Comfortably Awkward is Kenny Scudero’s debut self-published novel. He is a twenty-two year old author from New York City who looks forward to a bright future in writing. Kenny recently graduated from St. John’s University where he majored in Sport Management. At St. John’s, Kenny was Sports Editor for the University newspaper. He is currently working on his second novel which will be out in the fall of 2012. Visit kennyscudero.com for more information.
About the book: For Albert Ferenzo, life is a series of ironic events that may or may not have a reason behind them. While struggling to find a niche for himself, Albert blames the corporate world for hindering his dream of making money and living a prosperous life. After playing the good guy his entire life, Albert decides that the only way to get ahead in the world is to be the bad guy. Albert questions his own fate as he drives himself to insanity in an effort to find happiness. The destinies of Albert and everyone around him intertwine as he finally realizes what life is all about or at least, he thinks he does in this revolt against normality.
Interview:
What was your inspiration for Comfortably Awkward?
I wrote the entire book before I picked the title “Comfortably Awkward.” I wanted to have a title that embodied the overall feeling of the story. The characters in the book are always in weird, awkward situations. Albert Ferenzo, the main character, seems so used to these awkward occurrences that he just about becomes comfortable in them.
Tell us something about your hero and/or heroine that my readers won’t be able to resist.
Albert Ferenzo is not perfect and he knows that but he just wants to make people happy. He wants the good people to be rewarded and the bad people to be punished. He believes in justice and he wants to make the world a better place but most of all, Albert wants to be rich so he can spoil the people he loves. He has a lot of mean things to say about people but he always has a reason for his words and actions.
Is there a villain or villainess in your story? Tell us about him/her.
There is one main villain named Clifford Feinman who pretty much symbolizes the evil that exists in the world. Clifford represents greed, envy, and temptation. All of the things Albert learns to hate in this story are all characteristics of Clifford Feinman’s lifestyle.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
I love Albert because I’m definitely like him in so many ways, but my favorite character is Brody. Brody is Albert’s cousin and he is just so crazy and neurotic, it’s hard to hate him. Brody is outrageous in every way and he does things that no human would ever do in real life but he means no harm, all Brody wants to do is laugh.
What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
That’s a tough question because there are a few scenes that really stick out to me. I think my favorite scene is most of Chapter Fourteen titled “The Party.” Albert’s crazy uncle Jeffrey has a party in his house, which has a casino, and a lot of defining things happen for Albert. There are a lot of intriguing people at this party to add a few laughs but it’s a turning point in the story because Albert realizes what he has to do and begins putting his master plan into effect.
What do you love most about being an author?
I love being able to write wherever I am. I can go out to a bar or out to a store and I’ll see something or someone who gives me an idea for a story. Wherever I go, I see stories and meanings and ideas. Most of all, I love the feeling I get when I write something which I perceive to be great. Whether I’m venting about something that happened to me or creating a new world or point of view, I am truly happy to read it back and know that someone else might read it and appreciate it.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell my readers?
Anyone who has ever had a dream or wanted to be something great will love my book. All I ever wanted was to be happy with my profession while being able to take care of my loved ones. I revolved my story around this message because I feel that it is the most important thing in the world. What’s all the money worth if you aren’t happy or if you’re alone? I hope people will read my book and improve their own lives after experiencing what it’s like to be comfortably awkward.
Author’s twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/KennyScudero
Author’s facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=759844044
Link to excerpt: http://www.kennyscudero.com/readchapterone.htm
Link to purchase page: http://www.amazon.com/Comfortably-Awkward-Kenny-Scudero/dp/1467989053/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328831065&sr=8-1
Thanks for being a guest on my blog, Kenny! I love dark humor (my novel, Sunstruck, is a parody/satire). Albert sounds like a very likable character and I really like the theme of your novel. I’m going to get a Kindle copy of your book. Congrats on your first novel and best of luck with your work and rest of your tour!
Mayra, aka Dark Phantom
Very nice cover, by the way!
Great interview. This book sounds fascinating. Having a strong sense of right and wrong can be challenging for some.
Thank you so much for having me!
Enjoyable interview! Absolutely love the title and your story is quite intriguing!
Best regards,
Donna