This month we sat down with acclaimed local science fiction author Paolo Debernardi to learn more about how, following an appearance on prime time show So You Think You Can Dance, the Italian-born former accountant came to become a writer here in York.
He’s since published a collection of stories called Thrumming Heart and an advice book called How to Better Manage Your Finances, both of which are available to buy from amazon.
Read on to learn a little more about Paolo.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself Paolo?
First of all, my name is Paolo Debernardi and I was born in Italy but I’ve now lived in the UK for 26 years. I’ve lived in Glasgow and Worcester, but York is my favourite city.
While here, I went to “Go To Dance” [2012 Sky One programme hosted by Kimberley Wyatt] and then finally I managed to get to Britain’s Got Talent in 2016. During that time, I also did some movies as well, so it’s been a very interesting life!
I’ve also been writing as well becuase I like creating stories. I started out by reading Hemingway which really got me inspired. From there I’ve really began to discover my own style, and I liked creating characters.
How would you describe your writing style?
First of all, let me say that I’m no Hemingway and I don’t like to compare myself with other authors, but through him I’ve learned that you can do your own style.
You can see from my stories— you don’t know what’s going on. I tend to give a little information, it’s like a jigsaw, you don’t know what going on until the end.
I spoke to a medium many years ago and she said to me, I’ve actually got a spirit that can inspire me to write. And I think, even though I’m 50-years-old, I’m still a little bit like a kid as well, in that way I’ve got a little bit more imagination and when you’ve got imagination you can do anything.
Can you tell us more about Thrumming Heart?
I chose the title Thrumming Heart because all of the stories, they make your heart beat faster.
I don’t want to scare people too much, but I want [my readers] to live a little bit on the edge!
I try to create an image and an atmosphere so that when people read my story they are transported to a new environment.
If our readers could learn one thing from either your writing or your own story, what would you like it to be?
That you can be a better version of yourself, no matter where you are right now you can change. You can turn your dreams into reality, one of my dreams was being on Britain’s Got Talent — and I’ve done that. Another of my dreams was to have my writing published — and I’ve done that. Anything is possible in life as long as you’re determined.
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