Looking Into The Sun – 1st Chapter reading by Todd Tavolazzi (plus interview)

Watch the reading of LOOKING INTO THE SUN:

Chapter performed by Dan Cristofori

Matthew Toffolo interviews writer Todd Tavolazzi:

1. What is your novel about?

A journalist works to free Syrian children from the violence of the Syrian conflict.

2. Why should your novel be read by people?

To raise awareness of the impact the Syrian conflict has had on the people of Syria and particularly its children and to push normal people to act. Donate, volunteer, do whatever you can – but do something positive to help end the suffering.

3. How long have you been writing stories?

I started writing with the aim of publication in 2010.

4. What books have you read more than once?

Not many. There are so many out there to experience. One that I have read twice and come back to in different sections is Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk (especially chapter 6 – this is where the meat of the short story lives that he expanded into novel length) – Good stuff.

5. What artists would you love to work with?

Jim Uhls, Paul Haggis, Kathryn Bigelow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bradley Cooper

6. How many stories/screenplays have you written?

Two Novels, ten short stories

7. Ideally, where would you like to be in 5 years?

Writing full time and working with the people I listed above.

8. Describe your process; do you have a set routine, method for writing?

I typically wake up early and write in the morning before work and then whenever I can fit it in throughout the day or night. If I know I will not be in front of a computer, I will always have paper and a pen to keep my word count up and type out whatever I was able to get down later. Good ideas come at you at their own accord, you have to be ready to capture them or you may never get them back.

9. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

Spending time with my family and flying sea planes.

10. What influenced you to enter the WILDsound Festival?

I wanted the widest exposure I could get for my latest novel – particularly in the film industry for a possible screenplay adaptation.

11. Any advice or tips you’d like to pass on to other writers?

You will get better at writing only if you keep reading widely (but especially in your chosen genre) and keep writing. Never give up.

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