
Josie is also passionate about her heritage and culture. Italy is often the setting for her stories and she also has written a cookbook celebrating the tastes of Calabria. When not in a cafe drinking espresso and reading, she can be found relaxing at beautiful Phillip Island.
How long did it take to get published?
Too long, the fear of success always kept me back from submitting anything. What gave me the courage was being published in non-fiction and seeing the response, I realised it wasn’t that scary after all.
Tell us about the Anthology and how you became involved.
I have been a member of the MRWG for over 20 years and I wanted to be part of this incredible project.
Are you a plotter or a “pantser”?
I plot a lot. When I think of a story, I already have the beginning and I sort of know the ending. Of course, many times the story will go in a different direction as the characters have a mind of their own.
What made you want to be an author?
All the stories I heard growing up from my maternal grandfather. With his stories, I would enter a world of my own, and from there I began making my own stories to tell.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring authors, what would it be?
Have no fear, learn your craft well and believe in yourself.
Find out more about Josie :
Facebook : http://www.josephinechiaracaporetto.com/
Website : www.josephinechiaracaporetto.com
Excerpt from 'The Puella in a Toga'
'You look old enough to have been married many years ago.’
‘I am eighteen, my Liege.’
‘The Gods are on your father’s side. If you were over twenty, the Emperor would fine him for not having provided a husband for you.’
‘Apologies. If I was married I wouldn’t be here.’
For a few moments time stood still. She could only stare at him, and his eyes remained on her. A shiver ran through her body making her tremble. But no longer from fear.
‘Brutus, name your price,’ he commanded. ’I will buy her.’
‘My Liege, her virginity is on sale. Not the slave.’
‘Refusal is not an option. Name your price and I will pay. How many denarii is your inconvenience worth?’ He turned to Petronia.
‘Petronia Camillus, what concerns me at this point is your will.’
‘My Liege…’
‘Silence for the last time, Brutus.’ He moved as quickly as the Gods, his hand around the Procurer’s throat. ‘I want to know what she wants, not what your plan is.’ Pushing him away, he tensed his jaw. No one could doubt Marcus Antonius was invincible on the battle field.
‘If you say you don’t want to come with me, I will leave you with Brutus.’
She sighed and couldn’t keep her smile hidden. She clasped her hands on her belly, inhaling deeply.
‘I can see a lot of kindness in your eyes. Yes, I would prefer to come with you.’
She was aware that Marcus Antonius was desired by half of the women in Rome; his actions of honour made him the most respected commander. She had made the right decision.