Author Christopher Calcara- Squealer: Growing Up Gay the Catholic Italian Way
Name: Christopher Calcara
Birth Place: Kansas City, Missouri
Occupation: Writer/Author
Tell us about your recent work?
I write and submit short stories on a regular basis, but my latest recognized work is my debut novel SQUEALER, a gay thriller that addresses bullying, prejudice, homophobia, and teacher sexual abuse…with wit and suspense.
With tongue-in-cheek and dark overtones, Squealer examines the life of an impressionable Midwestern Catholic Italian choirboy who grows into a mob-worthy assassin in order to avenge high school nemeses from his past.
Who has been your biggest influence in your writing?
A high school English teacher and the contemporary classicists: Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner, O’Neil, Capote …playwrights Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee…Short story writers Joyce Carol Oates, Katherine Anne Porter, Cheever, so many more too numerous to mention
Words that best describe you?
Tenacious, Creative, Confident but still a bit shy
When did you become out to friends and family?
Never came out to family; they just took me as I am—or else. As for friends–college.
Who has been your biggest influence in your life?
Maternal Grandparents
I would give anything to meet…
Frankenstein—so misunderstood.
Your idea of a perfect evening is?
After a meal of lobster, cuddling on the couch with a partner and a good movie and lovemaking while the credits roll.
The last book I read was …
I’m currently reading the anthology Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King.
My favorite movies/plays are?
Again, too numerous to mention but love anything by Hitchcock, Almodovar,Waititi, Tarantino…the playwrights mentioned under my ‘In<uences’ and so many more.
Nobody knows that I ……
Can’t use my computer without a mouse
What’s your favorite place in the entire world?
So far, Florence, Italy.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Started moving around the country, beginning with Phoenix, then Florida, then Charleston, SC, then back to Kansas City
What odd talent do you have?
I can tie my ankles around my neck. Just kidding. I don’t think any talent is odd. Mine are pretty ordinary.
What had been your biggest setback or failure in life and how did you overcome it?
Can’t seem to make a relationship last. Just kept going. Onward and Upward is my motto.
If I could meet my younger self, I would tell him…
Be patient. Success can come at any time. Furthermore, it’s better handled later in life than earlier.
What would you like to say to the Gay Life after 40 tribe?
Respect yourself and your elders. Enjoy life. Be fearless. Laugh a lot.
Where can our readers find you or know more about you?
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christopher.caruso.14
On my website: https://chrisjcalcara.wixsite.com/website
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/CJCalcara
On Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21162911.Christopher_Calcara
How can they purchase your books?
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Squealer-Growing-Gay-Catholic-Italian-ebook/dp/B08TB6HTV8/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Christopher+Calcara&qid=1626470615&sr=8-1
On Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Squealer-Growing-Up-Gay-the-Catholic-Italian-Way-Paperback/382416573
On takealot: https://www.takealot.com/squealer-growing-up-gay-the-catholic-italian-way/PLID71805289
