Maryanne Peluso

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

My full name is Maryanne Peluso. Rose is my Confirmation name. I am using a Pen Name to protect the identity of many of the individuals mentioned in my memoir. I am a devout Catholic and a former Franciscan Religious Sister. Prior to entering the Catholic Convent, I was a graphic artist for nearly 10 years. While in the Convent, I earned a Masters Degree in Pastoral/Spiritual Theology. When I left the Sisters in 2007, I went to work for a Parish in Northern New Jersey as the Director of their Religious Education Program. However, because I've been a chronic pain sufferer for over 22 years, I had to stop working full-time and applied for SSDI. I now work part-time as a Senior Caregiver/Companion. I was born and raised in Newark and Irvington, New Jersey. I now live on the Jersey Shore with my 83 y/o mother and my pet lovebird, Cheekie.

When and why did you start writing books?

I began my memoir in the fall of 2015. I finished it and self-published it with the help of a vanity press in January of 2021. This is my first and only stand-alone book. It is a memoir and the one story I just had to tell!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I am not writing as a career. I just enjoy telling stories and writing about them. My memoir is my one and only book. I don't plan to write anything else. This is a very intimate and personal story. It is the Lord's story as much as it is mine and I just had to tell it.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

I've only written "Behind the Tapestry" so this is it, my favorite!

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

This memoir was hard to write because it is very personal and intimate. Some of what was shared in the book has never been told to anyone before. I also needed to protect the identities of the Religious Sisters mentioned in the book. So, it was a challenge to write so as the story can remain true and authentic but at the same time, protect people's individual identities.

Who is your favourite author and book?

I don't have a favorite author or book. But I do enjoy reading Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Kay Scarpetta series. I enjoyed all of them very much. I love the characters.

What book are you reading right now?

I am reading a fictional thriller by English Author, Susie Steiner. It's entitled, "Missing, Presumed."

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

The inspiration for writing, "Behind the Tapestry" was that I lived it. Every single second. And the Holy Spirit. He inspired me to tell my story and to put it on paper and then to share it with the world.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, of course. I love to watch TV and go to the movies. And I love to work on jigsaw puzzles.

Do you have any new books in the works?

No, I do not. Unless God has another plan for me, "Behind the Tapestry" was my one and only book.