Gear Up for a Dazzling Debut!
Spataro Discusses Literature, Instruction, and Infusing Affection in Words on Paper
C.J. Spataro dons multiple creative caps: director of the MFA in Creative Writing and MA in Publishing programs at Rosemont College, co-founder of Philadelphia Stories magazine and PS Books, and author of the exhilarating novel, More Strange Than True. Her wealth of expertise in writing, editing, and teaching offers a distinctive perspective on storytelling-and she fearlessly tackles adaptations, synchronization, dialogue, and love scenes with gusto.
I had the pleasure of chatting with C.J. about her gripping creative journey, the genesis of her novel, her educational philosophies, and advice for authors wrestling with the most complex facets of writing. Her candor and insight make this conversation a fascinating read for writers yearning to hone their skills or those intrigued by the process of bringing a story to life.
Q: Many thanks for joining us, C.J.! To kick things off, can you elaborate on your debut novel, More Strange Than True, and its spark of inspiration?
C.J. Spataro: Thanks for having me! More Strange Than True is an innovative reimagining of Shakespeare's illustrious A Midsummer Night's Dream. I've long held a fascination for this play-the whimsy, the tangled web of love and chaos, the unwillingness to take itself too seriously. But I wanted to explore these aspects in a more grounded manner, focusing on characters who are imperfect, messy, and plagued by real emotions.
The book revolves around an ambitious wordsmith ensnared in the intricate web of a family fraught with secrets, rivalries, and an abundance of affection. I endeavored to demonstrate that love-whether romantic, familial, or platonic-isn't neat or effortless but is always worth exploration.
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Q: What compelled you to opt for an adaptation for your first novel? Was it nerve-wracking?
Indeed, it was nerve-wracking! Adaptations arrive laden with built-in expectations of doing justice to the original while keeping it unique. I didn't intend to pen a straightforward adaptation, though. Instead, I focused on translating the themes of A Midsummer Night's Dream-the enchantment, the capers, the misunderstandings-in a contemporary, realistic setting.
The most demanding part was striking a balance between honoring Shakespeare and allowing my story to find its own identity. Focusing on the characters and their aspirations, fears, and desires helped to keep the narrative on track.
Q: What did it feel like to breathe life into this story? What proved to be the most challenging aspect of the process?
Completing the novel felt surreal. Writing this book required numerous starts and stops, self-doubt, and the eventual push through perseverance. The most challenging part was trusting that it was worth completing, particularly during the arduous middle stages where doubt looms large.
However, upon finally tying up all the threads, it felt incredibly gratifying. Witnessing the characters come to life on the page was akin to watching a sprout grow into something far grander than initially envisioned.
Q: Your roles are many, including authorship, education, and editing. How do these spheres influence one another?
Teaching has no doubt kept me in top form. Assisting my students in overcoming hurdles in their writing makes me reevaluate my approach to my own craft. It also serves as an inspiration-watching someone manifest genius and bring a story to fruition is enormously invigorating.
Simultaneously, my writing life adds a unique flavor to my teaching. I understand the vulnerability that arises from sharing one's work and the challenges in receiving criticism, so I strive to foster a supportive environment for my students.
Q: As an educator, what nugget of wisdom do you frequently share with your students?
Write the story that calls out to you. Many emerging authors worry about what's "marketable" or what will earn their work publication. I tell my students:
"Forget the market. Pursue the story that consumes your thoughts, the one you simply cannot shake."
Writing from a place of passion infuses the narrative with intensity.
I also advocate for discipline. Writing is not only an art, but it's also a vocation. Approach it as such-establish goals, carve out time, and don't wait for inspiration to strike.
Q: Your book artfully embroider love scenes with chemistry. Can you reveal some of your secrets about crafting chemistry or romantic dialogue?
Thank you! Chemistry is all about delicacy-the unsaid nuances, tension in the silences. When composing love scenes or romantic dialogue, I consider pacing. Avoiding too much too soon can feel contrived, while too little might leave the reader's interest waning.
Pay attention to sensory details. Details about a character's observations of the other person, the ambience of the setting-these subtle observations render interactions more vivid.
One thing I always remind writers: refrain from excessively detailed descriptions. Every breath, every step is not necessary to record. Occasionally, a single sentence can communicate more than a paragraph.
Q: Crafting love scenes can be intimidating for new authors. Do you have any guidance for someone struggling in this realm?
Absolutely! Embrace the opportunity for a dreadful first draft. The initial version of a love scene will never be perfect, and that's okay. Focus on the emotional truth of the moment-what does each character desire, and what's holding them back?
Also, immerse yourself in other authors' works. Study how various writers manage love scenes. Some take a direct approach, while others opt for subtlety, and there's no "right" way to approach it. Structure your own approach to suit your characters and narrative.
Q: To write authentic dialogue, whether romantic or otherwise, what's the secret sauce?
Listen to how humans truly speak. I am a self-proclaimed eavesdropper (albeit in a non-creepy manner). The cadence, the interruptions, the meandering conversations-that's what makes dialogue feel alive.
But writing dialogue is about more than merely transcribing speech. It's about distilling conversations down to their essence. Every line should serve a purpose, be it revealing character, propelling the plot, or cultivating subtext.
Q: What's the best advice you've ever received as a writer?
"Don't edit yourself too soon." Many writers snuff out their ideas before they have a chance to grow. The chaotic first draft is where the magic lies. Although revision is necessary, it's essential to first indulge in the messiness.
Q: Lastly, what do you hope readers take away from your novel?
I hope they witness that love-whether romantic, familial, or platonic-is never tidy, but it's always worth exploring. These relationships imbue us in profound ways. Even in the messiest moments, there is beauty to be found.
C.J. Spataro integrates various aspects of her creative proficiency in her novel, More Strange Than True, an innovative adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Adorning her narrative with themes of contemporary love, family drama, and personal growth, she aims to delve into the human emotions that lie beneath the whimsy and chaos of the original play.
In her educational role, C.J. shares wisdom gleaned from both her writing experiences and her teaching duties. Encouraging her students to pursue their passion while also emphasizing the importance of discipline, she teaches them to embrace their creative muse and maintain a dedicated writing routine.
To further hone their writing skills, C.J. encourages students to study various authors' works, gain a deeper understanding of the artistry behind crafting love scenes and convincing dialogue, and develop a self-awareness of the subtle nuances that make characters and relationships feel more authentic.
