We recently connected with John DiGirolamo and have shared our conversation below.
John, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?
I was writing a book about police officers. I would interview the officers and usually end with some “get to know you” questions. For example, I asked, “what would you do if you won the lottery?” I expected answers about heading to the lake and go fishing. One answered, “I’d quit my job and hunt down human traffickers.” I realized that I didn’t know much about human trafficking so I decided that these stories needed to be told.
John, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
John wrote the book It’s Not About the Sex because he believes that human trafficking is one of the most underreported issues of our day, that cuts across all economic, social, racial and political boundaries. He focused on stories from rural and suburban America, seeking to shine a light on and create awareness of the evils of human trafficking. The book features four individuals and their true experiences, from the perspective of an advocate, survivor, law enforcement officer and a brothel madam’s tale of redemption. The book reads like a fast-paced fiction novel, with dialogue, action, thoughts and emotions.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I wanted to write about serious subjects and do it in such a way so that would capture the reader’s attention. I call my work “creative nonfiction” because the stories are true, but don’t read like a report. They are real stories with plotlines and interesting characters. I try to get into the character’s head, so the readers get to know the person. Also, I wanted to give people a voice who may not normally be able to tell their story because they are ignored by the media. I especially wanted to write about how survivors of human trafficking persevere in the face of great adversity.
Does your business have multiple or supplementary revenue streams (like a ATM machine at a barbershop, etc)?
I found that doing live presentations about my subject matter was a great way to connect with future readers and it has opened many doors to meet people that I would not otherwise. I sell books at these events and I hear stories from the audience. It is great way to connect with the readers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.itisnotabout.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100078633528093
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-DiGirolamo/author/B092DV6CGC?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true