An Interview with Milda Misevicius

Milda was born and raised in Coventry, England, and came to New York at the tender age of ten. She moved from Brooklyn to the Bronx, then to New Jersey.

Milda attended New York University (NYU) Film School in Manhattan and fell in love with the pre-production/filming process—everything from concept to execution. During her university years, Milda worked as a model and was featured on many national television commercials, both on-camera and voice-over. After university, Milda spent several years working in film production companies with top-rated award-winning directors, actors, musicians, and crew. Milda then moved over to the other side of the business—advertising.

Milda worked at Ogilvy & Mather/NY as Executive Producer/Writer for five years and two years at Needham Harper Steers/NY as Executive Producer for two years. She then became a Charter Member/Board Member & Executive Vice President/Director of Broadcast at Korey Kay & Partners, where for thirty-five years she oversaw all of the agency’s creative, new business, and day-to-day business.

Milda has produced, written, and directed short films, documentaries, as well as commercials for both television and radio, winning many awards for her achievements. Having the passion to write, Milda retired early, trading the whirlwind world of the Big Apple for a quiet, relaxed lifestyle in the resort city of Ostuni (also known as the White City).

Milda now spends all her time writing and exploring the beautiful little towns and olive groves that surround and inspire her.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

The title Parallel Love popped into my brain and stayed there. It was perfect for the ying-yang lives of the two featured women in the story.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

Oh! What an incredible feeling! A dream come true.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have been writing since I was eight years old. I’ve always loved making up stories about people’s lives. I love to read different types of books. I suppose all the years if reading put the desire to write in me.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Other than modeling, starring in television commercials, and doing radio voice-overs, I did a lot of charity work for UNICEF, American Red Cross ( was on the Executive Board of Volunteers for two years), and a variety of hospitals and elderly facilities.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

Since I have no children, it was important for me to leave behind proof of my existence. A footprint. The books that I write and publish will do this. It will live on long after I am gone.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

Very good question. I have used some songs in Parallel Love (only the titles, as I did not have permission to use the lyrics); music is powerful and can add an emotional component to the written page. My track would be a mixture of Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind,” the Bee Gees’ “How Do You Mend A Broken Heart,” Elvis’s “Blue Hawaii,” and many other international musicians and genres.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

My perfect reader is the type of person not intimidated by 900+ pages. A person who shows emotion, knows how to belly laugh, and is not afraid to cry. A reader who doesn’t want to put the book down because they become so involved with all of the characters. I hope the takeaway is that true love is everlasting…

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I have finished a novel, Unfinished Symphony, which is forthcoming, and am in the middle of writing a book entitled Valentina. I am also working on finishing I Remember… and The Trip.

The common denominator in all of my work is that the stories are about strong women who face challenges with dignity and acceptance.

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

Excellent! To other writers I would say “Follow your dream.” Atmosphere Press can guide you along.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.