INTERVIEW - Mary Taylor

Since John Lonero retired from teaching at East Hampton High School 22 years ago, he has pursued multiple careers and adventures, but none more exciting than writing and self-publishing his first novel, I USED TO BE ITALIAN, which recently appeared in local bookstores. Now Lonero’s book may be headed for the big screen since Lantana Productions in Hollywood, CA. is considering buying the rights to the novel for one year.

In a recent interview with the author from his home in Tryon, NC., Lonero said that he and his wife, Hedy, have worked together in publishing the 350-page softbound book, which took him seven years to write. However his wife was quick to explain, "John wrote, proofed, and designed the book. I did the typing."

Lonero admits the novel is a memoir, though the characters and situations are composites. Jamie, who is the character most like Lonero, grew up in the Italian ghetto of Cleveland, Ohio, pursued art and advertising on Madison Avenue, and moved to the eastern end of Long Island just as the author did. On the other hand, Lonero’s wife said, “There’s a little of John in Vinnie Grosso,” the protagonist’s lifelong friend who muscles life, looks for trouble, and finds it.

Lonero and his wife have their doctorates in art education. His other publications include short stories, national magazine articles on art education, and how-to art packages with workbooks, which both he and his wife developed. Lonero is currently working on another book titled THE LOGIC OF ART.

He has accepted numerous engagements to speak across the country and abroad.

Lonero’s enthusiasm for the creative process, whatever form it may take, continues to drive him today with his recent emphasis on writing and publishing. He said, “The creative process is similiar, if not identical, whether you are involved in industrial design, architecture, landscape or portrait painting, writing a novel, or trying to solve a problem with a clogged sink. I’m speaking from experience. I have done all these things.”