Photo by Kimberly Campbell
Daco S. Auffenorde is the author of the new novel The Medici Curse. Her other books include Cover Your Tracks.
Q: What inspired you to write The Medici Curse, and how did you create your character Anna?
A: Some years ago, my husband surprised me with a trip to Tuscany to visit his sister. Upon returning, I was inspired to write the novel. And I certainly had enough material to work with after the trip. Anna is a character completely of my own imagination. Like plots, characters come to me naturally.
Q: How did you research the book, and what did you learn that especially surprised you?
A: I traveled to Italy. If feasible, an author should try to travel to the location of their book’s setting. You learn so much more by being in the place you’re writing about—museums, wineries, cafés, leather and pottery shops, restaurants, old villas and more.
I love Italy, and it was fascinating to see all the art, which is a big theme in the book. The leaning tower of Pisa was a joy to see as was the Uffizi museum, and the Palazzo Medici, now named Palazzo Medici Riccardi after the Riccardi family bought it in the 17th century.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: Generally when I write a novel, I always know the story from start to finish. Not the words, just the concept. To prepare, I often outline a few of my ideas but only using short sentences or even a single word to describe a chapter.
Q: The writer Samantha M. Bailey called the novel a “fascinating, wholly original story that beautifully, terrifyingly juxtaposes the dark and light...” What do you think of that description?
A: First, Samantha Bailey is an incredibly talented writer and a terrific person. I’m honored that she took the time to read my book. And she really does zero in on what my book is about.
The Medici Curse is a suspense novel that leans into the Gothic and supernatural but also contrasts good (the “light”) and evil (the “dark”)—and how sometimes the lines between the two blur.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: My next book is a murder mystery involving a cold case. It’s set to release summer 2026.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Thank you for having me.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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