I first became interested in writing at the age of 12 when I wrote short stories for friends. Later, in high school, I wrote for the school paper, and eventually wrote a collection of poetry.
I was raised by an Italian mother who immigrated to the US in 1945 as a war bride to an American soldier. I was born in the US several years later. I grew up on the tales of Old Italy, and learned about the folkloric practices of what I call "peasant witchcraft." In addition, like most others with such a background, I at more...