Daily Inspiration: Meet Don Tassone

Today we’d like to introduce you to Don Tassone.

Don, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Dayton, Ohio. I’m the oldest of six kids. We moved to Fairfield when I was four. I grew up there. I graduated from Xavier University in Cincinnati as an English major. During college, I wrote for newspapers. I joined Procter & Gamble right out of school. I spent my 31-year career with P&G in public relations. 

Creative writing is an important part of an active retirement for me. I’ve also taught PR at Xavier. My wife Liz and I have four children and nine grandchildren — with two more on the way. We’re very blessed. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Making the transition from business writing to creative writing was tough. I quickly realized I needed to “go back to school” and went away to a one-week writing workshop. It was a great re-immersion in the fundamentals of creative writing — and the fresh start I needed. 

After that, I started writing stories and submitting them to literary magazines. I got a lot of rejections. I still get a lot of rejections. But I’ve stuck with it, and I’ve now had more than 500 short stories published. 

I write because it brings me joy. Ray Bradbury said, “Love what you do, and do what you love.” So, I write every day. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write mostly literary fiction, mainly for adults. Beyond short stories, I’ve written two novels and one novella, which will be published in 2025. 

I don’t write with the idea of selling a lot of books, making a lot of money or becoming famous. I write as an invitation to think more deeply. I write to move someone. That’s what good writing does for me. 

The ideas for most of my stories come from real life. From everyday happenings, themes emerge — love, joy, compassion, sacrifice, sorrow, loss, discovery, renewal. Themes like these run through my stories. 

One reader called my stories “secular parables.” Another said they “deliver messages that heal.” Maybe so. Whatever they are, I hope my stories leave readers feeling deepened. 

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ve had the good fortune to travel the world and live abroad. I always love coming home to Cincinnati, where the people are warm, it’s easy to get around, and the terrain is just hilly enough. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dontassone.com