1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Lots of things, like any child: doctor, marine biologist, actress, vet, cook, journalist.
2. Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing?
Oh, yes. Anyone with a parrot understands that parrots demand attention just like dogs, maybe more. Hahaha. My sun conure Mango nips my fingers and attacks the keyboard if he’s especially important.
3. How did you come up with the title for your book?
The main character works in a bakery, for which she uses her graphic design skills to help promote it. She builds confidence throughout the book, and (spoiler alert) in the end comes up with a “recipe for confidence.” If you’d like to see that “recipe”, you’d have to read the book when it comes out.
4. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews?
I look at reviews of other authors, even authors considered the best, as a reminder that everyone receives bad reviews and that I’m not alone. Writing and reading are “subjective” for a reason.
5. How do you use social media as an author?
To promote my books. Examples: cover reveals, plot reveals, ARC signups, etc. I share reviews from other people to my Stories. I also like to support other authors, especially indie, when I can.
6. Name an underappreciated novel that you love.
Promposal by RaeChell Garrett
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I like to play video games, try new foods and coffee beverages, watch TV – comedy, dramedy, drama, anime, cartoon, documentary – and play video games. And, of course, reading.
8. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?
Silence or music, mainly pop or electronic.
9. What inspired the idea for your book?
One of the themes in Recipe for Confidence is being okay with not succeeding at something the first time. The fictional bakery in my book creates Setback Cakes to encourage customers to accept setbacks and even embrace them as learning experiences. I have become more confident but I still fall into the trap of comparing myself to my peers and focusing on my “failures.” This book is a gentle reminder to readers to be gentle and kind to themselves and see setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning.
10. What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Too many to pick. If I had to choose, they would be French vanilla coffee, coffee with caramel syrup, cashews, and popcorn.
Facebook: Author Samantha Picaro
Instagram: @author.samantha.picaro
TikTok: @authorsamanthapicaro
Website: www.samanthapicarowrites.com