"5 Questions" with John V. Amodeo!

Who influenced you most in your life?

Besides my parents and teachers, the city of New York motivated me to the maximum. Seeing the tremendous talent in my building at Manhattan Plaza with its actors, writers and musicians was a major catalyst in getting me in the game of writing.

What do you think makes a good story?

Suspense, drama, sex, violence and the twist of events as the story unfolds make for a good read. As a historian, I try to inculcate historical events that impact upon the protagonist. In 'The Captain's Coin,' young Michael Brady, grief-striken at the death of his wife and still-born child, volunteers to fight for the Union in the Civil War. His heroism at the Battle of Antietam make him a national hero and saves the Union. If it weren't for the tragic deaths of his wife and child, he could have continued his business venture in the growing and lucrative garment trade in NYC.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I don't where my inspiration comes from. If I had to make a choice, I would say it's my appetite for life and the energy of NYC. It motivates me to want to excel and do the best I can in any endeavor, be it lecturing at Mercy College, conducting tours for visiting tourists or working out at the gym. People inspire me and I learn from them. An ongoing story!

Do you use events from your own life?

I do use some of the good and bad events that have unfolded in my life and apply them to my writing. I believe every writer uses his magic to spread the word and let the story unfold. If it's something good, the page turner will have a good go at it. If it's an ongoing crisis, the reader doesn't want to be left out and is eager to find out what's happening with the main character. My own bio is used in these episodes. Embellishing the event to make it more 'sexy' and interesting is a task that is both fun and challenging.

How does someone get started on the writing journey???

The late playwright August Wilson used to take a yellow pad and start writing. I do the same thing. Crazy as it may seem, it works for me. I go back and revise or enter a new event to add to the dynamic.