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Liz Vaccariello

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, Stacey 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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We give the book 4 stars out of 4!  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

 “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 (Stacey)

Introduction

In this episode, hosts Janette and Rachel interview Anastasia Rubis, known as Stacey, the author of ORIANA, a novel about the renowned journalist Oriana Fallaci. The hosts discuss Stacey’s background, her writing journey, and the inspiration behind her debut novel.

Stacey’s Background

  • Early Life: Stacey 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, Stacey worked in advertising and public relations while pursuing her passion for writing in her free time.

The Writing Journey

  • Initial Writing Experience: Stacey 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, Stacey 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: Stacey’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 Stacey 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, Stacey 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: Stacey 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: Stacey 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 Stacey 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 Stacey 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.

Adventures of the Magazine World – An Insider’s Journey to the Top

Meet a magazine powerhouse! Liz Vaccariello, the Editor-in-Chief of Woman’s World and FIRST For Woman magazines. She is a transformative editorial leader. As a former SVP and Editor-in-Chief for iconic media brands like PEOPLE, REAL SIMPLE, PARENTS, and PREVENTION, our guest brings a wealth of experience in sculpting content, identifying opportunities, and leading teams. Enjoy meeting Liz Vaccariello!

Plus, a new buzzword waiting in the wings to be on the magazine cover: “Food Noise.”

Also available on YouTube

 

 

  • 🌟Magazine publishing career
  • 🌟Taking big career leaps
  • 🌟Becoming a Media Personality
  • 🌟Making career path decisions
  • 🌟Brand loyalty and nostalgia
  • 🌟Print magazine growth strategy
  • 🌟Newsstand headlines and behavior
  • 🌟Weight loss promises and credibility
  • 🌟HRT misconceptions
SHOW NOTES!
  •  Got to interview every rock band that came through Cleveland during Hair metal time, Lenny Kravitz, Nirvana, Poison, Bon Jovi $7/hour
  • Editor in Chief of Cleveland Magazine
  • Steve moves to NYC to continue photography career
  • Liz interviews in NYC and gets a position at Fitness Magazine, stays for 7 years
  • The thing about me is, “Whatever Job I’m in i think it’s the last job I’m ever going to do because i think it’s the best job ever and there so much room to grow and I’m heartbroken when it ends.”
  • Prevention Magazine, National Editor In Chief job, her Mother was very happy 🙂
  • Became a media personality, on TV Shows
  • You’re really lucky but if you are prepared when that luck comes, you’re ready.
  • B/c when she was at Fitness her boss was invited to do a 2 part series at the Today show, but she was having surgery so Liz went instead. (50 Health Mistakes even Smart women make”) with Katie Couric, so The View called to do the same then Oprah called also.
  • She loves the mix of the job descrip. for Editor in Chief
  • Working with producers in LA of Dr. Phil and The Doctors, development deal, before choosing Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine
  • Met with Executive coach and wrote down stream of consciousness what it would be like to do the TV show, and then what it would be like to be EIC of EDWRR
  • What makes me good on television is I’m really passionate about what I’m talking about
  • To be the creative force behind what I’m talking about and the Face Of. That mix is what I love.
  • EIC Reader’s Digest “Stories of lasting interest”
  • I’m at my best when I’m channeling something authentic.
  • a360
  • Unless it’s Taylor Swift, the #2 thing to get women to buy magazines is weight loss
  • Women’s World and FIRST for Women
  • Tabloid Newstand Sales were its biggest lever so those Headlines had to scream buy me. Once opened, inside it felt like a different magazine
  • She was part of downsizing many print magazines/staffs etc and didn’t want to join another print publication that would be shrinking, b/c it’s too disheartening
  • Accelerate a360
  • Company is doubling down on Print
  • American women continue to buy magazines at checkout
  • Both magazines are environments of positivity and optimism
  • Women’s World is a little more faith based
  • First for Women, random acts of kindness,
  • Yes we are growing, investing, buying more newstand racks
  • Add Advertisers w/ new credibility of covers that represent whats inside
  • Where’s the cast of party of 5 today?
  • Doing explainers on Ozempic, because their current readers are skeptical and want to learn more
  • In Real Time she is seeing the culture adapt and learn and change
  • Menopause, HRT – 2002 study and misconceptions.
  • Traditionally people turned to magazines to curate new and topics for them
  • Like with new Moms, Overwhelming amount of information and at Parents, I was like, Mom, You’re Doing Great.
  • In WW and FFW, we present the science and often highlight one women’s journey and say what worked and didn’t work for her. But she is only one person, and it doesn’t necessarily work for everyone.
  • A top Neurologist said on a podcast that the most gravest injustice the media has done was the 2002 study saying that HRT caused an increase in breast cancer and heart attacks. The study was flawed, but patients were afraid, and doctor’s stop prescribing
  • Lost in Jersey Magazine? It would need to be delivered with coffee
  • New Jersey is the Best State in the United States of America
  • More horses per capita than even Kentucky! WHAT!
  • South Orange Maplewood area, rich with creative people
  • 21 mins from Newark to go anywhere in the world
  • Open the cover, actually, it’s good content!
  • “When I opened it up, it was really good”

Summary of Exploring Magazine Publishing: A Conversation with Liz Vaccariello

Introduction

    • Delving into a recent podcast episode featuring Liz Vaccariello, editor-in-chief of Women’s World and FIRST for Women magazines.
    • Exploring Liz’s career journey and insights into magazine publishing.

Meeting Liz Vaccariello

    • Personal connection with Liz through the hosts’ children’s school.
    • Highlighting Liz’s impressive career trajectory from Cleveland to editor-in-chief of two women’s magazines.

From Cleveland to New York

    • Liz’s transition from local to national publications.
    • Reflecting on challenges and opportunities faced along the way.

Embracing Challenges in Magazine Publishing

    • Liz’s experiences in leading publications like Prevention Magazine.
    • Longevity of Liz’s career amidst industry changes.

Navigating Content and Audience Engagement

    • Content strategies employed by Liz, including engaging storytelling and reader-centric approaches.
    • Importance of credibility in content curation.

Addressing Health and Wellness Topics

    • Balancing informative content with responsible messaging, particularly in health-related topics.
    • Emphasis on authenticity and credibility.

Looking Ahead: Magazine Publishing in a Digital Age

    • Adapting to digital platforms while maintaining essence of print publications.
    • Challenges and opportunities in reaching diverse audiences.

Conclusion

    • Appreciation for conversation with Liz Vaccariello and insights into magazine publishing.
    • Invitation to explore Women’s World and FIRST for Women magazines.
    • Promise of more exciting content and conversations in media and publishing.
Keywords

Liz Vaccariello, Women’s World, FIRST for Women, magazine publishing, journalism,Cleveland, magazine, editor, New York, job,mother, editor-in-chief, fitness magazine, New York, Prevention Magazine,restaurants, TV experience, prepared, Oprah, TV clips,spokesperson, editor-in-chief, advertising partners, salesy, lifestyle magazines,television show, executive coach, magazine, TV show, broadcasting chops,brand loyalty, storytelling, nostalgia, magazine, editor,travel, photographer, writer, publishing, weight loss,brands, travel writing, freelance rates, downsizing, print magazines,magazines, print, women, journalism, growth,headcount, newsstand, advertisers, conversation, culture,solutions, tired, weight loss, nostalgia, credibility,advertising revenue, digital traffic, social media, content team, weight loss,weight loss drugs, fitness, menopause conversation, hormone replacement therapy, health content,science, chronic pain, weight loss, HRT, media,New Jersey, community, creative people, successful person, family

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