Q1. Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?
A1. My name is Maria Gallucci, and I’m a Colorado REALTOR®, author, and advocate. I’ve spent more than 30 years helping people buy and sell homes, but my story started long before real estate. I grew up as the hearing daughter of Deaf parents, and that experience shaped who I am. It taught me about communication, empathy, and seeing the world from a different perspective. Those life lessons became the foundation for my book, Raised in Silence, and they’re something I carry into everything I do.
Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?
A2. I think a writer writes because they have something they want to say. An author takes that idea all the way to the finish line and shares it with the world. Writing the book is only part of the journey. Publishing it, putting yourself out there, and connecting with readers is what makes you an author.
Q3. Which part of your book “Raised in Silence” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?
A3. The hardest part was writing about my family. Those memories are very personal, and I wanted to honor them while also being honest about my own experiences. Reliving some of those moments brought back a lot of emotions, but I knew they were important to tell because they’re what shaped me into the person I am today.
Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?
A4. Honestly, I don’t think it really hit me at first. It was more relief than celebration because writing a book is a huge project. Once I finally held it in my hands, I took a moment to appreciate how far I’d come. Then it was right back to work sharing it with readers.
Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?
A5. I try to keep it real. I share stories, behind-the-scenes moments, reader feedback, and pieces of my everyday life. I want people to get to know me, not just my book. Social media has been a wonderful way to connect with readers and hear how Raised in Silence has impacted them.
Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?
A6. It really depends. While I was writing Raised in Silence, I’d spend several hours at a time working on it whenever I could fit it into my schedule. Since I’m also a full-time REALTOR®, I had to write around my business. Some days it was a few hours, and other days I was simply jotting down ideas or memories so I wouldn’t lose them.
Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?
A7. I’ve always loved a good mystery or suspense novel, and honestly, I still do. There’s something about trying to figure out what happens next that keeps me hooked. Even now, if I have time to pick up a book just for fun, chances are it’ll be a mystery or suspense story.
Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?
A8. There are so many authors who tell meaningful personal stories, but what I admire most isn’t a specific person. It’s anyone who’s willing to be vulnerable enough to share their truth. Those are the books that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading them.
Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing Raised in Silence influenced your perception of yourself?
A9. It gave me confidence in a way I didn’t expect. For years, people encouraged me to write my story, and I always thought, “Maybe someday.” Finishing the book showed me that I could do something that felt overwhelming. It also reminded me that our stories have value, even when we don’t realize it. Hearing from readers who say the book opened their eyes to the Deaf community has been incredibly rewarding.
Q10. If you had to describe yourself using just three words, which would you choose?
A10. Compassionate. Determined. Genuine.
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