Given the popularity of shows such as the "Real Housewives of New Jersey," growing up female and Italian or Sicilian has garnered plenty of attention and criticism over gender roles. Author Linda Rentschler discussed how she transitioned from advertising and TV production to become a novelist, as well as writing two of her popular books, "Just Married Sicilian" and "Jitters."

For Rentschler, writing came naturally. "I was always listening to conversations. My parents' house was full of people--Italian people, so there was always a good amount of drama," Rentschler reveals. "I also played folk guitar and enjoyed music and lyrics. There was one teacher in Rutherford High School, Mr. Thomas, who told me there was no color in my work. He told me to get a thesaurus. I fell in love with that book."

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Source: http://www.northjersey.com/