About Rita Schiano
Rita wanted to be a writer ever since Santa Claus gave her a Tom Thumb typewriter when she was six years old. Her first story, My Mom is Love a Bull, was an instant hit with the family. Years later, at the ripe old age of eleven, Rita began writing Girl From U.N.C.L.E. episodes after her then favorite television show was cancelled. Her homeroom teacher set aside thirty minutes each week for Rita to read the latest adventures of April Dancer and Mark Slade to her classmates.
After college, Rita followed in her mother’s footsteps and moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. She spent seven years performing at various clubs including the Red Parrot, Trax, Inner Circle, and Studio 54.
Fast forward to 1989.... Pursuing yet another dream, Rita opened an Italian-Japanese restaurant in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. During that time, she began writing late at night to relax after the long hours a restaurant demands. She went on to write her first novel, Sweet Bitter Love, published in 1997, and contributed several short stories to magazines and two anthologies.
Her second novel, Painting The Invisible Man, was released in 2007.
A published songwriter, Rita co-wrote with Jamie Notarthomas two children’s songs for KidsTerrain, Inc., The Magic in Me and Tiny Acts of Kindness.
Upon selling her restaurant in 2000, Rita went back to her first love: writing. In 2003, Rita bought back the rights to her novel, Sweet Bitter Love, and wrote the screenplay. Later that year, a mutual friend introduced Rita to Paul Gemme. Both sensed they were kindred spirits, and thus began writing as a team. T.I.M.E. Share, Inc., a sci-fi/drama written for television, and G.E.O.P.S., a full-length movie screenplay, are two of Rita and Paul’s projects.
Rita is working on her next novel scheduled for publication by The Reed Edwards Company in 2009.
Speaking Engagements
- New England Business & Professional Women's Past State Presidents
- Harrington Hospital Women's Auxiliary
- Friends of the Brimfield Public Library
- Brookfield Public Library
- Woman In Business
- Fox Tale Books (NH)
- Fayetteville Free Library (NY)
- Rotary International - Chapter 7910
- Auburn Middle School
- Belmont School