Giacomo Giammatteo

Whiskers and Bear Book Launch

Out of all the books I’ve written (almost thirty), this one is closest to my heart. For twenty-four years, my wife and I have run an animal sanctuary, providing homes for dogs, cats, pigs, horses, and even a wild boar. I don’t know how many animals we’ve had through the years in total, but at one time, we had as many as fifty-five.

A Plea For Help

I don’t often ask for help, but this is important. We have run this sanctuary for twenty-four years using our own money—no donations to speak of. The feed bill alone was more than a thousand dollars per month. And there are plenty of other bills, vets, fencing, shelter, medical supplies, and more.
In early 2015, I had two heart attacks followed by two strokes. The result was that it left me disabled. Now it is difficult to continue paying for everything.
I wrote this book in the hopes that it would sell enough to help with the funds, as all sales go to the animals. And I mean that—every penny goes to help support them—nothing for anyone else.

Q&A with Giacomo

Welcome!

Writing:
Do you draw from personal experiences and/or current events?
Mostly personal experiences. Not everything, obviously. The murders in my mystery books are not based on personal experience. But a lot is.

What was the inspiration for this book?
This book was easy. It was true.

Do you start with the conclusion and plot in reverse or start from the beginning and see where the story line brings you?
Again, this book was different, as it was true, so the outcome was predetermined. For my mystery books, I start with a theme, determine what will make a good story, then plan an ending. Once I know how it will end, then I start at the beginning.

Your routine when writing? Any idiosyncrasies?
None

If you could co-author a book, who would that writer be?
John Sanford. I’ve been reading his books for almost thirty years.

Characters:
Are any of your characters based on you or people that you know?
All of my primary characters are based on real people. I think it’s the best way to ensure deep character development.

Your novel will be a movie. Who would you cast?
Depending on which novel there would be many choices. But if we speak of my Friendship & Honor series, then Johnny Depp.

What’s next:
Are you working on your next novel?
I’m always working on numerous novels simultaneously. Right now, I’m working on a fantasy series, a mystery with a SF twist, a series of kids books based on the sanctuary, and a series of grammar books for kids.

Can you tell us a bit about it? Title?
Fantasy: A Promise of Vengeance, Rules of Vengeance Book I
Mystery/SF: Memories For Sale
No Mistakes Grammar for Kids (Volumes I, II, III, IV)
Life on the Farm series (for kids)
The Good Words: Blood Flows South Series, Book IV

When can we look for it? Approximate publication date?
Memories For Sale should go out on preorder in late April and be delivered in August.
A Promise of Vengeance will go on preorder in June, and the No Mistakes Grammar for Kids, Volume I and II in June also.
Life on the Farm, probably in late summer.

Reading:
Tell us why we should read this book.
Because it’s entertaining, it’s true, and it will help a lot of animals.

Who are some of your favorite authors?
John Sanford, Michael Connelly, Russell Blake, C.N. Lesley.

What are you reading now?
A novel from Lesley. It’s a continuation of her series.

Fun Questions:
Favorite leisure activity/hobby?
Playing video games.

Favorite meal?
It sounds dull, but spaghetti and meatballs.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting us!

Synopsis:

Check out my review HERE.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway. Click on WHISKERS & BEAR (in the sidebar) for a chance to win.

I am offering a $20. GC, either Amazon or B&N, whichever the winner prefers. Just a suggestion….if you enter the giveaway, please consider purchasing WHISKERS & BEAR. Thank you.

Giacomo will be back on April 15th….Don’t miss the 3rd installment for Author Of The Month