An Interview with author Lisa Montanaro, Episode 49

Donna Carbone
14 hours ago
2 min read

Lisa Montanaro is the author of the debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True, which released in January 2025, by Red Adept Publishing, and won first place for LGBTQ Fiction in the International Firebird Book Awards and Honorable Mention from the Los Angeles Book Festival. At turns heartbreaking and hopeful, the novel explores not only the consequences of secrets—even secrets kept out of love—but also the courage it takes to speak the truth, to forgive, and to let go. Lisa is part no-nonsense Italian American New Yorker and part sunny Californian. She has a unique background as a performer, teacher of deaf students, lawyer, coach, speaker, and author. Lisa is also the author of The Ultimate Life Organizer,published by Peter Pauper Press. She serves as webinar host for the Women's Fiction Writers Association and as facilitator of the Retro COLAGE group for adult children of LGBTQ parents. When not writing, Lisa enjoys cycling and hiking with her veterinarian husband, tending to her garden, and chasing after her rescue dogs. Lisa has enjoyed living snow-free since 2012 in Northern California, where she’s made it her mission to sample the wines of the region.

SHOW NOTES:

Could you give us a brief synopsis of your debut novel, Everything We Thought Was True?
What inspired you to write this story, and how much of it draws from your own life or experiences?
Your story features multiple characters who switch between different POVs—first and third person. What drew you to this narrative approach?
What challenges and advantages did you find in writing across different POVs in a multi-character family saga?
Frank’s struggles with acceptance and his journey toward self-acceptance are central to the story. How do you see his story reflecting broader issues within the LGBTQ community?
The story spans over three decades. How did societal attitudes toward LGBTQ rights and family structures influence your characters’ decisions and lives throughout this timeline?
The vivid depiction of Italian family life, food, and culture stands out. Why was this setting so important to the story, and how did you bring it to life?
What do you hope readers will reflect on in their own lives after engaging with Lena’s story and her process of reconciliation?
How is writing non-fiction different from writing fiction? Telling vs. showing.
How has your work with WFA shaped your approach to storytelling or expanded your understanding of diverse perspectives?
What can readers expect from your “Prosecco & Prose” newsletter? How do you choose the topics or themes to include? Which is a great name for a newsletter.
What is something, as a debut author, that you learned the hard way?