Q&A: Local Author Shares Rhode Island Secrets in Latest Book
It’s no secret that Rhode Island is the smallest state, meaning not everyone knows the hidden gems that make it so unique.
Robert Curley, author of Secret Rhode Island: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure shares Little Rhody’s biggest secrets with ninety unusual stories spanning more than 400 years.
Published in October, Curley’s book explores areas like Newport, Narragansett, Woonsocket and Westerly, unveiling mysteries and answers to lingering questions. From tales of street battles over pasta to the story behind the giant termite overlooking I-95 in Providence, Curley’s book has sparked curiosity and captivated local attention.
As a Rhode Island resident with a passion for writing about history, culture and travel, Curley’s expertise has translated over to his previous works including 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island Before You Die, published in 2019, and 100 Things to Do in the Caribbean Before You Die in 2022.
We caught up with the Rhody author below to learn more about the inspiration behind his latest release along with some advice for aspiring writers.
How long have you been writing for? Where did you study?
I was an English major at Hofstra University, worked on my school newspaper, and got writing jobs right out of college, doing technical writing for a bank. Not quite as glamorous as writing about travel, which I’ve been doing for more than twenty years, but it was a start!
What was your inspiration behind writing Secret Rhode Island: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure?
I previously wrote 100 Things to Do in Rhode Island Before You Die, which was more of a bucket list book. Secret Rhode Island is kind of the weird sibling, focused more on strange facts, interesting history, and the quirks that make Rhode Island such a fun and unique little place.
What was your favorite part of writing the book?
The book touches on some things that I really find fascinating, like history, roadside attractions, and odd facts. Researching those for the book for me was as much fun as work!
Is there anything you would like readers to take away from the book?
Hopefully readers get a deeper appreciation for the deep history all around them and Rhode Island’s culture, both of which are outsized in importance compared to the state’s small size.
Are you planning on writing a new book anytime soon?
Yes! I just signed up to do the eighth edition of my very first book, Off the Beaten Path in Rhode Island, which I first wrote in 1999 but hasn’t had a proper update since 2009. I’m really looking forward to bringing that book up to date for a new audience of readers as well as people who bought the previous editions and are looking for a fresh take on things to explore along Rhode Island’s backroads.
What advice would you give other writers and first time authors looking to publish a book of their own?
The best advice I can give is write about what you know and what you’re passionate about. For me, the writing comes easy when I’m learning something new, and researching all of my books has taught and entertained me in ways that I hope I’ve passed along to those who read the books, too.
