Meet Samantha Caprio-Negret | Author/Screenwriter/MUA

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Caprio-Negret and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I would love my legacy to be one of inspiration. By being a writer/published author/screenwriter the last twenty plus years, it requires a lot of faith, hard work, perseverance and believing in yourself. It’s not for the faint-of-heart, and if it’s something you really want to pursue and become successful with, you mustn’t ever give up! So by it happening for me, I hope it gives someone else the inspiration to never give up on their own dreams. Because if it can happen for me, it can happen for you too. Who am I that’s so different or special? I’m not. Why not me? Why not you? We are all capable and worthy of abundance and great things! If by reading my material or following me on my creative journey motivates you to follow your own passions, and it changes something better for you in your own life, then I’ve accomplished my mission and what I set out to do. I am a lover of words ~ and through my words, I hope to leave you with a powerful message ~ one that once you read something I wrote or said will get you thinking about your life in a different and transformative way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I graduated with a BS in Journalism from Florida International University in 2003. I wrote and reported entertainment scripts that were aired on FOX WSVN 7 in Miami, FL (DECO DRIVE) and OWL Radio at Florida Atlantic University in Boca. I’m passionate about writing and have been writing short stories and poetry since I was a kid, after learning that my favorite grandmother was a poet. I began writing children’s stories in 2004 and have completed a 62,000 word middle grade fantasy called, RAINBOW CRYSTAL, and its 72,000 word sequel, RAINBOW CRYSTAL: THE SPECIAL BOY WHO COULD. I also completed a 19,000 word humorous, animal-talking chapter book called MURPHY: THE PHAT CAT. All have been published with traditional, independent publishers. In addition, I co-wrote and finished a 129-page feature screenplay, MANO NERA, based on a true story about my Italian great-grandparents, which is currently being shopped in Hollywood and submitted into screenplay competitions and film festivals.

I think what sets me apart from most writers is that I don’t follow a consistent writing genre or fall into a specific category. I just love story-telling, and whatever comes to me or inspires me, is what I write. I’ve written chapter books, middle grade books, and screenplays ~ all very different formats and techniques. I’m a very creative individual, so I love doing anything that gets my creative juices or imagination flowing! I also love to party plan, and I’m a certified PRO MUA (make up artist). I’m obsessed with the beauty industry and glam, and plan on designing my own cosmetic line. I think I am a woman who wears many hats; I don’t like to compartmentalize myself.

I first had an idea about a humorous, animal-talking chapter book (early reader), which was inspired by my fat, 35 lb., black cat named Murphy, and all the pets I’ve owned over the years. My husband and I are huge animal-lovers! So, I always wondered what they would sound like if they could talk, based on their personalities. Through that, my first children’s book was written and created, MURPHY: THE PHAT CAT.

My RAINBOW CRYSTAL series was inspired by the loss of my best friend. I wanted to write a book and create a world where I felt I could see her again. It was also my therapy at the time…to write. So, I created a magical world called Raiven ~ between heaven and earth ~ with mystical and mythical creatures. The books are about friendship, loss, grief, hope, magic and adventure. However, the central message is that no one is ever lost to us, and the end is never really the end after all. Never lose hope; there’s a rainbow at the end of the storm.

I started writing MURPHY in 2004 and RAINBOW CRYSTAL in 2009. Murphy didn’t get picked up and published until 2022 and RAINBOW CRYSTAL, originally in 2017, so that just gives you an idea of how long I was working on those books from completion to publication. Like I said before, it’s a very challenging industry to be in. You have to love the art and craft of writing, and you need to hang onto hope because it’s a long journey of waiting, uncertainty and discouragement. Now, that the publishing industry is changing more than ever before with an inundation of self-published books, independent and boutique publishers popping up everywhere, OWN voices wanted, cancel culture, social media, etc…it’s harder to stand out as a published author. You have to really prove and believe in yourself, and never give up or take “no” for an answer. That is not always easy. As artists, there’s so much self-doubt that creeps in on occasion. So I say let yourself have your pity-party days, and sometimes we get knocked down by others, but what’s most important is that we get back up, brush ourselves off, and keep going.

We also have to promote and market ourselves constantly. Our social media presence is essential in this and a whole other job and topic of conversation that comes along with this career path. It is a lot of work, dedication, creativity and passion that goes into this! There is no guarantee to get paid, or even a consistent income at times, so lots of authors have second jobs. You have got to LOVE it to do it. But luckily for me, I DO!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, that’s not hard being I live in South Florida with so much beauty to see and fun to have! Between our gorgeous beaches, natural wildlife, fun nightlife, great restaurants, shopping, etc…it would be really hard to choose a few favorites! But if I have to, I’d say definitely go see some of our beautiful beaches ~ from the amazing Florida Keys, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach to the breathtaking gulf coast beaches with sunsets, like Siesta Key or Fort Myers, you can’t go wrong with any of them. I believe Sarasota (Siesta Key) was rated one of the six best beaches in the world! One of my favorite places with cute, quaint little towns for shopping and eating.

For shopping, art, or great restaurants, it would be a toss-up between Delray, Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, Merrick Park in Coral Gables, Aventura Mall in North Miami, or Wynwood in Miami.

Then, I’d also recommend The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for a weekend stay of fun, gambling, great food, and a venue for shows and entertainment!

Taking a trip down to the Florida Keys is a must ~ whether it be for a gorgeous sunset, key lime pie heaven, Atlantic or Bayside ocean views, fishing, boating, great live music and food (typically eating outside), historical culture, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go visit! I promise you, you’ll have a great time and won’t be disappointed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a “shoutout” to my three children’s book babies, MURPHY: THE PHAT CAT, RAINBOW CRYSTAL, and RAINBOW CRYSTAL: THE SPECIAL BOY WHO COULD. The first two have been released in 2023, and the last one will be released March 20, 2024. You can purchase all three copies on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online. I am very proud of all three projects and how long and hard I worked on these books to get them to where they are today. It was a long and vigorous process with them from writing, editing, submitting, rejections to finally getting picked up and publication. However, the success of the books are up to my fans and my audience who choose to buy, read and share them with the rest of the world. I always say please support your unknown local, independent author. I am not a nepotism baby or an already famous person who has released a book and became an instant best-seller because of those reasons. So, any support on this journey for recognition is so much appreciated!

I also would love to give thanks to my family who have encouarged and cheered me on continuously through this whole entire process, never allowing me to give up on myself or my dreams! I couldn’t have done it without them. There have also been close friends, fellow writers, and writers’ platforms, like: SCBWI, ROADMAP WRITERS, COVERFLY, ISA STAGE 32, FILM FREEWAY, which have helped me tremendously as well with feedback, critiques, accolades, writing competitions, and recognition.

Lastly, I’d like to give so much gratitude and appreciation to my furry animal pets over the years, best friend who passed away in 2007, my daughter, son (with autism), sister with special needs, and other family and friends in my life who’ve inspired characters in all of my stories. They are my reason for everything!

Website: https://www.samanthacaprio-negret.com

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Image Credits
Portraits by Lisa Ann Photography https://portraitsbylisaann.com