An Interview with Samantha Guerriero
Samantha Guerriero is a former professional wrestler, wife, and mother to a wonderful almost two-year-old son. After her husband, Jeff, was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) the realization hit that her son might need something special to always look back on and remember the kind of amazing dad he has. She carefully crafted this children’s story to emphasize all the life lessons a father passes to a son. This book is her love letter to her loving, sweet husband and her feisty little guy.
What inspired you to start writing this book?
My husband was diagnosed with ALS. ALS is a terminal disease with an average lifespan expectancy of two to five years after diagnosis. Our son turns two in a few weeks, and the harsh reality is that he may not remember his father and he will grow up without him. I wanted to create something that my husband and my son could enjoy together now, but also something that my son could have as a reminder of how amazing his father was. I wanted it to be something that had relatable lessons that people who weren’t part of the professional wrestling world would still enjoy but also provide a small glimpse into the world that brought my husband and I together.
What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?
I was a professional wrestler for fifteen years. I traveled all over the United States and even Canada, was a champion of over a dozen companies, and got to meet my husband through it. I spent most of my time in wrestling also championing ways to make the industry a better, safer place. I’ve orchestrated events that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local and national charities that help children, adults, and even animals as well as helped create training programs with national non-profits to assist in making the industry a safer place for everyone. Pro wrestling was my first love and will always have a special place in my heart.
Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?
This was all for my son. A little for my husband, but everything I do is for my son. I want him to know how loved he is, how special his dad is, and how he will always have things like this from me as a little love letter to him. I want him to be the best he can be and the way I can help him do that is reminding him how special he is. What’s more special than having a book written about you when you’re not even two?
What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?
It’s ok to not be perfect immediately. I was so stuck on the first draft – I wanted it to be the exact draft that was published – that it took me longer than it needed to for me to start revising it. I get in my own head that if it’s not perfect the first time, then it’s not right. After a few weeks of going back and forth with editing and putting the final draft together, I’m so thankful I didn’t give up on it the way I normally would because the book I have now is exactly what it needed to be.
What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?
The life lessons within the book about being positive, about being ok with your emotions, and about being strong and brave are all things that I want to instil in my own son and I think are a great way to start conversations that readers will have with their own children.
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