Interview with C.V. Rosasco, author of “The Big Throw”

C.V. Rosasco is an author and psychotherapist living and working in a weird town called Hollywood. He has worked as a stage and soap opera actor, a childrens’ social worker in South Central L.A., an addiction specialist with gay addicts, and a janitor. He is a beach volleyball player, just took up Jiu-Jitsu, has had two nervous breakdowns ( 3 if you’re really counting), and is an avid meditator / yogi.

The Interview

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

The Big Throw is a hero’s adventure that tackles the challenges the unconsciousness of the planet with characters that are right out of Hollywood, al-Qaida, and Washington D.C.. It has a lot or irony, a lot of humor, and a good dose of esoteric eastern philosophy. It is a an adventure that follows themes about how all the good guys and bad guys are within us. There are no guys dressed in black running around scowling and licking their chops. There are people wrestling with the shadows of darkness in their own psyche and the beauty of life.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book?

I was frustrated personally with not being more creative. I was frustrated politically with the idiots in Washington. I was frustrated with Hollywood and how cookie cutter the stories are. Frustration tends to drive me.

Who or what is the inspiration behind this book?

The big guy ( or girl) in the sky. God.

Who is your biggest supporter?

Interesting question. Does my shrink count even though I pay him?

Your biggest critic?

I can’t be the first to answer “myself”, but that’s definitely the answer.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

The homeless. I think homelessness is criminal, period.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

I learned about self publishing, synchronisity when writing a book, and Jiu Jitsu.

Do you have any rituals you follow when finishing a piece of work?

Umm, I sleep a lot.

Who has influenced you throughout your career as a writer?

Does one book constitute a career as a writer? If it does, I guess I would have to say M. Scott Peck or Eckart Tolle. I know, not exactly acclaimed fiction writers, but there you have it.

What is the most important thing in your life right now?

My spiritual life, my friends, Jiu Jitsu, and my cats, in that order (but I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell my cats)

What are you currently working on?

A sequel to The Big Throw, and another book about a lonely woman and a blue man.

Do you have any advice for writers or readers?

Encourage first time book authors, we are a fragile bunch.

Is there an author that inspired you to write?

Peck and Tolle

What are some of your long term goals?

To get married, buy a house (yawn I know) get more sex, and make a living as an author whose books are turned into movies ( look out J.K.)

What do you feel has been your greatest achievement as an author?

Finishing a book! 12, count ‘em 12 edits!

What do you feel is your biggest strength?

I know God exists.

Biggest weakness?

I don’t always listen to God.

What do you feel sets this book apart from others in the same genre?

This book is a freak show. It is a wild, Mr. Toad ride. The esoteric elements are very powerful, and the humor can still make me laugh out loud. (I know, lame to laugh at your own stuff, but its true) . It examines current day politics through a kind of Narnia story. I really am not sure if there is another book quite like it.

You know the scenario – you’re stuck on an island. What book would you bring with you and why?

I know the right answer to this is “the bible”, but that would bore me to tears. I guess it would be The Power of Now as I would be pretty pissed to be stuck on a desert island and would need all the help I could get to accept it.

If you could go back and change one day, what would it be?

These kinds of questions are a drag. I guess we all have tragedies we’d like to change, but I’m not at all sure it’s in our best interest to change them. Joni Mitchell said, “I’m thankful for every little bit of hardship I went through. It made me who I am.”

Are you a different person now than you were 5 years ago? In what way/s?

Oh for sure. I’m not depressed, I am a lot more productive, in better shape, studying martial arts, and more responsible.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from life so far?

Only one? Hmmmm, love is not a feeling, it is the underpinning of all life.

Is there anything you regret doing/not doing?

Yes, but I’d rather not broadcast it across the globe on the internet.

What is your favorite past-time?

Beach volleyball, there’s something about being on the beach, with the sun, the waves, and smashing your opponents that can’t be beat.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I’m pretty much an introvert, so not really, but thanks for asking.

The terrifying challenges Charlie faces in a strange, parallel world called the Devic Realm, must be faced alone. His animal and spirit guides can only point the way.

An ominous test awaits him that will throw him into the shadowy forces of Washington D.C., al-Qaida, and the envoys of darkness on Earth.

On a planet lost in political violence and disconnected from the natural world, Charlie is challenged to grow up and embody the nature of love, commitment, and ferocity.