Today I'm interviewing Steven Salvatore, the author of the Young Adult Contemporary novel, Can’t Take That Away, which debuted in March of 2021.

Steven grew up in Tarrytown, New York. They studied writing and art history at Ithaca College, and received their MFA in Creative Writing with a concentration in Writing for Children from The New School. Formerly a full-time Assistant Professor of Composition and Director of the Writing Center at CNR, they oversaw the Freshman Writing Program and taught creative writing. After CNR officially ceased academic operations in August of 2019, they began teaching part time at Pace University and Westchester Community College. They also volunteer at The LOFT (an LGBTQ+ resource center in White Plains, New York) where they facilitate a creative writing workshop. As an educator, Steven is passionate about progressive activism on and off campus and advocating for young people. Steven currently lives in Peekskill, New York, with their amazingly patient husband, whose name is also Steve.

Today, we’re talking about the anti-climactic free fall into nothing that is debuting during a pandemic, coming to terms with an author’s lack of control, and the gift of closure in such uncertain times.

I had such a great time talking with Steven two months post their debut and one month post my own and I felt so validated by our conversation. They reminded me that even though it feels like something has come to an end, we’re actually at the beginning of, hopefully, very long careers, and that it’s important to keep your eyes on the horizon, even in the midst of life’s storms.

So find your favorite spot on the couch, get cozy, and then enjoy my conversation with Steven Salvatore.

Connect with Steven online:

Steven's Website

Twitter

Instagram

Buy their books!