About Rita

Hi There. I'm glad you stopped by. Here are some things I'd like you to know about me.

I live in Queens, New York and I write fiction and personal essays, and book reviews. 

I began my diverse career as an interior designer and for 20 years I was the coordinator of the Design/Decorating Certificate Program at Queensborough Community College. I taught at Queensborough till covid hit then switched to teaching on Zoom, adding classes on creative writing and memoir. 

"Lily Steps Out,” my first novel was 12 years in the making and earned “Published & Proud,” a feature article in Newsday’s Act II, followed by “Rita Steps Out,” in the Times Ledger. My short stories and essay have been published in numerous journals, both in print and on line. 

As a speaker, I  present on decorative arts, and Coco Chanel ~ The Woman-The Legend,  at libraries and other venues.

 I have frequently appeared on blog talk radio and read a segment from my short story collection, “Alterations”  on "The Author's Corner" for Public Radio. I guested on "The  Writer's Dream," LTV, and Curtis Sliwa’s “Live at Five” show.

I have been the book reviewer for Fire Island News since 2015.

When I was interviewed on Morgen Bailey's, Author Spotlight I talked about the similarities between writing and interior design. 

"Both interior design and writing are creativity at work. Writing is another form of design. In rooms, you put fabrics and furnishings together, aiming for that perfect note of color, texture and scale.  Everything arranged in a way that instantly strikes the eye as a  balanced whole. Writing a is similar, except that instead of objects, you put people and plot together to create that balance.  A world made with words.