SharpStudies #3: Anthony Damaschino
Anthony Damaschino is a retired HR professional, twice-published author, and Empty Nest Expert. How does one achieve such a title? Not only do you tirelessly research and write on the subject of Empty Nest Syndrome, but you also see three grown children make their way into the world. Indeed, Anthony has walked the walk, and is now talking the talk (literally—catch him on his podcast Dawnversations with Anthony, which despite not being Empty Nest-centric is highly entertaining.) His two books—The Empty Nest Blueprint and The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents are available wherever books are sold.
Anthony was gracious enough to reflect on his experience writing and publishing his two books, both of which were G Sharp Design partnerships. Read on!
Your background is in HR—so how did you develop an interest in Empty Nest Syndrome?
AD: Empty Nest Syndrome is background agnostic. If you are a parent and have an emotional attachment to your children, you will have some emotions when they leave the house.
I observed couples really struggling with their relationships when their children were leaving. The change in family dynamics, loss of constant parenting focus, and the realization that you may have put your spousal relationship on the back burner made me want to explore this life transition. The more I dove in, the more interesting and worrying the Empty Nest transition became.
At what point did your fascination metabolize into a passion that led you to write multiple books on the subject?
AD: I thought about the Empty Nest transition for at least three years. I wrote a rough outline for a book and knew I’d have to dedicate time to really explore the subject. COVID and a job transition gave me the time to focus. As soon as I pulled out the outline and started researching Empty Nest Syndrome and all aspects of Empty Nesting, the fire grew within me to write a book. Once book one was halfway written, The Empty Nest Blueprint, I knew I’d have to write one book focused on couples and another book focused on Single Parents. I felt that one book would not adequately address both circumstances. Hence, the Empty Nest Blueprint is for Single Parents.
Book sales aren’t always a hallmark of self-publishing success. What are some opportunities and successes that have resulted from writing your books?
AD: This is off-topic, but personal pride and a feeling of accomplishment are the initial rewards of becoming a published author. In parallel, I wrote the book to help people. If people don’t read it and can’t find it, I can’t help them. A positive review from a stranger on Amazon warms my heart – it makes the time and effort worthwhile. Through my book, I have met many interesting people, guested on podcasts, and now co-hosted a podcast – Dawnversations With Anthony - from becoming an author. And by the way, I am now a dad, husband, retired HR guy, author, and podcast host. I have gained two titles I didn’t have.
What was your initial headspace regarding the book design process? What were your biggest concerns?
AD: My first thought was cost and expense; I’m a money guy. But much more than money, I wanted my book to be as professional, credible, and sound as any book published by the Big Five publishing houses. My goal was for anyone worldwide to pick the book up, but I could not tell if I had self-published it. So that meant I needed a great cover, editor, and a book formatter to realize this dream.
What quality did you consider most important in a design partner?
AD: Prior work, references, and portfolio are important. Let’s call those table stakes. Beyond the work, it is about the partnership, connection, and the designer’s ability to listen and understand the author's vision. Additionally, they can educate and steer the author into an area where they may not have the expertise.
Talk about the experience of seeing your manuscript evolve from a Word Document to a fully-designed book.
AD: It’s funny; the cover is the realization of the dream. It is what makes your book a book, or at least it was that way in my mind. I loved the process, the choices, and the interaction of the cover design process. When we reached the final – it was like being at the child's birth. Unexpectedly, post-cover, I found the formatting aspect of the book surprising and vital. The chapter headings, the way internal graphics look, the look and feel of the pages, the numbering, the font, the index, all of it. I realized the inside ‘look and feel’ may not be as flashy as an amazing cover, but it is vitally important. This was my biggest surprise in the process. Of course, the day you unbox your book and hold it in your hands is monumental in an author's life.
“I realized the inside ‘look and feel’ may not be as flashy as an amazing cover, but it is vitally important. This was my biggest surprise in the process.”
We’ve now worked together on two books, which are part of the same series. How did you approach Book 2, knowing it had to relate to Book 1 while standing alone visually?
AD: The design was more challenging for book two. The reason for this is we had an anchor book. My second book was not a sequel but a parallel book written for another audience. Because of this, I wanted it to look completely different yet tie back to the original. I wanted other colors but with one connecting color. I wanted it to be…Dare I say, it is even better than the first. Expectations were higher, the ask was tougher, and there were more parameters. For the record, I LOVE the cover of book two. We totally nailed it. And I say we because book design is a partnership.”
What advice would you give to aspiring authors as they enter the design stage of their publishing experience?
AD: Even with all of the advances in AI, human collaboration, reiteration, and partnership will get you a better end result. I advise finding a great editor (Grammarly is great, but it isn’t this). Find a cover designer you can work with, discuss your goals, make iterations, and collaborate with to get to the cover your words deserve. Everyone says the cover judges books – this is 100% true in the publishing game. Post cover, do not forget the inside formatting – the inside countss!
I’ll be an Empty Nester in [checks watch] 2039. What can I do to best prepare for this hallowed stage?
AD: Read one of my books. This is a tad tongue and cheek, but my suggestion would be for a future Empty nester to read my book when their child is in High School, preferably Sophomore or Junior year. And it’s never too late, even if they are already gone and have been in college for a while. But for you, looking towards the Class of 2039, enjoy every moment with your child, and always remember to prioritize yourself and your relationships over money, career, and personal pursuits. There will come a day if you don’t, you’ll look back and wish you did.
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Thanks to Anthony for sharing his experience and for twice partnering with G Sharp Design!
If you worked with G Sharp Design and wish to be featured, drop me a line!