Immigrant Hearts and Literary Legacy: A Conversation with Catherine Gigante-Brown

In this heartfelt episode of the Ready to Be Published Podcast, host Vinnie Corbo of Volossal Publishing sits down with acclaimed author Catherine Gigante-Brown to explore the inspiration, structure, and impact of her latest novel, Immigrant Hearts.

Rooted in her own family’s Italian American immigrant history, Immigrant Hearts weaves a multigenerational tale of love, resilience, and community during pre-WWII America. Catherine opens up about how this novel, based on her maternal grandparents’ lives, came together—complete with vintage photos, restored archival images, and a compelling cast of characters inspired by real people.

Together, Vinnie and Catherine discuss:

• How anti-immigrant sentiment past and present shaped the story
• Why Immigrant Hearts might be her most successful book yet
• Her evolving writing style and unique chapter structures
• The importance of authentic dialogue and character development
• Easter eggs, reader feedback, and honoring family legacies through fiction
• How she built a grassroots promotional network through local bookstores, podcasts, museums, and virtual readings
• Her entire body of work, from Different Drummer to Cry of Silence, Paul & Carol Go to Guatemala, and more

Whether you’re an aspiring author, a lover of immigrant stories, or a fan of contemporary historical fiction, this conversation offers rich insights into the writing life, publishing process, and the timeless importance of telling personal stories that resonate universally.