Local author and New Jersey native Dr. Frank Plateroti will discuss how he blends history and family lore to create his narratives at the Mullica Hill library on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
“His talk – titled “The Challenges of Writing Fiction Based on True Events” – will explore his unique approach to integrating historical events and family stories into compelling fiction,” said his publicist, Courtney Schrauben Haik. “Attendees will hear first hand how Dr. Plateroti brings characters to life from personal recollections.”
Plateroti is best known for the “East Clifton Avenue” book series, the story of the Buonofortes, a family of Sicilian immigrants who move to Clifton at the beginning of the 20th century and face the trials and tribulations of a new world.
The series takes inspiration from the family of Plateroti’s mother, who had to endure similar challenges as the Buonofortes. The books are planned as a trilogy, with the first two already published and the third in process.
“I am introducing you to the Buonofortes,” Plateroti explained. “A family similar to my mother’s family and the millions of other families who immigrated to this great country at the beginning of the last century.
“The Italian immigrants took their place among the other immigrants who came before them and who were already acclimated and settled in their new country,” the author added. “Similar to all the new immigrants – regardless of nationality – they all shared the same passion, to make a better life for themselves, their children and generations to come.”
Plateroti’s talk will be followed by a Q&A session. According to his website, the author has a master’s degree in communication and a doctorate in education research. He is currently a professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, where he has worked for more 20 years teaching courses on television production, media studies and interpersonal and intrapersonal communication.
Plateroti also owned his own production company and was its director and writer, and he worked in public relations before his teaching career.
The author’s 7 p.m. lecture is free but requires registration in advance at GCLS website.
“This event promises to resonate with book lovers,” Haik noted, “aspiring writers and anyone interested in history and culture.”
