Alicia Roque Ruggieri graduated magna cum laude from Rhode Island College with her B.A. in Communications and History, receiving Departmental Honors. She has worked in diverse fields ranging from small business ownership to children’s theatre production/direction to freelance writing. Alicia spent her childhood on the New England coast, where she currently resides with her husband.
MTAR: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Alicia: I grew up in a small coastal town in New England, where most of my childhood was spent reading, rescuing hurt animals, and playing imaginatively. The House of Mercy is my first published novel, based on my lifelong interest in Arthurian legends. I currently live with my husband in the same town in which I grew up.
MTAR: What do you do when you are not writing?
Alicia: I love to read, and my reading ranges far and wide. Usually, I have a nonfiction and a fiction book going at the same time. If I’m not reading, you might find me taking a long stroll in the woods, spending time with my loveable but pathetic pug, baking up some black bean brownies, or organizing. I also love to play the piano, but our living quarters are a little snug for a larger instrument right now!
MTAR: What inspired you to write your first book?
Alicia: I believe that God gives everyone specific talents that they can use to bring glory to His name. I was blessed to have several people (my mom and my third-grade teacher, among others) point out my gift for writing from when I was just in elementary school. The House of Mercy is my first published book, but I have always felt stories bubbling up in my mind, itching to be written down. With The House of Mercy, I knew that I would regret it if I didn’t write this story because I believe the story tells a message that is so vitally important for us to hear.
MTAR: Share three items on your bucket list?
Alicia: To visit Ireland; to finish the independent film I’ve had in pre-production for years; and to volunteer with foster care.
MTAR: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Alicia: There is a message that, contrary to popular belief, we don’t “deserve” anything; instead, everything – whether good or bad – comes as a grace, a mercy, from the hand of a loving Heavenly Father. Tied to that theme is this: All things – no matter how terrible – can be redeemed, can be turned upside down by the Cross of Christ.
MTAR: What was your favorite chapter (or scene) to write and why?
Alicia: My favorite scene—The final climax scene in which Deoradhan wrestles with whether or not he will withhold judgment or mercy both for himself and for his father’s murderer. I love how he knows he has come to a fork in his life and that what he chooses will determine much of the rest of it.
MTAR: What advice would you give first time authors?
Alicia: Read! Read as much good literature as you can, including the older classics. Charles Dickens, George MacDonald, Jane Austen, George Elliot, and the Brontes all understood plot structure and characterization alarmingly well. Read as much as you can and think about what you read – what works, what doesn’t work, and why. And write. Especially when you don’t feel “inspired.” My best writing is done when I feel dull as tarnished silver.
MTAR: What has been your best author moment?
Alicia: When I realized that people whom I didn’t personally know were reading my book – and they enjoyed it! That is a lovely affirmation!
MTAR: What would your fans be surprised to know about you?
Alicia: I used to do competitive Irish stepdancing (despite the fact that I’m not Irish!).
