Get to know the writer:
1. What is your novel about?
The Virtuoso is a romantic drama following the misfortune of a famous concert violinist who struggles to recover from the mutilation of her left hand. In the aftermath of the accident she must face her demons so that she can love and trust again; unaware that her troubled ex-husband is far from finished with her, as she strives to fulfil her new destiny.
2. What genres would you say this story is in?
Mainstream literary fiction.
3. How would you describe this story in two words?
Thought provoking.
4. What movie have you seen the most in your life?
The English Patient, closely followed by Pride & Prejudice!
5. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the
most times in your life?)
My favourite song is Who Wants to Live Forever by Queen, but classical music is my passion, Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi and Mozart are my musical heroes.
6. Do you have an all-time favorite novel?
The Mission Song by John le Carre.
7. What motivated you to write this story?
The Virtuoso is a coalescence of my imagination, experience and knowledge. After I emerged from a period of intense emotional and physical suffering I felt compelled to write: part catharsis, part passion.
8. If you could have dinner with one person (dead or alive), who would that be?
Tough choice! I’m not sure I could choose between William Shakespeare, Ludwig van Beethoven or Winston Churchill.
9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
Playing my violin, listening to classical music, art, history, pyschology, philosophy and culture, going to the movies, museums, galleries and theatre, dancing zumba, hiking wih my family, health and wellness, travel and adventure. I write about my wide ranging and eclectic interests on my blog: rhapsodyinwords.com
10. What influenced you to enter your story to get performed?
I wanted to see/hear a professional third party performance, and reach a wider audience.
11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?
Believe in yourself, tell your story in your unique voice, it will touch lives that only you can reach. Don’t judge the quality, just get the first draft down without self-editing, as creative writing and editing use different hemispheres of the brain. Set aside a particular place and time to write regularly and get a professional editor on board for later drafts. A great course if you are either a planner or a pantser is Story Engines, by authors Nick Stephenson and Joe Nassise.
https://webmarketsupport.com/nick-stephenson-story-engines/
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Producer: Matthew Toffolo http://www.matthewtoffolo.com
Director: Kierston Drier
Casting Director: Sean Ballantyne
Editor: John Johnson
Camera Operator: Mary Cox
WILDsound Writing Festival 