Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Author of Charmed
When dreams are shattered, it’s hard to pick up the pieces.
Prisca Weld expected to become Mrs. Nick Fontaine before any of her friends walked down the aisle. Nick worked for her father’s lucrative construction business, and he and Prisca planned to start a family in her upscale Brooklyn neighborhood. But she’s heading into her late twenties, and she hasn’t achieved her most cherished goals.
Years ago, Nick abruptly abandoned Prisca and ran home to Las Vegas, leaving her with nothing but questions about what went wrong between them. Since then, she has struggled to forget him, and she hasn’t found anyone she can love as much as she loved Nick. All the best men seem to be out of reach—including Tim Aldrich, a family friend who has recently returned to New York after launching his career in California. Prisca has been drawn to Tim since they were kids, although she believes her attraction to him is as futile now as it was then.
But she still hopes to fulfill her dreams, and she also wishes she could resolve the endless conflict between her traditional father and her unconventional brother, whose childhood scars from his and Prisca’s parents’ contentious divorce are still fresh. Prisca has wounds of her own, and she tries to heal them while attempting to unravel old secrets that have been hidden for too long.
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Author I draw inspiration from:
One of my most influential writing inspirations is Emily Bronte. I read Wuthering Heights during my sophomore year of high school, and I was (and continue to be!) in awe of Bronte’s ability to create nuanced characters who are sympathetic and relatable even though they make poor choices that are damaging to themselves and others. Bronte did a brilliant job of giving each character a backstory that explained their positive and negative attributes, making their actions understandable—even when they’re wrong.
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
On my couch with classic jazz playing in the background—and snow swirling outside the window is a plus!
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
Michael Corleone from The Godfather by Mario Puzo—but before he got involved in criminal activity. I would tell him to trust his initial instincts to avoid his family’s business, because the profession he ultimately chose led him down a dark path. I doubt he would listen, though!
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I wanted to write almost as soon as I learned to read. I was drawn to stories, and I quickly felt the need to create my own. I also loved movies, and at a young age, I hoped to write a script—but after seeing what one looked like, I became more interested in writing a book. The setting, characterization, and emotions of a script are expressed on the screen, but they seem sparse on the page. I preferred a format in which I could explore my characters and their lives more deeply.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
I love them all! The ease of downloading and storing eBooks on a Kindle or other device is wonderful, but it’s also great—and quite gratifying as an author—to hold a physical book in your hands. And listening to an audiobook can really draw you into a story, especially with a talented narrator.
The last book I read:
I recently re-read Bombshell: The Life and Death of Jean Harlow by David Stenn. I’m always intrigued by biographies (because truth is certainly stranger than fiction), particularly bios of celebrities from Old Hollywood. The history of the film industry is fascinating, and so is this book about the career and tragic, early death of a 1930s superstar who has never been forgotten.
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I write on a computer, but when I’m deciding on my characters’ names, I always sketch them out via pen and paper. Seeing their names in handwriting seems to bring them to life. And of course, I frequently reach for Post-its when I’m away from my office and an idea strikes me!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Wouldn’t we all like to be friends with the intelligent, insightful Atticus Finch? He’d be a compelling dinner-party guest.
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
If I weren’t an author, I would still want to be involved in the publishing world—most likely as an editor.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
The 1920s was a fabulous time in fashion! The flapper dresses and makeup were amazing.
Place I’d most like to travel:
The Big Apple. I’m originally from New York, and I have always loved Manhattan’s restaurants, theater district, history, etc. NYC is also my favorite city for my novels to take place. All of my books are set there.
My signature drink:
Water, believe it or not! (Boring, I know—but I’m dedicated to a healthy lifestyle).
Favorite artist:
I admire so many actors, musicians, etc.—but currently, two of my favorite actors are Joaquin Phoenix and Jake Gyllenhaal. They both bring tremendous intensity to their work.
Find more from the author:
About Lorraine Zago Rosenthal:
Author Interview - Lorraine Zago Rosenthal
Lorraine Zago Rosenthal is the author of four novels. Her debut, Other Words for Love, was published by Random House (Delacorte Press). New Money and its sequel, Independently Wealthy, were published by Macmillan (St. Martin’s Press). Lorraine was born and raised in New York City, and she is a graduate of the University of South Florida. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degrees in education and English. She currently lives near Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband. You can visit Lorraine online at lorrainezagorosenthal.com.
