Keep at it! Author Anastasia Rubis shares her debut novel, ORIANA, which she published at 64. She reveals her 11-year journey of rejections, editing, graduate school, and what ultimately helped her cross the publishing line. In ORIANA, she explores the extraordinary life of journalist Oriana Fallaci.
In ORIANA, Anastasia explores the extraordinary life of journalist Oriana Fallaci (description below), and in our conversation, she opens up about perseverance, chasing dreams no matter your age, and shares how Oriana’s fierce determination became a role model for her own tenacity. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, a historical fiction fan, or need a little nudge to follow your dreams, this episode is for you!
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“A poignant and fascinating exploration of Oriana Fallaci’s remarkable life, Oriana is a deeply satisfying novel that examines the sacrifices and triumphs of a woman determined to make her mark on the world.” — Christina Baker Kline, #1 NYT bestselling author of Orphan Train
“A captivating page-turner intertwining a love story, 20th-century historical events, and the journey of a glass ceiling cracker and remarkable journalist Oriana Fallaci. ” — Lost in Jersey
“Inhaled this riveting page-turner on the fascinating trailblazing journalist Oriana Fallaci. Just one question: how did I not know about this incredible woman?” —Julia Martin, New Jersey Monthly
Get Oriana: A Novel of Oriana Fallaci by Anastasia Rubis
Book Description:
When a Hollywood producer comes to Oriana Fallaci at the end of her life to propose a movie, the story unfolds of her gutsy career rise as a journalist, her tragic love, and her greatest regret.
Oriana was born a rebel. She fought beside her father at age fourteen in Italy’s Resistance against the Nazis and overcame poverty, the lack of a university education, and relentless sexism in the newsroom. By 1973, when she moved to New York, Oriana Fallaci was hailed by Newsweek as the greatest interviewer of her day. She catapulted to fame for her bold and provocative interviews with Kissinger, Arafat, Meir, Robert Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, the Shah of Iran, and other world leaders—not to mention the most prominent celebrities and artists of her day.
That same year, she did what no journalist is supposed to do: she fell in love with one of her subjects, Alexander Panagoulis, the Greek poet and hero. She was 44, he was 34; they lived in different countries. It didn’t matter. Oriana had finally found what she longed for, a full life. But can a woman ever have it all, or does life always exact a price?
Oriana is the first biographical novel about the brilliant and fearless Italian journalist whom Christiane Amanpour has called her role model—and who holds a place alongside Mike Wallace and Barbara Walters as a master interviewer. It is the story of a trailblazer who broke through the glass ceiling of journalism, a woman who wasn’t afraid to speak truth to power, and who revolutionized her field all while struggling to carve out a space for love and family.
Episode Summary
Interview with Anastasia Rubis (Stacy)
Introduction
In this episode, hosts Janette and Rachel interview Anastasia Rubis, known as Stacy, the author of ORIANA, a novel about the renowned journalist Oriana Fallaci. The hosts discuss Stacy’s background, her writing journey, and the inspiration behind her debut novel.
Stacy’s Background
- Early Life: Stacy was born and raised in Queens, New York, until the age of eight, after which her family moved to Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. She is of Greek descent, being a first-generation American.
- Education: She graduated from Brown University and later earned a master’s degree in English from Montclair State University.
- Career Path: Before becoming a writer, Stacy worked in advertising and public relations while pursuing her passion for writing in her free time.
The Writing Journey
- Initial Writing Experience: Stacy began writing in New York City, contributing to publications like the New York Observer and the New York Times. She faced challenges in the freelance writing world, where acceptance rates were low.
- Move to Montclair: After living in Manhattan for 14 years, Stacy moved back to New Jersey to be closer to family and chose Montclair for its vibrant cultural scene. She credits her time at Montclair State University and local bookstores for reigniting her passion for writing.
The Creation of ORIANA
- Inspiration: Stacy’s interest in Oriana Fallaci began when she discovered Fallaci’s novel A Man while on vacation in Greece. This led her to explore Fallaci’s life and work, which she found compelling and inspiring.
- Writing Process: The journey to publish Oriana took 11 years, during which Stacy faced numerous challenges, including working with multiple agents and navigating the publishing landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Publishing Journey: After parting ways with her second agent, Stacy took control of her manuscript and submitted it to small publishers. She eventually found a publisher who appreciated the Italian aspects of her story, leading to the book’s publication.
Themes and Impact
- Role Models: Stacy emphasizes the importance of having role models and support systems in the writing community. She highlights the need for stories about strong women and the impact they can have on readers.
- Cultural Significance: The hosts discuss how Oriana Fallaci is a well-known figure in Europe but remains relatively unknown in America, raising questions about the visibility of women’s stories in literature and media.
Conclusion
- Final Thoughts: Stacy encourages aspiring writers to persevere and not give up on their dreams. She shares her belief that age and environment play significant roles in a writer’s journey.
- Recommendations: The episode concludes with Stacy recommending local spots in New Jersey, particularly along the Hudson River, and expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to share her story.
Closing Remarks
The hosts thank Stacy for her insights and encourage listeners to read Oriana, highlighting the importance of supporting local authors and bookstores, specifically the Watchung Bookstore in Montclair, NJ.
