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Author Spotlight
February 2009 --- Lucille Campilongo
In 1980, concerned mother Lucille “Lucia” Campilongo filled a spiral-bound notebook with advice and recipes for her youngest daughter as a going-away gift. Over 25 years later Campilongo’s daughter, Gina Campilongo-Friedman, returned the favor by publishing the guidebook, Lucia’s Survival Guide and Cookbook, as a Mother’s Day surprise.
“To say I was surprised is an understatement,” Campilongo, 79, said. “I was thrilled to be able to pass on my expertise. How often does a homemaker get that opportunity?”
Nothing could have prepared Campilongo for the success that followed. A local newspaper published the story behind the book, and Campilongo said things “blossomed” from that moment.
Shortly after the story printed, Campilongo was honored by a local restaurant that hosted a book signing and included Campilongo’s recipes in its menu.
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“What a kick it was to see ‘Lucia’s Special’ in a restaurant and not my own kitchen,” said Campilongo.
Once NBC discovered her story, Campilongo was asked to appear on NBC’s The Today Show along with her daughter and granddaughter, giving survival tips for the domestically challenged. Campilongo said host Meredith Viera calmed any nerves she might have had.
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“I think she had a sincere interest in the book and its use through several generations of my family,” said Campilongo. “I still can’t believe we shared that moment with some six million viewers.”
After the interview, Campilongo was also asked to help train chefs in Sicily, but politely declined. She said the amount of traveling would be “a bit too much.”
An Editor’s Choice title, quickly became an iUniverse bestseller.
“I had no idea it would strike such a common chord with so many people,” said Campilongo. “I wasn’t even sure if Gina would use it back then, let alone anyone else decades later.”
Campilongo attributes some of her success to the way her book resonates with readers. She calls the book “very user-friendly” for those with limited experience.
“It is written as if you have someone standing over your shoulder, telling you what to do in a friendly voice,” said Campilongo. “It is not overly academic or intimidating. Betty Crocker, no, but Mama Lucia, yes.”
Campilongo plans to launch a second edition of the book with an iUniverse Star designation soon. This edition will include more of her story, recipes, and tips. She also will be launching a new “Ask Lucia” column on her Web site.
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Since the book was published in 2008, Campilongo has received an overwhelming response. Even so, her first commitment remains to her three children and four grandchildren.
“Just the fact that my life-long commitment as a homemaker and looking after my wonderful family has been recognized to this degree brings a level of satisfaction words cannot describe,” she said.
