Interview and review by Joann Ruffen from 'Roundtable Reviews"

I have recently had the opportunity to read and review Jacqueline Silvestri's "Dancing With the Devil".  Today I get to put the icing on the cake and interview her. Having read such a wonderful book by an extremely talented author I'm looking forward to finding out more about Ms. Silvestri as well as having the chance to look behind the scenes of such a fantastic mind.  With that said, hello and welcome to you Jacqueline and thank-you for allowing me this little author chat.

Joann: Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you are from?

Jacqueline: I was raised in central NY State, attended college in Columbia, SC, lived in sunny Florida for seventeen years, and am presently residing in NY again.  I have a daughter who is twenty-three still residing in Florida....and am a single mother of a twelve year old son.

Joann: Why did you choose to write fiction?

Jacqueline:For me, fiction has no limits...it can be anything and go any place, as far as the mind wants to take it.  In our sometimes hectic world, fiction is the perfect escape...to be able to enter a world of imagination, bringing the reader with me through laughter or suspense or thought-provoking adventures.

Joann: When did you first know you were going to be a writer?

Jacqueline: I always knew that I would be a writer.  My passion; however, was put on hold with the responsiblities of family, work, and single parenting.  I have been writing short stories and poetry for many years, having several pieces published locally...but not pursuing it further until now.

Joann: Is "Dancing With The Devil" your first published book?

Jacqueline: Yes, my first published book!

Joann: Can you give us a synopsis on "Dancing With The Devil"?

Jacqueline: In "Dancing With The Devil", Amanda is married to the wealthy and prestigious lawyer John Doulgas, who has been unfaithful to her since the beginning of their marriage.  She finally confronts him with her demands for a divorse, when a physical struggle takes place at his high-rise office building where she is pushed to her death.

Her spirit rises; however, as she needs to find her way home to care for her young son, Josh.  He is the only one who knows that she is "back", the only one who can see her.  Amanda haunts her husband mercilessly for what he has done...causing havoc with his love-interests and clients.

A tragic fire on new Year's Eve takes the lives of her husband and son, and they are all three now spirits.  Amanda is finally able to pass over into paradise with her son...but her husband is stuck between tow worlds, destined to be a ghost in the house until he can atone for his sins.

Joann: Where did the idea for the basis of the story come from?

Jacqueline: Being divorsed, I wanted to find a comical angle to the unfortunate aspect of failed relationships, and the strong bond between mother and child in any circumstance.

Joann: Did you have to do any research on the ghostly aspects of "Dancing With The Devil"?  If so, what?

Jacqueline: I didn't do any research...it was strictly fantasy and from my own imagination.

Joann: Do you believe in life after death?

Jacqueline: Yes, I believe in life after death...but not so much in terms of the fantasy I have written with this story.  I am a devout Christian and believe that heaven is the ultimate and immediate destination for all believers in Christ.

Joann: How did you feel when you found out that you were being published?

Jacqueline: I was thrilled beyond words that my story was being given a chance.  It has opened the floodgates for all of my material that has been on hold until now.

Joann: Are there any future books in the works you can also tell us about?

Jacqueline: Yes...I have just signed a contract for publication of another book called "Houses of Blue".  This is a collection of five short stories, all tightly woven and thought provoking, each with it's own unique ending.  I am also working on a sequel to "Dancing With The Devil".

I have completed two manuscripts of a spiritual genre which are under review also...."Loving Max", and "Pieces of the Whole".

Joann: What was the best advice you were given when it came to penning your novels?

Jacqueline: The best advice I was given was NOT TO GIVE UP!

Joann: Are there any authors that inspire you?  Published or unpublished?

Jacqueline:  There are so many writers that I am in awe of. I couldn't begin to name them all.  Joyce Carol Oates is one of my favorites.

Joann: What, in your opinion, are the most difficult aspects in writing a book?

Jacqueline: Writing has always come easy to me.  The challenge for a new author is finding a publisher who is willing to give you a chance...which I am grateful, has been given to me.

Joann: Have you ever had any problems with writer's block, and if so, how do you usually get over it?

Jacqueline: I haven't had many problems with writer's block...just the opposite!  I have so many ideas, it's just difficult to find the time when balancing so many other responsibilities.

Joann: Do you write any other types of works besides fictional novels?

Jacqueline: I have only written fiction so far...and of course, my poetry.

Joann: I am in the process of constructing several web-sites.  I can be contacted at jacki_silver1@yahoo.com

Joann: I thank-you so much, Jacqueline Silvestri, for taking time out to answer my questions.  It has been a fantastic experience for me to get to know more about you, the author, and I wish you nothing but success in your writing career.  With a start like "Dancing With The Devil", I will say that you are on your way to the top!