Interview with Joe Siccardi

Author of My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through

My Name Is Sam ... and Heaven Is Still Shining Through

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ. Currently retired and living in Romulus, NY

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

I started a 52 year newspaper career (reporter, editor, owner/publisher) at the Paterson News with stops at newspapers in Newton, NJ; Belvidere, IL; Toledo, OH; Washington, DC; and Seneca County, NY. I retired to Dover-Foxcroft, ME, where I wrote three books. I am currently visiting my children/grandchildren/great-grandchildren.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

After selling my newspaper, I had the time for “fun” writing.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

They are Christian-based, but not directed exclusively to Christian audiences. The novella (Heaven Shining Through) and latest followup novel (My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through) are fiction dealing with real life. The non-fiction is a collection of short stories (Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life) also dealing with real life issues.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I think just about anyone can relate. The stories are affirming. I think young women and mothers could relate with the fiction; dads the non-fiction.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I don’t think it was unexpected, but the amount of rewriting surprised me. While writing you’re constantly re-writing … refining … adding … deleting.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Write for yourself. Enjoy the process. Don’t get discouraged.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

Obviously we all want to be best selling authors, but I would be happy if my message oriented books touched just one person and made a difference in their life.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Marketing. Definitely marketing. Getting the books to the right audience.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Being in the writing business for 50+ years, my biggest strengths are editing and story flow. I also understand the publishing aspects (terminology, processes, etc.) and I know how to market.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Biggest weaknesses are recognizing when a rewrite is necessary, choosing a publishing platform (traditional vs. self) and reaching the right market.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’m actually working on Volume 2 of the non-fictional short stories … Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I’ve used all three … traditional(Xulon) for Heaven Shining Through; hybrid — cover and niche marketing (Higher Ground Books & Media) for My Name Is Sam … and Heaven Is Still Shining Through)– and self published for Wisdom From a Father … one dad’s thoughts on life.

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