Pump Up Your Book Chats with Frank Zaccari

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A native of western New York, Frank Zaccari earned a degree in finance from California State University at Sacramento after serving as a military medic in the U.S. Air Force. He spent over 25 years in the high-tech industry holding positions from account representative to CEO, and for nearly 20 years specialized in turn-around management of companies under 100 million dollars. Upon becoming a single, custodial parent after nearly 25 years of marriage, he left an industry that he loved to buy a small business in order to be home to raise his children. He is currently the owner of an insurance agency and resides in Sacramento, California. Inside the Spaghetti Bowl is Frank Zaccari’s third book. Previous books are: When the Wife Cheats and From The Ashes: The Rise of the University of Washington Volleyball Program.

You can visit his website at www.frankzaccari.com.

Visit him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001207722973.

About Inside the Spaghetti Bowl

The book is based on the last eight days of our mother’s life. It is a celebration of life, family, culture and tradition. As my relatives came to pay their last respects, we heard so many wonderful stories about the trials and sacrifices made by our parents and grandparents so we could live the American dream.

This is a book about family and unconditional love through the good times and bad. It is about a family who is and always will be there for each other no matter what. We hope you see your family in this book and the memories make you smile.

Thank you for this interview, Frank. Your book touches the heart with everyone. Why did you decide to write a book about your family’s struggles and joys with the passing of your mother?

Frank: The inspiration came from the chilling fact that we were probably not the only family dealing with this unfortunate scenario. As the baby boomer generation ages, so do the parents who raised them. It is heart breaking to witness a parent dying because these are the people that raise us and they were always so strong and always knew what to do.

I was flying across the country to come back to my hometown three times in three months. As I heard the stories regarding the history, traditions, culture, good times and sad times, I knew I was not the only ‘baby boomer’ facing this heartbreaking task. I wanted to make my mother’s passing a celebration of life. I hope readers see their family in this book, and the memories make them smile.

Can you tell us a little about her?

Frank: My mother is a two time cancer survivor. That statement alone tells you all you need to know about her faith, strength and character. She was the anchor of our family. My dad was the head of the family, but mom was the driving force. My parents had five children in eight years. My dad worked nights in the steel industry until I was in high school (I am the oldest). I have no idea how she did everything alone at night; making meals, helping five children with homework, getting everyone to and from after school functions. I have two children five years apart and it was hard for me to handle everything.

My mother’s priorities were God, family, education. She wasn’t able to finish high school. She had to get a job to support the family when my grandmother was injured and could no longer work. You would have never known she didn’t finish high school when you saw how aggressively she focused on our education. We all went to a high performance Catholic grade school and high school. Her five children have eleven college degrees.

Growing up, what were some fond memories of her?

Frank: The thing that most amazed me was she always had time for each child. With five young children you would think someone or something would get lost in the chaos. That wasn’t the case. She knew the hopes, dreams, desires and fears of each child and was always there with comfort, support, encouragement or a kick in the butt if that was needed.

How far back can you trace your roots?

Frank: My brother Tony is the family historian. He found records and data going back to the early 1800 back in southern Italy and Sicily. My grandparents both immigrated to the United States in the late 1890’s and early 1900’s. Inside the Spaghetti Bowl addresses the family from the arrival at Ellis Island.

What was it like as a kid growing up in your household?

Frank: It was controlled chaos. Everything and everyone was going a mile a minute. Everyone had a series of jobs to complete in order for things to get done and everything got done.

I had 22 first cousins who lived with two blocks. So on any given day there could be 10 or more people at our house at meal time and there was always more than enough food for everyone. Most activities revolved around Holy Trinity Church. This was the Catholic Church in the Italian section of town. Many churches talk about being part of the community. Holy Trinity was the community.

What is the one thing you can say your mother left you that you will never forget?

Frank: Do whatever you have to do to love, support, provide for and protect your children. That is what she always did and it is deeply engrained in her children.

What was it like holding your book in your hands for the first time?

Frank: Inside the Spaghetti Bowl is my third book – but by far the most emotional one to write. Holding the finished copy of this book brought tears to my eyes. That never happened with the first two books. This book was a complete and total labor of love. It was collaboration with my brothers Tony and Steve plus the amazing cover done by my nephew Nick Heeb.

What’s next for you, Frank? Will you be writing more books?

Frank: I hope so. I have only been writing for two years, but I really am enjoying the adventure. If one of the books becomes a best seller I’ll like it even more…hahaha. I am just starting a book about some of the funny stories I have heard from men and women over 50 years old who find themselves suddenly single again – I have first hand experience with this. At the moment it is called Now What?

Thank you so much for this interview, Frank, and we send many blessings to you and your family!

Giveaways, Contests & Prizes!

Join Frank Zaccari at the Pump Up Your Book Live! November Author Chat / Book Giveaway Party on Friday, November 18 starting at 8 p.m. eastern!

Frank will be on hand to answer your questions and will be giving away a copy of his book! You could win a paperback copy of Inside the Spaghetti Bowl simply by attending the chat and asking him a question. All there is to it!

For chat details, visit the official chat page for the November authors at Pump Up Your Book Live!

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

-- Sheila Roberts, Author of Winter at the Beach