Feature Friday - Michael A. Occhionero
Name
Michael A. Occhionero
Pronouns
He/Him
Bio
Michael A. Occhionero is the author of the novels Idle Hands (2017), ALT•4•1 (2019) and The Cliché (2025), as well as the poetry collection Variations on a Theme (2022). He writes in his hometown of Montreal. In his free time, the author enjoys traveling, spinning old records, and spending as much time as possible under the sun on a tennis court. Occhionero holds an M.A. in English Literature from Queen’s University.
Where in Montreal are you located?
Rosemont
What do you love about that neighborhood?
It is close to everything and there are many beautiful parks!
What’s your favourite art space in Montreal and why?
I love the MMBA, because the building is beautiful and they bring in some very cool expositions. It is always a pleasure spending an afternoon strolling through.
Describe your art in your own words.
My art is a reflection of who I am, and what I am feeling in the moment I create it. I love looking back at the works I wrote five or ten years ago, and reflecting on the headspace I was in back then, and how different it is now. I love that honest writing can really capture a snapshot of a moment in time that way, and how a body of work can demonstrate the evolution and progression of a human life.
What drew you to writing?
The desire to express myself and be able to accurately convey in words the thoughts and feelings that would otherwise remain trapped in my head. Also, I could never work in an office.
What have you been working on recently?
I just completed a novella and am working through some of the later editing stages. I am excited to publish it next year. I also released my third novel, The Cliché this year and am doing as many events as possible to promote it.
The Cliché by Michael A. Occhionero is available at Ace of Swords Publishing.
How would you describe your voice?
Constantly evolving. Right now, lighthearted, humorous, slightly sarcastic.
Where do you find your inspiration?
My favorite artists. I particularly love the writing of Aldous Huxley, and the music of Josh Homme/Queens of the Stone Age. Also, unexpected interactions and the spontaneity and absurdity of everyday life.
Describe your writing process.
Drafting is the hardest part. I like to sit down and verbal diarrhea a whole chapter, starting with the plot and not worrying too much about refinement or even making sense, so long as the skeleton gets down. Then, I like to refine that chapter or section until I think it is 80-90% of the way there, and move on to the next part. I don't always write pieces in a linear way, but I usually do. I sometimes write out the narrative arc as a framework, if I have that worked out.
Who are some of your favorite writers?
Aldous Huxley, Mordecai Richler, Charles Bukowski, Kurt Vonnegut, Tom Wolfe, Hunter S. Thompson.
What do you love about Montreal's literary scene?
Everyone is very friendly and welcoming. There are lots of events where you can meet people who share your passions.
