It’s time for the next subject for my 2018 author interview series. Author interviews are posted every Friday throughout the year.
I am honored to continue this series with California author and blogger Tina Frisco.
You can catch up with all of my past author interviews (nearly 200) on my Author Directory page.
If you’re an author interested in being interviewed in this series, I still have limited spots available for 2018. You can email me at don@donmassenzio.com
Now, please enjoy this interview with Tina Frisco:
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I aim to do both, because both are needed for books to sell. But I won’t compromise originality, so at times it becomes a bit of a juggling act. I write because I enjoy it and am compelled to so. Writing is my life’s blood. And like most writers, I want to engage and communicate with others. In order to reach people, my writing must be both original and magnetic.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Pay attention. Observe what moves people and learn how to reach them where they are. Take your passion for writing and gingerly weave its message through the prevailing consciousness. People will turn a deaf ear to shouting, but they will strain to hear a whisper.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
Woman Chief by Rose Sobol. It’s the true story of a woman who became chief of the Crow Indians by refusing the traditional duties of women and by outperforming her male counterparts.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I confess that I’m not one to scrutinize my books’ reviews; not because I don’t care, but because I forget to do so! I have a note taped to my computer screen to remind me to check them. I post the good reviews to my blog. If a bad review is cogent and well-written, I pay attention to anything that might help improve my writing. If it has nothing to offer, I ignore it – that is, after the initial “OMG” reaction ☺
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
No. I publish books not only to entertain, but also to inject messages into our collective consciousness. I’m an activist and a healer. Humankind is teetering on the brink of self-annihilation. I’m loath to be complacent about this. Novels entertain and are a great vehicle for learning. As I write, I learn. And my hope is that my readers will, too.
Do you Google yourself?
I did this once, about a year ago, when someone else asked me that question. I was shocked by the number of menu pages that came up. So I entered the names of several author friends, and the result was the same. It made me wonder if I should have used a pseudonym for everything I did online. But that’s a moot question. The pros and cons seem to balance out. One thing is for certain: There’s no such thing as flying under the radar when you’re a published author!
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter. I love all of her books – the storylines, and especially the exquisite illustrations. As a child, I would imagine myself a character in the stories. I didn’t know it at the time, but her conservationist ideal subtly and profoundly affected me.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I’d pursue perfecting my craft in every way available to me, as well as exploring avenues that seemed out of reach. My family was not well-off, and opportunities for its children were very limited. Had I known how to use the library’s reference section to my advantage, I’d have researched grants and scholarships for higher education in the field of writing.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
About three months of solid writing and research. And like most authors, I’m sure, this is much preferred to marketing and promoting the finished product!
Thank you so much, Don, for featuring me on your blog and for all the support you give to fellow authors.
About Tina:
Tina Frisco is an author, singer-songwriter, RN, activist, and student of shamanism. Born in Pennsylvania USA, she attended nursing school in New York and lives in California. She began writing as a young child and received her first guitar at age 14, which launched her passion for music and songwriting. She has performed publicly in many different venues. Her publishing history includes book reviews; essays; articles in the field of medicine; her début novel, Plateau; her children’s book, Gabby and the Quads; and her latest novel, Vampyrie. She enjoys writing, reading, music, dancing, arts and crafts, exploring nature, and frequently getting lost in working crossword puzzles.
Connect with Tina:
Website/Blog ~ https://tinafrisco.com
Amazon ~ https://amzn.to/2JDwjAK
Twitter ~ http://bit.ly/2qtizQB
Facebook ~ http://bit.ly/2bMVUpI
Goodreads ~ http://bit.ly/2qtsuoX
LinkedIn ~ http://bit.ly/2EGIEAK
Google+ ~ http://bit.ly/1Fc1Uzn
Tina’s Books:
VAMPYRIE: Origin of the Vampire
What if vampires were not the undead, but rather the dying? What if there were two factions among vampires: the sustained and the unsustainable? And what if those factions were at war with one another over the life of a young woman who promised them a future? VAMPYRIE brings the myth of the vampire into the realm of possibility.
PLATEAU: Beyond the Trees
Is there any hope for humankind? Will love prevail over fear? A young tribal female is unaware she holds the answers to these questions. W’Hyani was born strong and willful and the Keeper of the Crystal Heart. Her mettle is tested by the cosmic forces that shaped her destiny. She comes face-to-face with fear in a battle that would shrink the will of the most daring warrior. The fate of all beings in the Universe depends on her defeating the bloodthirsty gondrah and unlocking the mystery of the Great Mosaic of Life.
Gabby and the Quads
Gabby is an only child who is about to become big sister to quadruplets! How will she handle this? Her parents decide on a unique approach to introduce her to and help her accept this awesome experience. Follow Gabby as she learns all about babies and the joy of loving.
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.
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Thanks for sharing this, Charles.
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You’re welcome. Enjoy your weekend
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Thanks so much for sharing, Charles ❤️
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You’re welcome. 😁
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Pingback: The 2018 Author Interview Series Featuring Tina Frisco | Legends of Windemere
Thanks for sharing this, Charles.
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog and commented:
If you’re an author interested in being interviewed in this series, Don still has limited spots available for 2018.
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Thanks for sharing this, Chris.
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Welcome, Don 😃
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Thanks so much for sharing, Chris ❤️
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My pleasure, Tina ❤️
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Reblogged this on Stevie Turner, Indie Author. and commented:
Enjoyed Don Massenzio’s interview of Tina Frisco.
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Thanks for sharing this, Stevie.
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Stevie ❤️
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You’re welcome.
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Reblogged this on Anna Dobritt — Author.
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Thanks for sharing this, Anna.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Anna ❤️
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A great interview with Tina. I love her statement, People will turn a deaf ear to shouting, but they will strain to hear a whisper. So true.
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Thanks for stopping by, Darlene.
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Thank you, Darlene ❤️
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Wonderful interview, Tina! So nice to learn more about you, and this forum Don has provided us with is an excellent way to do that. For instance, I see you wear a lot of hats! I had no idea you were a singer-songwriter, though I’m sure it was an oversight on my part. Vampyrie is on my TBR stack, and I am optimistic enough to believe I will get to it soon! 😀 Sharing this!
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Thanks for stopping by, Marcia.
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Thank you for commenting and sharing, Marcia. I’m sure we all overlook/forget things about fellow authors, and maybe even incorporate them into our characters! Your books are on my TBR as well. Let us remain optimistic about getting to them soon 🙂 ❤️
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I like the way you think! Hooray for optimism! 😀
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Birds of a feather, sister! 🙂
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Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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Thanks for sharing this, Viv.
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You’re very welcome, Don! Have a great weekend!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
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Thanks so much for sharing, Viv ❤️
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You’re very welcome, Tina! Have a great weekend!
Hugz on owl wings! @v@ ❤
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Back atcha, Viv ❤️
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Lovely interview with Tina, Don. Thank you for giving us some new insights into this great woman. (I originally wrote “great lady” but decided she would prefer “woman”. Hope I’m right!)
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Tina was a great guest.
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Thank you, Frank, and you decided correctly! “Woman” connotes strength and independence more so than “Lady” does. Besides, my wild nature has often precluded behaving like a lady throughout my life 🙂 ❤️
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Pingback: Interview With Tina Frisco – The Many Pieces of Chuck Jackson
Thanks for sharing this, Chuck.
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Hi Don,
Thanks for sharing a great interview with Tina. She is a great blogger and author.
BTW I reblogged it
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Thanks for stopping by, Chuck. I agree on both counts.
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Thanks so much for your lovely comment and for sharing, Chuck ❤️
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How lovely to read all about Tina here, Don. I also love Beatrix Potter and we all went to see the movie, Peter Rabbit.
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Thank you, Robbie. I missed the movie when it was in the cinema but have it on my streaming list ❤️
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Thank you for this wonderful series, Don, for featuring me as a guest author, and for your lovely comments. I appreciate your commitment to promoting fellow authors, and I admire the amount of work you share on a daily basis. Wishing you many blessings and great success with your writing, my friend ❤️
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Thank you, Tina. We’re all in this together.
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Most welcome, Don ❤️
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Excellent interview, Don and Tina. Enjoyed Tina’s thoughts on her younger self.
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Thanks, John.
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🙂
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Thank you, John ❤️
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🙂
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Outstanding interview, Tina–Sharing the post and highlighting your sage advice advice, “Pay attention. Observe what moves people and learn how to reach them where they are. Take your passion for writing and gingerly weave its message through the prevailing consciousness. People will turn a deaf ear to shouting, but they will strain to hear a whisper.” KUDOS! ❤
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Thanks for stopping by, Bette.
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Always a pleasure, Don! 🙂 Enjoy your weekend.
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Thanks. You too.
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Aw, thanks, Bette. My heart is smiling ❤️
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HUGS! ❤
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Hugs back to you, dear friend ❤️
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Nice to see you here Tina! Your answers are so different…you don’t hide any secrets in your books, not bothered by the reviews, write to entertain…you seem to be so saintly! Your advice to your younger self is also so prudent! I admire you all the more dear friend. 🙂
Thanks to Don for highlighting fellow bloggers and authors.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Balroop. I’m (way) far from saintly but strive to be honest and kind. Much like you, my dear friend ❤️
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Thanks for your comments and for stopping by, Balroop.
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Excellent author interview!
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Thanks, Jennie.
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You’re welcome, Don.
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Thank you, Jennie! ❤️
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You’re welcome, Tina. 😍
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Pingback: Reblog: The 2018 Author Interview Series Featuring Tina Frisco | Author Don Massenzio | TINA FRISCO
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Tina Frisco is the guest of Don Massenzio today and reveals more about her favourite books, her writing process and Googling… always lovely to find out more about Tina… thanks Don…
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Thanks so much for sharing, Sally ❤️
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Fabulous interview with Tina. I especially loved this profound line Tina, People will turn a deaf ear to shouting, but they will strain to hear a whisper. So true! ❤ xxx
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Thanks so much, Deb ❤️
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❤ ❤ Welcome T
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you liked the interview.
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Reading about Tina is always a treat. She’s a wonderful human being and a good friend. 🙂
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Yes, I just read Miriam’s poem about whisperings, and had responded that a whisper can be so much louder than a scream. Then I read this interview. :–0
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🙂
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Birds of a feather, Pam ❤️
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In so many wonderful ways…
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Fantastic interview, thanks to Don for hosting and Tina for letting us know more about her. I love Peter Rabbit and would love to read Woman Chief. xxx
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Thanks for stopping by Adele. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
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My pleasure. 🙂
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Thank you, Adele. You would love Woman Chief; she is a Sister ❤️
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I’m definitely going to look for her book. ❤
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Fun to read about Tina here, and to know her better by the answers to your questions, Don. TIna, I love your answer about whether you hide secrets in your books. In truth, you do the opposite by telling a story, and by doing so sending light through a collective consciousness. xo
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Thank you, Pam. You send an amazing amount of light to the collective consciousness with your beautiful writing ❤️
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Oh, thank YOU, Tina. I certainly try. xoxo
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Thanks, Don. It’s great to read more about Tina. Great interview. ♥
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Thank you, Olga ❤️
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A fantastic thoughtful interview with Tina. I loved the line about people ignoring a shout, but strain to hear a whisper. Wow!
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Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks, Jan. Your whispers do not go unnoticed ❤️
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Tina, this is a lovely interview with Don, a cosy informal chat-feel to it and it’s great to learn more about you! I too loved Peter Rabbit and still have some of the books I pestered my mother for birthday and Christmas presents, they are all so precious to me. I loved Don’s question about the most under appreciated book and am taken with Woman Chief and am noting this down as one to read! Finally great advice about writing and that ‘People will turn a deaf ear to shouting, but they will strain to hear a whisper.’ So true … here’s to us all sending out whisperings of wisdom! Hugs, my friend xx
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Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the interview.
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Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Annika. Woman Chief is based on a true story and is a quick read. I think you’ll love the strong female character ❤️
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Wonderful to read this excellent interview Don on Tina.. and I have learned more things here from our mutual friend Tina . 😀
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Thanks for stopping by. Tina was a great guest.
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Many thanks for sharing her interview and posing those questions. And yes Tina is a beautiful soul.. 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Thanks so much for commenting on both sites, Sue. Hugs to you, my friend ❤️
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Hugs Back ❤
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So nice to see Tina here and learn a little more about this wonderful writer, blogger, and person. I was unsurprised by most of Tina’s answers, particularly because she is so “cohesive” in her being. 🙂 I totally see her worldview and consciousness reflected in her stories. Great interview, Don and Tina. ❤
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Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by.
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Thank you for such a lovely comment, Diana. Kindred spirits ❤️
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Reblogged this on Chateau Cherie.
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Thank you for posting, Don! I’ve been following Tina for less than a week and it’s great to learn more about her and her wonderful talent! Blessings to you Don and to you, Tina! Keep up the great work! Shared on http://www.cheriewhite.blog
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Thank you for doing this interview! Tina is awesome and it was fun to read about her writing and background.
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That tug between writing to sell and writing what’s in you to write is very familiar to me. I recently wrote something purely for commercial purposes… never again. It wasn’t fun in the end.
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