Don Iannone, renowned author, poet, and storyteller, captured during an exclusive interview about his creative journey.
Blending Narrative and Truth in the Literary Landscape
Don Iannone, a master of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, shares his creative process, discusses balancing emotion and intellect, and explores the impact of memory, place, and curiosity on his writing journey.
D on Iannone, a luminary in contemporary literature, seamlessly traverses the realms of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and cultural commentary, proving himself as a versatile and insightful storyteller. Mosaic Digest recently had the honor of featuring Don Iannone, where his profound artistic journey uncovers the intricate layers of creativity, intellect, and the human condition. His works, such as “Cleveland’s Flats: A Symphonic Essay in Black and White,” “A Magical Chagrin Valley Christmas Story,” and “America’s Dream at a Crossroads: The 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond,” stand as testaments to his ability to interweave wit with warmth, engaging readers on both an emotional level and an intellectual plane.
The Intersection of Emotion and Intellect
For Iannone, writing transcends mere storytelling—it’s an exploration of the human soul. His creative process draws from a diverse background in economic development and academia, which fuels his commitment to maintaining a balance between emotional resonance and intellectual rigor. As he eloquently puts it, “Emotion is how ideas enter the body; intellect is how they stay.” This philosophy is reflected in his ability to craft narratives that respect and engage both the reader’s heart and mind.
“Good writing embodies both ‘showing’ and ‘telling.’”
– Don Iannone
The Call of Diverse Genres
Iannone’s literary journey defies classification into a single genre. His path across poetry, nonfiction, and fiction was not charted strategically but was a necessity of his own intellectual and emotional pursuits. Each genre serves as a vessel through which he examines different truths, allowing him to approach each subject with the honesty it deserves. His writing process demands a delicate balance between “showing” and “telling”—an art he continually refines to capture the multifaceted nature of truth.
“Essays often answer a question; books live with one.”
– Don Iannone
Influences and Inspirations
One of Iannone’s recent works, “A Magical Chagrin Valley Christmas Story,” beautifully captures the essence of the holiday season while avoiding the pitfalls of sentimentality. It emerged from cherished personal memories, a longing for wonder, and the deep-seated influence of place and community. The book’s development was a careful process of listening and restraint, allowing the magic to resonate subtly through its narrative.
Economic development, which trained Iannone to view systems and structures objectively, significantly influences his writing. His storytelling often reflects an acute awareness of how power, policy, and cultural dynamics interconnect, evident even in his most personal and lyrical works. His engagement with institutions like the EU-Based Transcontinental Institution of Higher Education and events such as the Chagrin Documentary Film Festival have enriched his perspective, infusing his narratives with complexity and depth.
Crafting Meaningful Stories
Throughout his distinguished career, Iannone has honed a disciplined writing practice wherein consistency triumphs over volume. For him, writing isn’t merely about producing content but is a journey of attention and discovery. By writing every day, even when inspiration is elusive, he remains open to the grace that accompanies persistence.
Photography also plays a unique role in his literary works, blurring the boundaries between visual and textual narratives. His book “Cleveland’s Flats: A Symphonic Essay in Black and White” exemplifies this synthesis. Iannone harmonizes photography and prose through musical structures, akin to a symphony, enhancing the storytelling experience and making the work both a visual and intellectual engagement.
Guidance for Aspiring Writers
Iannone’s wisdom extends beyond his pages; his experience as a teacher underscores the importance of clarity and curiosity. He champions the idea that authenticity matters more than seeking approval and urges writers to craft their narratives with patience and diligence. For those diving into poetry or fiction for the first time, Iannone advises reading without anxiety, allowing confusion to birth understanding, much like music.
In the end, Don Iannone’s body of work and reflections remind us of literature’s profound ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. As you delve into his narratives, prepare to embark on an exploration of humanity, place, and the boundless possibilities of imagination.
