Rich Agnello
For Rich Agnello, writing is not merely an art but a mission. Raised in an environment where reading was strongly encouraged by his father, Agnello’s creative journey began under difficult circumstances. “Somehow, I managed to maintain a creative space,” he reflects, hinting at the resilience that has characterized his life and work. His writing, spanning Virtue Based Children’s Writing (VBC) and Lay Catholic Theology, centers around a core theme: virtue. “It’s the reason for living,” he says simply.
Agnello’s creative process is shaped by a wide array of influences, from the Sisters of St. Joseph at his Catholic grammar school to the Jesuit ethos of his undergraduate years at Marquette University. Though he holds no formal degree in writing, his education has deeply impacted his work. “Through the learned example of my teachers and my time at the University of Denver, I developed my skills and knowledge,” he notes. His writing explores various genres and styles, motivated by his need to express himself in ways that align with his diverse life experiences. “I experiment with anything from Virtue Based Children’s Writing to editorials, depending on the message I want to convey,” Agnello explains. His work, often inspired by his surroundings, finds roots in simple yet profound moments—like the robin’s nest on his front porch that led to his story Where Did You Go, Olivia Uvalve?.
Agnello’s first novel, Going to Williamsport, marked a particularly rewarding moment in his career. “It was challenging because the story reflected my childhood, watching my mom’s 37-year battle with acute paranoid psychosis,” he shares. The novel, which earned a finalist award in the Sports category of the 2023 American Fiction Awards, taught him that “writing courage and writing sales are not necessarily synonymous.”
At the heart of all his work is a commitment to doing the right thing. “Living, doing, and being the right thing is always the best thing,” Agnello states, encapsulating the message he hopes to communicate to his readers. Whether through children’s literature or theological reflections, his goal is to move people “that much closer to heaven while still on earth.” As he looks to the future, Agnello’s aspirations are clear. He hopes to see his works, particularly Sooner Justice and Going to Williamsport, adapted for the screen. “I’d love to see them premier in August as real Little Leaguers take the field,” he says. And yet, despite his ambition, Agnello remains grounded, always returning to his creative vision. “Four words: Tune It All Out,” he advises, a mantra that has helped him stay true to his writing in a world full of external pressures.
For those just beginning their writing journey, Agnello offers simple but profound advice: “Start by writing for your own benefit, not anyone else’s. And whatever you do, do not take rejection personally.”
