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Monique Gliozzi will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
Author Interview: Monique Gliozzi
Dear Danita,
Thank you for allowing me to be your guest on this wonderful tour and share some of my own personal experiences during this literary journey. I see you have ten questions, so without further delay let me satisfy your curiosity as best I can.
1. How did you choose your genre? What made you write this book? My genre has always lent more on the dramatic/suspenseful side, even though I have written romantic/humorous short stories, and try to incorporate these themes into my work to create a balance of emotions for the reader. Facets of the Past was inspired by an interest in history and my fascination with the mysterious demise of the late Bavarian King Ludwig II. Furthermore, this modern narrative brought back pleasant childhood memories of a time growing up in Munich.
2. Writers write what they know, and must observe the world. Are you a firstborn, middle or last child, and how does this shape your view of the world? I have an older sibling, thus being the “baby” of our family allowed me to sit back and learn from the experiences of others – especially observe my sister navigate through her teenage years. Lesson learned: how not to get into too much trouble! The life I lead is largely conservative but with a streak of adventure, a characteristic inherited from my parents. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” is a motto I’ve adopted, especially when it came to penning & publishing my first story.
3. Where is your favorite place to write? My creative side comes alive at home, in my small but cozy study. Here I listen to soothing tunes to generate ideas, propelling these out of fantasy onto paper.
4. How do you feel about killing your darlings, and what do you do with the remains? I suppose, given the genre of most of my books, a few bodies do turn up – some wash ashore, others are found by chance on a dark street by an insomniac. However, being fond of a character, makes it difficult at times to “annihilate him/her”, but inevitably their remains provide clues for eventual identification!
5. You are introduced to your favorite author. Who is it, and what is that one burning question you must ask them? Mary Higgins – Clarke is my favorite writer. I would invite her for afternoon tea and carefully select a couple of questions to initiate a robust discussion on trials & tribulations of being a best-selling author.
6. Inquiring minds want to know…tell readers something about you that no one knows. I have a few quirks which not even those close to me know of. Firstly when I write, usually it’s early in the morning – when our home is still quiet. This brings a sense of calm further facilitated by gentle tunes of Gregorian chanting (listened through headphones at that hour of course). This is a state in which I’m most productive. While thinking about the cover art for Facets of the Past, I found it useful to listen to Chamber Music.
7. You are stranded on a deserted island with only a backpack for company. What three items are in your survival pack? We all aspire to have a plan for surviving unexpected life events, but being on a desert island sure does complicate the picture. Being an aviator (another of my many interests), I always consider that important items to have on my person in the event of a disaster would be: 1. A compass (for orientation) 2. Matches (to make a fire to keep warm & ward off intruders) 3. A Swiss army knife (multipurpose use).
8. If you could have one superpower in your existence, what would it be? I would love to have the ability to heal with a simple, gentle touch of the hand.
9. Favorite snack? Funny you should ask about my favorite snack, given that as I’m writing to you, I’m munching on celery sticks. In essence, anything healthy such as almonds, dried fruit (apricots are my fave) & a little dark chocolate.
10. Indy 500 – Do you know how to get where you’re going or do you drive the speed limit? Thanks to Google Maps I rarely lose orientation, usually arriving at my destination with a couple of minutes to spare. I always like to respect the speed limit irrespective if I am familiar with the route or not. “What’s the rush?” – My mother would ask me in my younger years, at a time when I was known to have a lead foot. Well, the wisdom that comes with age can never be underestimated!
I hope you had fun learning a little more about me as an author and enjoy Facets of the Past.
Thank you again.
Warm Regards
Monique Gliozzi (Author of Foresight, Hunted, Vestige, Diversity)
Facets of the Past: No Dark Deed Goes Unpunished
by Monique Gliozzi
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GENRE: FICTION / Thrillers / Supernatural / Psychological
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BLURB:
When Hank Gild is given the opportunity to take up his dream job, he accepts the offer with excitement. As a tour guide at the historical imperial castle on Lake Starnberg, Hank delights his guests with stories of the late Bavarian emperor-his antics, his precious artifacts and the mystery shrouding his death in 1886. But it seems that not all the castle’s visitors are of pure heart. Before long, Hank is forced down a path of greed, deception and danger with no way out. A once happy and simple life unexpectedly becomes a treacherous nightmare. Who can he trust? Can Hank save himself before learning the ultimate lesson?
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Excerpt:
Sliding behind the tapestry immortalizing the king’s coronation, then positioning my flashlight to take full advantage of its beam, I went to work. The old lock cracked within seconds. The click echoing around the room appeared loud to my already adrenaline-laden senses. With a heart pounding like a jackhammer, I reached for the handle, savoring the feeling of cold brass against my clammy palm. The little secret door was finally ajar.
Anyone familiar with old doors would know that they never open quietly, their hinges invariably will creak. This one was no different. A rush of cold musty air rushed past me. Shining the torch, I could see that behind this partition was a short narrow corridor leading to a set of steps. Glancing at my watch, I noted there was still time before a second security sweep would be needed.
Tentatively, I walked into the unknown, first tackling the corridor and steep set of winding stairs to another locked door. As I prepared to pick its lock, images of an archaeological expedition crossed my mind – Tutankhamen. The oppressive musty air, steep dark tunnels and unlawful intrusion were some similarities taunting with my moral compass. I hoped that there were no microorganisms in this space causing a mysterious and deadly affliction or, worse, a curse.
Sweat built on my brow, the tools slipped from between my moist fingers, but eventually I opened the second door, revealing yet another very long tunnel. The ceiling was arched and low, suitable for anyone of shorter stature than my six-foot frame. As I walked bent over like the hunchback of Notre Dame, I calculated the approximate length of this tunnel to be eight hundred yards. Finally, reaching its end, another door beckoned to be unlocked. Putting my skill to good use, within seconds I found myself in a small underground room.
Shining the beam around the space, a sense of uncanny familiarity befell me. Then, at the far end of the antique wine cellar, I recognized a set of wooden steps. I was in the cellar of my cottage! Relieved at having completed this little adventure unscathed, I decided to retrace my steps back to the castle.
“I’ve been waiting for you, Hank!”
Startled, I spun around, my flashlight catching a dark hooded shape emerging from the shadows.
“Who are you? How do you know my name?” The harshness of my tone barely disguised my fear. The figure slowly stepped toward the middle of the room, his head bowed and face still concealed by the hood of what appeared to be a monk’s habit. He stood in silence.
“Who are you?” I demanded. Then, slowly lifting his head toward the light, revealing a sunken midface, sharply jutting jaw, a long beaked nose, and black penetrating eyes, the stranger answered, sending a chill down my spine.
“Call me the Handyman.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a senior clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.
Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.
Monique rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller Foresight, followed by Hunted and ghostly encounters in Vestige. Her latest book, Diversity, is a compilation of entertaining short stories of different genres.
Connect with Monique Gliozzi:
WEBSITE
BLOG
https://www.facebook.com/moniquegliozziauthor
https://www.instagram.com/monique.gliozzi/?hl=en
Purchase Links:
AMAZON.COM
https://amazon.com/dp/0228848903
INDIGO CHAPTERS
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/facets-of-the-past-no/9780228848929-item.html
BARNES & NOBLE
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/facets-of-the-past-monique-gliozzi/1139129049
RAKUTEN KOBO
https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/facets-of-the-past
SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1076824
APPLE BOOKS
https://books.apple.com/us/book/facets-of-the-past-no-dark-deed-goes-unpunished/id1561052315
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3 responses to “Author Monique Gliozzi: Facets of the Past”
Such a comprehensive post.
Thanks for hosting!
It’s a pleasure to have you here Monique! Congratulations on this thrilling supernatural!