Not long ago, I prompted my Writer’s Grapevine email group to do an interview.

Here is what author and public speaker Anthony Candela had to say.

First, in your own words tell us a little about you.

I am a 69-year-old man who has been blind for half his life and visually impaired the other half. I still believe I can physically do things as if I were in the earlier half of my life, that is, until I actually try. Then I am grateful for the wisdom to move more slowly. Luckily, I am in generally good health, for which I am grateful. I was a scholar-athlete in my youth. Wrestling was my sport. In my 30s I took up long-distance running and triathlons. I have been a sci-fi nut all my life. I have published two books:

Stand Up Or Sit Out: Memories and Musings Of a Blind Wrestler, Runner, and All-around Regular Guy

A memoir about life lessons learned, especially through sports

Vision Dreams: A Parable

A sci-fi novella about how a dysfunctional society forces people to go to extremes, including four blind people who seek out artificial vision.

You can

buy my books here.

Where do you live?

I live in a nice section of the Bronx in New York City, part urban, part suburban and with easy access to public transportation.

Who are the special people in your life?

My girlfriend Julianna is the most special person in my life along with my two younger brothers, our parents both having passed away.

Do you have any pets?

My girlfriend has an African Gray parrot who seems to like me. I have in the past lived with cats. My parents had Beagles back in the day.

What keeps you going? I mean, like what inspires you and keeps you moving forward in your work?

The enjoyment of expressing my thoughts and feelings and the hope that I am widening the horizons of those who read what I write.

What is your favorite song?

Of the 600 songs I can sing and play on guitar, my favorite is a lullaby I wrote for my girlfriend called “Day Or Night”. It is upbeat, romantic, a little sexy, and written in a country-rock style.

What is your favorite movie?

“The Wizard of OZ”

What is your favorite book?

Either Ray Bradbury’s “The Martian Chronicles” or his “Illustrated Man”

What is your favorite food?

Egg plants parmesan

What is your favorite affirmation?

From my leadership model, Captain James Tiberius Kirk: ‘We’ve got to start solving problems faster than we are taking them on.’

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Gas-lighting: Obscuring reality by way of incorrect facts or sabotaging another’s mental state, or via conspiracy theories

What do you think your best strengths are, and how do they help you in your work?

Logic and a love of facts, coupled with a vivid imagination

What are your weaknesses, and how are you making them stronger?

I am not the best technologist, especially with visually-oriented software and social media. I try to get stronger by looking things up and struggling with it and after a while, either getting help or seeking alternatives.

What is your dream for the future, and how does it relate to your work?

Universality and inclusion of all humans. I try to write things that fight against marginalization and bigotry, even my own.

What is your preferred way of communicating, and how can someone reach you if they wish to

E-mail is best. So, drop me a line at: anthonycandela66@gmail.com any time.

Before you go, is there anything you’d like to add about yourself, or your work that I’ve not asked?

Lately I have no book-level ideas burning inside me, but do like writing short essays which I write every week in the form of a “Blog”. I may have some short stories in my writing future, so stay tuned.

Reference Links.

For blind readers visit: bookshare.org

One day I hope to have my books available on the National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled reading service.

You may learn more at: bard.loc.gov

AD: Books by Anthony R. Candela

By Anthony R. Candela

Christian Faith Publishing, 2019

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Vision Dreams: A Parable

This is a sci-fi novella about how a dysfunctional society forces people to go to extremes, including four blind people who seek out artificial vision.

This novella increases our understanding of what it means to live in a society that is supportive of its citizens’ daily happiness and humanity. Perhaps after reading it you will be more on guard against what can happen when nations decide to be hyper-vigilant. As the plot unwinds, you will see the lengths to which people will go to achieve their humanity. In the midst of the subtle kinds of strife that leads many to live lives of quiet desperation, there are heroes willing to take risks.

Stand Up Or Sit Out: Memories and Musings Of a Blind Wrestler, Runner, and All-around Regular Guy

A memoir about life lessons learned, especially through sports.

The story related in these pages will occasionally give you cause to chuckle or even shed tears of sadness or joy. Above all else, it will enlighten you about why things happen the way they do. Ultimately, this memoir increases our understanding of what it means to be truly human. Perhaps after reading it we will be kinder and gentler to each other. Most importantly, perhaps we will be kinder and gentler to ourselves.

About the Author

Tony Candela has worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor, supervisor, manager consultant and administrator for more than 40 years in the field of blindness and visual impairment. His work has included promoting literacy and employment of blind persons and a special interest in enhancing the career preparation of blind persons who wish to work in the computer science field. He is a “retired” athlete, loves movies, sports, reading, writing, and music, including dabbling in guitar.