Immigrant Hearts and Literary Legacy: A Conversation with Catherine Gigante-Brown

In this heartfelt episode of the Ready to Be Published Podcast, host Vinnie Corbo of Volossal Publishing sits down with acclaimed author Catherine Gigante-Brown to explore the inspiration, structure, and impact of her latest novel, Immigrant Hearts.

Rooted in her own family’s Italian American immigrant history, Immigrant Hearts weaves a multigenerational tale of love, resilience, and community during pre-WWII America. Catherine opens up about how this novel, based on her maternal grandparents’ lives, came together—complete with vintage photos, restored archival images, and a compelling cast of characters inspired by real people.

Together, Vinnie and Catherine discuss:

• How anti-immigrant sentiment past and present shaped the story
• Why Immigrant Hearts might be her most successful book yet
• Her evolving writing style and unique chapter structures
• The importance of authentic dialogue and character development
• Easter eggs, reader feedback, and honoring family legacies through fiction
• How she built a grassroots promotional network through local bookstores, podcasts, museums, and virtual readings
• Her entire body of work, from Different Drummer to Cry of Silence, Paul & Carol Go to Guatemala, and more

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a lover of immigrant stories, or a fan of contemporary historical fiction, this conversation offers rich insights into the writing life, publishing process, and the timeless importance of telling personal stories that resonate universally.

Author Maggie Zurowska (pronounced Zhoo-RAHV-ska) sits down with Vinnie Corbo from Volossal Publishing to share her journey from a free-range childhood in Poland’s mountains to the culture shock of New York City—and how that led to two candid books, Sex and Yoga and Behind My American Dream.

We talk about adventure vs. expectations, leaving a small town where everyone knows your family, working for the ultra-wealthy in the Hamptons, finding balance in yoga and spirituality, discovering veganism (ahimsa), and why honest memoirs matter—even if they’re not written to please everyone.

In this conversation:

• Growing up in Poland & why she left
• Identity beyond family reputation
• NYC culture shock & class divides
• What Sex and Yoga is (and isn’t)
• Spiritual awakening & nature/animal connection
• Becoming vegan and teaching plant-based cooking
• How personal stories help readers find their own path

Books by Maggie:

Behind My American Dream – memoir of immigration, reinvention, and compassion

Sex and Yoga – creativity vs. discipline, and finding balance through practice

About the guest:

Maggie is an author, chef/instructor, and vegan advocate based in California. She teaches hands-on classes (gnocchi, fresh pasta, tacos, more) that surprise non-vegans and inspire curious cooks.

About the host:

This interview is part of Volossal Publishing’s author series with Vinnie—spotlighting bold, personal stories that spark conversation.

In this episode of Ready to Be Published, host Vinnie Corbo sits down with Chuck Redmen, author of the sharp, satirical novel Low Worm Diet. Together, they explore Chuck’s unique literary voice, the power of authentic dialogue, and the challenge (and joy) of writing for a thoughtful, discerning audience.

Chuck shares how his background in law and his passion for animal rights shaped his storytelling—and how his transition into acting helped refine his approach to dialogue. Vinnie and Chuck also dive into Chuck’s creative process, his earlier novel A Cottonwood Stand, and why Low Worm Diet is unlike anything you've read before.

This book isn’t just smart—it’s funny, biting, and refreshingly original. All royalties go to All For Love Animal Rescue, making this a feel-good listen in more ways than one.

A must-hear for:

• Writers looking to develop believable, witty dialogue
• Fans of literary satire and smart humor
• Readers who love books that challenge, entertain, and inspire
• Supporters of animal rescue causes

Connect with Volossal Publishing and discover more stories worth telling.

Trilogies, Easter Eggs, and Indie Author Truths

Join Vinnie Corbo, publisher at Volossal Publishing, in this in-depth and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed author Catherine Gigante-Brown—the powerhouse behind The EL Trilogy. From unexpected beginnings to building a beloved fictional family across three decades of storytelling, Cathy shares her writing process, the evolution of her Brooklyn-based characters, and the power of staying creative on your own terms.

They explore what it really takes to publish multiple novels, build an author brand, work with a boutique press, and why it sometimes pays to be a “small press” author. You'll hear candid advice for aspiring writers, behind-the-scenes moments from designing book covers, a peek into upcoming projects, and how storytelling can preserve memory, culture, and emotion for generations.

Whether you're an emerging writer, indie publishing fan, or longtime reader of The EL, this episode delivers creative inspiration, laughs, and lots of insight into the world of modern storytelling.

Topics include:

• How The EL became The Bells of Brooklyn… then Brooklyn Roses
• Writing family sagas that span decades (and still feel intimate)
• Creating “Easter eggs” for devoted readers
• Working with a small press vs. traditional publishing
• Book cover design as homage (Elvis, The Clash, 70s nostalgia)
• Why poetry still matters (even if it doesn’t sell)
• What makes publishing worth it

In this heartwarming episode of Ready to Be Published, publisher Vinnie Corbo welcomes Claire Clement and Judy Aiston, co-authors of The Adventures of Molly the Beagle, a beautifully illustrated children’s book based on the true story of a mischievous, lovable rescue dog.

More than just a lighthearted story, this episode explores how two retired respiratory therapists—who worked on the front lines during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—used their lifelong friendship and creative talents to bring Molly’s adventures to life. Claire penned the story, inspired by her real-life beagle’s daring escapes, and Judy returned to her artistic roots to illustrate the book—using an iPad, a new skillset, and lots of determination.

They discuss:

• Their 20+ year friendship and bond forged in healthcare
• How Molly inspired a story of adventure, curiosity, and second chances
• Judy’s journey from graphic artist and professional clown to digital illustrator
• How Volossal Publishing gave them creative freedom, including post-publication revisions
• Claire’s emotional dedication to her late son, a dog lover who helped adopt Molly
• Tips for new authors, promoting children’s books locally, and donating to libraries and hospitals

From laughter over pandemic mask mishaps to unexpected connections with other “Molly” owners, this episode celebrates creativity, resilience, and the power of storytelling to honor loved ones and uplift children.

Perfect For Listeners Who Love:

• Uplifting origin stories behind children’s books
• Rescue dog stories
• Author and illustrator collaborations
• Women creatives and post-retirement reinventions
• Emotional legacy and healing through art
• Independent publishing and creative control

Author A.R. Baumann joins Vinnie Corbo in the Volossal Publishing studio for an intimate and unscripted conversation about her gritty and beloved character, Nick Noelle. From the genesis of the first two novels—Under a Cloud of Rain and Thicker Than Blood—to the upcoming third installment, this episode dives into the inspirations, personal experiences, and family influences that shaped Nick’s complex world.

A.R. shares candid stories of growing up with a charismatic, hard-edged father, reflects on past relationships that mirror her fictional detective, and explores how she weaves herself—flaws and all—into Nick's voice. From dark addictions to secret codes of honor, Nick Noelle is more than a character; he's the man you know, the man you loved, or the man you once were.

If you’re curious about character-driven storytelling, writing flawed heroes, or building a series with emotional depth and streetwise grit, this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Ready to Be Published, publisher Vinnie Corbo talks with longtime Volossal author Catherine Gigante-Brown, a true DIY marketing powerhouse. Catherine shares practical, creative, and low-cost strategies for promoting your book—whether you're traditionally published, self-published, or somewhere in between.

Known for her Brooklyn-based literary fiction (The El, Brooklyn Roses, Better Than Sisters, and more), Catherine reveals how she’s built her audience through grassroots tactics like bookstore readings with homemade cookies, niche community engagement, strategic media outreach, and tapping into cultural connections to create buzz. Her warm, authentic approach to author promotion makes her a standout in the indie publishing world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to land readings at local bookstores, museums, and niche venues
• Why bringing cookies might be your best marketing tool
• How to pitch your book to local newspapers, blogs, and online communities
• The power of connecting your book to cultural or geographic themes
• Tips for writing compelling media pitches and finding “back door” publicity opportunities
• Why every author—indie or not—needs to take control of their own promotion

If you’ve written a book and want it to actually reach readers, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and real-world advice from an author who’s done it all herself.

In this heartfelt episode of Ready to Be Published, publisher Vinnie Corbo sits down with Yael Adler, author of From Gypsy to Jersey: An Adoption Journey, to talk about her deeply personal experience as an adoptee who successfully found her birthmother — and wrote a powerful book about the journey.

Adopted from Romania at age two, Yael shares how her parents always kept the story of her adoption open and honest. But it wasn’t until her 30th birthday that a sudden spark of curiosity, triggered by old documents and life transitions, led her on a quest for answers. With luck, courage, and persistence, she reconnected with her past, uncovered truths about her heritage, and experienced a life-changing reunion — all before the world shut down during the pandemic.

The conversation touches on:

• Growing up adopted and knowing from an early age
• How family support shaped her experience
• The emotional complexity of birth family searches
• Trauma, timing, and how the body holds memory
• Cultural differences and revelations in Romania
• Talking to her adoptive mother about the journey
• What it means to leave behind a legacy for her own children

Yael also opens up about writing her book while pregnant with her third child — and how telling her story helped bring clarity, healing, and connection.

This episode is perfect for listeners who are interested in:

• Real-life adoption stories
• Memoirs of identity, culture, and healing
• Birth family search journeys
• Writing personal narratives and publishing your story
• Adoptee perspectives and intergenerational legacy