What can you tell us about your new release, Machiavellian?
It’s mafia romance with an epic love story at its center. Mari has had a hard life, and she’s hoping to be saved from it, even though she’s one of the strongest characters I’ve ever written. Mac has been hardened by life, too, and he needs saving in his own way. Together, they form something really beautiful. Most of my books are about redemption, and from it, how love can transform the story. Machiavellian is a perfect example of that.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
The beauty of words inspired me to become an author. I love words and how they have the power to transport us to different worlds. We can live vicariously through experiences we’ve never had before, but also reconnect with situations that feel personal because we have experienced them before. It’s the magic behind storytelling.
What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?
This is hard! The Godfather (Mario Puzo), Romeo and Juliet (Shakespeare), Outlander (Diana Gabaldon), The Touched Series (Lashell Collins), Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich).
Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Anne Rice. We’re both from New Orleans. I’d love to ask her if she feels some of her creative inspiration comes from there.
What’s your favorite thing about writing?
Being transported to another world for a little while. Escapism at its best. I write like a reader would read—I go into the story with a general idea of what the book is, but having no clue what’s going to take place once I’m inside. If I plot ahead of time, like some authors do, the story feels done to me and I can’t write it. When I sit down to write, I get butterflies, because I have no idea what kind of journey the story is going to take me on.
What is a typical day like for you?
I do the usual things—eat, cook, spend time with family—with writing coming in between. Then I try to get straight writing time in at night.
What scene from Machiavellian was your favorite to write?
When Mac and Mari go to Italy to meet Mac’s family. I fell even deeper in love with the two of them! Italy becomes a crucial part of their story, a turning point. Mari is finally getting what she needs from life, and Mac is finally softening just enough to let someone else in.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
Just a word. Love.
Bella Di Corte is the author of the new book Machiavellian.
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