Interview With Author D.M. Zultowski
1. What inspired you to write this book? I started writing it on the plane returning to
the U.S. after touring Italy. The country is gorgeous and it has a sort of
spirit to it. The sights, the structures, the people all contribute to its
beauty. While walking through it, I knew there was a story there I just had to
tell. I could not wait to get home and take the tale seriously!
2. What exactly is it about and who
is it written for? The story is about a priest, Fr. Maurice
Lamoreaux, who has always kept his understanding of the world in the books he
read. But when a father and son from his parish invite him to accompany them to
Italy, he is apprehensive about stepping away from the shell he has built
around himself. While he is in the new country, he meets the photographer,
Isabelle, who has her own way of helping him enter the world in a new way. Soon, friendship and love is tested while Fr.
Maurice remembers the words the monsignor spoke to him before he left:
"That is why our Lord chose Italy for the center of our faith. Anywhere
else, and we would die off from boredom."
3. What do you hope readers will get out
of reading your book? I want them to know that we are always growing.
Of course, fear can come with it as well as testing
the relationships we already have . But we often find
people along the way who can help us along.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design? HAHAHA! A friend actually said it to me while we
were having a conversation. I was so excited I pointed at her and said,
"That's it!"
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other than run!? Don't run. HAHAHA! I guess a lesson I still
learn is that sometimes, what you are writing is not right for you. Plenty of
times, I have started writing something, and kept it going for a while before I
realized it was not my story to tell. That is not something to be ashamed of.
There are a number of reasons why that story may not be right for you. Open
yourself up to the one that is. What gets you excited? What feels right? If you
love it, if you believe in it, if you want more of it, it's something to
pursue.
6. What trends in the book world do you see --
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? I love the doors Kindles have opened for people.
Being able to self publish electronically allows authors to get their work out
there like never before.
7. Were there experiences in your
personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I saw the places I wrote about.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I am very descriptive of scenery, people, and
actions. I want the reader to see what they are reading. Authors I love are
Ernest Hemingway, Charles Dickens, Jerry Stahl. Wow! So many others. I actually
met Jerry Stahl at one of his book signings. I was so inspired and I still am
whenever I think about it.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book? I had a couple peers reading my final draft so
they could give their approval before sending it out. What I said about
rejection triples when you are waiting for your friends to tell you the
truth.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours? When I write, I like to give the reader
something to think about. I want to write something that sticks. I love my readers,
and this is my gift to them.
About The Author : D.M. Zultowski was born in New Jersey, lived
in Brooklyn for a number of years, and currently lives in Philadelphia. He
studied Film and Media Arts at Temple University, and holds an M.Div. and an
M.A. in theology. His first book "Earl Grey Mourning" was published
under the name David Buffum in 2009. D.M. Zultowski is also an artist who works
with toothbrushes and ink. For more info, please see: www.dmzultowski.com
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