Every month I interview authors whose books I’ve liked and found compelling. I want to know more. Join me as I ask all the questions I am dying to know: some se...
Michael Cecchi's tales from the Front: A New York City Maître D's Journey
In this episode, Elena interviews Michael Cecchi Azzolina, a seasoned New York City restaurant veteran with a career spanning 40 years at top Manhattan establishments. Michael discusses his experiences from the book 'Your Table is Ready,' which offers a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry during the 1980s Wall Street era. From touching stories about surviving the AIDS crisis and 9/11 to insights on restaurant dynamics and the art of service, Michael shares his journey from a troubled childhood in Brooklyn to managing his own successful eatery. He also reveals the challenges and joys of working in restaurants, the significance of great service, and how he came to write his book. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Navigating Life from Behind the Door: Stephen Bruno on Building Material
In this episode, Elena interviews Stephen Bruno, the author of 'Building Material: The Memoir of a Park Avenue Doorman’. In this coming of age story, Stephen talks about how getting the doorman job helped break his downward spiral from gifted academic kid in the Bronx to selling chicken wings at a fast-food restaurant in the midwest. He also opens up about the upstairs downstairs shenanigans at an exclusive Park Avenue building in New York City.Stephen talks about his unique perspective from twenty years spent serving residents. And while one of the rules of being a doorman is don’t get too close to the residents, they don’t want to be your friend, Stephen did just that and it saved him during a dark time. He talks about how watching a documentary on American black playwright August Wilson reminded him of a core rule or writing. He shares insights into his upbringing in the Bronx, the rules and subtleties of being a doorman, and the challenges he faced both professionally and personally. Stephen’s authentic account delves into themes of identity, class, and the transformative power of storytelling.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:2807:21 Summer Guy: First Chapter Reading17:21 Challenges and Turning Points30:11 Struggles at Hunter College30:59 Experiences with Fellow Students32:37 Interactions with Residents34:33 The Bloom Family's Impact36:40 Overcoming Challenges in Writing44:49 Publishing Success and Reactions53:16 Future Plans and Aspirations54:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Exploring Margo's Got Money Troubles with Rufi Thopre: Wrestling, Only Fans and Questioning the Madonna-W***e Story
In this episode, Rufi discusses her novel 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' and shares insights into her writing process, inspiration, and research. The novel delves into the world of a single mother who turns to OnlyFans to support her child, exploring themes like unemployment, sex work, and the complexities of human nature. Rufi also addresses societal judgments and the interweaving of tragedy and comedy in art. Additionally, she reflects on how personal experiences influenced her storytelling and offers a glimpse into the upcoming TV adaptation of her book.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:23 Exploring the Novel's Themes01:05 Character Analysis: Margot02:07 Inspiration Behind the Story02:55 The Concept of a Female Superhero03:52 Challenges in Writing Margot's Character04:21 OnlyFans and Cultural Perceptions07:45 Reading the First Paragraph08:46 Narrative Techniques and Points of View10:46 Art, Persona, and Fiction19:16 Research for the Book27:27 Personal Experiences and Fast Food Comforts28:41 Mother-Daughter Dynamics and Single Parenthood31:48 Character Development and Emotional Truths35:46 The Journey of Adapting the Book into a TV Show39:23 Themes of Moral Ambiguity and Empowerment45:36 Challenges and Messages in Writing53:38 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Humor, Grief, and Life-Affirming Moments: Alison Espach on 'The Wedding People
In this episode, Elena interviews author Alison Espach about her novel 'The Wedding People.' Alison talks about why she wrote the book, her own struggles with grief and how both in real life and fiction, humor can shift things, make the apocalyptic seem a little less, well, apocalyptic. The main character Phoebe is grappling with suicidal thoughts. She goes to a luxurious hotel by the ocean in Newport, Rhode Island. Phoebe has never seen the ocean. Phoebe hadn’t counted on there being a wedding at her perfect ending spot. And another fly in the ointment, the bride really doesn’t want Phoebe to ruin her wedding with some suicide. “It’s a really big week for me,” pleads the bride. “Same,” says Phoebe. It’s that kind of a book.. Not only is the book funny, so is its author. The book is tender and life-affirming with lots of big themes set in small revealing moments. The same could be said for Alison’s own life experiences which she discusses in this insightful episode. 00:00 Introduction and Book Recommendation00:35 Exploring the Novel's Themes and Characters01:08 The Birth of Phoebe's Character03:24 Writing Process and Inspirations06:09 Dialogue and Character Development14:23 The Stranger's Perspective17:57 Unexpected Connections and Conversations21:09 The Impact of Strangers21:25 Exploring Grief and Societal Pressure24:20 Writing as a Healing Process25:18 Character Development in Fiction31:47 Humor in Dark Moments34:35 Challenges in Writing39:06 Adapting the Book into a Film40:13 Upcoming Episode Preview This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
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Writer’s Block, Family Drama, and Creative Breakthroughs: Kate Feiffer on 'Morning Pages
In this episode, Elena interviews writer Kate Feiffer about her latest novel, 'Morning Pages'. The conversation covers Kate's diverse career, her talented family background, and the central themes of her book, including its focus on a playwright dealing with writer's block, family responsibilities, and professional challenges. Kate explains the inspiration behind the novel, its narrative style using 'Morning Pages', and the real-life experiences that influenced the story. The discussion also delves into the writing process, the humor in the book, and the dynamics within writers' groups that helped shape Kate's work.00:00 Introduction to Kate Pfeiffer01:10 Discussing 'Morning Pages'02:44 The Concept of Morning Pages04:53 Inspiration Behind the Book09:28 Exploring Family Dynamics11:39 Reading from the Play15:28 Writer's Block and Writing Process21:38 Transition from Children's Books to Adult Novels23:33 The Role of Writers Groups27:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit elenabowes.substack.com
Every month I interview authors whose books I’ve liked and found compelling. I want to know more. Join me as I ask all the questions I am dying to know: some serious, others not. elenabowes.substack.com
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