Q & A with author Margaret Dilloway and Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications

SJF:  In a nutshell, tell us about your latest book.
MD: My latest book, Summer of a Thousand Pies, is about a 12-year-old girl, Cady, who’s sent to live with the aunt she didn’t even know she had in the Julian. Cady isn’t used to stability, after growing up homeless in San Diego with her dad.

Now she’s staying in her mother’s old room, exploring the countryside filled with apple orchards and pie shops, making friends, and working in Aunt Shell’s own pie shop—and soon, Cady starts to feel like she belongs.

Then she finds out that Aunt Shell’s shop is failing. Saving the business and protecting the first place she’s ever really felt safe will take everything she’s learned and the help of all her new friends. 

SJF: What has your experience been as a writer in San Diego?
MD:  I think San Diego writers must be very well disciplined — sometimes it’s hard to write when the weather’s nice. San Diego’s not necessarily known as a reader town, so events like this one are helping to change that.

SJF: How has storytelling influenced your life?
MD:  I have always used stories to make sense of the world and what I think, and also to entertain. When I was a kid it’s what I was known for when I was so shy that I barely talked.

SJF: If you had a magic wand, what kind of opportunities would be available to writers in San Diego?
MD: More opportunities for storytelling events and for writers to interact and meet the public — and each other.

SJF: What are you excited about when it comes to participating in the inaugural San Diego Writers Festival?
MD: All the different events look super interesting and unique. I’m just as excited to go to the other events as I am to be on a panel.

SJF: What advice would you give to a new writer in San Diego?
MD: Get involved in the literary community. 

SJF: Many thanks, Margaret!

Learn More about Margaret Dilloway

Learn More about Susan J. Farese of SJF Communications