Happy Monday, dear readers! Today it's my privilege to introduce a lovely lady, prolific writer, and award-winning author MaryAnn Diorio and her latest novel, The Madonna of Pisano.
As a special gift to you, one lucky commentor will win a print copy of this beautiful story set in 19th century Sicily. So don't forget to leave a comment with your name and contact info!
Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of riveting fiction that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. Her latest work, THE MADONNA OF PISANO, is the first novel in her trilogy titled THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES. MaryAnn also writes picture books for children. She resides in New Jersey with her husband Dominic. They are blessed with two magnificent daughters, a wonderful son-in-law, and five rambunctious grandchildren. When not writing, MaryAnn enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family. She may be reached at www.maryanndiorio.com.
Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?
1. What was your inspiration for this story?
An incident that occurred in my ancestral history.
2. What is its take-away message?
Unforgiveness enslaves; forgiveness sets free.
3. Tell us a bit about your writing routine. Do you have set hours?
Yes. I usually write from 9am-1pm five days a week. This sometimes varies based on family needs, etc., but I do my best to stick to my schedule. I consider my writing a business. Although I have a writing studio in my home, my mindset is that I am going to my job.
4. Do you get dressed first?
Yes. When I get dressed, I take myself more seriously. :) I even put on make-up, LOL! :)
5. Do you travel for research?
So far, I have written about places where I've either lived or that I have visited. I like to travel because it makes my research more authentic to me. There is something about being in a place physically that differs from reading about it online. When I am physically in a location, I can smell the air, feel the temperature, and enjoy the culture in a way that I cannot if I research online.
6. Where and when do you do your best work?
In my writing studio from 9am until 1pm.
7. What’s your next writing project?
I am currently completing the second novel of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy. The second book is titled A SICILIAN FAREWELL. It is scheduled for a summer release.
Just for fun:
1. Coffee or Tea? Coffee
2. Snacks: Sweet or Salty? Salty
3. Dream vacation The Holy Land
4. #1 on your Bucket List To know Jesus more intimately each day by deepening my relationship with His Holy Spirit.
Thanks for sharing with us, MaryAnn. Now let's take a closer look at this fascinating book.
As a special gift to you, one lucky commentor will win a print copy of this beautiful story set in 19th century Sicily. So don't forget to leave a comment with your name and contact info!
Dr. MaryAnn Diorio is a widely published, award-winning author of riveting fiction that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. Her latest work, THE MADONNA OF PISANO, is the first novel in her trilogy titled THE ITALIAN CHRONICLES. MaryAnn also writes picture books for children. She resides in New Jersey with her husband Dominic. They are blessed with two magnificent daughters, a wonderful son-in-law, and five rambunctious grandchildren. When not writing, MaryAnn enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her family. She may be reached at www.maryanndiorio.com.
Let's dig a little deeper, shall we?
1. What was your inspiration for this story?
An incident that occurred in my ancestral history.
2. What is its take-away message?
Unforgiveness enslaves; forgiveness sets free.
3. Tell us a bit about your writing routine. Do you have set hours?
Yes. I usually write from 9am-1pm five days a week. This sometimes varies based on family needs, etc., but I do my best to stick to my schedule. I consider my writing a business. Although I have a writing studio in my home, my mindset is that I am going to my job.
4. Do you get dressed first?
Yes. When I get dressed, I take myself more seriously. :) I even put on make-up, LOL! :)
5. Do you travel for research?
So far, I have written about places where I've either lived or that I have visited. I like to travel because it makes my research more authentic to me. There is something about being in a place physically that differs from reading about it online. When I am physically in a location, I can smell the air, feel the temperature, and enjoy the culture in a way that I cannot if I research online.
6. Where and when do you do your best work?
In my writing studio from 9am until 1pm.
7. What’s your next writing project?
I am currently completing the second novel of The Italian Chronicles Trilogy. The second book is titled A SICILIAN FAREWELL. It is scheduled for a summer release.
Just for fun:
1. Coffee or Tea? Coffee
2. Snacks: Sweet or Salty? Salty
3. Dream vacation The Holy Land
4. #1 on your Bucket List To know Jesus more intimately each day by deepening my relationship with His Holy Spirit.
Thanks for sharing with us, MaryAnn. Now let's take a closer look at this fascinating book.
BOOK BLURB: A young woman, a priest, and a secret that keeps them bitterly bound to each other . . .
SHORT EXCERPT from THE MADONNA OF PISANO:
MARIA LANDRO led her little son by the hand as they hurried down the winding road from Bella Terra toward the village. Distant, dark clouds gathered in the morning sky. Looked like a storm coming. The anxiety that had been churning for days in the pit of her stomach now spread to chill every part of her body. It was all she could do to keep herself from turning back.
Nico tugged on her wrist. "Are we almost there, Mama?"
She squeezed his hand in return, the hem of her skirt rustling against the pebbles as it swished along the cobblestone road. "Almost, darling. Are you all right?"
He looked up at her. He had her father's eyes. Kind, deep, and probing. They always made him so easy to love.
"I'm well, Mama." But his fingers fidgeted in her hand.
His nervousness only fueled her own. She squeezed his hand more tightly. Please let the village be kind to him. Regardless of what they believed about her.
A sudden gust of wind caught the end of her headscarf, pulling it back past her temples. "My, the wind is getting stronger. Let's hurry before the storm breaks. We don't want you to arrive at school soaking wet on your very first day, do we?"
"No, we don't, Mama. I would look silly." He laughed, and an arrow pierced her heart.
If anyone hurt him . . .
Ready to get your own copy? Here's the links for all of Dr. Diorio's books:
FICTION:
The Madonna of Pisano http://www.amazon.com/Madonna-Pisano-Italian-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B019EHCSEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450474616&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Madonna+of+Pisano
Surrender to Love http://www.amazon.com/SURRENDER-LOVE-MaryAnn-Diorio-ebook/dp/B00ZSCU8SE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435341774&sr=8-1&keywords=surrender+to+love+by+maryann+diorio
A Christmas Homecoming http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homecoming-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B017QL62U2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459176404&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Christmas+Homecoming+by+MaryAnn+Diorio
PICTURE BOOKS
Who Is Jesus? http://www.amazon.com/Who-Jesus-Maryann-Diorio/dp/0930037146/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=141357090
Toby Too Small http://www.amazon.com/Toby-Too-Small-MaryAnn-Diorio-ebook/dp/B012H37JYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440273255&sr=8-1&keywords=toby+too+small
Candle Love http://www.amazon.com/Candle-Love-MaryAnn-Diorio/dp/0930037332/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1447779976&sr=8-1
Before you go, dear readers, don't forget to comment below for your chance to win a print copy of The Madonna of Pisano.
SHORT EXCERPT from THE MADONNA OF PISANO:
MARIA LANDRO led her little son by the hand as they hurried down the winding road from Bella Terra toward the village. Distant, dark clouds gathered in the morning sky. Looked like a storm coming. The anxiety that had been churning for days in the pit of her stomach now spread to chill every part of her body. It was all she could do to keep herself from turning back.
Nico tugged on her wrist. "Are we almost there, Mama?"
She squeezed his hand in return, the hem of her skirt rustling against the pebbles as it swished along the cobblestone road. "Almost, darling. Are you all right?"
He looked up at her. He had her father's eyes. Kind, deep, and probing. They always made him so easy to love.
"I'm well, Mama." But his fingers fidgeted in her hand.
His nervousness only fueled her own. She squeezed his hand more tightly. Please let the village be kind to him. Regardless of what they believed about her.
A sudden gust of wind caught the end of her headscarf, pulling it back past her temples. "My, the wind is getting stronger. Let's hurry before the storm breaks. We don't want you to arrive at school soaking wet on your very first day, do we?"
"No, we don't, Mama. I would look silly." He laughed, and an arrow pierced her heart.
If anyone hurt him . . .
Ready to get your own copy? Here's the links for all of Dr. Diorio's books:
FICTION:
The Madonna of Pisano http://www.amazon.com/Madonna-Pisano-Italian-Chronicles-Book-ebook/dp/B019EHCSEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450474616&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Madonna+of+Pisano
Surrender to Love http://www.amazon.com/SURRENDER-LOVE-MaryAnn-Diorio-ebook/dp/B00ZSCU8SE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435341774&sr=8-1&keywords=surrender+to+love+by+maryann+diorio
A Christmas Homecoming http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Homecoming-Holiday-Extravaganza-ebook/dp/B017QL62U2/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459176404&sr=8-1&keywords=A+Christmas+Homecoming+by+MaryAnn+Diorio
PICTURE BOOKS
Who Is Jesus? http://www.amazon.com/Who-Jesus-Maryann-Diorio/dp/0930037146/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=141357090
Toby Too Small http://www.amazon.com/Toby-Too-Small-MaryAnn-Diorio-ebook/dp/B012H37JYM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440273255&sr=8-1&keywords=toby+too+small
Candle Love http://www.amazon.com/Candle-Love-MaryAnn-Diorio/dp/0930037332/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1447779976&sr=8-1
Before you go, dear readers, don't forget to comment below for your chance to win a print copy of The Madonna of Pisano.
RSS Feed
