I'm pleased to welcome Joanne Guidoccio to the blog today. Joanne writes the Gilda Greco Mystery series. A Season for Killing Blondes is the first book in the series and was released earlier this month.
Kathy: Gilda Greco is about to open a career counseling practice. Have you ever received, or provided, career counseling?
JG: Eight years before retirement, I decided to plan ahead for the future. I signed up for a Career Development Practitioner program with a low residency option. It took me five years, but I was able to obtain the designation and hone my new skill set in the co-operative education classroom. During the last three years of my teaching career, I helped students identify career direction, prepare résumés and cover letters, hone interview skills, and adapt to their work placements.
Kathy: Not only does Gilda have to deal with a former high school crush, she has to deal with mean girl antics. Did you have to deal with such behavior in high school? Or now?
JG: In every school, past and present (and I imagine future), there will be mean girl antics. As a student, I was able to steer clear of that particular crowd. During my teaching years, I watched carefully for any inappropriate behavior and nipped it in the bud. If the behavior persisted, I enlisted the aid of social workers, guidance counselors, and administration.
Kathy: I've never agreed with the saying "blondes have more fun". They certainly don't in A Season for Killing Blondes. Did you have a particular reason to kill blondes?
JG: My well-honed left brain loves patterns. So, when I conjured up the storyline, I searched for several constants. Four dead blondes immediately came to mind. BTW...All my blonde friends are getting a chuckle out of the title.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
JG: During my “cancer” year, I was very particular about my reading material. My primary focus was healing and I could not afford any major energy drains. Cozy mysteries fit that bill beautifully. During my sixteen-month leave of absence, I read voraciously and often completed a book in one sitting. Well acquainted with the genre, I decided to try my own hand at writing.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
JG: I also write paranormal romances about middle-aged ex-mermaids. My debut novel, Between Land and Sea, was released in 2013. The sequel, The Coming of Arabella, will be released by Soul Mate Publishing in August 2015.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
JG: A Season for Killing Blondes is the first book in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series. Based in Northern Ontario, these books feature a fifty-something Italian woman, her relatives, deserving and undeserving men, and food
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
JG: I identify strongly with Gilda Greco, the protagonist of the novel. So much so, that I used the first-person POV. Our similarities...Italian Canadian, born and raised in Sudbury, relocated to Southern Ontario, mathematics teachers, career development practitioners, yoga enthusiasts, non-foodies.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
JG: Reinvention is the recurring theme in all my novels. I’m especially interested in inspiring and motivating boomer women (and their older sisters) to launch spectacular second acts. On my website, I have featured the reinvention stories of 90+ women from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
JG: While I enjoy writing for my own personal development, I also wish to share my work. I have been very fortunate to attract the attention of The Wild Rose Press and Soul Mate Publishing.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
JG: I would invite Louise Penny, Ann Lamott, Maeve Binchy, and Maya Angelou.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
JG: I have two books on my night table: The Birthday Lunch by Joan Clark and Your Next Breath by Iris Johansen.
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
JG: Reading, blogging, yoga, Toastmasters, movies, scrapbooking, photography.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
JG: I love colorful fruits and vegetables and usually have the following in my fridge: blueberries, cantaloupe, yellow or orange peppers, and Swiss chard.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
JG: Several ideas are percolating for Books 2 and 3 in the Gilda Greco Mystery Series – Too Many Women in the Room and A Different Kind of Reunion.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
JG: After spending 31 years in a very structured workplace, I welcomed the opportunity to flex my creative muscles and enjoy a more relaxed life. There is some structure to my days, but I feel free to change the pace and add/subtract activities. Seeing my name in print is the icing on the cake.
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