Entrepreneur, first-generation American, writer, and mother to four children, María strives to bring passion and enthusiasm to all her endeavors. A lover of all things European, María has found great passion through her travels to Paris, Italy, Spain, and South America. Her affection for winemaking, foreign languages, the arts, ballroom dancing, and traveling has given María a unique and grateful perspective on life. Her love for her family and helping others through charitable giving has enabled María to thoughtfully curate purposeful life adventures.

María Castellucci Moore earned her bachelor of arts degree in finance from Dominican University on a tennis scholarship, and later pursued studying at New York University and the London School of Economics with a focus on global affairs. In 2016, with her siblings, María founded Castellucci Napa Family, a luxury wine and real estate brand. María runs her wine label and a family real estate development company in the greater Bay Area. She is a board member of the San Francisco Opera Guild and is enthusiastic about building opportunity and community through the arts.

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Author Interview with Maria Castellucci Moore

1. When did you first know you wanted to be an author? 

After the birth of my first child, I had the desire to write a children’s book. Seeing her interest in board books, pictures and stories inspired me to create my own story. This was over 12 years ago now!

2. When you are not writing, what other hats do you wear? What do you do for fun?

I am a proud mother of four beautiful children. I am also the proprietor of a wine and real estate brand: Castellucci Napa Valley. I enjoy creating beautiful wines and assisting to manage our family real estate business. For fun, I love to support the arts: ballet, symphony, Opera in San Francisco. I also enjoy playing piano and flower arranging.

3. What is your favorite genre to read? What about that genre draws you?

I thoroughly enjoy reading non-fiction, self-care books on spirituality, psychology, and other topics that inspire me to live to be the best person I can be each day. I enjoy non-fiction more than fiction! If we are not growing, we are slowly dying!

4. What is your favorite thing about this time of year? And why?

I enjoy the magic of the season, mostly experiencing through the eyes of my children. Attending the San Francisco Nutcracker Ballet is an annual tradition in our family; I have been going since I was 5! It’s magic experiencing it with my children now!

5. What historical figure do you admire and why?

I have always admired Mother Teresa. Her incredible acts of kindness have transformed lives and cultures. She was most known for her selflessness and we can all learn from her sacrifices in life. 

6. Who did you have in mind as you wrote the book?

Vivienne in Paris is a tale of my self-discovery journey; the concepts of mindfulness and cultivating joy as I learned as an adult. Vivienne is one of my favorite girls’ names and the city of Paris holds a very special place in my heart!

7. As a former K-12 school librarian I have to ask – what is your favorite children’s book?

My favorite children’s book is Mrs. Rumphius. This story touches my heart in its message about how to make the world more beautiful. 

8. What advice would you give to a child or teen who wants to be a writer?

Have a storyline/concept that really drives you. If something moves you, you will effortlessly be able to put your thoughts on paper. Also, make sure you carve out some quiet time so you can practice writing either daily or weekly. Come up with your own ritual. It’s an incredibly rewarding journey, you can do it!

Thank you so much for joining us today, Maria. It is always fun to learn more about the author behind the book. 
Views expressed in this interview/guest post do not necessarily reflect the views of this blog host.