Ciao! I'm Deana. 

I grew up in a big-hearted Italian family, who migrated to Australia from Sicily. I spent a lot of time with my Nonna & Nonno cooking, gardening and learning to speak the language.

My love for Italy and my fascination with la dolce vita continued to expand into my adult years, as I admired the beauty of slow eating, the simplicity of cooking with farm vegetables and the importance of family traditions.

As a mother of three daughters, it quickly became apparent to me to keep my Italian traditions alive. Becoming a parent also ignited my passion for reading picture books to my children, so my writing career was born.

This creative writing gig has been a wonderfully fulfilling challenge, having previously worked in newspapers as a journalist, explored the world as a travel publicist and launched my own PR consulting group, The Press Garage.

I hope you enjoy my first children’s picture book Pepe and the Secret Sauce, as much as I have loved creating it for you.

Share it with your family and friends!

Tanti baci,

Deana xo