Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I always liked to write and always liked to cook. It seemed only natural that after I closed my Italian Deli/Specialty Shop that putting out a few recipe books was my next career step. My books are not only filled with good quality recipes, but I share many stories that have a direct connection to the food I hope everyone will enjoy.
To date I have written three books all in a series titled “Gracie’s Italian Living Series.’ Named for my mom (as was my shop Gracie’s Ravioli) who was the biggest influence in my life. Her love of family, food and life are what has shaped me as an adult. The first book “7 Days of Italian Cooking – Gracie’s Guide to Everyday Meals” highlights the meals mom prepared almost religiously each week. It also allows the reader a look into what it was like growing up in a household shared by my Sicilian Grandparents.
The second book in the series is “Gracie’s Christmas Eve Recipe Book – Night of the 7 Fishes,” is filled with seafood recipes that work year round. It also tries to make sense out of this Sicilian tradition of nothing but seafood on Christmas Eve.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book “The Mediterranean Diet Recipe Book – Gracie’s Guide to Healthy Meals,” is a footprint to traditional foods, an Old World approach to eating and the Mediterranean lifestyle. The inspiration for this book actually came out of the first two. As I started sharing my mom’s recipes I realized that our eating habits were healthy and that no one in my family really ever suffered from being overweight or sickly. We all ate together every night. Mom and dad enjoyed a glass of wine with dinner and after the dishes were done they went out for a walk.
Yeah, the inspiration comes from a desire to return to a more traditional way of living.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to write first thing in the morning and in the evenings. It just seems like there is less pressure to get things done, as writing at this point is still a hobby.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Classic writers like Mark Twain, John Steinbeck and Herman Melville. I love good story tellers.
What are you working on now?
My plan is continue with the Gracie’s Italian Living Series and hope to max out with 10 books in the series. The next book, which up to now is untitled, will feature pasta, sauces and pesto. I’m also working with a landscape architect on a book that will focus on the Mediterranean Garden as both an outdoor living space and a food source.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still struggling with that, but I have a few ideas on how to not only sell more books but also make a little difference in the world we all share. I’ll keep you posted on how that works out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I consider myself very much a new author and my only advice would be to follow your dream if writing is it and don’t get discouraged. No one every said it would be easy, but if it is your desire that stay with if.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I once had a t-shirt that read “The race is not always to the swift but to those that keep on running.”
What are you reading now?
I love non-fiction history. I can’t get enough of it. I just finished “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. You may remember her from the Seabiscuit story. It’s a World War II survival story about world class runner, Louis Zamperini.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I love baseball and my all time favorite player was Roger Maris. After the Gracie’s series, I would like to write about Roger and his struggles during the “61 season. Please don’t get me started on this, as I really believe the committee that votes on players no longer eligible needs to put him in the Hall of Fame. That has always been a pet peeve.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Grapes of Wrath
Author Websites and Profiles
Mike Angarola Website
Mike Angarola Amazon Profile
Mike Angarola’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account