Exclusive Interview with
When did you start writing?
I began writing seriously only after I hung up my helmet as a NYC Fire Chief. For years, I couldn’t bear to dredge up those memories, the weight of them too heavy to put on paper. But the truth is, I’ve always had a love for writing. Even on the job, those reports I penned had a life of their own—buried in bureaucracy, but with a hint of the writer hidden inside me.
What makes writing your passion?
It’s the one place where I can make sense of the chaos. It’s a way to channel the raw, unfiltered experiences of my life—the grit, the pain, the victories—into something tangible. Writing allows me to dig deep into those dark corners, to confront the things I’d rather forget, and to give them a voice. It’s my way of processing the world, of finding meaning in the madness, and sometimes, of simply keeping the ghosts at bay. There’s a certain alchemy in turning life’s brutality into something that resonates with others, and that’s what drives me every time I sit down to write.
How long have you been writing?
How long have I been writing? It’s one of those questions that doesn’t have a simple answer. In a way, I’ve been writing all my life. From the reports I crafted on the job—where every word had to carry the weight of the moment—to the notes and observations I jotted down in the margins of my days. But in terms of putting pen to paper with serious intent, that came later, after I stepped away from the front lines. I needed the distance to find the right perspective, the right voice. So while the writing may seem recent, it’s been brewing for years, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Publishing my first book felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing you’ve finally decided to jump. It was a mix of exhilaration and terror—like I’d just laid my soul bare for the world to see, and there was no taking it back. There’s a certain vulnerability in putting your words out there, knowing they’ll be judged, dissected, maybe even dismissed. But there was also a deep sense of accomplishment, a quiet pride in having taken all those memories, all that lived experience, and turned it into something tangible. It was like taking a deep breath after holding it in for far too long—both a release and a reckoning.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
The story behind my choice of characters in this memoir is rooted in reality—they were all real people, each with their own unique impact on my life. I had an overwhelming number of stories to tell, too many to fit between the covers of one book. So, I made the tough choice to focus on those individuals who could most powerfully convey the emotions I wanted to express. These characters aren’t just people—they’re reflections of the experiences, struggles, and triumphs that shaped me. By sharing their stories, I aimed to reveal the deeper truths that resonated with my own journey.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
Well, to be honest, I don’t really see writing as a career choice at my stage of life. I’m a storyteller at heart. It’s not about climbing some literary ladder; it’s about the pure act of telling a story, of capturing something real on the page. The goal is to entertain—not just the reader, but also myself in the process. Writing isn’t about checking boxes or following a path; it’s about the joy and challenge of bringing stories to life.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I’ve never really struggled with writer’s block. The stories were always there, writing themselves in my dreams and nightmares. I can honestly say that not a day goes by where I don’t wake up in the middle of the night with a memory on rewind—whether it’s a good one or something darker. Those moments fuel my writing; they don’t leave me much choice but to put them on paper.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I’m still new to this myself, so I wouldn’t claim to be an expert. But if the page starts talking to you and won’t let go, then you’ve got something worth pursuing. My advice? Keep at it. Keep writing, keep honing your craft, and let the stories come as they will. Writing happens—sometimes in bursts, sometimes in quiet moments—but if you’re persistent, you’ll get better and better. Just stay with it.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
I’d probably say, “Don’t be afraid to write it all down.” I’d tell him to capture the moments, the memories, and the stories, even when they’re raw and painful. I’d remind him that there’s strength in vulnerability, and that one day, those words might just help make sense of everything. I’d say, “Trust your instincts, don’t shy away from the truth, and never underestimate the power of your own voice.”
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I don’t read the reviews. I’m well aware that there are people out there who seem to thrive on giving bad reviews—it’s just part of who they are. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to live your own life, not someone else’s. I focus on my own work, my own stories, and let the rest take care of itself.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
While I’ve said I don’t read reviews, if someone mentions that I’ve received a lot of great ones, it does feel vindicating. It tells me that my stories might be making a difference, helping readers and firefighters alike to better understand what they’re going through. It’s a reminder that the experiences I’ve shared resonate with others, and that’s deeply rewarding.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
A great book cover definitely helps. Knowing my computer skills are limited, I made sure to work with a professional to create a cover that not only stands out but is original. I wanted it to reflect the story inside without being a copy of someone else’s work. The cover is the first impression, and I wanted to make sure it was the best it could be.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I consider myself more of a deep thinker and not the type who needs to be the loudest in the room. I’m always open to engaging with serious readers who want to have a meaningful conversation. But one thing that really annoys me is when every question is met with a joke. I appreciate genuine dialogue, not empty banter. So yes, I connect with readers, but I prefer it to be thoughtful and sincere.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I appreciate when people enjoy my work, but public recognition? That’s never happened, and honestly, that’s exactly how I like it. The writing is what matters to me, not being in the spotlight.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
David McCullough - If you enjoy history, like I do, McCullough’s works, such as John Adams and 1776, are essential. He has a talent for making history accessible and compelling, with a strong narrative drive.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Myself
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Probably not. I don't have much time left and I don't intend to waste a minute of it.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
If I could switch places with any author, it would probably be Anthony Bourdain. Not just for his writing, which I admire deeply, but for the way he lived his life—fearlessly, with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to experience the world in all its raw, unfiltered beauty. Bourdain had a way of turning the act of storytelling into an exploration of the human condition, blending sharp wit with poignant insights. His ability to weave together personal experience with broader cultural commentary is something I greatly admire and strive to emulate in my own writing. Plus, the idea of traveling the world, meeting fascinating people, and tasting life’s flavors the way he did? That’s a life worth living.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I'd say this: It’s easy to tear down someone’s work from behind a screen, especially when you haven’t taken the time to truly engage with it. But here’s the thing—writing, like any art, is about putting a piece of yourself out there, flaws and all. So if your goal is just to annoy or undermine, that says more about you than it does about the work itself. Maybe instead of spreading negativity, try creating something of your own. You might find it’s a lot harder—and a lot more rewarding—than you think.
What would you say to your readers?
To my readers, I’d say thank you for understanding—for seeing beyond the words on the page and connecting with the stories I’ve shared. Your support and empathy mean more than you know.
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I now live on Long Island, New York, in a retirement community where my wife and I keep our neighbors updated on our latest doctor visits and medications—it's a real highlight of the week. Fortunately, our three children are all successful and living their own lives, close enough to visit but far enough to enjoy their independence.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I don’t really have what most people would call free time. I started working in my father’s business when I was nine years old, and I’ve kept myself busy ever since. There’s never been much room for hobbies—staying busy has always been my way of life.
Did you have a happy childhood?
I grew up in NYC in a four-room apartment, packed in with my parents and three siblings. It was tight quarters, but despite that, I had a happy childhood, even in our lower middle-class life. I left home at 17 to join the Merchant Marines, but those early years, cramped as they were, were still filled with good memories.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Yes, there was a particular moment that pushed me to start writing. At a reunion, a retired firefighter said to me, "We did a lot of great things in the Bronx... and no one will ever know." That pause, that realization that so much of what we did would go unrecognized, stayed with me. It was then that I knew I had to start telling those stories, to make sure they wouldn’t be forgotten.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I’m currently working on a book about my first career in the Merchant Marine. It’s a story that’s been in the back of my mind for a long time, and I’m finally putting it down on paper.
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
We should encourage a love of lifelong learning, showing kids that education doesn’t stop at graduation but is something they carry with them throughout their lives.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
I’m not much for fantasy—I live firmly in the real world. So, I wouldn’t spend time on wishes. I focus on what’s in front of me, what I can work toward, and what I can change with my own hands.
What is your favorite music?
My favorite music is the oldies from the fifties and sixties—anything with a good beat that I can dance to. Those tunes take me back and always get me moving.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I still get nervous every time I sit down to start a new piece. There’s always that little voice in the back of my mind wondering if I can really pull it off again. But I’ve learned to embrace it—because that bit of uncertainty is often what drives me to dig deeper and find the story worth telling.