The One-Link Lowdown on...Jannine Corti-Petska

Benvenuti, amici!

That's how my guest today welcomes us to her wonderful writing world.

Born to Italian parents in New York, Jannine Corti-Petska inherited her love of reading from her mother. I'm glad to say this developed into a real love of writing, and to date, Jannine has nine novels to her name. Her latest book, Surrender To Honor, is the second in a Medieval Italian series. I'm so delighted to welcome someone I consider a friend - so Jannine, andiamo!

Okay, Jannine, let's get right to the nitty-gritty - tell us three surprising things about yourself, one of which is a fib - and we'll try to guess the fib!

1) I was a go-go dancer at high school dances
2)The airplane I was supposed to be on to fly home from Italy was blown up on the tarmac the day before
3) I married my high school sweetheart

What’s on your bedside table/nightstand?

There are numerous photos from my grandparents to my grandchildren. There’s also a statue of St. Anthony. A coaster for the rare occasions when I work in bed (writing, that is ) and have a drink (non-alcoholic).

What your favourite sandwich, and where in the world is the best place to eat it?

I’m not much of a sandwich person. But my absolute favorite is tuna, which is strange since I don’t eat fish. Right behind tuna are salami, meatball, and sausage and peppers And, of course, I’d love to enjoy these sandwiches while sitting in an outside café somewhere in Italy.

I'm right there with you! But with pleasure has to come a little pain, so tell me - which household chore would you happily give up for ever?

Vacuuming. I’m too lazy to move furniture and get into the nooks and crannies. So that’s why that particular household chore is my husband’s!

Who would you invite to your ultimate fantasy dinner party?

The Italian National soccer team. Of course, I’d be the only female in attendance!

Oooo - would you mind if I hovered on the sidelines, serving drinks? ;-) Okay, here's another question. What talent or skill would you love to have that you don’t have now?

I have always wanted to have a nice singing voice. Instead, I have a flat, off-key voice. In my head I have perfect pitch. Unfortunately, that’s not what comes out of my mouth. At birthday parties, I mouth the words to Happy Birthday. I don’t dare sing them. A dog I had years ago used to howl every time I sang, which I did when no one was home.

Which animal do you think you’re most like, and why?

That would have to be a terrier. When I latch onto something, I tend to never let go. I have three Rat Terriers, and it’s tough living with like-minded personalities.

Yes, I can see that! Knowing you, I think I might be able to take a guess at your thoughts on the next question. You're given a time travel machine - where would you go, and why?

Historically I’d love to go back to the time Leonardo Da Vinci lived. His genius mind intrigues me. Personally, I’d love to be a fly on the wall when I was an infant. I was born into an Italian family in New York, and from what I understand, they were...how shall I say this...loud, demanding, wine drinkers, pasta lovers, singers and dancers, and basically a wild, life-loving bunch. There are a few other things I could say about them, but I don’t think here is the proper place to talk about them. They would definitely raise some eyebrows.

Yes, maybe some things are left unsaid...! Now, one of the things I know I love about Italian culture is the love of good things, especially food, so let me ask you - what's your guilty pleasure?

Although it may not seem like a guilty pleasure, for me it’s homemade chocolate chip cookies. And ice cream and dark chocolate. I’m diabetic, and when I do have a nibble of one of the above, I suffer from guilt. Although I don’t completely deprive myself, it’s difficult to change a mindset. I know they’re not good for me, but oh do they taste good.

Perhaps that's a case of 'everything in moderation!' Our last question - if you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d be taller, thinner, not diabetic, and I could eat anything without gaining weight in all the wrong places! So, I suppose, the latter part of all that is the one thing.

Ok - I'll let you have that as one whole thing! Friends, do please grab this chance to follow Jannine's One-Link to her website where she invites you to 'assapora la passione' - feel the passion.

Last but not least, her fib was No. 3. She didn't actually marry her childhood sweetheart - but that's all she's telling us!

Thank you for being my guest today, Jannine. I wish you so much good luck in all that you do!