Character Interview: Lucia Maratinzano aka Aunt Olga



 This is an interview conducted with Lucia Maratinzano, better known as Aunt Olga, of the Just Call Me Angel series.  Aunt Olga has been Angel’s legal guardian since she was a small child, carefully protecting her from learning the truth about her own identity.
In the first book of the Just Call Me Angel series (Tetterbaum’s Truth), Angel learns that her real name is Michelangela Maratinzano and that her father was Boss of the Maratinzano crime family in Chicago. 
How did you feel when Angel  learned the truth about her identity?
Merciful Heavens, I was furious!  I told my Angel to stay away from those Italian men.  I knew it was only a matter of time before one of them would put two and two together, and that Grayson fella damn near got her killed.  Humph!  I spent years isolating her from the Mob and now, well, now it’s just a mess.
Now that Angel is running the family, it must be stressful.  How do you handle the stress?
I cook, that’s what I do.  I make the best homemade Ravioli and Cannoli.  That’s one of my Angel’s favorite foods, Cannoli.  She can’t resist it.  She also likes my famous cinnamon pancakes. 
We’ve heard that you and your brother don’t get along.  Why is that?
He’s a bossy, old coot, that’s why!  Just because Giovanni is the Cappo di Tutti Capi, he thinks he can boss me around, but he’s wrong.   
Is it true that you Tasered Giovanni?
 Merciful Heavens, that was one of the greatest moments of my life!  Between you and me, I wouldn’t mind doing it again, several more times.
If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?
Well, now, that’s a rude question, but since you’re such a hunky lot of hot Italian muscle, I’ll give you a ballpark.  I’m in my early seventies; but I don’t feel like it, and I don’t act like it either.
What do you think about Angel purchasing Tetterbaum’s Pub?
Oooh, I can’t stand that old pub.   A pub is no place for a lady and I told Angel she shouldn’t buy it, Lord forbid that child listen to me.  She’s as stubborn as grandfather, Giovanni.
Angel calls you meddlesome and accuses you of eavesdropping.  Is this true?  Do you meddle?
Eavesdropping is a gift of love.  I ask you, how am I supposed to offer my advice if I don’t know what’s going on?   I can’t help if I don’t know what’s happening.   And as for me being meddlesome, that’s a bunch of hooey.  I have occasionally picked out some men for Angel, that didn’t meet her high standards, but that’s not meddling, that’s just being a loving aunt.
Who do you see Angel marrying?
Merciful Heavens, I don’t know.  Even if the mob rules would change, she’d still be unable to decide between Tony and Andrew.  I like that Sean Shepherd guy.  They call him the Snake.  Or that new guy, Big Mike, he’s a hunky thing.  As for me, I’d like to get me some of that Salvatore pie, but we’ll see.  Nudge, nudge, wink, wink, say no more. 
Aunt Olga is a spunky lady and she’ll keep you laughing your way through the Just Call Me Angel series, which currently consists of four novels:  Tetterbaum’s Truth, Traitors Among Us, Russian Uprising, Death Trap.

BIO
My name is Susan Claridge and I write under the name, S.R.Claridge. I'm a mom,
a wife, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an in-law and friend; but no matter what
hat I wear, I’m always the same simply, complicated woman beneath. I love autumn,
moonlight and Grey Goose Vodka martinis with bleu cheese olives. I believe
Friday nights were made for Mexican food and margaritas and Sunday mornings
warrant an extra-spicy Bloody Mary. I love Jesus and know that any good in me
comes from God. I believe in the power of prayer, in the freedom of forgiveness
and that people can change. I have a terrible temper and a tender heart, and somehow they balance. At times I may appear teetering on the edge, but I'd rather walk dangerously where there's a view than let life pass me by. Relationships intrigue me and so does the loyalty of Mafia families, which is why I chose these topics for my novels.


BOOKS
No Easy Way  (debut novel; nominated for The Molly Award from the HODRW 2010)
Tetterbaum’s Truth (book 1 in the Just Call Me Angel series)
Traitors Among Us (book 2 in the Just Call Me Angel series)
Russian Uprising (book 3 in the Just Call Me Angel series)
Death Trap (book 4 in the Just Call Me Angel series)
Petals of Blood (short story; Pushcart Prize Nomination 2013)


UPCOMING RELEASE
House of Lies (political/cult suspense, to be released October 2012)


LINKS



"I’d like to encourage readers to enter my giveaway contest. I will be giving away an ebook copy of TETTERBAUM'S TRUTH, book one in the Just Call Me Angel series; or if you've already read Tetterbaum's Truth, you may select another novel of your choice and receive that e-copy instead.  Leave a comment below and you're automatically entered. Include your email address in your comment so I can get in touch with you should your name be selected at random. The winner will be announced on my blog (http://www.FeelingTheFiction.blogspot.com ) on December 12, 2012. Good luck!"
Susan Claridge  (Penname: S.R.Claridge)


Thanks for visiting me today--the interview was great.

Comments

WS Gager said…
I laughed so much at Aunt Olga. Great job Susan. She is unique in a very Italian sort of way.
Wendy
W.S. Gager on Writing
M.M. Gornell said…
Aunt Olga sounds like a great character, Susan! Really enjoyed the interview.

Madeline
S.R.Claridge said…
Thank you, Marilyn, for interviewing Aunt Olga today and for allowing me to visit your blog. This has been a fun tour. :)
Anonymous said…
"Eavesdropping is a gift of love." Love that line. Great interview and thanks for the giggle!
Marja said…
LOL This sounds great! Having grown up around Italians, I can appreciate Aunt Olga.
Marja McGraw
I'm so glad so many of you stopped by to read what Aunt Olga had to say.
Collin Kelley said…
Aunt Olga is hilarious!
Jake said…
On my TBR list. Your photo looks more Steampunk than expected. Aunt Olga is definitely one of my relatives.

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