Local author Nick Christophers writes about Mafia in novel

Robert Pelaez
Nick Christophers, who works out of Great Neck, tells his experience in writing and fascination of the mafia lifestyle. (Photo courtesy of Nick Christophers)

Author Nick Christophers works out of Great Neck, turning his fascination and personal experiences with the mob into novels.

His latest work, “Destinies,” published by Austin Macauley Publishers, follows three people from varying walks of lives whose paths eventually cross.

“It seems to be doing pretty well, which of course is great to hear,” Christophers said. “In fact, I’ve actually had a few people who were able to read it earlier, already asking when the second part will be made.”

During his childhood, he said, he was exposed to “wise guys” who would come into his father’s café in Rockaway Beach.

“I was in awe of those guys that would come into my dad’s business,” he said. “That, along with constantly being picked on kind of cultivated this fascination with the mob genre.”

Christophers also said that he connected with the narrator of the 1967 coming-of-age novel “The Outsiders,” Ponyboy Curtis.

Like Curtis, Christophers joined a gang at a young age. The experience immersed him further in the mafia culture.

“I was a member of a gang within my school called the Bay Boys,” Christophers said. “I got suspended five times or so for fighting.  Even so, it connected me with Ponyboy, and made me want to read more and indulge with the mob culture more.”

His professional experience was highlighted by 25 years of writing, spending seven years as the editor for Mob Candy magazine, which highlights the mafia lifestyle.

He was also featured on a documentary that was shown on REELZ, called “Mafia Killers with Colin McLaren.”

Christophers said his education paved the way for his career opportunities.

“Graduating from the School of Visual Arts with a degree in media arts and a minor in journalism I was off and running,” he said. “With the knowledge that I garnered from the college I managed to create my own public relations business, Nick Christophers Ink Corp.”

“Destinies” is the second book he has had published. Another, “Prison Rules,” was co-written by John Alite.  Alite, an old friend of Christophers, was the former bodyguard for notorious Mafia boss John Gotti.

“Destinies” follows the lives of three people, hardworking Nina Iorizzo, successful attorney Tommy Roberts and mobster Santangelo Furri.

“I definitely don’t want to say too much, but I will say it’s very good,” Christophers half-jokingly said.  “But there are some interesting twists, and I think people will appreciate this book having Nina, a woman, as the main character. It’s a culmination of many things I witnessed growing up and even experienced. I think that personal touch helps enhance the descriptions and themes.”

While Christophers knows his writing is aimed at a specific group of readers, he encourages aspiring writers to find their own niche audience, big or small, and to run with it.

“The most important thing I can suggest to people, of any age, who aspire to be a great writer, is to do it every single night,” he said. “I look back to 10 years ago, and just by practicing every night, and reading every day, everything begins to take shape. And even if you want to write about the mafia, make sure that you get an education.”

“Destinies” is available for purchase on Amazon and other websites.  To learn more, visit https://nickchristophers.org/.

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