Featured writer Francesca Marguerite Maxime, a broadcast journalist, will read from her first poetry collection, "Rooted," which will be published by New York Quarterly Books in October. Her work has appeared in such literary journals as “Lips” and “The Paterson Literary Review.”  She was awarded Honorable Mention for her poem, Christmas Cards, in the 2012 Allen Ginsberg Poetry Competition.  Her writing is inspired by her multicultural background as an Italian-Haitian-Dominican American.
Maxime recently joined global news network Ebru-TV as a full-time anchor. She formerly worked as a reporter for WPIX-TV.  Raised outside Boston, Maxime graduated from Harvard with a degree in English literature and studied poetry at SUNY Binghamton with Maria Mazziotti Gillan.  She resides in Brooklyn and often hosts fundraising events for animal rescue and other charities in the city
 Frank Perero, a writer and balladeer, will publish his first collection of poems, “Drive through the Night,” in December.  The title poem and others were recently published by Dublin-based Seven Tower Press in the anthology, “Census 3.”  Perero has written songs for such prominent Irish singers and musicians as Damien Dempsey.  His poetry has appeared in various literary journals and Hyatt Hotels' corporate newsletters. A Queens native, Perero is campaign director for former New York City Council Member Allan Jennings’ Congressional run.  He holds a degree in Creative Writing from Queens College and a Masters Degree from St. John's University.
About Italian American Writers Association (IAWA)
Since 1991, IAWA has given voice to writers through its Open Reading series at Cornelia Street Café every second Saturday of the month. IAWA aims to promote Italian American literature by encouraging the writing, reading, publication, distribution, translation, and study of Italian American writing. For membership information, please visit www.iawa.net.  To learn more about IAWA, also visit the Italian American Writers Cafe blog at i-italy.org

Contacts:
Maria Lisella, IAWA Board Member and Co-curator
Phone: (718) 777-1178
Email:  [email protected]

Amy Barone, IAWA Board Member
Phone:  (646) 942-4972
Email:  [email protected]

Authors Available for Interviews