From Animal Science to Romance Novels – Exploring the Journey of a Unique Voice in Literature
Discover Wendy Zuccarello’s journey from veterinary science to crafting heartfelt romances. Themes of love, forgiveness, and diversity shape her novels, resonating with readers worldwide.
Wendy Zuccarello, a remarkable voice in contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is more than just an author. With a background as eclectic as her storytelling, she weaves tales that resonate with readers far beyond the confines of a traditional romance novel. Wendy’s journey into the world of literature began later in life, after dedicating two decades to the veterinary industry, where she tended to creatures ranging from hamsters to hippos. Her experiences have left her with more than just scars—they’ve given her a profound understanding of life’s complexities, which she masterfully channels into her writing.
In her interview with Reader’s House Magazine, Wendy sheds light on the driving forces behind her storytelling. Themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth are not just tropes for her; they are integral elements that shape her characters’ journeys. Her belief in the significance of the path to a happy ending is evident in her work, where she delves deep into the challenges and triumphs that pave the way for true love.
What sets Wendy apart is her unique perspective, stemming from her background in animal science and veterinary technology. Animals aren’t just props in her stories; they are essential characters, each with their own role to play in the romance unfolding on the pages. From African Penguins to chipmunks, Wendy infuses her narratives with the warmth and authenticity drawn from her firsthand experiences.
Loudening Silence, Wendy’s poignant exploration of deaf representation, is a testament to her commitment to inclusivity. Inspired by her own children’s journey with hearing impairment, the novel is a heartfelt tribute to their resilience and strength. Wendy’s dedication to accurate portrayal shines through, thanks to meticulous research and personal anecdotes woven into the fabric of the story.
The Healing Mountain Series, Wendy’s debut work, delves into the complexities of forgiveness and redemption. Rooted in her own experiences, these stories resonate on a deeply personal level, offering readers a glimpse into the transformative power of forgiveness. Maine, with its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, serves as a fitting backdrop for these tales of love and healing.
As a self-published author, Wendy’s journey has been both challenging and rewarding. The satisfaction of holding her own book in her hands is unparalleled, but it comes with a price—complete control and responsibility. Yet, Wendy’s advice to aspiring authors remains steadfast: never give up, write from the heart, and embrace the journey, regardless of the obstacles.
With Wendy Zuccarello at the helm, romance literature isn’t just about fairy tale endings—it’s about navigating the twists and turns of life, finding love in unexpected places, and embracing the beauty of second chances. So, dive into her world, where love is real, forgiveness is transformative, and happily ever afters are earned, one page at a time.
Your novels explore themes of love, forgiveness, and personal growth. What draws you to these themes, and how do they influence your storytelling?
Relationships are not always easy, and there are so many things in life that can impact them. I have always wanted to reflect this in my writing. Happily ever afters are amazing, but the journey there is often filled with bumps, unexpected turns, and immense challenges. There is so much more to the classic “boy meets girl; boy and girl fall in love; boy and girl live happily ever after,” and that is what I write. The journey is by far just as important as the outcome. My writing is heavily influenced by personal experience, and I strive to tell stories that are real.
Your background in animal science and veterinary technology is quite unique for a romance author. How does your past experience inform your writing, if at all?
I absolutely love including animals in my books. They have such an important role in the lives of so many people that they deserve to play their part in the romance world. One of my favorite books that I wrote, Never Let Go, includes some aspects of one of my previous jobs. The main character, Lia, is a penguin keeper at an aquarium. Some of my favorite memories of working with African Penguins are included in that book – all true stories. I also include dogs in several of my books, and even a chipmunk, based on Munchkin, the chipmunk that I hand feed in my back yard.
Loudening Silence features a protagonist who is deaf, adding diversity and representation to your story. What inspired you to incorporate deaf representation, and what research did you undertake to ensure accurate portrayal?
This story has been a long time coming for me. When I began graduate school, I wanted my thesis novel to be something meaningful, and Loudening Silence was born. Both of my teenagers are hearing impaired. Their diagnoses as toddlers were extremely difficult to come by, and more than challenging to understand as a parent. It was a terribly long road, but both handled it with overwhelming strength and positivity. I have watched them struggle and overcome so much in their short lives and wanted to use that inspiration the best way I could. The book is dedicated to my kids, Kaitlyn and AJ. The amazing story of Kaitlyn getting her hearing aids for the first time is there as well.
The Healing Mountain Series delves into the complexities of relationships and the journey towards forgiveness. Can you discuss the significance of forgiveness in your series and why it’s a central theme?
This series is special to me not only because they were the first I published, but because parts of the stories are based on personal experience. Forgiveness is a difficult concept in so many situations. It is about finding peace and inner strength. It can allow you to heal, to grow, and move on, but you must be willing to let it in. These books were written with the hopes of sending the message that it is okay to struggle, but it is important not to let it hold you back. These characters will always hold a special place in my heart as they helped me find my writing voice and gave me the strength to put my heart on paper.
Maine serves as a backdrop for some of your novels. What significance does this setting hold for you personally, and how does it influence the stories you tell?
I love Maine. I went there for the first time in high school, and it took root in my heart. The beauty, the peace, the simplicity… there is nothing like it. When I began writing Finding an Anchor, there was no question in my mind about the setting. A few years ago, I took my daughter to Acadia National Park for a long weekend, and it is something I will never forget. To be able to share something so special with her means the world to me.
I am having trouble letting go of the characters from The Healing Mountains Series so I’m sure they will pop up again soon. They seem to have a lot more to say and I think I may have to continue their stories.
As a self-published author, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your writing journey, and what advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to self-publish their work?
There are no words to describe holding a book that you wrote in your hands. Each and every time I open that box, there are tears and an immense sense of satisfaction and relief. Being a self-published author is amazing because you have complete control of your work. But you must remember that you have complete control of your work. Editing, formatting, design, story, publication, promotion, etc… it’s all on you. It is a lot of work, but it is more than worth it.
My advice is and will always be, never give up. Write what you love. Give it your all. Don’t look back.
And the most important thing is that as an indie-author, your sales DO NOT define your success.
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