Thursday – A little Personal Interview with John Fioravanti #RRBC

January 26, 2017 · by John W. Howell · in authors · 108 Comments

John Fioravanti

I want to welcome a friend of mine, John Fioravanti. John and I met at Rave Reviews Book Club and realized we share a number of interests. Also, we are both over 65, so there is that as well. John is a very talented author and has been quite busy since retiring from his teaching responsibilities. John lives in Waterloo, Ontario and has graciously consented to a visit here with me today.

Hi John and welcome. Help yourself to the coffee.

Thank you very much, John. I’m honoured to visit here at “Fiction Favorites”. Mmmm, great coffee!

Thank you. I got the recipe from a friend of mine. Well now if you are comfy why don’t we get to the questions.

Tell us a little about yourself, John. I know you spent your working life as a history teacher but after that what made you decide to become a writer?

One of my passions in the classroom was to teach writing skills–within the context of my history lessons. I knew then I had a gift to write well, but I never thought of writing outside educational skills manuals until the end of my teaching career.

What a career it has been so far. You have four of your own books published, one anthology and in at least three genres. Tell my readers a little about your writing discipline. How are you able to stay with your writing regimen?

My writing discipline could be much more disciplined! However, almost everything I write is on a keyboard – I use pen and paper for rough notes. When I sit with pen in hand, I find it difficult to write anything of value. When I’m behind the keyboard, the magic begins to happen, and ideas flow from my head to my fingers. I can’t explain it, but that’s my reality.

Interesting. I feel the same way at the keyboard. Okay, so you have done some memoirs, Sci-fi fiction, and a collection of reflections. Let me ask what genre or book was the most fun for you to write?

Writing fiction is the most enjoyable writing that I do. I don’t write classic science fiction, but rather, I write about human drama in a science fiction universe. I thoroughly enjoy exploring life on planet Genesis, seven centuries into the future. I never thought I could write fiction, nor did I have a burning desire to do so. Kenneth Tam, my former student, and prolific novelist challenged me to write within the sci-fi universe that he created for his Equations novels. Fiction is delightfully creative and a great escape for the writer.

You mention the planet Genesis. Let’s turn a minute to the Genesis Saga. First, tell us a little about the inspiration for this series.

As I mentioned earlier, the inspiration for the Genesis Saga was Kenneth Tam’s eight-book Equations series. There is a forty-year gap in the middle of the series – a period of peace between two intergalactic wars. I complained to him that I wanted to know what happened during that peacetime. He challenged me to write those stories. So, my Genesis Saga tells what happened to the people of Genesis between Kenneth’s Book 4 and Book 5.

Now, give us a brief overview of the Saga. What is the story about?

Click Cover for Amazon

Click Cover for Amazon

The people of Genesis are the descendants of the humans who escaped a killer self-aware virus in the late 21 st Century. The UN sent 1 million survivors out into space in a great colonizer ship to find planet Genesis and begin human civilisation anew, after a 95-year journey, the ship arrives at Genesis, and the grandchildren of the original survivors began to settle their new world. The Genesis Saga picks up the story 600 years after that arrival point when their civilisation is teetering on the edge of self-destruction.

Sounds very exciting. I know you have been posting a prequel to the Genesis Saga in a serial format on your blog. Tell us about the story you are telling.

Kenneth Tam created this universe, but he begins his novels just five years before the Genesis Saga. Therefore, the stories about the first 600 years of human history on Genesis have not been written. I asked Kenneth for permission to create that early history, and he encouraged me to continue. The short posts in the “Genesis Chronicles” on the Fiora Books website are experimental forays into this period. After writing 23 of these posts, I am very excited about that time in Genesis history

That sounds great, John. Do you anticipate publishing a book about the prequel to the Genesis Saga?

A month ago I asked Kenneth Tam for permission to create a new series of novels I’ve been writing. He thinks it is a promising idea and encouraged me to think about writing both series at the same time. I think I will go ahead with the project.

How about the Saga itself? Can we expect another book?

I have started the third book in The Genesis Saga, and the original plan was for an 8-book series. I want to finish telling the story of the developments on Genesis to the end of that 40-year peacetime.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on the general outline for Book 3 as mentioned earlier, and I want to begin planning the new series – which I haven’t named yet. As well I write two blog posts per week.

You are very busy. What is the most challenging thing about writing for you and why?

One of the demons I’ve always struggled with is that of self-doubt. I find that it causes me to hesitate and it forms a roadblock that I have to overcome to get to the serious job of writing. Once I start, the magic begins to happen. I call it ‘magic’ because I don’t know where this ability to create fiction emanates.

Self-doubt tends to haunt us all. What can we expect from you in the years to come?

Lots of new books, I hope! I want to finish the Genesis Saga and its sister series. As well, I plan to write more inspirational non-fiction. I enjoy writing reflections based on quotes that I find because that exercise helps me to clarify, for myself, many aspects of what it takes to live my life well.

How about the personal John? (After all, this is the title of the post) What do you like to do in your spare time and do you have a family?

John and Anne Fioravanti

Anne and I married when we were just 22 years of age – and she still puts up with me! We have three children and three grandchildren. Fortunately, we all live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. In our spare time, Anne and I love to attend live theatre performances. In each of the last five years, we spent a week in the winter on Caribbean cruises.

Where can my readers reach you?

My Fiora Books website: www.fiorabooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnJFioravanti and https://twitter.com/FioraBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.f.fioravanti

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/John-Fioravanti/e/B00JSAHGAU

John’s other books.

His latest.

Click Cover for Amazon

His First.

Click Cover for Amazon

‘Thank you so much, John we are all going to look forward to your work. Thank you for visiting my blog. Here have an American IPA I know it’s not as good as your Molson Ale but it must do for now.

Tags: A little personal, author, books, fiction favorites, Heart of Teaching, His Revenge, John Fioravanti Author, John W. Howell Author, Memoir, My GRL, Our Justice, Passion and Struggle, Reflections, Sci-fi, thriller fiction, Treachery and Triumph

108 comments

Gwen Plano · January 26, 2017 - 5:06 am ·

Wonderful interview! I loved how John explained the magic that occurs at the keyboard. I’ve read two of his books and enjoyed them both tremendously. Great job!

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:34 am ·
  
  Thank you, Gwen. I have enjoyed his writing as well. I think the Genesis Saga is fascinating. 🙂
  
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  1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:53 am ·
    
    Thanks, John, I’m very grateful to have this opportunity to meet the folks who visit here daily. Thanks for your kind words about my Genesis Saga!
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:58 am ·
      
      These are terrific folks and so supportive. I’m so happy you are getting a chance to meet them as well. Have a super day, John. 🙂
      
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:44 am ·
  
  Thanks, Gwen, I appreciate your support and your kind words!
  
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Jill Weatherholt · January 26, 2017 - 5:40 am ·

Great interview! Thanks for introducing us to John. Interesting, I’m the opposite when it comes to pen and paper, that’s where my creativity seems to flow. What a great photo of him and his wife!

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:33 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jill. They look happy don’t they? I’m like John. Pen and paper and I freeze. I guess it is all what you are used to doing. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:48 am ·
  
  Thanks, Jill, I’ll pass that compliment on to my wife! Back in university before personal computers existed, I’d handwrite my essays and then type them from the written copy. The typed essay was barely recognisable as a copy of the original. Eventually, I quit doing the handwritten copy and just typed my papers from my research notes.
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:59 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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Charles Yallowitz · January 26, 2017 - 6:08 am ·

Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere.

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:31 am ·
  
  Thanks, Charles. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:49 am ·
  
  Thanks, Charles, that’s very kind of you!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:59 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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  2. Charles Yallowitz · January 26, 2017 - 8:02 am ·
    
    You’re welcome. Happy to help.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 9:29 am ·
      
      🙂
      
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coldhandboyack · January 26, 2017 - 6:20 am ·

Very cool seeing John F. Here today.

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:30 am ·
  
  Was about time. Thanks, Craig. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:50 am ·
  
  Thanks, Craig, it’s good to see you here today too!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:58 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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C. A. Sanders · January 26, 2017 - 7:20 am ·

Very interesting interview.

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:29 am ·
  
  Yes. John is a very interesting and talented author. Thanks. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 7:50 am ·
  
  Thanks, C.A., glad you stopped by!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 7:58 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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Anne fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 8:15 am ·

Wow what a fabulous interview
It was excellent and covered it all
Great job to both johns !

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1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 9:30 am ·
  
  Thank you, Anne. it was fun and nice to have you as well. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 10:02 am ·
  
  I see my better half stopped by for a visit too! How sweet! Thanks Anne!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:19 pm ·
    
    She did and I gave her a margarita.
    
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Jan Hawke · January 26, 2017 - 9:08 am ·

Good to have John F in the interviewee chair for a change, John H! 😀 Great job! 🙂

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 9:26 am ·
  
  Thanks for stopping by and joining the fun, Jan!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 9:32 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 9:30 am ·
  
  Thank you, Jan. I had to tie him in there though. 😀
  
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tpolen · January 26, 2017 - 9:08 am ·

Killer self-aware virus? Yes, please (to read, of course) – that just grabbed my attention. Nice interview!

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 9:28 am ·
  
  Thanks very much… you gotta watch out for those self-aware viruses – especially the ones that love to devour humans!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:21 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 9:31 am ·
  
  Thanks Teri. 😀
  
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apboustead · January 26, 2017 - 9:44 am ·

Reblogged this on apboustead.

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 10:03 am ·
  
  Thanks for the Reblog, Adam!
  
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:21 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Adam.
  
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Mae Clair · January 26, 2017 - 9:58 am ·

Two great Johns in one place! 🙂
I have both of John’s Genesis Saga books on my Kindle and my TBR and look forward to reading them. I love the description of writing “human drama in a science fiction universe.” And I can also relate to the pen/paper vs. keyboard way of composing. I do most of my notes long hand and all of my writing on the computer.
Great interview, guys!

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 10:09 am ·
  
  Thanks for all the kind words, Mae. My dilemma in taking up Kenneth’s challenge to write in his sci-fi universe was that I didn’t feel qualified to write about space battles and such. But I do enjoy writing about the human condition – hence, the description ‘human drama…’ My stories include political intrigue, romance, terrorism, counter-terrorism, and other elements of living during challenging times.
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:19 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:20 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Mae Clair. I think you will enjoy his books.
  
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Teagan Geneviene · January 26, 2017 - 11:25 am ·

Hi John, it was fun to get better acquainted with John F. It’s a great interview. Wishing you both a thriving Thursday. Hugs all around.

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 11:33 am ·
  
  Thanks for your kind words, Teagan! Hugs right back at you!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:17 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 12:17 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Teagan. BIG HUG back
  
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The Hook · January 26, 2017 - 1:21 pm ·

I’m not the only one with superior and unique interview skills, John.
Well done.

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 2:00 pm ·
  
  Thank you very much! John is a very skilled person!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:57 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:59 pm ·
  
  We had a good time. Thank’s Hook.
  
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Let's CUT the Crap! · January 26, 2017 - 1:44 pm ·

Fascinating author. Wonderful interview. 🙂 What a series!

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 2:01 pm ·
  
  Thank you very much, I appreciate your visit and kind words!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:56 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:58 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Tess. 🙂
  
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writerdsnelson · January 26, 2017 - 2:08 pm ·

This is great stuff John and John. Thank you so much for sharing. More for the TBR and really interesting to hear what influences your writing John. Thanks for hosting, John 😉

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 3:05 pm ·
  
  Thanks, D. D. – I appreciate your visit and your comments.
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:53 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:56 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Dawn. Nice to see you here.
  
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rijanjks · January 26, 2017 - 2:11 pm ·

What a wonderful insight into the world of John Fioravanti! Great interview. I loved what John F. had to say about the magic that happens behind the keyboard.

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 3:06 pm ·
  
  Thank you so much, Jan! So happy you found me over here with my good friend, John… too many John’s here!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:53 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:54 pm ·
  
  Thank you, Jan Nice to see you here.
  
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~Mar · January 26, 2017 - 3:59 pm ·

Lovely interview, John & John. 🙂 Thanks for giving us an insight into John F & his writing!

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1. John Fioravanti · January 26, 2017 - 5:43 pm ·
  
  Thanks for stopping by, Marlena!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:30 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 26, 2017 - 8:51 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Mar.
  
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Audrey Dawn - Oldest Daughter Redheaded Sister · January 26, 2017 - 11:37 pm ·

Great interview. Thanks for sharing, gentlemen.

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1. John Fioravanti · January 27, 2017 - 10:22 am ·
  
  Thanks for visiting and for your kind words, Audrey.
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 10:45 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 10:58 am ·
  
  Thank you, Audrey. We appreciate your comment. 🙂
  
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Don Massenzio · January 27, 2017 - 9:29 am ·

Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
Here is a great interview with John Fiorvanti from John Howell’s blog

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1. John Fioravanti · January 27, 2017 - 10:23 am ·
  
  How kind, Don, thank you very much!
  
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  1. Don Massenzio · January 27, 2017 - 10:36 am ·
    
    You’re welcome. Good luck to you.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 10:44 am ·
      
      🙂 My Thanks as well, Don
      
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  2. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 10:44 am ·
    
    🙂
    
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2. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 10:50 am ·
  
  Thanks, Don. Appreciated.
  
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  1. Don Massenzio · January 27, 2017 - 10:50 am ·
    
    You’re welcome.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 27, 2017 - 11:17 am ·
      
      🙂
      
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Natalie Ducey · January 28, 2017 - 10:51 am ·

What a treat this is! Thank you both for sharing this with us.
John, it’s wonderful that your family is so close. That’s a rare gem these days. And my gosh…what a beautiful picture of you and your lovely wife. Blessings to you both.
I’m thoroughly enjoying Reflections and the inspiration it holds. A treasure for sure. 🙂

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1. John W. Howell · January 28, 2017 - 10:54 am ·
  
  Thanks for the visit and nice words, Natalie. 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:02 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Natalie, I have been blessed indeed with a loving family. I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying “Reflections”. I guess I’ll have to publish a Vol. II someday!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 1:04 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. · January 29, 2017 - 4:12 am ·

Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
A fantastic interview with John Fioravanti over with John Howell… two delightful authors on one page…

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1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 8:05 am ·
  
  Thank you very much, Sally 🙂
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:03 pm ·
  
  Thanks so much, Sally, I appreciate your very generous support!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 1:03 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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karenringalls · January 29, 2017 - 7:56 am ·

Such a wonderful and informative interview. Two great authors “in the same room enjoying a cup of coffee” and talking about John F’s writing career. This was a real treat to start my day. Plus, it was nice to see a photo of Anne…thanks for sharing her smiling, glowing face.

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1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 8:07 am ·
  
  Thanks for the visit and lovely words, Karen. You are welcome to join us for a cuppa. 😀
  
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  1. karenringalls · January 29, 2017 - 8:17 am ·
    
    On a cold and rainy day here in Florida the cup of coffee sounds delicious and the company would be lovely. Thank you for the invite.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 8:32 am ·
      
      ha ha ha. 😀
      
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2. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:05 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Karen! Great idea! Let’s all gather for coffee and margaritas or martinis in Port Aransas! Thanks, John!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 7:57 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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3. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:06 pm ·
  
  Thank you very much for your kindness, Karen! I agree, drinks with John in Port Aransas!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 7:57 pm ·
    
    Yup. Y’all come down
    
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Cynthia Reyes · January 29, 2017 - 8:45 am ·

Thanks for sharing this interview with us, John. H. And congrats on your books and on all the work you do for RRBC, John F. The Genesis saga sounds intriguing.
I didn’t know you were from K-W, John F. I lived there in my youth! (My “earlier youth” as opposed to my present later youth, you understand….) Back when several of the Kitchener shopkeepers spoke German.

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1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 9:45 am ·
  
  Thanks for stopping by, Cynthia. 🙂
  
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  1. Cynthia Reyes · January 29, 2017 - 9:53 am ·
    
    You’re very welcome, John. Glad that you gave RRBC a little plug, too.
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 1:08 pm ·
      
      🙂
      
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2. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:15 pm ·
  
  Thanks, Cynthia. Wow! Another KW person! I taught a Juanita Reyes in Waterloo about 10 years ago. Thanks for stopping by with your kind words!
  
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  1. Cynthia Reyes · January 29, 2017 - 2:07 pm ·
    
    When I started working in the media, I discovered there were several of us, John. I hope the KW grads have kept up the tradition!
    
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    1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 7:54 pm ·
      
      🙂
      
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  2. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 7:57 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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robbiesinspiration · January 29, 2017 - 9:16 am ·

A very interesting author interview. I am fascinated that you write everything on a keyboard as I write everything in rough first – maybe I will try your way but it is difficult to type at traffic lights [smile].

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1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 9:43 am ·
  
  Ha ha ha. Thank you Robbie. Yes the police would not take kindly to seeing a keyboard on your lap. 😀
  
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2. John Fioravanti · January 29, 2017 - 1:18 pm ·
  
  And writing with pen and paper is easier at traffic lights, Robbie? LOL! We all have little differences. I’m a firm believer in doing what works best for you no matter what anyone else does. Thanks for visiting!
  
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  1. John W. Howell · January 29, 2017 - 7:57 pm ·
    
    🙂
    
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Reading Links…1/31/17 – Where Genres Collide · January 31, 2017 - 6:05 am ·

[…] https://johnwhowell.com/2017/01/26/thursday-a-little-personal-interview-with-john-fioravanti-rrbc/ Descendants of those that escaped a self-aware virus in the 21st […]

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1. John W. Howell · January 31, 2017 - 8:00 am ·
  
  Thank you, Traci.
  
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