This week I have Lucia from The Loyal Book on the blog!
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Interview:
Emily: First off I have to say I LOVE your name! It is so cool! I also love the fact that your blog is in both Italian and English! Now that that is out of the way here are the real questions =P
Where are you from?
I'm from Perugia, Italy. I live in a small region called Umbria, which is known for being the 'green heart' of my country. Also, there is a chocolate festival every October! But I do move quite a bit around Italy, I just can't seem to stay in one place for too long.
What is the best and worst thing about living in Perugia?
Italy is going through a very difficult period, both politically and economically. It's hard to find a job, very, very hard and I think this is the thing I hate the most about my country. If you don't know someone, you just don't get noticed. But I love the food. It's a cliché, I know, but I've traveled quite a bit and, although I eat almost everything, real Italian food is simply the best.
What is the biggest challenge of being a book blogger there?
Waiting… waiting… waiting... Basically, waiting for books to be translated, which is why I decided to read in English when I was around 13 (I blame it on Harry Potter). And a lot of great books DO NOT get translated and that's frustrating.
Are you able to go to book signings, launches, or industry events?
There are very few book signings and launches here; they are not as popular as they are in the US, so, sadly, no, I don't get to go to bookish events that often BUT… once a year I attend the Bologna Children's Book Fair because I am a translator and often US publishers allow me to get some titles from their shelves. You cannot buy books at the Fair because it's a trade fair, but I've always been lucky to find kind people and I got tons of books! This year I came back from the fair with so many good titles that I felt I could almost cry… tears of joy, of course.
Are Publishers willing to work with you were you live?
I'd really love to say 'yes' but actuallly… no. Just a couple of Italian publishers seem to be willing to work with bloggers. Usually, emails don't get answered, publishers simply ignore the majority of bloggers. I have to say that I work much more with UK and US publishers than Italian ones and that's sad. I got a few ARCs from foreigner publishers, which is sort of amazing since my blog is small, but Italian publishers are less willing to send books for review and I often cannot afford to buy all the titles I want.
Do you have any favorite books set in the Italy or written by Italian authors?
Oh, yes! I love Albion by Bianca Marconero, a stunning debut novel by a very talented Italian author. It's a YA urban fantasy and I fell in love with her writing after the very first pages. I can't wait for the sequel.
A Few Of My Favorite Things Section:
There are very few book signings and launches here; they are not as popular as they are in the US, so, sadly, no, I don't get to go to bookish events that often BUT… once a year I attend the Bologna Children's Book Fair because I am a translator and often US publishers allow me to get some titles from their shelves. You cannot buy books at the Fair because it's a trade fair, but I've always been lucky to find kind people and I got tons of books! This year I came back from the fair with so many good titles that I felt I could almost cry… tears of joy, of course.
Are Publishers willing to work with you were you live?
I'd really love to say 'yes' but actuallly… no. Just a couple of Italian publishers seem to be willing to work with bloggers. Usually, emails don't get answered, publishers simply ignore the majority of bloggers. I have to say that I work much more with UK and US publishers than Italian ones and that's sad. I got a few ARCs from foreigner publishers, which is sort of amazing since my blog is small, but Italian publishers are less willing to send books for review and I often cannot afford to buy all the titles I want.
Do you have any favorite books set in the Italy or written by Italian authors?
Oh, yes! I love Albion by Bianca Marconero, a stunning debut novel by a very talented Italian author. It's a YA urban fantasy and I fell in love with her writing after the very first pages. I can't wait for the sequel.
A Few Of My Favorite Things Section:
Favorite Book (overall): Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and the Harry Potter series. Not very original titles, but they did change my life.
Favorite Book Recent Release: Ah, that's an hard one. I've loved With all my soul by Rachel Vincent and Clockwork Princess was emotionally devastating. Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout was really good, too.
Author: Jane Austen, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, Kathy Reichs.
Emily: I also love Sarah Rees Brennan!
Social Media: Facebook
Favorite Book Recent Release: Ah, that's an hard one. I've loved With all my soul by Rachel Vincent and Clockwork Princess was emotionally devastating. Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout was really good, too.
Author: Jane Austen, Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare, Kathy Reichs.
Emily: I also love Sarah Rees Brennan!
Social Media: Facebook
International Food: I love pancakes, the way my US friend used to cook me. And pizza, of course.
Emily: Lucia thanks so much for stopping by! I learned so much about Italy and hope to some day visit =D
Connect with Lucia:
thank you so much for hosting me, Emily!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a cool idea! I just followed you from the blog link up from Bookworms Avenue. I love the "Around the World" concept!
ReplyDeleteDee@ http://diamondlovestoread.blogspot.com
So neat to see a blogger from Italy. And I love Pride and Prejudice, too.
ReplyDelete