Author Interview: Anthony Di Angelo
"There is only one person who can tell the story you want to tell, and it’s you."
Today, we’re hearing from author Anthony Di Angelo, who’s just completed book one of an epic Game of Thrones-esque fantasy series.
Let’s dive in!
Anthony, tell me a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in a small town in British Columbia, Canada, then moved in 2008 to the province of Alberta for work where I currently reside.
When did your writing journey begin? Have you always wanted to be an author?
I discovered a love for storytelling and creating characters in my early childhood. Any projects back in school that involved creative writing were always my favorite.
My creativity impressed my teachers and I was often complimented on my assignments. Where my classmates would simply finish the work to hand something in, I thoroughly loved the process of story building.
Although I absolutely loved writing and coming up with my own stories, I never considered myself or my writing as being good enough to pursue as a career.
It has only been in the last few years that I’ve taken my writing seriously and began chasing my dream of being a full-time writer.
What's your all-time favourite novel (to read)?
My all-time favorite novel is The Sicilian by Mario Puzo. Anything written by him I consider to be stellar, but this title was what inspired me to create a mafia drama/saga of my own for my novel Sicilian Roulette.
How many novels have you completed so far?
I have three published and available on Amazon/kindle. Barnes & Noble. Indigo/Chapters. (Descent Into the Hallway of Madness, A Haunting For Christmas, and Sicilian Roulette).
I recently finished work on book one of an epic fantasy series that is comparable to Game of Thrones. I am currently querying agents and seeking representation for this latest book.
I have nearly one-hundred starts to different stories in various genres that I would love to pursue, including sequels to two of my published works.
What are you working on right now?
As I mentioned, I am currently seeking representation for my fantasy novel, but I have several instalments for this series planned and am working at developing that story for when it gets picked up by an agent.
What's been your biggest challenge as a writer?
Well I am my own worst enemy. I struggle with self-doubt and second-guessing my decisions that can be quite crippling at times.
Aside from that, I would have to say that marketing is also something that is a constant issue. Getting my work into the hands of readers and receiving reviews for my books as well. I have fallen victim to scammers who charge reading fees to look at my work and received nothing in return.
There are times where I feel like I’m merely a needle amongst a stack of needles trying to get my work noticed.
Where can people find you online?
I’m on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Goodreads.
Do you have any big plans for the future?
My hope is to gain representation by an agent and eventually make a full-time career of my writing.
Finally, can you share a golden nugget of advice for any aspiring authors reading this?
As cliché as it sounds, never give up on your passion.
If it is something you feel you need to do, or a story that you need to tell, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it. Don’t be afraid of the rejection and pay no attention to the naysayers that try to block your creativity.
There is only one person who can tell the story you want to tell, and it’s you.