Spotlight Saturday: Author Interview and Giveaway with Joseph M. Rinaldo, author of A Spy At Home

Hi, everyone!

Welcome to another edition of Spotlight Saturday at Darlene's Book Nook, where we feature authors and their books!

We will be joined today by Joseph M. Rinaldo.

About Joseph:

Because I work in credit and finance, I thought I would be an oddity in the world of writers – a “numbers” guy in a world of “words” folks, but as I’ve read more about other authors, I’ve discovered that many authors work in fields totally unrelated to writing. I love the way words create worlds, and that is one of the things that drew me into writing fiction. Always a big reader, it gives me great pleasure to be one of the creators of stories that others can enjoy.

Both of my currently-available ebooks have in them characters with Down syndrome. My daughter also has Down. I believe that my daughter’s life and experiences have much to offer me in the way of character development and story lines. I feel very fortunate to be able to fashion some of my characters around her, and I know that these characters add a richness and realism to the novels I write.

For further information, please visit Joseph's website. 

Author Interview:

Welcome to Darlene's Book Nook, Joseph! Please tell us a little about yourself. 

In my spare time (spare time? What spare time?), I enjoy spending time with my family, boating, fishing, Ohio State Buckeye football and basketball, and of course reading.

Do you have a specific writing style? Do you write an outline, or do you write more “by‑the‑seat-of-your-pants”? 

When I first began writing, I drew up an elaborate outline and followed it meticulously. I began to realize early on that this is a cumbersome way to write. Now, I just jot a few notes so I don't forget where the story's going, and I rely on the voices in my head to lead me.

 
Do you discipline yourself to write a certain number of words daily? Or do you ever have dry periods where you do not write? 

I wish I had the time to write a certain number of words a day, but sadly with my schedule and my family's obligations, I don't. I do try to write at least every other day, but there are some days when I just don't have the time to do so (or the energy).

 
What is your ideal writing environment? Do you prefer music or solitude? Is there a time of day (or night) that you prefer?

I like to write with music on in the background. It's less distracting than TV. I prefer to write in the daytime; by night, I'm usually too tired.

 
I see from your bio that you have a family member with Down syndrome and that both of your books feature a character with it. How do your real-life experiences affecting your writing?

I believe that my daughter's life and experiences have much to offer me in the way of character development and story lines. I feel very fortunate to be able to fashion some of my characters around her, and I know that these characters add a richness and realism to the novels I write.

Where did you come up with the idea for A Spy At Home?

My wife had written a short story involving a woman who has a daughter with Down syndrome who is beginning to develop early-onset Alzheimer's. Then the woman realizes she also is developing A.D.; she is tormented by what may happen to her daughter when she is no longer able to care for her. I took the seeds of this moving story and built the spy story around it. 

Are any of the characters based on someone you know?

I believe there's a little bit of each author in each character they write, but mainly my daughter has been the inspiration for each of the characters with Down in my books. 

Can you tell us a little about any current or upcoming writing projects? 

I am in the editing stages of my next fiction release, MOUNTAIN MEADOWS AFTERMATH. It's a story about Mormonism and how this "cult-like" religion has ignored (perhaps even sanctioned) the abuse of women. I will be releasing this book in 2012, and I believe it will be quite controversial, especially in light of the candidates in the upcoming presidential election.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

My family and I love to spend as much time as we can on our boat. During the winter months, we read a lot, exercise, and play board games.

Who is your favourite author and what really strikes you about their work?

I believe that I'd have to say Gillian Flynn, because of her book Sharp Objects. It is a perfectly written book, and I admire her writing style and the story she so carefully crafted. It really spoke to me.

What book(s) are you reading now? 

Right now, I'm reading the Vanishing Man by Richard Austin on my Kindle. My taste in books I read is eclectic; I like fiction and nonfiction, biographies, and even some self-help types of books. Reading is entertainment and escapism, but it's also learning and growing yourself.

Do you have any specific last thoughts that you want to say to your readers?

There are so many books out there, both in print and in ebook formats, it's difficult to choose one to read. I would like to encourage readers to read broadly, outside their zone of preference - this is the only way you can be sure you won't miss something wonderful! And, of course, I'd like to recommend my two currently published ebooks, A SPY AT HOME and HAZARDOUS CHOICES; both are available on Amazon, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, and my own website, www.josephmrinaldo.com. I'd also like to invite readers to check out my blog site, Read Rinaldo at http://wwwjosephmrinaldocom.blogspot.com.

*Fun Facts*

Favourite music? Barry Manilow, much country, Bon Jovi

Dog-lover or cat-lover? Like 'em both, but we have two cats 

Vanilla ice cream or chocolate? Vanilla? What's vanilla?

Secluded mountain cabin or five-star hotel? Definitely cabin. Less noise, more nature.
 
If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be? Probably Nicholas Sparks; I'd like to ask him how he managed to get a million-dollar advance for Three Weeks With My Brother!

I can't live without my... family, of course!  (Also, my Kindle.)

If I could take an all-expenses paid trip anywhere in the world, I would go to... 
somewhere really warm, like Bermuda! I am NOT fond of cold weather.

Thanks so much for joining us today, Joseph! It was a lot of fun getting to know you better, and I am looking forward to reading A Spy At Home!

Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive Joseph's e-book, A Spy At Home.

This giveaway is open to all.

SYNOPSIS:

When Dad becomes the lone caregiver for a dependent adult son, Dad has to answer the terrifying question: What happens if I die first?

A retired CIA operative comes to believe he wasted his professional life not only promoting questionable American policies, but missing life with his family. Suddenly, his wife is gone, and he must learn all that she knew about caring for their mentally retarded son. After a life of planning for contingencies, the former spy must deal with the possibility that he may die before his son. Who will care for the son when the dad spent a life out of the country and now has no one to lean on?

To enter the giveaway, please complete the Rafflecopter entry form below.

This giveaway is open internationally, and it will close on Saturday, January 14th at 12:01 AM EST.

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