Our Authors - In The Spotlight

JANNINE CORTI PETSKA
author of THE LILY AND THE FALCON

How did it feel to become published?

JCP: In a word, unbelievable. You imagine the moment, but when it really happens, you're unprepared for the gamut your emotions run. I walked in the clouds for weeks, going between disbelief, joy, and wondering if someone was going to call and say, "Just kidding. You're not really getting published."

If you could teach up aspiring writers one thing, what would that be?

JCP: To believe in yourself. With the nature of this business, it is too easy to be hard on yourself and take every rejection extremely personal. If you don't beleive in your abilities, I think it comes through in your work.

Best advice ever given or taken?

JCP: The best advice I've ever received was from my wonderful Sicilian mother. I had a disadvantage when I began writing. Because Italian was the first language for both my parents, I didn't grow up with a wide English vocabulary. Writing at first was a real struggle for me. My mother knew it. But she never let me forget that I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. And she was right.

Have you worked with a mentor, critique group or writing/plotting partner?

JCP: I tried a critique group once, but it wasn't for me. I have written three books with one of our chapter members, Victoria Nino. For the last twelve years, she's been my critique partner, my cheerleader, my sounding board. Because I'm a one-on-one person type, it's worked well for me.

Is your life anything like the romances you write?

JCP: Whoa, I wish. <g> Actually, I believe your life is what you make of it. That goes for marriage, too. And yes, I see my life in the same light as a romance novel. My husband and I have been married for 28 years. There have been goals, motivations and conflicts. Because of it all, we share an undying love that you read about in romance novels. To me, he's my knight in shining armor.

What attracted you to the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy?

JCP: What attracted me to Italy was my heritage. What attracted me to the Renaissance period was research. I knew I wanted to write a story in Florence to honor my father's family. I got hooked on the de' Medici family and the 15th century. From the moment I got the idea for THE LILY AND THE FALCON until the day I actually sat down to write it, eight years passed. I was terrified to do a medieval. (I had written seven westerns prior.) But when I began writing, I was shocked at how easy the words flowed.

I am interested in past life experiences. So I had my cards read. Most of my past lives were in antiquity in Europe. But one in particular struck a cord of familiarity. Apparently, I had lived in Renaissance Florence. I suppose that explains why I was so comfortable with that era and setting once I began writing, and why I had written things that I couldn't have possibly known. When I checked up on the facts, I was astounded to find how accurate I had been.

Also, setting stories in Italy allows me to write from the heart. Having grown up in a very Italian home, I find it easy and exciting to capture the very essence of the Italian in my writing.

Any last words?
JCP: That will never happen. I tend to never shut up!. Seriously, I am grateful for finding RWA San Diego. Since joining about 4 or 5 years ago, I have grown tremendously as a writer. It was the wisest decision I ever made. (Besides marrying my husband) :-)

The Lily and The Falcon
Precious Gem Historical Romance
August 2000
ISBN 0-8217-6890-5