Did you know 25% of Italy’s olive oil comes from my favorite little region that is burrowed down deep at the toe of the boot? Well, it does.

It is also a staple in every Calabrian kitchen and is used in antipasto dishes, pasta plates, meat, fish and even desserts. In fact, it is a little joke around our house because most recipes don’t even list olive oil or garlic in their ingredients … because, you know, they are a given – you should know to use them.

Marcella Hazan, renowned Italian food writer and author of Marcella Cucina cookbook said, “The taste of a dish for which you need olive oil will be as good or as ordinary as the oil you use. A sublime one can lift even modest ingredients to eminent heights of flavor; a dreary oil will pull the best ingredients down to its own level. Partial clues to the quality of the olive oil you are buying are supplied by the label and the price, but ultimately, the only way to determine which one, among those available, is right for you is to taste and compare.”

And that’s where we come in.

Through the magical interwoven web of the Internet, I met Monica Kripalani, a new distributor of Calabrian olive oil whose recent trip to the mezziogiorno changed her life. After a brief tour through Calabria and into the hills of Lamezia Terme, Monica decided to open Monica’s Fine Foods to share her new-found love of Davoli Olive Oil with North America.

And that, my friends, means you.

Monica is giving away one 250ml bottle of Davoli Extra Virgin Olive Oil to one lucky Facebook Fan *and* a $50 gift certificate to a random blogger.

Interested, any?  Here are the details!

To be eligible to win the free 250ml bottle of Calabrian olive oil, all you need to do is become a Facebook fan of Monica’s Fine Foods before Friday, February 26 at 5:00 PM (Pacific Time). At that point, Monica will randomly select a winner from her Facebook Fans and the winner will be announced here on My Bella Vita on Monday, March 1.

Bloggers, this part is for you …

For your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to Monica’s Fine Foods, just  re-post this contest information in full on your website or blog by Friday, February 26 at 5:00 PM. Leave a comment here on My Bella Vita telling us about your post, and you will automatically be entered into the drawing.

Due to distribution restrictions, Monica can only ship items in the US and Canada, so if you have a US address … you are good to go!

In bocca al lupo!

What is your favorite way to use olive oil? I think a simple pasta with aglio, olio e peperonico (garlic, olive oil and red pepper) highlights good olive oil and brings out the flavors of spicy peppers. What about you?

*Pictures by Monica of Monica’s Fine Foods

After two weeks of accepting posts, nominations and submissions, the first annual Blogging From the Boot contest is closed for entries. Judges worked all weekend narrowing down the entries, breaking ties and notifying finalists.

And now it is up to you.

The three finalists from each category are listed on the AffordableCallingCards.net website, along with links to their respective blogs and posts. Take your time, read through the posts and click the “VOTE” link below each section to cast your vote for that category.

But I warn you … it won’t be easy.

The judges had a hard time narrowing the entries to three in each category. How, oh how, could I ever vote for just one?

So grab a glass of wine, sit back, relax and read Blogging From the Boot: The Best of 2009

READ ENTRIES AND VOTE HERE!!

Voting is open between now and Friday, February 5, 2010 at 5:00 PM … which just happens to coincide nicely with World Nutella Day!

And speaking of World Nutella Day, one of WND’s co-hosts, Michelle Fabio, of Bleeding Espresso just happened to be one of the judges for the 1st annual Blogging from the Boot contest. I’d like to publicly thank Michelle, along with Georgette Jupe of A New Beginning! Bring it On! and Audra de Falco of That Girl in Italy for judging the contest … so, grazie mille, ragazze!

One of the most enjoyable things for me as a co-host of Blogging from the Boot was getting the chance to work with bloggers I didn’t know well. Although like many Italy expat bloggers I “knew” Tina of Tina Tangos, I hadn’t worked with her on blogging projects until now. For any of you considering teaming up with her on projects, I highly recommend it. She’s a gem to work with and I hope we can join forces again in the future.

And to all of the Italy expat bloggers who entered the contest. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You helped make our first annual blogging contest a success, you educated us about private, maternal issues, shared personal wedding and honeymoon stories  and warned us of potential stalkers … and bankers.

Congratulations to all of the finalists and in bocca al lupo!

Vote Now!

Whoever chose December-the final month of the year-as the time to celebrate the holidays, buy and wrap presents and cook for family and friends probably didn’t own their own business-and relaunch their website during the week of Italy’s first festa of the holiday season.

I’m just saying … the holidays could come at a better time of the year.

Photo: Viktor Kaposi

Oh, but who I am to Scrooge-up your holiday season? Forget about end-of-the-year invoicing, new year’s goals and the most generous of all holiday gifts-taxes.

The holidays have arrived, and that, in conjunction with the My Bella Vita relaunch, is why we’re giving away ItalianPod101 lessons, an 8X10 Italy photo of your choice and a free one-day custom itinerary.

Last week I asked my husband how he planned to contribute to the new site’s relaunch.

His response?

“I have an old pair of shoes!”

I mean, if you are into the shoes, then come on over and get them. Please.

Otherwise, read on.

THE FINAL MY  BELLA VITA RELAUNCH GIVEAWAY:

A romantic weekend for two at Il Cedro Bed and Breakfast in Catanzaro, Italy and a Taste of Calabria welcome basket, complete with Calabrian specialties of the season and drinks.*

See details below. And now, on with the column …

With Christmas breathing down my neck and an international trip on the horizon, I’m lucky to find 20 minutes a day for my Mari Winsor Pilates. And in keeping with the good-will of the season and the new FTC rules for bloggers-I don’t get money if you click on that link.

Wink. Wink.

Speaking of time-consuming projects that pay, I was recently asked to update the Southern Italy section for DK Eyewitness Guide, Italy 2011. I’m thrilled with the gig and anxious to learn even more about my adopted area of the bel paese.

In keeping with the Calabria travel writer theme, Lara Dunston, travel writer extraordinaire recently asked her blog readers to share their worst hotel experience. Her post was prompted by a recent stay at a five-star hotel** where she and her husband returned to their room on their first night to find urine-soaked sheets and comforter. (Gah!)

photo credit: karpov the wrecked train

People responded to her call for worst hotel experiences.

Erica of Travel Blissful reported smoky rooms that lack hotel-room essentials, Tess of Luxury Beach Escapes spoke of language mishaps-in a perfectly normal and charming way-and Mary Jo of Suzhou Mojo told of having a man sleep on her balcony and a literal hole-in-the-wall of the bathroom that led into the hallway.

And their stories got me thinking.

As bed and breakfast owners, my husband and I focus on the details of the guest experience and do everything in our power to make it positive. But some hotels don’t.

My worst hotel experience was at a bed and breakfast in the mountains of Calabria my husband and I chose for a weekend getaway. The room was musty, dusty and rusty, the towels were paper thin and tearing at the seams and the bathroom was tiny-even by Italian standards. Instead of a king-size bed, they’d pushed two twins together forcing us to sleep separately-newlyweds that we were-or fall into the crack between the beds.

The room was icy cold and they only offered housekeeping if you left your keys with them, a fact they didn’t tell us when we checked in.

However, it wasn’t a horrible experience because we spent time walking through the mountain trails, warming up by the fireplace in the sitting room and eating at the hotel’s surprisingly fabulous restaurant. I’m curious about your worst hotel experiences …

But now back to that giveaway!

There are five ways you can enter the drawing to win the romantic weekend at Il Cedro Bed and Breakfast and Taste of Calabria welcome basket.

1. Leave a comment on this post detailing your worst hotel experience.

2. Retweet this post. Be sure to include “@mybellavita” so I’ll see your tweet.

3. Subscribe to my RSS (either in a reader or via email) and leave me a comment telling me you are a new subscriber.

4. Post this on Facebook and either leave a comment on the My Bella Vita Facebook page or tell me in the comments.

5. If you do all four, you’ll receive a bonus entry-just for kicks!

Contest ends Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 PM, Italy time. Winner will be selected in a random drawing.

In bocca al lupo and Happy Holidays!

* The fine print: The romantic weekend at Il Cedro B&B is based on availability and must be booked within one year of notification. There are no refunds and prize can not be combined with other offers or promotions. The Taste of Calabria welcome basket accompanies the room nights and can not be shipped separately.

** The hotel pictured is NOT the hotel where Lara and her husband found yellow sheets!

Italian Christmas Lights in Squillace, Calabria

Italy Christmas traditions are a little different from the ones we have in the states. In addition to the less-obvious decorations and Christmas cheer, they also celebrate key dates we tend to overlook.

The Italians began their Christmas season this week by celebrating the Feast of Immaculate Conception (of Mary) and will end their season on January 6 during the Feast of the Epiphany.

In fact, I wrote all about Italy Christmas food, celebrations and events last year. You can catch up here.

But one thing I haven’t written about are the Twelve Days of Christmas.

And no, I’m not talking the song.

Many people mistakenly believe the 12 days of Christmas lead up to the big event on December 25. And why wouldn’t they? Stores advertise 12 days of Christmas sales, people give each other trinkets on each of the 12 days before Christmas and even our children return to school before the official 12th day has even passed.

In reality, the 12 days of Christmas are between Christmas Day and the Day of the Epiphany, with the 12th Night being celebrated on the evening on January 5, the same day La Befana delivers gifts to the children of Italy.

There is quite the controversy over whether the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” was written as a symbolic code for Christians during a time when it was illegal to practice their faith and even Snopes got in on the discussion by declaring it false.

Whether you believe the origin of the song is steeped in code or that it is a nonsensical musical created for children is up to you. I, for one, kinda like a good conspiracy theory, so I’m gonna go with that.

Speaking of holidays and the days leading up to Christmas, don’t forget to throw your name into the, uhm, random generator hat for ItalianPod101 lessons, an 8X10 Italy photo of your choice or today’s giveaway, a free one-day custom Itinerary for Calabria.

Are you heading to Calabria-or somewhere else in southern Italy? If so, this giveaway is just for you.

All you have to do is sign up for Questo Mese in Italia, the official newsletter of My Bella Vita that is sent six times a year or-using the same form-sign up to receive Calabria Close-Up, a monthly snippet highlighting various cities and villages throughout Calabria.

If you forward the newsletter confirmation to a friend (copy me using the email provided in the confirmation so I’ll know you sent them) and they sign up, you’ll receive an extra two entries! There is no limit on the number of entries you can receive.

You have until Thursday, December 17 at 5:00 PM (Italy time) to subscribe.

In bocca al lupo!

Whoa. Stop right there. Don’t hit that back button or double-check the url.

You are in the right place.

Welcome, friends and blog readers to the new My Bella Vita.

It has been a long road, through logo design, color choices, font options, column width and header size and seriously, it is enough to make a girl wrap herself into a fetal position and moan html, html, html until someone snaps her glazed-over eyes into focus and forces her up again.

I mean, I’m just saying … I didn’t do that. Well, maybe once.

But in the end my friends at Kaiz Agency came through and designed a new template we feel will highlight some of the changes we have in store for this website.

Oh yes, my friends … there are changes.

In addition to the funky new logo and what will soon be a photo slide show-small technical delay, slide show’s a comin’, few tweaks, no worries-I’m expanding products and services offered here.

Custom Itineraries

We all know Calabria can be intimidating and a well-traveled Italophile once said, “Calabria is not for the faint-hearted.” But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t come. Calabria has beaches, mountains, ruins and religion, a unique cuisine, good wine and warm people and it is listed as an “Italian favorite” for many people who have visited.

But it is not easy to get around Calabria and researching the area can be tough.

The custom itineraries I offer will help with that.

Based on your preferences, I’ll create a custom itinerary, complete with hotel reservations, transfers, car rental and activities for each day of your trip. You can read more about that here.

Travel Consulting

For travelers who prefer to make their own reservations, but still need recommendations on which areas to visit, what activities to book or which city or location is the best base for their southern Italy vacation, Travel Consulting is the way to go. You can read more about that here.

Tips Booklets

I recently completed my very first tips booklet, “Don’t Get Stuck With Dirty Drawers … and 64 other tips for traveling in Calabria.” More information will be available soon.

—

Prizes and Fun Stuff

In conjunction with this week’s relaunch, I’ve joined forces with other Italophiles around the world to bring you some great prizes.

Check back this week to enter new drawings for prizes such as free nights at a bed and breakfast in Catanzaro, free itinerary planning and free Italy photos!

Today’s prize: A premium subscription to ItalianPod101, the award-winning website that was featured on Newsweek, PC Magazine and right here … at My Bella Vita.

All you have to do is leave a comment on *this* post between Monday, December 7 and Sunday, December 13. Winner will be announced on Monday, December 14.

In bocca al lupo!

Regular readers of this column might have noticed an italicized notation at the bottom of each week’s article directing readers to another website. That website, My Mélange, is owned by travel professional Robin Locker, who has recently expanded her travel services, launched a new website and is offering special deals and giveaways on her products all this week for her relaunch.

I recently sat down with Robin via Skype-and several hours and a few hefty cappuccini later-our interview was complete.

(c) Robin Locker

1. You started My Mélange in 2006 as a way to help others infuse European culture into their lifestyles. How has that evolved into what it is today?

“Initially it started as more of a creative outlet – a way to meet like-minded, creative people who loved to travel and I thought I’d give folks an opportunity for some arm-chair travel. Maybe convince a few people to travel to Europe. While it certainly hit the mark on all of those points (I have met some fabulous friends and colleagues!) it really has become so much more. It really changed my life.

The blog was (and still is) always fun. I never saw it as work. I looked forward to writing and the creative process. With encouragement and advice from some friends, I pursued freelance writing and continue to love that.

There is a famous quote – ‘Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.’ I feel very fortunate to have found many things I love to do!”

2. In addition to freelance writing, travel consulting and offering products through your online Flea Market, what new plans do you have for the new My Mélange?

“Glad you asked! The new site still has a focus on the blog, but it is also a fully functioning website that features all of my travel services, like custom itineraries and foodie adventures for Paris and Italy, carry-on consultations and travel workshops.

And I am very excited about my new photo gallery, where readers can browse my photos and will be able to purchase prints, greeting cards and custom luggage tags, right on the site.

I will still feature guest bloggers who talk about France, Italy and everything related to travel. I have some great interviews and giveaways scheduled – especially during the kick-off week. Make sure you stop by!”

(c) Robin Locker

3. I won’t make you choose between Italy or France-but what is your favorite city or location in each of these countries?

“The best way for me to describe it is this: I love France, but I am in love with Italy-and my favorite place in Italy has to be Tuscany.

Whether people have read an outdated book or embellished travel brochures, they often think that because Italy is a relatively small country, it is easy-and inexpensive-to get from one point to another. And that is not always the case.

In fact, there are so many places I still have yet to discover in the Bel Paese, but I can tell you that I just love the quiet, picturesque small-town charm found in many of the tiny hill towns of Tuscany.

The villages, though small, usually have whatever you need right there- a cafe, a trattoria, a food market, a wine shop and of course a gelateria. And when you are craving the big city- Florence is just a train or bus ride away!”

4. What about in France?

“It has to be Paris! What a fabulously chic and elegant city. It has something for everyone-stunning architecture, world-class art, top quality food, romance around every corner and golden flaky croissants! And the Métro is so clean and efficient, it makes it so easy to get around, regardless of which Paris hotel you choose.”

5. What do you think is the single best thing someone can do to infuse European culture in their lives at home?

“Other than read my blog?! Seriously, I think reading should be at the top of the list. Read books, memoirs, cookbooks, subscribe to blogs, magazines and travel sites on any and all subjects that have to do with the areas that you are passionate about.

From there, you’ll get ideas and find your own inspiration. Even if you pick up one or two new things to try, introduce them slowly so that it won’t seem overwhelming or feel like work- it will just be natural. Over time, you’ll just wake up one day and realize you’re living it!

Buy a new Italian cookbook and try making fresh pasta, learn some of the language with free, on-line programs, find a good market in your area where you can score some authentic products, listen to French music, go to an opera or try a new wine. Have fun experimenting!”

Be sure to visit My Mélange this week for a chance to prizes, such as a Dream of Italy newsletter subscription, Italy Instructions for Use book or photos, like the ones featured above.

Until next time … Buon Viaggio!

photo credit: ??????????

 
Welcome to Settimana dell’ Amore. In anticipation of the impending lovefest holiday this week and because I am anxious to share the love with My Bella Vita readers, this week is all about love.
 
To kick off the event, I’d like to congratulate the winner of the Prisoner of Circumstance book giveaway …
 

NYC/ Caribbean Ragazza

 
I hope you enjoy the  book and that you will come back soon and tell us all about it. Well, not all about it. Nadine might not like that.
 
In other contest news and in honor of Settimana dell’ Amore, one lucky My Bella Vita reader commenter … make that commenter, will win a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com. A name will be selected from all comments made from today, February 9-Saturday, February 14.  The more you comment, the higher your chances of winning. So all of you lurkers out there … especially you, you Kountze HS grad (Yes! My sis told me all about it!) leave a comment. It is ok. We won’t bite. Hard.
 
I’d also like to direct you Italy-obsessed travelers and expats to the survey in the left-hand column. It’s quick. It’s short. It’ll take you two minutes. I promise.
 
Results from the survey, as well as the Amazon.com gift certificate winner will be announced on Monday, February 16.
 
In the meantime here is a bit of history on how Valentine’s Day was celebrated in Italy “back in the day.”
 
According to St.Valentines.net, Italians would hold an outdoor festival, complete with live music and poetry readings in a local garden or park. After listening to the readings, happy couples would stroll off with their young lover into the gardens. In Torino, betrothed couples announced their engagement on Valentine’s Day and shops would decorate their door fronts and sell candy the few days leading up to the event.
 
When I was young, my dad always brought chocolates or flowers home on Valentine’s Day. It was a tradition we looked forward to each year. Do you remember any family traditions your parents shared with you? Do you have any Valentine’s Day traditions with your own children?
 

 
It is that time of year again. The post-holiday letdown and mid-Winter blues have many of us feeling just. a tad. sad.
 
Well, cheer up because I’ve been itchin’ to have another giveaway here on My Bella Vita and the graciously talented newly-anointed Texan, Nadine Zawacki of Just Being Me has agreed to help.
 
In the final days of 2008, Nadine’s debut novel, Prisoner of Circumstance was published and the book is already receiving rave reviews on Amazon.com.
 

 And you can win a *FREE* copy of the book for yourself.
 

Now for the rules and the blah, blah, blah of blogosphere giveaways.
 
- To be eligible for the random drawing, leave a comment on this post by midnight, Italian time on Friday, February 6, 2009.
 
- The free book can only be shipped to a US address, so if you are leaving a comment and do not have a US address (or the address of a family member or friend in the states), please mark your comment as “international.”
 
- And that’s it! See, that wasn’t so bad …

 
The writer in me is always interested in the process other writers’ go through to pen their novels and the snoop in me (I get that from my dad) just had to ask. Lucky for us, Nadine answered.
 

 
Below is the interview I had with Nadine Zawacki, author of Prisoner of Circumstance.
 
- When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
 
I was probably serious about it three or four years ago. I enjoyed writing stories. I just started to blog and I enjoyed the creative outlet it afforded me. I liked writing stories about my life and observations about life. I realized in working on this book that I wanted to one day write full time. I’m not at that point yet, but it’s my heart’s desire to put into words the stories on my heart.
 
- How long did it take you to write this book?
 
I started to write this book as a fluke. I had this story in my head – I knew the beginning and the ending, but was unsure of the middle. I decided the best way to get the story out of my head was to write it down. I showed it to my then, 16 year old daughter, who encouraged me. She thought it was a good story and that I should write it into a book. That was nine years ago. I wrote the first 17 chapters and then laid the book down. I didn’t do anything with the story because of the craziness of life for four and half years. About three years ago I felt the urging from God to finish the book. I didn’t know how or if I would ever see it published, but I knew I needed to finish it.
 
- What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
 
I was working a full time job (nine to five) and my husband was a pastor of a church that kept us busy. I wrote whenever I could find an hour here or half hour there. Saturdays became the day that I could concentrate on finishing up my story when there wasn’t church activity.
 

 
- I know you have had a tough year, how did you power through the writing and editing of your book? Were there days you made yourself write or did you allow yourself to take a break when you felt you needed one?
 
Last year when I set out to have the book edited and published, there were many changes that happened. My husband got a new job, we had to sell our house and move to a new city, I was working full time. I gave myself a break when I needed it but pushed myself at night after work to finish up. I set deadlines and tried to stick to it. It wasn’t easy but I prayed a lot and that helped.
 
- Which authors have been most influential to your own writing?
 
I read a novel by Frank Peretti in 1986 called “This Present Darkness.” It was the first time I read a Christian novel that was outside the box and unusual. It had real people that I could relate to in the story. Ted Dekker is another author who writes very unique stories with a supernatural twist. My favorite Dekker novel is a trilogy called, “Black, Red & White.” I loved how he kept my interest in the same character through three books. These authors influenced me to write unique stories and subject matters you wouldn’t expect in a Christian novel.
 
- What inspired you to write this particular book?
 
The interesting thing about this particular book is that I started to have this story swim around in my brain. My husband and daughter encouraged me to see where it took me and write a book. I wanted to write it because of their faith in me, but my inspiration came from God. Often I had no idea what the next chapter was going to be and I sat in front of my virtual blank page at a loss. I sat and I prayed and it was if I could see the scene unfold in front of me. I started to type and the next thing I knew the chapter was done.
 
- Who is your favorite character in this book and why?
 
It’s hard to pick a favorite character because the characters are like my children in a way. They each were developed and born out of me. I liked them for different reasons. If I had to pick just one it would be Regina. Regina because for me she represents the Christian who struggles and may not always react correctly, but she keeps trying to do the right thing. She has flaws and is very passionate about the things she believes to be good and right.
 
Thank you, Nadine for your candid interview on the process of writing your new novel, Prisoner of Circumstance.
 
Everyone else – leave a comment here before midnight on Friday, February 6 to be eligible to win a free book.
 
Can’t wait until next week’s giveaway? You can buy the book now on Amazon.com.

 
Christmas Eve, or La Vigilia, is one of the biggest feast days in Italy … but, wait. We’ve already talked about that, haven’t we?
 
Known as “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” because southern Italians traditionally served seven different types of seafood, this custom has been passed throughout generations of Italian-Americans, written about and blogged about.
 
Two of my blogging buddies, MaryAnne of Finding La Dolce Vita and Joe at Italyville have teamed up to create an Italian-style Christmas Eve feast like none the blogosphere has ever seen.
 

 
And they asked for help.
 

If you have a great seafood recipe to contribute to the Seven Fishes Feast, here is what you do!
 

Create a fish or shellfish dish and post it on your blog.

 

Display the “Seven Fishes Feast” badge and link back to both Maryann and Joe.

 

Send your entry to joe (at) italyville (dot) com and put “Seven Fishes Feast” in the subject line.

 

Include your name, blog name, url, the name of your recipe with a photo and a link to your post.

 
They will post the recipes as they arrive… so check in with them throughout the week!
 
Oh, also they will chose a name at random on December 19th and the winner will receive a super-cool Calabrian-inspired gift basket.

 
So count me in.
 
This pasta dish is easy, peasy and is a staple at our house year-round.
 
Pasta al Tonno
(Serves 2)
 

 
Ingredients:
>> Canned Tuna (one small can per person)
>> Penne Pasta
>> Olive Oil
>> Parsley
>> Garlic
>> One Fresh Red Pepper
 
Directions:
 
1. Lightly brown garlic in a small amount of olive oil.
 
2. Drain the tuna and add to the pan.
 
3. Slice the pepper in half and add it in with the tuna.
 
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
 
4. Add parsley.
 
Enjoy.
 
** See? I told you it was easy peasy! **
 
I’ve already said this is a staple at our place. What are some of your favorite meals to quickly whip up at the end of a long day?
 

 
Who by Fire. This book has been blazing the blogosphere lately, with giveaways, author interviews and guest posts popping up at many of my favorite sites. The book sounds fantastic – there is crime, there is love, there is family … but is there forgiveness? Well, I don’t know. I haven’t read the book yet, either.
 
But thanks to the charismatic young author, Diana Spechler – I have to say young, she is younger than me and I am young, right? Right? - you can win a copy!
 
As a recent winner of the NaNoWriMo challenge, I am intrigued by the writing process of published authors, so after a few polite email exchanges, Diana let me quiz her on her writing.
 
Our interview is below.
 

But first … the giveaway!

 

Just leave a comment – any comment! – on this post by midnight (Calabria time) Wednesday, December 17.

 

One winner will be randomly selected and announced on Thursday, December 18.

 

The giveaway is open to anyone with a US address, but I have an idea for you overseas folks.
 

1) Enter the contest and use a family member’s or friend’s address in the US

2) Enter the contest and if you win, send a bonus holiday gift to a friend or family member in the US

3) Enter anyway. I’ll be in Texas for Christmas and since I am feeling the holiday spirit, I’ll mail it to you myself!

 

And now … Diana Spechler on her writing process.
 
What got you interested in writing?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. I was writing stories and poems from the time I could pick up a pencil. Eventually, I gave up poetry. I was a terrible poet.
 

photo credit: Mike Willis

 
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
As soon as I was no longer a student, I started calling myself a writer, because I wasn’t sure what else to call myself. But I was self-conscious. When you say, “I’m a writer,” people ask, “What have you written?” and when you have to say, “Lots of things, but none are available for public consumption,” well…it’s embarrassing. Once I sold my novel, I became more comfortable with calling myself a writer. Now I call myself an author, which feels like a promotion.
 
How do you develop plots and characters? Do you use a formula or do they evolve as you write?
Characters come first. Always. I’m inspired by people I meet. I love quirks and tics. I love strange accents. I love people who use big words out of context. I love when someone’s pants are too tight or when someone has the loudest laugh in the room. I love the lies we tell one another. I love when someone says the wrong thing. I love looking at two people and knowing that Person One likes Person Two more than Person Two likes Person One. My fascination with character is endless, so character development comes much more easily to me than plot. I find plot painfully difficult. I was surprised when I finished writing Who By Fire that I had written such a plot-heavy novel. In the first few drafts, there was no plot.
 

photo credit: Kables

 
What books have influenced you the most?
It’s hard to say, but a couple of my favorite novels at the moment are Mystery Ride by Robert Boswell and Rules For Saying Goodbye by Katherine Taylor.
 
If you had to do it again, what would you change about the writing process you underwent when writing Who by Fire?
Please don’t make me do it again!
 
The whole time I was writing Who By Fire, I was thinking, Never again will I write a multiple-vision narration. Never again will I write about people who don’t want me to research them (Orthodox Jewish men). But avoiding particular challenges doesn’t make the writing process any easier—new challenges inevitably arise. My second novel is causing me just as much grief as Who By Fire caused me, but for different reasons.
 
What do you find most challenging as a writer?
It’s difficult to make a living as a writer. I have to work other jobs and squeeze the writing in, which is incredibly frustrating.
 
What advice do you have for other writers?
Be open to constructive criticism. Don’t be afraid to throw out twenty, fifty, or even two hundred pages; writing is really just lots of re-writing.
 
That is great advice, Diana and I want to thank you for your candid thoughts on the difficulties and challenges of being a writer.
 
Now the rest of you – enter this contest. If you can’t wait until next week, you can buy the book now. Right here.
 
In bocca al lupo!