Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I was born and raised in Italy and I’ve written three books in Italian, all about social causes, and my first YA novel in English, “Letters from Afghanistan”, who has been released on September 11th 2021. I’ve chosen to make the novel downloadable for free to encourage as many people as possible to read it due to the topics it tackles. I want to use my passion and talent to make the world a better place through my writing and to inspire other people to play their part in improving our world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is a YA, coming-of-age story called “Letters from Afghanistan”. I am not sure what inspired me. I remember writing the first draft in Italian about 5 years ago when of course I didn’t have a clue about the situation Afghanistan is sadly facing right now. I’ve always written about social causes and I want my books to inspire and inform people and help them build a mindset which will allow them to work towards the goal of a global world and to join hands with others in the effort. We all know Afghanistan has been an harsh country, especially for girls, way before this last happenings so, when I wanted to tell this story, I decided to set it in Afghanistan but the country incorporates all the other countries where human rights are violated as well.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I don’t think I have been influenced by some particular authors or books. I can say I love reading classic novels, real life stories and books which talk about other countries and cultures.
What are you working on now?
I’m not working on any project right now because I am pretty busy but a new story is always on the back of my mind. What I want to do is to travel, now that the world is slowly re-opening, and to connect with people living in other countries. I want to talk with them, write their stories and make their voices heard so to encourage a mindset based on the celebration of diversity and on mutual respect instead than on division and individualism. I have a couple of stories in my mind but as I’ve recently come back from Morocco and I’m planning to travel to other countries, including a refugee camp with an Italian NGO, I’m pretty sure I’ll find inspiration for my next books travelling around the world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use Goodreads a lot and then I use Instagram to contact people who have profiles who somehow show an interest in books. I then kindly ask them if they’d like a free copy of the PDF in exchange of an honest review and many of them accept.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t assume that, once the book is done, the work is finished. That is when the work actually starts since today every person can publish a book, the tricky part is to get readers to know about it and to buy it. This is especially true if you are not known yet and you don’t have much money to invest in publicity. The most important thing, though, it’s to write something that comes from your heart. Find your own voice and don’t be afraid to put it out there.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know, I don’t think I’ve ever got any good advice yet. I’ve learned what I know about the publishing industry simply publishing my books and that goes for Italy. I’m still not sure how things work in other countries since I didn’t have to rely on that to make “Letters from Afghanistan” downloadable.
What are you reading now?
I just started the book “Ghosts: Despatch from Cambodia” by Tiziano Terzani. Cambodia is one of the most fascinating countries to me and I really look forward to its re-opening to international travellers. I also mentor two teenagers living in the capital and we talk with each other through email and Skype (not too different from the main characters of “Letters from Afghanistan”, which talk through email first and letters later). I plan to go there and spend quite a lot of time in the country and of course to meet these kids in person.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Who knows? As I’ve mentioned I’ve got quite a lot of ideas in my mind but I guess I’ll have to wait and see what I’ll write next. I really hope, though, I’ll be able to reach more and more people and I also hope my books will help them to step forward and make positive changes in their lives and in the lives of others. Some readers told me that, after reading “Letters from Afghanistan”, they got their eyes opened and will now do their best to help others. That is true success to me.
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 don’t know. I would bring a couple of classics, a true story and then one or two lighter books, just to relax and unwind.
Author Websites and Profiles
Maricla Pannocchia Website
Maricla Pannocchia’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile