Marianna Randazzo

Biography

Marianna Randazzo, is recognized as an experienced educator; having taught students for over 30 years in New York City. A prolific writer, Marianna has been featured in popular magazines such as  Staten Island Parent Magazine and Odyssey Science Magazine. In addition, she has won writing contests for  InStyle Magazine, among others. In addition to her countless years of public service, Marianna is known for her speech and grant writing and her involvement in numerous professional development, writing, and reading organizations and fund-raising efforts. She is a great follower and lover of Italian traditions and culture. She also speaks the Sicilian dialect fluently.

Smashwords Interview

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
The first story that I ever wrote was a satire. I was extremely inspired and influenced by Mad Magazine. I particularly enjoyed the segment "The Lighter Side of..." I realized that if I could take everyday topics and show the silliness and absurdities of them, I could make people laugh. I wrote a few pieces in high school about the lighter side of living with teens and the the lighter side of living in an apartment. Both were topics I had a great deal of experience with.
Then, I was always fascinated with "big words". Once I learned a new vocabulary word I embedded it into my lexicon. I became obsessed with the word 'contemplate' I played with the word until I was able to come up with a dark poem about a teenager contemplating suicide. It was so good they published it in the annual literary magazine which was a stack of pages stapled together in the middle. By today's standards, the poem would have been flagged and guidance counselors, social workers and my parents would have been called in to analyse my behavior. I am sure I would have been labeled depressed or or overanxious about something.
Much to his credit, my English teacher, Mr. Grobstein just saw it for what it was, a pretty good piece of writing where the the author convinced you of the feelings that she she had made up.
Mr. Grobstein also made us read our writing out loud, it was called 'Speech' . Those speeches gave me the backbone and courage to face an audience, a skill that came in very handy during my days as a Literacy Staff Developer for the NYC Department of Ed.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Pippi Longstockings by Astrid Lindgren, Pippi was a nine year old girl who lived alone with her horse and her monkey. Her father was always off at sea or out of the picture.
Having a loving, Italian , overprotective mother who rarely let me go outside of the yard, Pippi became my escape to a world where children had unlimited freedom, superhuman strength and were able to mock and dupe the the adults they encountered. Pippi had two best friends the neighbor's children Tommy and Annika.
Moving forward, in eight grade I read Rosemary's Baby. A book not appropriate for children. The book scared the hell out of me and I still have nightmares about it.
Read more of this interview.

Books

Given Away, a Sicilian Upbringing. 10th Anniversary Edition
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 93,820. Language: English. Published: January 21, 2024 . Categories: Nonfiction » Relationships & Family » Dysfunctional relationships, Nonfiction » Inspiration » Personal inspiration
Embark on a captivating journey with sisters Tina and Lena. Separated in 1935 In Sicily, facing hardships, their resilience and enduring love propel them forward. The 10th-anniversary edition revisits lives marked by separation and the challenges of fascism. Experience their resilience during transatlantic voyages—a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

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