I’m happy to welcome psychiatrist and author Monique Gliozzi. Today, Monique shares life wisdom and her new release, Facets of the Past.

Dear Joanne,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for hosting my latest novella Facets of the Past on your tour. I’d like to share a few tips that I’ve found useful in navigating through life thus far, by using a couple of the examples recommended. Here we go!

A philosophy that I adopted from both my parents, is that life is to be lived to the fullest, as one cannot anticipate what the future holds despite our best intentions in planning for it. One of their tips which I’d love to impart is namely, don’t stagnate, rather find a special interest /hobby which brings joy and fulfilment. In my case, the first hobby was learning to ride a motorcycle which I enjoy to this day. Living in Perth (Australia) lends itself to long leisurely rides all year round thanks to the mild climate. This was soon followed in my late thirties by learning how to fly an aircraft. This proved more involved, with all the exams and flight assessments to get the required skills for each license. It was a tough road, but tenacity pays off eventually- thus tip number two is never give up!

A follow-on from this is tip number three – surround yourself with good people who are willing to provide support needed during trying times. My flight instructor was instrumental in giving me tips of his trade even after I myself obtained a commercial license and instructor rating. Thanks Mike!

In order to stay in shape and healthy (especially in order to pass the rigorous annual aviation medical), good nutrition is essential. Having travelled extensively growing up, due to my father’s work, I’ve been able to experience different cultures and cuisines. Japanese and Italian are my favourite, but really, I’m not too fussy. I love cooking and experimenting with different recipes so much so that I may write a book one day, titled “Monique’s Cuisine” – just kidding, I prefer staying with the fast paced suspenseful narratives. Tip number four, incorporating a healthy diet and being adventurous in the kitchen involving family in the preparation of a meal, can bring great pleasure.

We all have a favourite actor/movie so for tips number five and six: always try and kill two birds with one stone – if possible, watch a favourite show with your idol as the main protagonist to get a double dose of pleasure. One of my favourite actors is Meryl Streep, and her interpretation of Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada is phenomenal.

As an author, one of my main concerns starting out was how to maintain a certain level of creativity, in order to please my audience. Firstly (tip number seven), it’s important to join a writer’s group where one can share one’s work and obtain constructive feedback, but also earn a sense of fellowship with other authors. I’ve learned so much from those in my group who are a lively, enthusiastic bunch – always encouraging no matter what. Secondly (tip number eight), don’t be shy about trying different things. Remember as an artist one feeds creativity through new challenges and approaches. I adopt a different technique for each of my narratives. Facets of the Past was born out of a short story written for my writer’s group. My most embarrassing moment as an author was when I set out to share a short tale with my group, only to find after a panicked search in my portfolio, that I’d left it behind. Ooops! Well (tip number nine), a good sense of humour goes a long way – I ended up telling a couple of jokes instead. The last tip for you avid readers is most importantly to embrace the set of skills you have and be creative where you can.

I hope you enjoyed this lengthy blog and have gained insight beyond my author’s Bio, into what keeps me writing.

Blurb

When Hank Gild is given the opportunity to take up his dream job, he accepts the offer with excitement. As a tour guide at the historical imperial castle on Lake Starnberg, Hank delights his guests with stories of the late Bavarian emperor-his antics, his precious artifacts and the mystery shrouding his death in 1886. But it seems that not all the castle’s visitors are of pure heart. Before long, Hank is forced down a path of greed, deception and danger with no way out. A once happy and simple life unexpectedly becomes a treacherous nightmare. Who can he trust? Can Hank save himself before learning the ultimate lesson?

Excerpt

The beauty of my surroundings was captivating, but in truth, I was growing slightly more anxious by this lengthy wait. Composing myself, I took note of a harpsichord on the north side of the room. King Ludwig’s favorite composer had been Richard Wagner. Moving closer, I was tempted to reach out and play a note, but instead gently rested my fingers on the ivory keys, trying to imagine this very space filled with the classical music of a genius.

Behind the instrument hung another gold gilded work, this one a tapestry of majestic colors showing the ultimate royal scene: the king’s coronation. Intrigued by the workmanship, I decided to inspect it closer. Leaving the trusty green carpet, I trod quietly onto the marble floor, and gently ran my hand over the heavy but soft fabric. It was pure silk. For a brief moment, my imagination took hold. I sighed heavily, allowing the coronation to unfold in my mind’s eye. Overcome with an unusual sense of sympathy and intrigue by the king’s life and mysterious death, I felt a sudden intense urge to look behind the work of art.

What was it concealing? True to my sense of adventure, I was determined to find out. Lifting the cloth slightly away from the wall, I spied a narrow secret door. I reached for the small brass handle and tried to open it.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Rakuten Kobo | Smashwords | Apple Books

Author Bio and Links

Born in Dublin, Dr Monique Gliozzi, a graduate from the University of Western Australia medical school, has a keen interest in forensic sciences and psychiatry. She works as a psychiatrist in Perth, with ties to the UWA School of Psychiatry, where she has had a role as a senior clinical lecturer. Her love for teaching granted her a nomination for an Excellence in Teaching Award in 2016.

Monique also holds an interest in aviation. She trained at the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia, where she obtained a commercial pilot licence. Following this, Monique completed her instructor rating and is now working on a casual basis as a senior flight instructor.

Monique rekindled her passion for writing starting with the fictional thriller Foresight, followed by Hunted and ghostly encounters in Vestige. Her latest book, Diversity, is a compilation of entertaining short stories of different genres.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Giveaway

Monique Gliozzi will be awarding a $15 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Find out more here.

Follow Monique on the rest of her Goddess Fish tour here.