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Local author writes for higher purpose
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Diane Durrant (right) stopped by Buccilli’s book signing to thank the author for her writing and her advice about faith. Durrant found a warm atmosphere at the book signing where she chatted with Buccilli and others about overcoming illnesses within her family.
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Neighbors | Sarah Foor .Mary Buccilli (right), an Austintown author, signed books a Peaberry’s Café in Canfield on Feb. 12 with fans like Edie Hardenburgh (left). While chatting about health and faith, Buccilli wrote a short message and autograph in her friend’s book.
By SARAH FOOR
Austintown native Mary Buccilli didn’t ever plan to be a writer. Her writing only began when a close friend named James began to suffer from his advancing cancer that she became motivated to write.
“I felt God was speaking to me and asking me to write this book,” Buccilli shared. “I was so inspired I wrote ‘Make Heaven Your Trip of a Lifetime’ in five days.”
Since writing her first book, Buccilli has written four more and tours throughout the Valley, doing book signings like a recent event at Peaberry’s Cafe in Canfield on Feb. 12.
Buccilli uses her book signings to talk with others about faith, healing and prayer, and raises money for area charities during her events.
“For many years, I prayed for others as an intercessor,” Buccilli explained. “But my writing has helped me reach out to so many more people and touch their lives in a positive way.”
Buccilli credits her road to publishing to supportive husband, Bob Buccilli, her editor Janet Umbel, and her reverend Guy BonGiovanni and his wife Esther, who publish her works.
Many of the fans coming for the Peaberry’s book signing found a supportive environment where guests discussed dealing with cancer themselves or in their immediate family. Many thanked Buccilli for her writing of “Make Heaven Your Trip of a Lifetime.”
“It’s a great thing that Mary wrote a book like this,” said Diane Durrant, who recently overcame breast cancer. “I think we all needed to be reminded of the power of hope and faith.”
“At the age of 60, I never imagined myself a writer, but I’m working on my sixth book now,” Buccilli shared. “I consider them ‘His’ books, and that they’re my ministry to help people. I don’t see any end in sight.”
Buccilli shared at Peaberry’s that her next book will be called “It All Started Here,” and focus on the power of the cross.