Author Interview – Humanitarians, Visionaries, Heroes and You by Mary Feliciani

authorinterview

Hello Lovely Bookish Friends! Today, I have an interview with Mary Feliciani, the author of Humanitarians, Visionaries, Heroes and You.

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aboutbook

Published: March 5th 2012 by M.F. Publishing

Genre(s): Middle Grade, Children, Inspirational

Format: Paperback, 50 pages

http://www.mfpublishing.com/shop-from-home/

This book is a collection of seven inspiring mini-biographies. The author uses the voices of Mattie Stepanek, Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, Terry Fox, Craig Kielburger, and her own reflections to encourage the reader to join a growing movement towards social responsibility and global citizenship.

Does any of your personality ever go into any of your characters?

My personality definitely chooses the content that I write about or subject matter (social issues). Regarding whether my personality traits go into any of the makeup of my characters, is a good question. I role-play with characters in my head when I am writing dialogue. In order to facilitate this, I must consciously assign certain attitudes to the characters. Then the question is — what would this character say in this situation? I choose attributes that I know well and that are based on life experience. I believe that if my own character traits find their way into the story, it is on an unconscious level.

Favorite snack while writing.

I never thought of snacking while I’m writing. This must be a clever way of procrastinating. I drink coffee instead. The snack can be a reward after the writing for the day. Chocolate would be my favourite.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It was in my first year of university. I was studying psychology and realized that I had something to say, and the best way to say it would be in writing. I didn’t necessarily want to be an author.

What is your favorite part about being a writer?

Writing is therapeutic and a good way to learn about yourself.

Which author(s) have inspired your writing?

Martin Luther King Jr., though not an author per se, wrote a famous and inspiring speech, I Have a Dream. If a picture can say 1000 words, then a speech can write a 1000 books.

If you were not writing books, what would you be doing for a living?

I was an elementary schoolteacher for many years. I would want to be a psychologist, otherwise.

If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be and why?

I try to make a difference in the world through my writing. Humanitarians and their causes have always been important to me. My book, Humanitarians, Visionaries, Heroes, and You, deals with peace and universal values. Two of my other books deal with bullying in the school environment, Big and Small in the Mirror, and The Invisible Boy. I believe that people, particularly children, can benefit from having good role models and that bullying is still a prevailing issue for young people.

What shows are you currently watching/binging?

I have been hooked on Netflix for a year now. My favourite genre in books, movies and television is mystery. I like cozy mysteries and psychological thrillers the best. Needless to say, I watched all the British mysteries first, such as Agatha Christie’s Poirot, Midsomer Murders, Ms.Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Death in Paradise, and Father Brown. After exhausting the genre, I watched some American series like Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Grace and Frankie. I’m currently not watching TV much. I am looking for my next good series. Any ideas?

Mary Feliciani is a Canadian author, independent publisher and an elementary school teacher. She attended UTM where she studied psychology and still lives in Mississauga, Ontario. Mary’s background in psychology, work with children and passionate interest in the human condition, which stems back as far as she can remember, are all evident in her writing.