The Interview - Silvano Stagni
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What inspired you to start writing?
I always wanted to be a writer. Growing up, I was surrounded by storytellers. I heard many stories from people who grew up in different parts of the world. Storytelling was my main motivation to write.
Can you describe your writing process?
Before I start writing a new novel, I do a lot of planning. I plot the story and outline each chapter. During the outline, I also identify the new characters I need. Then I update the fixed characters. I write a series of historical crime fiction, fixed characters grow older and generally move on with their lives. Then, I outline the new characters. Outlining chapters may also highlight any research the story requires. Once I have defined the time period, I also research which real-life events would have had an impact on the story and on the characters.
All of this allows me to move freely within the framework. I go where the characters lead me, and the framework tells me where I have to return if I stray from the plotted path. Usually, a few new characters knock at the metaphorical door of the world I have created, and I let them in.
What’s the most challenging part of writing for you?
I was surprised b
How do you develop your characters?
I sit down and start describing them. Physical aspect, age, I then move to their life at the time of the story, their life before the story, their family, etc.
I also think of what they like and dislike, their hobbies, and positive and negative experiences in their lives. I may or may not use any of the details I put together. This process happens before I start writing the first sentence of the story.
I also think of any secrets they might have and what is their role in the story.
What’s your favorite book that you’ve written, and why?
Elena's memory. I created the whole story, and it is very coherent. I made a good use of the stories I heard when I was young to define my characters' personalities
Who are your biggest influences as a writer?
Agatha Christie, Faye Kellerman, Donna Leon, Andrea Camilleri, and the classic 19th century English and American novelists
How do you handle writer’s block?
I take a walk, concentrate on something else, read a book as far away as possible from the one I am writing, listen to music, and... if all else fails... a good-quality ice-cream always helps!
What do you hope readers take away from your books?
Venice is a city where people live and work. It is not a theme park.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Writing is a muscle, so write every day and challenge yourself. There is always room for improvement, and the most consistent improvement comes in small steps. The ones that make you realise how far you have come only when you look back.
What do you enjoy most about being an author?
I create worlds and then I inhabit the stories that take place in the world I have created.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Arthur Conan Doyle
What are you currently working on?
A story set in Venice (of course) in 1953. It is probably the last story set after World War II that mentions World War II.
What’s your favorite genre to write, and why?
I like crime fiction because it fits my analytical mind. Creating a consistent thread towards the solution.
How do you balance writing with the other aspects of your life?
I am not sure I do
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received about your work?
I wrote short stories just to have a break from editing. A reader called them poignant and inspiring.
If your book were turned into a movie, who would you cast?
I have thought of many actresses to cast the investigative lawyer at the centre of my stories, Rachele Modiano Mendes. However, most of them are dead. Among the living ones: Emma Thompson or Julia Roberts.
How do you celebrate when you finish a book?
Good quality ice cream and champagne
What’s your writing kryptonite?
Poor sleep, a night when I can't sleep marks the beginning of a day when I can't put a sentence together.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
I need a plan (as far as writing is concerned... I need a plot), a plan allows me to leave it, go off-piste (so to speak), knowing exactly where I have to go back to. In most things (other than writing), I am inclined to go with the flow. When I write, I create the flowl.
If you weren’t an author, what career would you have pursued?
Being an author is my third act. I used to work in investment banking, I was an expert in the implementation of financial regulations.
Do you write by hand or use a computer?
I use a computer; my handwriting is unintelligible!
What’s your favorite piece of writing advice?
Writing is like exercising a muscle. The more you write, the easier it gets. Just write.
How do you name your characters?
First name must be easy to pronounce in English, last name must be relevant to the characters. For instance, Venetian characters have Venetian last names. Jewish characters have Italian Jewish last names, etc.
What’s your writing kryptonite (biggest distraction)?
Music, a sunny day, sleep, and a good book with fewer than fifty pages left before the end.
What’s a fun fact about you that most readers wouldn’t know?
When I was young I was part of an amateur dance group
How do you decide on a book’s title?
I start with a working title. Then I read the whole book, usually at the end of the second draft, and see if I still like the temporary title. If nothing comes to mind, or if more than one title comes to mind, I ask my beta-readers.
If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be?
Donna Leon and Faye Kellerman. My investigative lawyer is a Jewish woman who lives in Venice. I think it is the synthesis of the recurring character they have created.
How do you handle balancing multiple projects at once?
Specific time slots for each project. At the moment, I work two hours at my next book, two hours on translating my first book into Italian ( I write in English), two hours working on my YouTube Channel and two hours promoting my books (or preparing promotional activities or events)
What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever researched for a book?
When did hotels start installing telephones in the room.
Do you read reviews of your books? Why or why not?
Yes, and no. I do not read reviews on Amazon or Goodreads; I find they say more about the taste of the reader than anything in my book. I read professional reviews.
What’s the hardest decision you’ve had to make while writing a book?
Remove a scene I loved because it did not add anything to the understanding of the characters, and did not bring the story forward.
What do you do when you get stuck on a particular scene?
I do something else, take a walk (if the weather allows it, I live in London), read (something totally unrelated), and let the back of my mind works its magic.
How do you decide which idea to pursue when you have multiple story concepts?
I start from an image, then I develop the story from the image by asking questions. If I can't develop the story I move on to the next project.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Not everything together... Taralli (italian savoury biscuits), ice-cream, chocolate, coffee, mint tea, and a drink that mixes lemon juice and mint tea.
How do you find the perfect balance between dialogue and narrative in your books?
Again, I don't "find" it. It just happens and what works for me may not work for the reader or anyboy else.
If you could add a new skill to your writing toolbox, what would it be?
Editing, I am not a thorough editor. I revise my books several times and I still miss a lot. Luckily I have a number of kind and loyal beta readers.
What’s the one thing you hope readers remember about your books?
There is more to family than just blood. People with no blood relations can become part of the clan and be closer than actual family.
How do you celebrate small writing milestones?
Ice cream and a lemon and mint drink (a family recipe). In the morning I take it plain, after five pm I add gin.