Newton Author Discusses First 2 Books And Lifelong Passion For Writing

NEWTON, MA — A resident is sharing his love of Italy, poetry, and storytelling with readers through his first two published books.

Richard Pagano is the author of the poetry collection Burnt Fields Under Snow, published earlier this year, and the forthcoming novella Like Magic, scheduled for release in April 2027. While the books differ in style and subject matter, Pagano said both are deeply personal works shaped by his experiences, family, and time spent living in Italy.

Although the two books mark his first published titles, Pagano said the desire to become an author began decades ago.

"The point of living in Italy the first time was to write a novel," Pagano told Patch, recalling a goal that dated back even further to his childhood. He said he first dreamed of becoming an author at age 10 while participating in the Book Tree Club at the Harrison Public Library in New York.

"I can't say what triggered the idea — maybe the book club; maybe listening to family share their stories, among them tall tales of paranormal events; maybe the endless stream of movies my dad and I watched together," he said. "Or, maybe it's just in my DNA."

Published by independent press Kelsay Books in February, Burnt Fields Under Snow follows the year Pagano and his wife lived in Italy during the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The collection is divided into three thematic sections that move from observations before 9/11 to reflections in its aftermath before concluding with moments of hope and renewal. The poems explore themes of heritage, love, faith, nature, and finding peace during uncertain times.

"My hope is that readers find time to read this book in a single sitting, to become so immersed that they feel taken away, and most of all, to ponder about the meaning of the title," Pagano said.

His second book, Like Magic, is scheduled to be published by independent publisher Type Eighteen Books on April 6, 2027. The experimental novella centers on Gian, a man grieving the loss of his older brother, whose journey through multiple regions of Italy blends poetry, dreams, memories, romance, UFOs and mystery as he searches for answers left behind by his brother.

Dedicated to the brother Pagano lost five years ago, the novella combines poems, journal entries, reflections and prose into a single narrative.

"My hope is that readers will enjoy the story, and ultimately feel good about themselves at the end," he said.

Italy has become a recurring influence throughout Pagano's writing. In addition to his two books, his work has appeared in literary publications including SQUID Online Journal, Thirteen Bridges Review, and The Account: A Journal of Poetry, Prose, and Thought, as well as Italian anthologies. Type Eighteen Books, which specializes in literary and experimental fiction, introduced Pagano as one of its newest authors ahead of the novella's release.

Pagano and his wife, Nancy Deveno, have lived in Newton's Auburndale neighborhood for the past five years. Their condominium overlooks Lasell University, a setting Pagano said has provided the peaceful atmosphere where he completed Like Magic.

"We love being by the university, near the beautiful Victorian homes and the trees, which almost seem like another world," Pagano said. "It's peaceful here and a perfect place to write."

Locally, Pagano said readers have responded positively to Burnt Fields Under Snow, with many praising its imagery, its depiction of Italy and its thought-provoking themes. The collection has also received five-star reviews on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Goodreads.

Earlier this month, Pagano spoke about the poetry collection during an author event at the Cooper Center in Newtonville, where he also donated a copy of the book to the center's library. The event drew an engaged audience, and the Cooper Center has already invited him back to discuss Like Magic following its publication next year.

"The audience was actively engaged, particularly during the Q&A, which made me smile," Pagano said. "That warm feeling stayed with me well after the event."

Readers can also find Burnt Fields Under Snow at Newtonville Books in Newton Centre, while copies are also available at The Grolier Poetry Book Shop in Cambridge and I AM Books in Boston. Like Magic is currently available for preorder ahead of its April 2027 release.

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