Q&A Interviews

Photo by Maranda Vandergriff on Unsplash

I’m totally guilty of enjoying the Q&A formats in journalism. It’s an easy, fast read. However, this style of an interview is lacking nutrients for the reader. It’s like reading fast food, and lacks depth.

When I used to copyedit for The Aquarian Arts weekly, I wasn’t a fan of reading the Q&A style articles. It cheapens the subject the journalist is writing about and comes across as cold and not as informative. It’s an easy way to get “holes” (missing information) that leaves the reader questioning.

This is why, as a journalist, I dislike when subjects say “Email me the questions.”

The only way that type of interview is beneficial is if your subject is a professional who is using medical terms and formulas that only other medical professionals will understand. For example, a trade publication. To chop up an article to a Q&A format so readers can look at it on their phones is not true journalism.

When journalists resort to Q&A “journalism” they think it is cute to insert “um” or “uh” into the article if that is what the subject said. It’s not cute. It’s no fair. It’s tacky. Your job, as a journalist, is to bring forth the subject in the best light possible. It’s also your job, as a journalist, to ask the subject “Is this ‘on the record?” if they get too comfortable with you and share very personal information. It’s only fair.

Journalism is a responsibility to your subject and your readers.

Perhaps the Q&A format caters to those who like to read on their phone. But writers deserve to be better. Writing is an art and shouldn’t be cut down to modern readers with short attention spans. Would you want Freddie Mercury to cut “Bohemian Rhapsody” down to cater to the those a short listening span? Well, maybe comparing music (which can be background noise) to reading an article isn’t the greatest analogy. Though I did have an aunt who read the newspaper and watched television at the same time, which was nearly genius. But you get the picture.

Yeah, I know, you can’t read EVERYTHING. A few years ago I read an article that said you can read more books if you skip over sections of a book. Perhaps that’s good for reading the Bible or a self help book. You can skip around and take in what works for you. But if you’re reading a biography or a fiction novel, you’re going to miss out.

Journalists need to take this into consideration and possibly stand up to editors and publishers who are okay with the Q&A style. Please, go the extra mile. Get your hands dirty. It may take longer but in the end you’ll have an article that you–and your subject–can be proud of. Never mind that some of the readers might think the article is too long. They can always go back to it. If a reader is truly interested, they’ll sit down with a cup of coffee and read. My late father-in-law used to sit in the living room and read The Star Ledger cover-to-cover every Sunday. We need to get back to this kind of traditional reading — and writing.

I recently subscribed to a magazine and was disappointed that all the interviews were in a Q&A style. In the long run, writers should go the extra mile. When writing an article, insert the subject’s quotes into the article. This is true journalism that is used in old school newspapers and magazines. A good reader will enjoy the article more.

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

The Writer’s Life

The writer’s life!

Through the good, through the struggles, and through the devastating, we just keep writing.

On this day, 2014, I was working on my book “Love Cats” which came to me in a dream, and I was struggling! This is what I wrote on Facebook:

This fiction novel, I’m struggling with, but I have to write it because the idea came to me in a dream. The thing is, struggling is good for the mind and soul. Be happy, but never be complacent.

“Love Cats” was not only published shortly afterwards, but made it’s way to a second printing!

And on this same day, 2019, my friend Darlene Foster took the photo for my book, “Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways To Become Your Own Hero.” This was the day after my beautiful cat, Bennie, had to be put down because he had brain cancer. It was my worst nightmare come true. Having my next writing goal lined up put my life into perspective. When “Be ExtraOrdinary” was published later that year, I dedicated the book to Bennie.

Sweet Bennie, now an angel

If you liked this blog, feel free to buy me a kombucha: https://ko-fi.com/maryannechristianomistretta

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

Visit my business page, Pear Tree Enterprises, at: https://peartreeenterprises.wordpress.com/

How I Became An Award-Winning Journalist

When I view the stats of my blog from the back-end (what the public can’t view), I see that many people are finding my blog by writing “How did Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta become an award-winning journalist?” Okay, I’ll tell you (again)….

Back in 2002, I was an editorial assistant for The Montclair Times. I wrote about five articles per week. While I was complaining about how fast people drive, my co-workers were complaining about getting so many parking tickets.

My co-worker, Angela King and I decided to write an article, asking the question, “Do Montclair policemen give out more tickets for traffic violations or moving violations?”

What do you think?

The Montclair police department were not too happy that we exposed them — the fact that they wrote out more tickets for PARKING violations, as opposed to moving violations. Honest to God, someone went through a red light, almost hit me while I was walking, and a nearby cop was sitting in his car eating a donut, what a cliche, right? I knocked on his window and asked if he saw the guy go through the red light. He insisted he didn’t. URGH!

Our story won 2nd place from the NJ Society of Journalism and I got my award in the Bloomberg building back in 2002. I still have it showcased in my home.

My point here, if you got this far, my idols are all women who speak up. You can’t be a quiet mouse and expect to make a difference in the world. If something is wrong, do not turn a blind eye to it. I look back and have no regrets in my life because I don’t let anything stop me from doing what is right. I will always fight for what I believe in. And never stop fighting.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

It’s No Joke, WordPress is The Best!

I’m a fool for WordPress!

It’s April Fool’s Day, but it’s no joke that I love WordPress best. I may be prejudice, but I like WordPress best.

Earlier this year, I stopped using Facebook. I didn’t delete my page altogether because I have photos and memories on there that I cherish. Plus, some friends simply do not understand, “contact me via email.” They forget that and continue to contact me via Messenger. That is okay, but I only check Facebook once a day, whereas I check my emails all day long.

I never got Linked In. It’s more for career-oriented people. Me, I have my home based business of writing, editing, and blogging for various publications on a very part-time basis. I was on Linked In for years and it never did me any good. It was just about people following me to get me to follow them. And after a month of using Instagram, I realized it was the same. Sure you can follow your favorite celebrities or influencers, but do you REALLY want to see them every single day?! No. I am not celebrity-obsessed. I like variety. And I also like finding things on my own. If I discover a new artist, or re-discover an old one, I’ll go on a You Tube binge to satisfy my fan-energy. But I do not need to “follow” them and have them in my psyche 24/7.

As for myself, I’m not really promoting anything. I’m not a hard-sell. I want people to find my books, my articles, and my You Tube channel organically. Not because I have 1000 friends pushing it up in a feed; or because I paid someone to promote it; or because someone follows me and now I’m obligated. Damn, that is WORK — work that I’m not getting paid for.

But the good news is, WordPress isn’t like that. Well, sometimes it is, but I can spot the phony faster on here because of how a blog is presented. If someone is pouring their heart out and being truly honest, count me in! If someone is liking several of my posts in a row, just out of obligation, or to entice me over to their page, it’s a turn off. No one can read THAT FAST!

However, the beauty of WordPress is that it may be harder to find a topic I really like. Hunting for something gives one a special high. Like trying to find a record in a record store, rather than purchasing instantly on Amazon.

And WordPress is forever. If you want to find something on Facebook or Instagram, you have to scroll endlessly. With WordPress, all my blogs are neatly organized by year. And I can hide something that no longer relates to me and no one would be the wiser. I also get a kick out of it when someone “likes” or comments on a blog I wrote several years ago! This happens often. Unlike Facebook and Instagram where everything is current and fast moving. Though I love my life today, I do love all that I ever was. I cherish the old stuff, just as I’ll cherish what’s happening in my life now — two years down the road.

Of all internet platforms, WordPress is the least ego-driven. People are here because they like to write. They have dreams. Or they are working something out. For me, like Live Journal in the old days, WordPress is a glorified paper diary; but only the things I want to share with the world. It’s a taste of my life, but not my entire life. It’s a contrary to people constantly updating their Facebook and Instagram pages with every thought, anything they feel share-worthy, and promotions for everything they do.

On WordPress, I won’t find someone who wants to tag me in a photograph they took of me at an event in order for me to share my photo of me with them in return to get them promoted.

People do not know how many followers I have on WordPress. It’s not a place to be judged by how popular you are, but rather how good you write. Sure, someone can get 150 “likes” but that’s just from others on WordPress. Your backend will tell you the real deal. I’m the only one who knows how many are reading. It could be a little bit, or it could be hundreds. And I feel more humbled by that. By people not knowing, I understand they are here because they want to be here.

It’s just a beautiful thing. And I’m fortunate to be in on this secretive gem of a space along with the rest of you.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/

Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.

And for positive messages, visit Be YOUnique, the Anti-Bullying You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLq6J9MSvcjd-haQ30ycLWA/videos

David Jones Fell To Earth

David Jones Fell to Earth

By Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta (copyright 2021)

David Jones fell to earth

Ch-ch-ch changed to Bowie for the fans

Ground control to Major Tom

Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars

I am the DJ, I am what I play

We could be heroes, just for one day

Like the Elephant Man and Aladdin Sane

Blue, blue, electric blue

Put on your red shoes and dance the blues

Oh my TVC15

That star man really blew our minds.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

For Death She Ain’t Ready

Photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

FOR DEATH SHE AIN’T READY

That girl over there,

For death she ain’t ready,

Too young to see The Beatles,

But she saw Queen – with Freddie.

 

Of middle age, but still seems young,

Seems her life’s so full of fun.

Yet she hurts so hard, deep down inside,

So many dreams still unrealized.

 

You’re in a tough spot between life and death.

Far from youth, but elders shamelessly disrespect.

No matter what you’ve accomplished, what you did…

They still see you as a stupid kid.

 

Gets so far, gets pushed back some,

Don’t make it easy when friends die young.

Get back up and set to win,

Inspired by Tolle and Dispenza – again and again and again.

 

 

,

Why Q&A Style Interviews are Not True Journalism

Photo by Marcel Straub

One of the benefits of being a self-employed writer is you get to pick and choose who you want to write for.

As a professional writer, mainly trained in news journalism, I include the subject’s voice in the content of the story. For example, see my recent articles here: https://maryannechristiano.contently.com/

That’s the preferred way to write for news publications. Oftentimes magazines opt for the Q&A type of interview. I did it myself a few times via blogging, or by special request of an editor or publisher. In this feature blog I wrote a few years ago when I conducted an interview with Coyote Shivers, it was done via email due to time constraints, with him being on the west coast, and me being on the east: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/dont-believe-a-word-interview-with-coyote-shivers/

That somehow worked, because you can’t go wrong with Coyote Shivers. But often it doesn’t. And here’s why….

When I used to copy edit for The Aquarian Arts Weekly, I wasn’t a fan of reading the Q&A style articles. It cheapens the subject the journalist is writing about and comes across as cold and not as informative. It’s an easy way to get “holes” (missing information) that leaves the reader questioning. This is why I don’t like when subjects say “Email me the questions” unless you’re interviewing a professional who is using medical terms and formulas that only other medical professionals will understand — for example, a trade publication. To chop up an article to a Q&A format so readers can look at it on their phones is not true journalism. I won’t work for any publisher who promotes tainting the art of true journalism.

When “journalists” resort to Q&A “journalism” they think it is cute to insert “um” or “uh” into the article if that is what the subject said. It’s not cute. It’s no fair. Your job, as a journalist, is to bring forth the subject in the best light possible. It’s also your job, as a journalist to ask the subject “Is this ‘on the record’ if they get comfortable with you and share very personal information. Journalism is a responsibility to your subject and your readers. Do it right. Just say “no” to the Q&A format.

I recently wrote a few articles for a publisher. It wasn’t until AFTER I interviewed the subjects and submitted my work that he bitched that it wasn’t in Q&A format. Wow, thanks for telling me that I worked too hard after the fact and that I could have slacked off a bit and you’d be happier with my work. (Note my sarcasm). I told him to “call me.”

When I got him on the phone, I was told that his webmaster said that Q&A format is better for SEO search engines and that people can read articles on their PHONE better with Q&A format. That’s a new one on me. Now journalists have to write in that tacky Q&A format to cater to those who only read on their phones?!

Uh, no. Writing is my art. Tell Freddie Mercury to cut “Bohemian Rhapsody” down to cater to the dullards with weak ears and a short listening span. DUH.

After that conversation, I agree to cut ties with this particular publisher. Yes, I am self-employed, but that doesn’t mean I am desperate. Telling me to write in Q&A style to suit those who read on their phones would be like telling Joe Dispenza to write for the National Enquirer. It would be going backwards. Way backwards.

I worked so hard to make a career in writing. I write because it’s in my heart and soul. I write because it’s in my blood. If I’m going to write articles in Q&A style for a living, I might as well go all out and start getting paid to write product descriptions for Walmart. How heartbreaking would that be?

They say when you do something you love, you never work a day in your life. I stand by that wholeheartedly. But “never working a day in your life” doesn’t mean doing sloppy, easy work that you are not proud of. I could never be proud writing article after article Q&A style. It would be like cutting my arm off. Just thinking about it brings a tear to my eye. That’s why I’m a writer. I am sensitive and protective of my muse. And I always will be. When publishers hire me, they will get my best. If they want me to perform my worst in order to get their SEO searches up, I am out the door.

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements (via ZOOM during covid). She is now coaching aspiring writers via ZOOM.

Maryanne is the author of the following books:

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Don’t Want To Be Like You

Her fiction book “Love Cats” second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: Love Cats

The Universe Speaks

Twilight photo by Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

If you don’t believe in miracles, stop reading. If you do, carry on…

You always hear tales about rock stars or celebrities predicting their fame. But common people don’t share enough of their every day miracles–that they manifested by the positives that came directly from their own mouth.

One of the most beautiful examples, in my life, was back in late 2005. A relationship ended with yet another loser (though to be fair, I did have some cool boyfriends when I was single, some I am still friends with). After that break-up, my mother said to me, “You should be like me, just be alone.”

Easy for her to say, she was 62, but I was only 42 and did not want to spend the rest of my life alone. I simply blurted, “No, there is someone out there for me!”

Two months later I met the man who ended up being my husband, the love of my life, my rock, and loving cat daddy!

That was one of the bigger miracles and I feel another big one is about to manifest.

Everyone who is artistic and in the public eye, knows how hard it is to elevate your career from point A to point B. The process isn’t an overnight success, but moves so slowly it can feel like you’re going backward instead of going forward. But if you pay attention to the signs, you can see you ARE going forward, especially when you see things being left behind.

For example, when I first started as a public speaker, back in 2014, it was in assisted living facilities. I lectured seniors on health and history; and eventually had a “Learn & Listen” series where I’d speak about the life of a famous entertainer, followed by live music! Speaking at the assisted livings elevated to libraries. This went on for another six years.

Over the years I’ve learned that when you book something in the winter, you have to have a rain/snow date. But COVID19 reschedules don’t cut it because no one knows what the future brings. But let’s back up a bit …

As much as I loved doing gigs at the libraries, and all the beautiful memories I’ve had, once my library gigs canceled, one by one, due to COVID19, I took it as a blessing in disguise.

You see, I’ve become such a good speaker, it’s only natural that I wanted to elevate to the next step. I’ve outgrown libraries and began dreaming of the day when I’d no longer be doing the library gigs. In fact, while booking one of my gigs (which is hard work, but I never found someone I could connect with to do it for me), I blurted out to a librarian, “I won’t be doing this much longer. I’m going to be moving on to schools and universities.”

Sure enough, a week ago I had a phone meeting with a university. I’m going to be conducting lectures/classes/workshops online! This may start as soon as June! It’s a magical manifestation that I made happen.

In this day and age, with so many believing in The Secret, Law of Attraction, positive thinking, elevating yourself, and going after the gold, this story is not as “out there” as someone many have believed in the 1980s. (Though I must say, some are still stuck there!)

If something comes out of your mouth that seems a bit strange, or unlike you, it just may be from the universe, giving you the nudge you need!

Has this ever happened to you? Share your stories!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9

Love Cats Second Printing Cover Reveal!

My second book “Love Cats” was originally printed in 2015. Earlier this year it went to “Out of Print” status. Yet you can still read the great reviews on Amazon

Once the book went out of print, I submitted it to several other publishers and it got picked up by Pink Flamingo Media and will be released MAY 2020!

AND, this is the first time I am using a pen name, Krystianna Mercury!

If the 1980s is your thing, and you love music from that era, this is a page-turning piece of chick lit erotica you may want to pick up!

Here is the synopsis:

Janey Peyton is filthy rich and living in NJ during the 1980s. She seems to have it all, including an Italian live-in housekeeper who drives her batty with overbearing dated love advice.

Since Janey’s workaholic, status-driven parents are absent in her life, love-starved Janey desperately seeks a soul mate as she cruises the new age nightclubs.

Enter Beck Stewart. Like Janey’s parents, he’s addicted to the grind—but for all the right reasons. He wants to make a better future for himself, and his potential wife, who he hopes would be Janey.

Because of their electrifying chemistry, the fact that Janey’s a good lay—and she has an impressive book and record collection—Beck falls hard for her and turns a blind eye to the immediate red flags: she’s a snoop and obviously hates his beloved old cat, Morticia.

When Janey discovers Beck can’t resist overtime hours, she mistakes his job loyalty for neglect. For “revenge” she takes on other loves and is careless when it comes to hiding her male and female conquests.

Does this sound like something you will want to read? Put your email below in the comments section and I’ll let you know when the book is published. It will be available on e-books; and in print version! 

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9

Why You SHOULD Work With Friends

The Friends That Create Together, Stay Together! 

Pictured in photo, left, Darlene Foster, right Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta

URGH! A few days ago I overheard someone utter that dreadful cliche, “You shouldn’t work with friends.” Yeah, say that to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards!

Like the Glitter Twins, I’m here to prove that silly saying wrong. Hear me out…

I’ve found my magical “glitter twin” in not only my husband, but in many friends! But before I share the magic, here are my top reasons why it’s best to work with friends/lovers:

• You already like/love each other, so you are off to a good start. There’s no tension, no “breaking the ice,” and the competitiveness is healthy — you want each other to succeed.
• True friends/true lovers are NOT jealous of each other.
• You thrive off of your creative differences.
• You move ahead faster because you know each other well.
• Celebrations of success are that much sweeter.

Working with someone you don’t know very well (or don’t like) never brings a project to fruition. Countless times I’ve stopped editing or ghost writing a book because I couldn’t stand the person I was working with. I’ve had dream jobs I’ve quit because my co-workers were the pits (and came out ahead of the game with the next job or project – go me!)

So, if someone tells you it’s not a good idea to work with a friend or a lover, I’m here to prove them wrong. Of the hundreds of friend/lover collaborations I’ve done over the years, here are a handful of my random favorites (in no particular order).

The Hounds of Winter “Come On Christmas”  

The above video was made possible by people in my circle who are all forever connected, Ric Pink; vocals; Tom DiPaolo: guitars; Dennis Mistretta (my husband): bass; Tom Corea: drums; and I did backing vocals at the last minute. Oh, and my good friend Darlene Foster (long-time girlfriend of the guitarist Tom DiPaolo) created the cover art. The CD was made in 2012. Note, sometimes Tom Corea’s wife Carol plays instruments on the CDs too.

Seltzer’s Rainbow Heart 

Editing “Seltzer’s Rainbow Heart” for my good friend Jayne DiGregorio, was super fun. It was the beginning of many projects we have done together. I’ve helped her promote the book, wrote about her Care Bear non-profit for newspapers, and we worked together on other projects too. Working together was never a problem, it only brought us closer.

Darlene Foster 

Ten years ago I modeled for my artist/photographer friend Darlene Foster. And some of the photos sold too! Since then she’s designed two of my book covers, and is a current participant in my upcoming book, “Fantastic without Plastic” (a book about positive, attractive women who look/feel amazing while shunning plastic surgery and Botox).

And while my husband is a humble person who doesn’t like to be called out in blogs or on Facebook, I have to override him this time to say that he’s the one person I can count on who ALWAYS (and I do mean ALWAYS) reads my articles. He comes to as many of my speaking engagements as he can (and gives me rides too!) and cheers me on when I come up with new ideas. When I’m feeling down, he’s the one I can count on to remind me, I’ve got a name.

Can you get all that from a mere acquaintance or someone in an office you barely know?! ABSOLUTELY NOT!

And all that said, if I need to work with someone, I will call on a my husband or a friend first! I know they are reliable, fun, hard-working, and creative. It’s a joyful existence for sure!

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.

She is available for blogging, ghost writing, writing. She is also available for book signings and motivational speaking engagements. She is the author of the following books :

“Be (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Hero” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit: https://www.amazon.com/Be-Extra-Ordinary-Ways-Become/dp/1733546227

“I Don’t Want to Be Like You” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Want-Be-Like-You/dp/1726273261

“The Gypsy Smiled” is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, go here: https://www.amazon.com/Gypsy-Smiled-Maryanne-Christiano-Mistretta-ebook/dp/B074VC7MT9