Welcome to another edition of Indie Shine, a place for Rebirthoflisa to shine the spotlight on indie artists. Today we welcome author Dani Pasquini!
©Dani Pasquini used with permission
Q&A
What do you do and Why do you do it?
In my “real” job, I am a neonatal nurse practitioner. I absolutely love to care for these incredibly ill infants, ensuring their survival through their hospital course so that they can then be able to go home to their families where they will continue to thrive. I keep in touch with many of these families and it’s really amazing to watch them flourish and to just know that in a small, but important way, our efforts helped make them a family. I could not imagine doing anything else as a career. Well, maybe a cupcake decorator. Nobody dies if you make a mistake.
My writing started when I was a child, hidden beneath my covers with a flashlight. Very dreamy, happy movie scene right? Well, that writing helped me escape the realities of my surroundings. It was a real escape for me. I would often find little snippets of a scene or a character written on non-distinct paper which was often discarded. I really wish I had kept some. I remember one piece I wrote was about children who could turn into tigers. It was actually inspired by the Phil Collins song called Brazil, ironically enough. As an adult, music continues to inspire my work.
I try to write everyday. And can often be found daydreaming about my characters. Creating plots and scenes, essentially birthing these little visuals in my head so that I can then build on them when I sit down to write. I love to create fantastic characters who have these amazing experiences. It’s really almost like an escape for me. Sitting down to write with my sound cancelling headphones so that I can listen to music as scenes pour onto the page is my absolute favorite thing to do.
Tell us about your most recent work. I am actually working on book 3 of the series called The Gold Feather, which is also the name of the first book. The second book begins about 2 years after the first book ends. Lily and her Dual Jonas continue to support one another, along with the other Duals and Solos that they have encountered on their journey.
Lily is still exploring her abilities and beginning to accept this new reality. Book one is really the foundation for which the next books are built upon. It is there that you are introduced to Lily and Jonas along with the characters and you begin to learn what they have gone through. Book 2 is very different, it has a very different feel in the sense that it is action packed and full of revelations, that I hope were unexpected. It was really fun to write and I am really excited to set it free.
Who inspires you?
I don’t think there is one person who inspires me. I get most of my inspiration from women who persevere. Women who do not accept the status quo and fight for what they believe in, fight for their survival and are not afraid to sometimes piss people off.
What do you consider your “Masterpiece” at this time?
Hands down without a doubt in my mind, and I know it’s a cliche, but my children are. They are amazing little beings full of kindness, love, empathy, creativity and curiosity. I hope that they grow up to live their truth and are fearless when it comes to achieving their dreams.
What is your motto in life?
This is a hard one since I have so many, I’ll start with these…
1) Don’t knock it till you try it
2) If it doesn’t effect me, I won’t judge you
3) Laugh whenever possible. Laughter is the cure for all that ails you.
Name your wildest dream. The one you can not imagine achieving, but would love for it to come true.
Wildest dream huh?…I want a live in nanny, a maid, a chef, a physical trainer and a chauffeur. I think this is a good start. Oh and I want a live in masseuse.
What is your favorite quote? 
“Leave the gun, take the cannoli” – Clemenza (The Godfather)
When it is all said and done, what would you like to be remembered for?
I want my kids to remember me for being fearless, determined and strong. For standing up for myself and protecting them from all of the things that I endured as a child.
Tell us about your next project and when will it be available to the public?
Book 2 will be ready soon. I am working on the cover and actually most importantly trying to finalize on the name of the book. I feel like naming a book is like naming a child. It’s one of those things you just don’t want to get wrong.
Where can fans purchase your work?
I am on Amazon! It includes Amazon in several countries, like the UK and Canada for instance. I have learned that it’s not available in India sadly.
Bio:
©Dani Pasquini used with permission
I was born in Brazil and spent the first 10 years of my life there. After moving to the states, it took me close to 20 years before I was able to become a US citizen. My family and I feared that immigration was always lurking behind bushes just waiting to pounce on us and send us back to Brazil. Growing up an immigrant surrounded by some of the wealthiest families in America often made me feel like an outcast and there were many obstacles that I had to overcome, most of which my American friends could not relate to. In the end, my struggles made me who I am today. They opened up a window in my mind to allow for these fantastic characters to take shape. Putting ink to paper and giving them life has been very cathartic in my healing process.
Social Media:
Website: DaniPasquini.com
Instagram: @Dani_Pasquini_books
Facebook: @DaniPasquiniWrites
Lisa W. Tetting 