Author Q&A With Denise Cesare
With over 25 years of experience in education as a Speech Language Pathologist, Denise Cesare is a mindfulness advocate, author, and thought leader in social-emotional learning. Her book, I Love You More Than Chocolate, has been close to her heart since her son was born in December of 1999. She would often say the words, “I love you more than chocolate”, which inspired her dream to write this book. All these years later, those words have become the title, and that dream has become a reality! It is her hope that chocolate lovers and chocolatiers from around the world will embrace this book for the pure love it embodies!
Denise Cesare grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and raised her family in Staten Island, NY. She recently moved to Bluffton/ Hilton Head, South Carolina, with her husband, Dan. Her son, Daniel, lives in Pennsylvania, where he and Abby enjoy her surprise specialty chocolate treats. Meet Denise:
Did you always want to be an author? I never imagined I’d become an author. My journey began with my deep love for books as an educator. It was during the pandemic that I felt a strong urge to write, primarily to support my students. The experience was transformative, and it opened my eyes to the possibilities of authorship.
What is your most recent book, and what inspired you to write it?
My most recent book, I Love You More Than Chocolate, was a dream that took over 26 years to come true. It’s a heartfelt story about my unconditional love for my son and the sweetness of life. The inspiration came from my personal experiences and the desire to express the profound bond between a mother and her child.
How do you hope your book will uplift readers? I hope my book uplifts readers by sharing the simple yet profound joys of love. It’s about finding beauty in everyday moments and appreciating the love that surrounds us. I want readers to feel a sense of warmth and connection as they turn each page.
What are you most excited about with this book? I’m most excited about sharing the love between a mother and son and the broader message of love’s sweetness in life. It’s a universal theme that resonates with many, and I believe it can touch hearts and inspire people to cherish their relationships.
How did writing a book help your career take off? Writing this book has opened new doors for me. It has allowed me to reach a wider audience and share my message of love and positivity. The journey from educator to author has been enriching, and it’s given me a platform to connect with people on a deeper level.
What advice would you give someone wanting to succeed in your professional industry? To anyone wanting to succeed in this industry, I’d say: never give up and always look for glimmers of light. Persistence and optimism are key. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and keep pushing forward.
How do you handle setbacks and criticism? Setbacks and criticism are part of the journey, but I handle them by maintaining a positive outlook. I focus on the light in every situation and use feedback as a tool for improvement. It’s important to stay resilient and keep moving forward.
Being an author today is like running a business. How do you manage your publicity and social media and maintain engagement with readers? Being an author today is indeed like running a business. I manage my publicity and social media by being present and enjoying every moment. Engaging authentically with my audience helps build a strong community around my work.
What do you find most fulfilling in the career that you’ve chosen? What I find most fulfilling is the ability to touch lives and spread as much love as possible. Knowing that my words can make a difference in someone’s life is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep writing.
What book uplifts you? The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It encourages living in the present moment and finding peace within oneself. It’s a powerful reminder to embrace the now and appreciate the beauty of life.
