Interview & Giveaway with Author Steve Physioc

It's a busy day here at Passages to the Past! First I have an interview with Steve Physioc who is currently on Blog Tour for his book series, which includes The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls! I hope you enjoy our interview and be sure to enter the giveaway!


Hello, Steve! Welcome to Passages to the Past! Thank you for being here today! To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

Thanks very much for inviting me to be a part of Passages to the Past. I’ve been interested in storytelling since I was a child. I loved reading and loved a good story, and I think that’s what drew me to my profession as a play-by-play announcer for football, basketball and baseball. (I am a broadcaster for the Kansas City Royals and Fox College Sports.) Play-by-play is basically telling a story as it happens. Being in the moment, finding the right words to describe what you are seeing as it unfolds. I must admit, as a writer, I do enjoy the fact that I have a backspace and can create my own scenes.

What inspired you to write the series?

My wife and I were vacationing in Italy in 2006, and while staying at a bed and breakfast in southern Tuscany, I had a vivid dream of a great walled city and two families struggling to produce a great wine. Instead of going back to sleep, I wrote down what I saw in the dream, and the following morning told my wife of my experience. We continued our tour of Italy, and one week later we met friends in the town of Lucca. As we neared the city’s walls, my eyes went wide. “This is it!” I exclaimed, “This is the walled city I saw in my dream!” Needless to say, I was inspired, and I began my writing journey.

What research did you undertake when writing the series?

Everything. Books on Mussolini, WW1, Italy, Tuscany, grape growing, winemaking, the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, the rise of Fascism, etc. Read, read, read, write, write, write…

What was your favorite scene to write?

I’m a sucker for a good love story, so I enjoyed writing the romance between Isabella and Franco.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

The war scenes. I’ve never been a soldier, so I don’t know what it feels like to be in a foxhole with an enemy pointing a rifle at you. I tried to become Franco when he was in battle, imagined a pacifist in a war he didn’t believe in. I tried to articulate what he saw, how he felt, the fear, the cold, the loss of life and loss of faith.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I don’t know if I can truly answer that question, but I have always been moved by the written word. Some are moved by painting, some by music, some by dance. For me, it was always a good story…a good adventure.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

As someone who already has a full-time job, my writing routine can be a bit haphazard. But I believe life is about time management. I have to be disciplined with my time. Time for work, time for my wife, time for my kids and grandkids…and time to write. As an example, on a baseball game day, I will give myself at least two straight hours to write, but then also write on the bus, on the plane, after a game, etc. One has to be committed and also passionate about the story they are creating.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?

Dialogue. I try to immerse myself in each character. Become that person. Become Franco. Become Isabella. Become Antonio. Become Susanna. Become their personality and speak in the way they would rather than speak in my voice. It’s tough.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Diana Gabaldon of The Outlander series. She was gracious enough to meet with me during spring training this year. She’s an awesome, gifted writer who was very generous with her time. Also, Kristin Hannah, Vince Flynn, John Steinbeck, Marianne Williamson, Kenneth Roberts, Joel Goldman, and Ken Follett.

What was the first historical novel you read?

Arundel by Kenneth Roberts. I was 10 years old. Loved it.

What is the last historical novel you read?

Blood Brothers by DeAnne Stillman

What are three things people may not know about you?

I am a student of A Course in Miracles. My favorite TV show is Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul Sunday. I love a good hike in the woods with my dog Lucca.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love history and am interested in cause and effect. As an example, Fascism was the effect, but what was the cause? My main character in both novels, Isabella, is a big cause-and-effect person too.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

When I was a child, it was the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. That’s probably because my favorite author was Kenneth Roberts, who wrote Northwest Passage, Rabble in Arms, and Arundel. Lately, it was WW1 and WW2. My new project deals with our current time.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I’m blessed to be in love with my best friend and wife, Stace St James Physioc. When baseball season is over, I’m pretty much gum on her shoe. #soulmate

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’m writing another two-book series, and the first book in it is called Walks with the Wind. It’s about a Native American boy from the Southern Ute tribe blessed with two gifts: he’s a great baseball player (pitcher) and wildlife tracker. Unfortunately, a man who runs a private military contracting company wants to use our hero’s skills in the mountains of Afghanistan. It’s more action/adventure than The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls, but I’m having a blast writing it! Now…back to the book!

That sounds fascinating, I can't wait to read it! Happy writing! Thanks for spending time with us!


The Walls of Lucca by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: March 26, 2018
eBook & Paperback; 509 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


Winner of the 2019 Reader Views Historical Fiction Award
Winner of the 2019 Tyler R. Tichelaar Award for Best Historical Fiction

When Franco, a weary Italian soldier who’s seen some of the worst of World War I, stumbles onto the Martellino vineyard, he’s looking for work — not love. But he finds that and much more with Isabella, the feisty young woman who works there.

Franco pours himself into the vineyard, trying to create a wine that will save it from financial ruin and rescue him from his dark memories of war. But it’s not easy when Mussolini's evil shadow continues to loom over all of Italy. It’s even harder when Susanna, the vineyard’s matriarch, invites that shadow to the vineyard with her involvement in Fascist politics — and one very sinister political operative.

Influenced by the teachings of A Course In Miracles, The Walls of Lucca is historical fiction that shows readers the power of love and forgiveness in the face of evil. Compelling, colorful characters populate an authentic, inspiring story of friendship, faith, love and loss in a tumultuous time in European history.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Walls of Lucca

“An absorbing, well-researched saga.” — Kirkus Reviews

“The Walls of Lucca is a tender, suspenseful and touching story sure to please fans of romance, political stories, and historical novels.” — BlueInk Review

"Author Steve Physioc has really managed to find the perfect balance of romance and real life." - Readers' Favorite


Above the Walls by Steve Physioc

Publication Date: February 1, 2019
eBook & Paperback; 484 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


For eight years, the Fascist politician Alfredo Obizzi has kept quiet about his affair with Susanna Martellino, the matriarch of the Martellino vineyard. Now in 1938 Italy, Obizzi uses his growing political power to seek revenge on his past enemies, and Susanna and the vineyard’s spiritual sage, Isabella, are at the top of his list. Will faith and forgiveness be enough to lead the vineyard and its inhabitants through the bloodshed and heartbreak of World War II and Obizzi’s vengeance?

Meanwhile, the vineyard’s next generation, DeAngelo and Lily, have been best friends since they were born. But now — is it more? The star-crossed lovers must push through war, distance and outside forces to find out.

Praise for Above the Walls

“Once again, Physioc brings wartime Italy to vibrant life…Convincing historical fiction with a spiritual slant.” - Kirkus Reviews

“It was a delight to step back into the Martellino vineyard and to author Steve Physioc’s unique blend of romantic drama and harrowingly austere pre-war conditions.” - Readers Favorite

“To write I am astounded by Above the Walls is an understatement; this captivating book captured me and held me prisoner until the very end.” - Red Headed Book Lover blog

Amazon | IndieBound

About the Author


As an Emmy-winning radio and TV broadcaster for football, baseball and basketball, Steve Physioc has been telling stories for 40 years. After a trip to Italy with his wife, Stace, he was inspired to tell a different kind of story — his novels, The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls. He and Stace live in Kansas City and love to visit and spend time with their children, Ryan and Kevin, and three grandchildren.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, October 6
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (The Walls of Lucca)

Tuesday, October 8
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, October 10
Review at The Book Reader

Friday, October 11
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Sunday, October 13
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books (Above the Walls)

Tuesday, October 15
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 17
Review at Coffee and Ink

Saturday, October 19
Review at Just Another Reader (The Walls of Lucca)

Monday, October 21
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, October 23
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, October 25
Review at Just Another Reader (Above the Walls)
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Walls of Lucca and Above the Walls! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Steve Physioc


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