Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
I’m Chuck Presti. I used to be a physician, but these days, I find my joy in simpler things—being a husband, a stepfather, and a brother. The moments I cherish the most are the quiet ones spent with the people I love, including our Wheaton Terrier.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Covered in Flour”?
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.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
Harper Lee’s sincerity, Mark Twain’s keen observations, Dr. Seuss’s imagination, and JK Rowling’s storytelling have been cornerstones in my understanding of what literature can achieve.
Q4. What’s your favorite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
The place I hold dearest is my own home. There’s a sense of belonging there that I find nowhere else, nurtured by my spouse and the company of our beloved dog. It’s not just a physical place but a haven of emotional connection.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Covered in Flour’?
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.
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Covered in Flour’?
Though the ideas have been marinating for years, laying them down in a coherent manner took about a month. That month was a cycle of writing, feedback, and editing, made easier by the unwavering support of my husband and friends, as well as some help from AI.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
I’ve self-published “Covered in Flour,” and it’s currently available on Amazon.
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Covered in Flour’?
The title and the cover were born from intense brainstorming. We wanted to encapsulate the Italian-American experience, the importance of family and food, and the messy journey of growing up. “Covered in Flour” seemed to say it all.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
Freshness comes from authenticity. I draw from life, from people I know and experiences I’ve had. Maintaining my own voice amidst the narrative is perhaps my way of keeping it real—for both the reader and myself.
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Being a novice in this field, the advice that resonates with me the most is to be authentic and to be a good listener. Authenticity ensures that your voice remains yours, and listening carefully makes that voice worth hearing.
Buy Covered in Flour on Amazon
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