Today, it gives me much pleasure to welcome seasoned author Don Massenzio to my humble patio. He has travelled from northern Florida, fortunately safe from the devastation and threat of the recent hurricane.
Don was born in Syracuse New York to first generation Italian/American parents, and wasn’t sorry to leave the cold winters behind!
Welcome to my corner of Spain, Don. At least I can offer you blue skies and sunshine! Now we’ve had our refreshments, you can sit back, relax and tell us more about yourself.
Thanks! It’s great to be here. That beer and the tapas were mighty welcome. So, fire away!
Did anyone inspire you to write?
I had a second grade teacher who helped me find my love for reading. I would say that authors of the books I read inspired me to write. Earlier on, there were Dickens, Harper Lee and Tolkien, and later Stephen King, Jonathan Kellerman and a great list of authors.
In what genre do you prefer to write?
I love to read detective stories and watch classic detective movies and television shows. This is the genre in which I feel most creative. I do, however, enjoy writing short stories in many genres.
Have you a strict routine?
Quite the opposite. I write when I have the time. I travel 45 weeks per year for my day job, so I write in airports, in planes, in hotel rooms, in cars and on trains. Whenever and wherever I have free time.
If you were shipwrecked, who would you take with you?
My wife and daughter for sure; I’d also like to take someone who would know where to find water and food!
What three objects would you take with you?
My Kindle, loaded with thousands of books and something I could use to write, along with a solar-powered generator.
Do you have any hobbies, Don?
I am a musician. I actually went to music school for a couple of years and played professionally. Now I play the piano at church.
Have you any quirks or foibles you’d like to tell us about?
I am clumsy. It might be because I’m left-handed, but it’s a bit of a family joke. The more Massenzios there are in a room, the more accidents happen!
Have you a pet hate?
Yes, if I’m at a performance, like a concert or play, I’m very sensitive to other noise and disturbance. I know what it’s like to be on a stage, and it’s my view that, if you paid for a ticket, you should be quiet and devote your attention to the performance. If you don’t, it shows a lack of respect.
If you could pass a law, what would it be?
Hmmm, great question. No cell phones at the dinner table would be great. I think we’re losing the art of conversation because of these devices. If I didn’t have to carry mine for work, I wouldn’t use it.
What is your hope for the future?
Another great question. I feel like the world has taken a step backwards and is becoming more divisive. I have a nine year old daughter and I don’t want her to grow up in a country where racism and hate are rampant as they seem to be now.
If you could invite two literary figures (alive or dead) to dinner, who would they be?
Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King. I would just sit back and listen to their stories and their interaction with each other.
How would you like to be remembered?
I would simply like to be remembered. By my daughter for being a good Dad, by my wife for being a good husband, and by everyone else to be remembered as someone who tried to be and do good.
Thanks, Don. It’s been a pleasure meeting you and putting you under the microscope! Have a safe journey back to Florida and give my best regards to your wife and daughter.
Some of Don’s published work:
BLOOD ORANGE
THE FRANK ROZZANI DETECTIVE STORIES 1-3
FRANKLY SPEAKING
LET ME BE FRANK
FRANK INCENSED
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE FOR INDEPENDENTLY PUBLISHED AUTHORS
LUCY’S CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
RAN DOM TALES ASSORTED SHORT STORIES
FRANK IMMERSED
AUGUST 1963
HEAL THYSELF
You can find Don at his blog: donmassenzio.wordpress.com
© Copyright Joy Lennick 2017
When author C. T. Mitchell and I last emailed each other, he didn’t have the slightest idea that he’d be a TWIG before the month was out! (He’s much more of a BRANCH really, but, like trees, our group’s starting out small… ).
Joy Lennick 