Nancy Mangano was born in Lansing, Michigan and currently resides in Orange County, California. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, she has woven her love of detective work into her passion for writing. http://nancymangano.com
"Ingenious alliteration and luscious description pop up everywhere. The humor and multi-faceted characters keep readers prying to see what happens next." ForeWord Clarion Reviews
Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?
Nancy Mangano: I was born in Lansing, Michigan and I moved to California as a toddler. I have spent most of my life in Anaheim (Orange County), California, and I have always had an interest in reading and writing, with an emphasis on writing. When I was growing up, I would write fun stories and I would make an “About the Author” page. I would cut out my school picture and tape it on my “About the Author” page. In high school I wrote and illustrated a children’s book for a school project and at one point I tried writing songs. When I would see a great movie or watch a great story on TV, I was always fascinated by who the writer was…I wanted to know whose mind thought that way. I still do. When I see a great movie, I wait for the credits to see who wrote it. Also, on my last day of my senior year of high school, my English teacher wrote me a note telling me that I have a way with words and that I should be a writer. Of course, at that young age, I had other interests in mind.
One of my earliest influences was Edith Wharton with her novel, The House of Mirth. I loved that story. I also enjoy reading Jennifer Weiner and Anne Tyler books, and great suspense stories. When I want saucy fun, I take pleasure in reading Jackie Collins novels.
Why do you write?
Nancy Mangano: I write because I truly love to do it and I enjoy the process. As I write, it feels to me like I was meant to write…it feels natural. I love taking a blank piece of paper and building an entire story through words. As a writer, you can bring extreme emotion to yourself as the author and also to the reader. It still amazes me how by just the formation of words on paper, you can bring an entire world of characters to life that elicit laughter, sadness, joy, sorrow, etc. in the minds and hearts of the readers.
Briefly tell us about your new book A PASSION FOR PRYING.
Nancy Mangano: A Passion for Prying is a great read filled with murder, mystery, humor, fashion and a touch of the risqué. The book mixes the crime genre with comedy. Natalie North works as a licensed private investigator in her father’s PI firm, I Pry., Inc. Natalie’s specialty is busting adulterous partners, and always in a great pair of high heels! Tired of endless days chasing panting people incapable of keeping their pants on, Natalie aches to work a case of substance. When a murder-suicide takes place at a nearby diner, Natalie tosses her cautious nature aside and begins to snoop into the crime, of what she believes to be a double homicide. Due to her prying nature and her best friend Cindy Hutchins’ fraudulent get-rich-quick scheme, Natalie misses two bullets propelled her way. This gives Natalie her dream: the chance to solve a gritty, felony attempted murder case. The eerie part is that Natalie ends up dissecting her own intended death.
Toss into the mix Natalie’s love triangle, torn between Darren McAllister, the hotshot L.A. deputy district attorney, and Jett Jaso, the hunky Hollywood actor, and Natalie’s life weaves a deeper web of intrigue, danger and passion. Natalie’s day-to-day dealings leave you laughing through all her escapades.
Who is Natalie North? Who is Norton North?
Natalie North is a strong, gorgeous, independent woman who can hold her own in life, but carries a soft, sensitive side as well. Natalie makes a living carrying a gun and chasing after unscrupulous people, yet she is also cautious and kind. She lives on her own in a Los Angeles apartment, loves her family, and is torn between the affections of two men. Natalie is intelligent, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and yet gets by in life more with her gut instincts and her common sense. She is quite intriguing.
Norton North is Natalie’s father. He is a retired LAPD officer and loves police work. Norton is an over-protective father and a bit of a softie, who after twenty-seven years of marriage to Vera North (Natalie’s mother) and four years divorced, still pines away for his ex-wife. Norton is loyal almost to a fault, as his overwhelming love for Vera almost takes him to “stalker” level. By constantly trailing unfaithful partners, and living this world everyday, Norton suspects everyone is a cheat, including Vera.
If Hollywood called and asked you to cast A PASSION FOR PRYING for feature film who would you cast and why?
Nancy Mangano: For the part of Natalie, I would almost prefer an unknown actress, where the public has no stereotypes or preconceived notions built up. If I chose a known actress, I would like to see Keira Knightley cast as Natalie, since she portrays sexiness and softness. Steve Martin would make a perfect Norton, as he looks the part and Kim Basinger would do justice to Vera with her movie star glamour. Jennifer Tilly would be a great casting fit for Amy Cobb, Norton’s secretary who plays a large part in the success of the I Pry, Inc. private investigations agency. Jennifer Tilly is well-rounded and has a vast comedic talent.
How did your professional career help in writing A PASSION FOR PRYING?
Nancy Mangano: I have an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and I was employed for five years at The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, so this adds to the accuracy of A Passion for Prying. I love police work and I am particularly intrigued by great detective work. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and I interned at KCBS-TV and KTLA-TV where I was able to write both hard and soft news stories. I also assisted Harvey Levin, who at that time was the KCBS investigative reporter. I also interned and worked at NBC-TV in Burbank, where I drafted news stories and assisted in the movies/miniseries entertainment division.
Much like Natalie North, my main character, I love fashion, style and make-up.
What do you hope to achieve with A PASSION FOR PRYING?
Nancy Mangano: I want to take readers on a fun journey where they laugh, lose themselves in the story and stay completely entertained from page one to the end of the book. If readers finish the novel and say, “That was fun!” or “That was heartwarming and entertaining!” then I am happy. The book is pure escapism…like eating a delicious hot fudge sundae.
What was the last book you read?
Nancy Mangano: Poor Little Bitch Girl – Jackie Collins
What's next?
Nancy Mangano: I intend to write, write, write. I want to continue down the path of fiction writing, making up stories that the public loves to dive into. I would like to turn A Passion for Prying into the first book of a series. By working in a PI agency that snoops out adulterous partners and takes on cold case murders and other crimes, Natalie, her friends and her family can delve into continual fascinating calamities, disasters and adventures.
"Ingenious alliteration and luscious description pop up everywhere. The humor and multi-faceted characters keep readers prying to see what happens next." ForeWord Clarion Reviews
Where did you grow up and was reading and writing a part of your life? Who were your earliest influences and why?
Nancy Mangano: I was born in Lansing, Michigan and I moved to California as a toddler. I have spent most of my life in Anaheim (Orange County), California, and I have always had an interest in reading and writing, with an emphasis on writing. When I was growing up, I would write fun stories and I would make an “About the Author” page. I would cut out my school picture and tape it on my “About the Author” page. In high school I wrote and illustrated a children’s book for a school project and at one point I tried writing songs. When I would see a great movie or watch a great story on TV, I was always fascinated by who the writer was…I wanted to know whose mind thought that way. I still do. When I see a great movie, I wait for the credits to see who wrote it. Also, on my last day of my senior year of high school, my English teacher wrote me a note telling me that I have a way with words and that I should be a writer. Of course, at that young age, I had other interests in mind.
One of my earliest influences was Edith Wharton with her novel, The House of Mirth. I loved that story. I also enjoy reading Jennifer Weiner and Anne Tyler books, and great suspense stories. When I want saucy fun, I take pleasure in reading Jackie Collins novels.
Why do you write?
Nancy Mangano: I write because I truly love to do it and I enjoy the process. As I write, it feels to me like I was meant to write…it feels natural. I love taking a blank piece of paper and building an entire story through words. As a writer, you can bring extreme emotion to yourself as the author and also to the reader. It still amazes me how by just the formation of words on paper, you can bring an entire world of characters to life that elicit laughter, sadness, joy, sorrow, etc. in the minds and hearts of the readers.
Briefly tell us about your new book A PASSION FOR PRYING.
Nancy Mangano: A Passion for Prying is a great read filled with murder, mystery, humor, fashion and a touch of the risqué. The book mixes the crime genre with comedy. Natalie North works as a licensed private investigator in her father’s PI firm, I Pry., Inc. Natalie’s specialty is busting adulterous partners, and always in a great pair of high heels! Tired of endless days chasing panting people incapable of keeping their pants on, Natalie aches to work a case of substance. When a murder-suicide takes place at a nearby diner, Natalie tosses her cautious nature aside and begins to snoop into the crime, of what she believes to be a double homicide. Due to her prying nature and her best friend Cindy Hutchins’ fraudulent get-rich-quick scheme, Natalie misses two bullets propelled her way. This gives Natalie her dream: the chance to solve a gritty, felony attempted murder case. The eerie part is that Natalie ends up dissecting her own intended death.
Toss into the mix Natalie’s love triangle, torn between Darren McAllister, the hotshot L.A. deputy district attorney, and Jett Jaso, the hunky Hollywood actor, and Natalie’s life weaves a deeper web of intrigue, danger and passion. Natalie’s day-to-day dealings leave you laughing through all her escapades.
Who is Natalie North? Who is Norton North?
Natalie North is a strong, gorgeous, independent woman who can hold her own in life, but carries a soft, sensitive side as well. Natalie makes a living carrying a gun and chasing after unscrupulous people, yet she is also cautious and kind. She lives on her own in a Los Angeles apartment, loves her family, and is torn between the affections of two men. Natalie is intelligent, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and yet gets by in life more with her gut instincts and her common sense. She is quite intriguing.
Norton North is Natalie’s father. He is a retired LAPD officer and loves police work. Norton is an over-protective father and a bit of a softie, who after twenty-seven years of marriage to Vera North (Natalie’s mother) and four years divorced, still pines away for his ex-wife. Norton is loyal almost to a fault, as his overwhelming love for Vera almost takes him to “stalker” level. By constantly trailing unfaithful partners, and living this world everyday, Norton suspects everyone is a cheat, including Vera.
If Hollywood called and asked you to cast A PASSION FOR PRYING for feature film who would you cast and why?
Nancy Mangano: For the part of Natalie, I would almost prefer an unknown actress, where the public has no stereotypes or preconceived notions built up. If I chose a known actress, I would like to see Keira Knightley cast as Natalie, since she portrays sexiness and softness. Steve Martin would make a perfect Norton, as he looks the part and Kim Basinger would do justice to Vera with her movie star glamour. Jennifer Tilly would be a great casting fit for Amy Cobb, Norton’s secretary who plays a large part in the success of the I Pry, Inc. private investigations agency. Jennifer Tilly is well-rounded and has a vast comedic talent.
How did your professional career help in writing A PASSION FOR PRYING?
Nancy Mangano: I have an Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and I was employed for five years at The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department, so this adds to the accuracy of A Passion for Prying. I love police work and I am particularly intrigued by great detective work. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and I interned at KCBS-TV and KTLA-TV where I was able to write both hard and soft news stories. I also assisted Harvey Levin, who at that time was the KCBS investigative reporter. I also interned and worked at NBC-TV in Burbank, where I drafted news stories and assisted in the movies/miniseries entertainment division.
Much like Natalie North, my main character, I love fashion, style and make-up.
What do you hope to achieve with A PASSION FOR PRYING?
Nancy Mangano: I want to take readers on a fun journey where they laugh, lose themselves in the story and stay completely entertained from page one to the end of the book. If readers finish the novel and say, “That was fun!” or “That was heartwarming and entertaining!” then I am happy. The book is pure escapism…like eating a delicious hot fudge sundae.
What was the last book you read?
Nancy Mangano: Poor Little Bitch Girl – Jackie Collins
What's next?
Nancy Mangano: I intend to write, write, write. I want to continue down the path of fiction writing, making up stories that the public loves to dive into. I would like to turn A Passion for Prying into the first book of a series. By working in a PI agency that snoops out adulterous partners and takes on cold case murders and other crimes, Natalie, her friends and her family can delve into continual fascinating calamities, disasters and adventures.
