Rita Schiano's Blog

A few weeks ago I had to prepare a short talk on finding sparks of holiness. As I pondered where those sparks may exist in the ordinary moments of life, I thought about the remarkable young people whose stories I've shared via this blog. It is in the resilience of children that I find these sparks…sparks that set my soul ablaze with hope for the future.

One such spark is 12-year-old Jake Olson. When Jake was one-year old he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a condition that caused cancerous t...

A few months ago I had the honor of writing this article about a most inspiring woman for Chic Galleria. Enjoy... - Rita

When dire circumstances touch our lives the effects can be pervasive, can test areas of our lives we never quite imagined could be shaken. When Laurie Zieber's husband was forced to close down his construction business, reducing his workforce from fourteen full-time employees plus subcontractors to just himself, neither she nor Dan, nor their children were prepared for the ...

I had the pleasure of being interview by UK brand expert and SME business strategist Bernie Ritchie. Out meeting is testament to the power of social media marketing. We met through LinkedIn when I posted the book trailer for Painting The Invisible Man on one of LinkedIn's writing groups.

Bernie contacted me about the book trailer, and we struck up an online acquaintance. I became interested in reading her blog, posted some comments; Bernie was fascinated by my novel and how I use social media ...

In 2004 after Hurricane Charlie swept through Florida, seven-year-old Zach Bonner went door to door with his little red wagon to collect water, tarps, and other supplies. He collected 27 pick-up truckloads of supplies for those in need. Moved by the generosity of others, Zach founded the Little Red Wagon Foundation in 2005 to help underprivileged children.

In 2006 and 2007, Zach threw holiday parties for kids living in hurricane FEMA trailers and filled 2,000 backpacks with food, toiletries, ...

This week on "Talk To Me..."

Join in the conversation with author Melissa Foster as we discuss her novel, Megan's Way
Melissa is the Founder of The Women's Nest, an on-line social and support community for women. She writes an on-going column in Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC.

About Megan's Way:

When Megan Taylor, a single mother and artist living on Cape Cod, receives the shocking news that her...

Tonight on "Talk To Me...Conversations With Creative, Unconventional People"

This week on "Talk To Me..." Join in the conversation with psychologist and author Dr. Ron Breazeale. Ron's latest work, "Duct Tape Isn't Enough" a resilience-building training program to help individuals regain their sense of balance, productivity, and well-being as they address issues and needs related to life challenges.

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and talk to me...and Ron!

Can't tune in tonight? This show, ...

Tonight on "Talk To Me...Conversations With Creative, Unconventional People"

This week on Talk To Me...Nina Vecchi and Julie LePoer, founders of the Wachusett Vegan Society. "Our mission is to inform the community of the health benefits and world saving qualities of a plant-based diet."

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and talk ...

Join me and a few dozen more authors today at the Hamilton-Wenham Public Library, 14 Union Street, for a terrific book expo. A chance to talk with authors about their work, pick up books for your reading pleasure, holiday gifts, etc. Event begins at 3:00 p.m. I'll be signing both Sweet Bitter Love and Painting the Invisible Man.
Stay for the reception for the keynote speaker -- which just happens to be me, ;-) -- at 6:45 p.m.
The keynote address begins at 7:30 p.m.
Hope to see ...

My guest this week is author and Boston's Channel 7 investigative news reporter Hank Phillippi-Ryan. Winner of 26 EMMYs, and dozens of other regional, national and international honors for her hard-hitting investigations, Hank and I will be talking about her critically acclaimed Charlotte McNally mysteries: "Prime Time," "Face Time," and "Air Time."

Tune in, Call in, Live! 347-327-9158 and talk to me...and Hank!

Can't tune in tonight? This show, and all my interviews, are available in...

In 2001, KidsTerrain co-founder and president Maggie Moran wrote a book for children about finding one's magic. <a>The Magic In Me</a> offers a simple, yet vital lesson for our children, helping them identify the talents and abilities that represent the magic in each child.

Eight years later in his address to the school children of our nation, President Obama said, "Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to y...