through the Jurs Sanguinis and Jurs Matrimonii application process. This was done through the Los Angeles, California Consulate as they currently reside in Arizona. They would describe this process as a rollercoaster ride and currently help others with their applications, questions, and travel advice. Obtaining Italian citizenship became personal for Gary in wanting to bring his name back home to Italy.
This is our very first book and we are enjoying the amazing reviews on Amazon.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of our travel adventure memoir is Our Italian Journey. We are award-winning bloggers, and after obtaining our dual citizenship with Italy – we made a promise to each other to leave family and friends behind and live a year throughout Italy. We decided early on in this adventure to document our journey. For people to enjoy and experience the seducing charm of the country, the twists and turns, and their humorous moments we faced along the way.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
We don’t have any unusual habits. We actually wrote our book while experiencing our adventure through Italy.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Nancy and John Petralia had a huge influence on us. Because of their book, Not in a Tuscan Villa, we stayed 90-days in Parma. We have become close friends – yet we have never met in person. We talk on the phone, email, and Zoom when we can.
What are you working on now?
We are several days away from returning to Italy for 2021. As Italian citizens, we are allowed to return. We are considering documenting this process of how Italy is coping with this pandemic after a year of lockdowns.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Our website is ouritalianjourney.com where we post about places to visit, recipes, travel tips, and of course, about our book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
In fact, I do. Do it. Try it. You might surprise yourself. I never thought of myself as a writer – and probably still don’t in some respect. We wrote from our hearts and shared our amazing experiences. The responses we have received are heartwarming.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Try it. You never know what door will open because of it.
What are you reading now?
Michelle Domani’s Santa Lucia series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
We have a few ideas in the process. Our reviewers and followers are encouraging us to write another book.
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?
I would take Not in a Tuscan Villa, Under the Tuscan Sun, and one of David’s books for variety!
Author Websites and Profiles
Ilene & Gary Modica Website
Ilene & Gary Modica Amazon Profile
Ilene & Gary Modica Author Profile on Smashwords
Ilene & Gary Modica’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account