Interview of Jacqueline Silvestri by Joann Ruffen from 'Roundtable Review'.

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

Jacqueline Silvestri: I was raised in central NY State, attended college in Columbia, sc, resided then in Florida for seventeen years, and am presently living in new York.  I have raised two beautiful children..a daughter who is now twenty-three, and a son who is thirteen.

Joann: Why did you choose to write fiction?

Jacqueline: For me, fiction has no limits.  It can be anything, and take you anywhere...as far as the creative mind wants to go.  In our sometimes hectic world, fiction to me is a welcome escape....to be able to enter a world of imagination and bring the reader with me through laughter or suspense or thought provoking adventures.

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

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

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

Jacqueline: Yes!

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

Jacqueline: In "Dancing With The Devil", Amanda is married to the wealthy and prestigious John Douglas, who has been unfaithful to her since the beginning of their marriage.  She finally confronts him with her terms for a divorse.  A struggle takes place and he pushes her from his high-rise office building to her death.  Her spirit rises, however, as she needs to find her way home to care for her young son, Josh.  Josh is the only one who can see her and knows that she is back. 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 claims the lives of her husband and son, and they are now all spirits.  Amanda can now "pass over" into paradise with her son...but her husband is stuck between two worlds, destined to be a ghost in the house until he can atone for his sins.

Joann: Where did the basis for 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 the story?

Jacqueline: No, it was strictly fantasy and from my own imagination.

Joann: Do you believe in life after death?

Jacqueline: Yes, but not so much as the way that it is portrayed in my book.  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 you were being published?

Jacqueline:  I was thrilled beyond words!  It has opened a floodgate of possibilities for me...and all of the material that has been on hold.  There's no stopping me now!

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

Jacqueline: Yes....I have signed a contract and will have another book released in 2005 called "Houses of Blue"...This is a collection of five short stories, all tightly woven and thought provoking, each with its own profound ending.  I am currently working on a sequel to "Dancing With The Devil".

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

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

Jacqueline: The best advice I was ever given was to NOT GIVE UP.

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

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

Joanne: What, in your opinion, is the most difficult aspect of writing a book?

Jacqueline: Writing has always come easy to me...the challenge is being able to find a publisher who is willing to give a new author a chance, which I am grateful, has been given to me!

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

Jacqueline: I haven't had any problems with that so far...just the opposite!  I have so many ideas and it's just hard to find the time with so many other responsibilities.

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

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

Joann: Is there a way your fans and readers can get in touch with you?

Jacqueline:  jacki_silver1@yahoo.com

Joann:  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 well on your way to the top!