Join me in a cosy chat with author, Charles Presti
What inspired you to start writing?
The inspiration for "Covered in Flour" came from the people closest to me. They encouraged me to put to paper the stories I'd often share around the dinner table. The setting of the 1960s adds an extra layer of complexity, mirroring a period that was pivotal for me and my generation.
What was the hardest part about writing this book?
Translating thoughts to paper was a humbling process. "Covered in Flour" was always there—in my memories, conversations, and personal experiences. The real challenge was giving it structure, making it a story that others could relate to. And as a first-time author, that was daunting.
Does one of the main characters hold a special place in your heart? If so, why?
I loved all of the characters. The one character that popped into my mind when I first read the question is Aunt Nina. A magical and charismatic personality, she always seems to make me smile. Her warmth, humor, and unconditional love for Carlo make her an unforgettable presence throughout the story. Aunt Nina's character represents the importance of family, resilience, and the power of laughter in the face of life's challenges.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
That’s a fun question! Here are my casting suggestions for the key roles in a movie adaptation of "Covered in Flour":
1. Carlo Pozzi (Protagonist, Narrator) - Jacob Tremblay (as a child), Timothée Chalamet (as a young adult)
2. Nick Pozzi (Dad) - Leonardo DiCaprio
3. Catherine Pozzi (Mom) - Anne Hathaway
4. Nina Enzonino (Aunt Nina) - Maya Rudolph
5. Michelle Franco (Aunt Michelle) - Melissa McCarthy
6. Julia (Aunt Julia) - Margo Martindale
7. Stefano Pozzi (Uncle Stefano) - Stanley Tucci
8. Netty Geppeta - Meryl Streep
9. Miss Veezi – Emma Stone
These acclaimed actors would bring depth, nuance and star power to the rich, complex characters in this coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a close-knit Italian-American family in the tumultuous 1960s.
What do you hope your readers take away from this book?
When I set out to write "Covered in Flour," my deepest hope was that readers would not only be entertained by the story but also find themselves reflecting on their own lives and the world around them.
At its core, this book is about the power of compassion, the danger of prejudice, and the importance of embracing our shared humanity despite our differences. Through Carlo's eyes, we witness the transformative impact that a single teacher, Miss Veezi, can have by encouraging her students to question assumptions, celebrate diversity, and lead with kindness.
I want readers to come away with a renewed sense of the beauty and complexity of the human experience - how each of us is shaped by our unique family histories, cultural backgrounds, and personal struggles. By delving into the Pozzi family's story, with all its joys and sorrows, triumphs and failings, I hope to foster empathy and understanding.
Most of all, I want readers to feel inspired to confront bias in themselves and the world at large. Carlo's journey illustrates that change starts within, by acknowledging and unlearning the prejudices we inherit and unconsciously harbor. It takes courage and humility to challenge the status quo, but as Miss Veezi shows us, small acts of love can create ripples of transformation.
Ultimately, my wish is that "Covered in Flour" leaves readers with a sense of hope - that even in the face of adversity and injustice, the human spirit can rise above, that healing is possible, and that together, we can build a more compassionate world.
Amazon
Charles Presti, emerging from the sun-drenched shores of Pensacola, Florida, crafts narratives that echo with the richness of his varied life. His journey from a USF College of Medicine graduate to a storyteller is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Drawing from his days as a physician and informatics specialist, Charles infuses his writing with a rare blend of scientific precision and heartfelt emotion. His debut novel, "Covered in Flour," is a vivid tapestry of his Italian-American heritage, his experiences in the whirlwind era of the 1960s, and his personal journey as a gay man. These elements converge to create stories that not only entertain but resonate deeply with themes of family, discovery, and the delicate dance of life's everyday moments.
Charles's passion for storytelling is paralleled only by his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. Alongside his husband, Mike Bruce, and their beloved Wheaton Terrier, Zoey, he is a vibrant force and founder of "Sunday's Child," a local charity dedicated to nurturing inclusion and empowering LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities through grants to local charities. A pillar in the Emerald Coast Writers group, he continually explores the nuances of identity, heritage, and a sense of belonging. Discover more about Charles's captivating world and "Covered in Flour" at www.coveredinflour.com, where each story is a window into a life lived fully and authentically.
Thank you so much for hosting Charles Presti today. A fabulous interview!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club
You are more than welcome.
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