These Thy Gifts received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Vincent Panettiere.
These Thy Gifts, August 2016.
What’s the book’s first line?
“Years of celibacy had caused Monsignor Steven Trimboli, the new pastor of Queen of Peace, to get a grip on his physical impulses, allowing his intellect to flow freely.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Fifty years in the life of an activist priest who is confronted by the epidemic of priests abusing children.
What inspired you to write the book?
The book was as much a challenge for me to tell a story over a span of 50 years as the story was a challenge to the main character Monsignor Trimboli to experience. I am a baptized Catholic critical of the Church (on this and many other issues) since I was old enough to criticize. The epidemic of abusive priests is anathema to me and shining another light on it was my primary inspiration for writing These Thy Gifts. How could those supposedly representing God use their revered position to exploit the innocent and powerless? Criminal acts! I hope These Thy Gifts raises questions and causes the silent majority of Catholics to speak up.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
It’s a well-written book with an interesting story and solid, believable characters dealing with a topical subject.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
His most distinctive character trait is how he defends the underdog – whether new immigrants or children abused by priests. He is wholly my character and he reminds me only of the character I’ve written. I am not comparing him with anyone else real or fictional.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
If my book is made into a movie, I will cash my check and leave them alone; no one interfered with me when I was writing; why should I interfere with the casting process?
When did you first decide to become an author?
I decided to be a writer when I was in high school and wrote my first short story. It got me my first rejection slip – which I used to carry in my wallet.
Is this the first you’ve written? These Thy Gifts is my second novel and third book.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
Are you saying that writing is not work?
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I’m trying to write a chapter a week for my new novel, The Scopas Factor, and spend whatever time is necessary to accomplish that goal.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an indie is the freedom to set my own goals and work at my own pace. It is both daunting and freeing. The worst part is that bookstores frown on indie books no matter their quality.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
It’s hard for me to take advice. Therefore I resist giving advice. Write or don’t write is the best I can offer.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I would go with a traditional publisher in the hope that the publisher would have a substantial marketing plan to sell my book and resources to back that plan.
Is there something in particular that motivates you?
Is that all there is? Simply I write because I want to. All the rest is out of my hands.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I have too many favorites. I enjoy the books by Ivan Doig, who the snooty cognoscenti deem to be a “regional writer.” He’s a very good writer, period. There is no need to classify him. Unfortunately he is no longer with us.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I try to stay grounded in the here and now. I focus on my work and avoid “what ifs.”