Q&A
Dear Magis,
We’re delighted to bring you this exclusive Q&A with Rosella Testa, the author of the Lost Pleiades series. In opening this dialogue, Rosella hopes to connect more personally with her readers and offer a glimpse into the person behind the pages.
Often described as private or mysterious, you could say Rosella has a lot in common with a certain Sibyl you may be familiar with! Yet as she steps into a new decade of her life this May, the moment feels both fitting and fated: a time to speak more openly, to share her story, and to reclaim her voice.
This Q&A celebrates her past, present, and future, honoring both the challenges she has faced and the joyful moments that have shaped who she is today.
We hope you enjoy.
When and where were you born?
I was born May 4th in Ascoli Piceno, Italy.
What is your favorite memory from childhood?
I grew up on a farm and I loved being with the animals and in the fields with my grandparents. It was the most amazing childhood I could have had.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Not sure there was anything I DIDN’T want to be. So as you see, nothing's changed!
Can you tell us something that only those closest to you know about you?
To know me at a superficial layer is to know I have a love for shoes, jewelry, tea, books and candles. And to know me at my first layer is to know I have an even greater love for writing, art, music, cinema, books, history, and travel. And knowing me deeper means knowing I have a passion for human rights, I’m against animal cruelty, I believe every person should receive free education, and each soul is worthy of love. And I sometimes overwhelm the people I love with affection.
What is your favorite thing to do?
My favorite thing to do is laugh with people I love. But then of course, there’s the horrible truth that the only person who usually thinks I’m funny is me!
What is your greatest truth?
That I think owning a dragon would solve all my problems! Actually, it’s that I want to leave a legacy that I am proud of even though I do not have children.
What is something that disappoints you?
My greatest disappointment is trusting the wrong people in my life because it has destroyed my ability to be an open book. In addition, learning that people care more about money than one another.
What is your proudest moment?
Writing a novel and creating an entire world in my mind.
What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
The greatest compliment that I have received is that I have the ability to really see a person and truly love and accept them for who they are.
If you could change anything about yourself what would it be?
The one thing I would change physically about myself is my height. What I wouldn’t give to be taller! The one thing I would change internally about myself is my lack of patience for ignorance, and my lack of patience for things or people I do not like.
And something you would never want to change?
The thing I would never change about myself is my ability to love. I love with all my heart and soul and do so endlessly.
What question do you hate being asked?
I hate being asked “Why aren’t you married?” I’m not married because I don’t trust that anyone will stay forever. I don’t believe in divorce and after experiencing several failed relationships of epic proportion I’ve realized that no one has ever made me feel safe, not once. I have been cheated on and lied to nearly every single time, even when they knew that was my biggest fear they did it anyway. Being married means you are not an “option” for them, but the only one.
What do you want people to remember most about you?
How much I loved them.
Where do you dream of retiring?
On my property in Italy with all my golden girl best friends that also live on the property with me.
Describe your most relaxing Sunday?
Eating pizza and Pinkberry! Then watching my shows in bed with Milo, my little pomeranian love, in super comfy clothes. (or underwear!)
How has your life been different than you imagined?
IN EVERY SINGLE WAY. I thought my life was going to be a traditional one but it has turned out to be as wild as one could imagine.
What is your biggest regret?
Not having a child of my own.
Why is that?
Because I don’t get to decide who lives. I had a miscarriage when I was younger that left me absolutely devastated. I threw myself into my career. A decade later, I decided to move forward with IVF. After giving myself an injection I had a stroke (it’s more common that you’d imagine) and it took me more than 6 months to recover. I had to painfully accept that being a mother was not to be part of my existence. I hope that the universe has a better purpose for me to fulfill.
What advice would you give to the next generation?
Burn it all down and start again. (Figuratively not literally.)
Tell me three pet peeves.
Chewing/talking with your mouth open.
Having my ears touched
Constantly being told what to do
What is your personal motto?
Hmmm…Diamonds are a girl’s best friend? lol
Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about?
Nothing I can share lol.
If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be?
In one of the magical Asbgahs in my books. I don’t think I would ever leave!
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
So many! But for me personally I hope to find peace in the things I could not accomplish or control, and in the things I wanted but could not obtain. I have experienced great disappointment and I need to give myself grace.
In our current world climate, what are some steps someone can take to be an impactful Social Leader?
First, know your history. Learn the facts, understand the life our world has lived and all it’s survived. Second, know what your core values are- not your family’s, not your political party’s, not your friend’s or mentor’s. Stand in your own truth, because that is where your power lies and where true change is born. Lastly, whatever it is that you choose to do as a profession or however you live your life, lead with kindness. Ask yourself how your decisions and daily choices affect the collective and this world long term.
Your writing focuses significantly on religion and family, can you tell us what those things mean to you personally?
What very few people know is that my faith in God is my core and I don’t go one day without prayer, and I’m extremely overprotective of my parents.
What’s a Nonna secret or tip that you can share with your fans?
Wash your face with ice cold water & only use oils on your skin and hair.
Can you name a few of your daily habits or wellness routines?
I don’t ever skip my skincare routine and I drink at least one cup of tea from A Social Leader Haus, which has lots of remedy teas that help me with anything I require on that particular day. There’s also this amazing natural oil based skincare line called F.O.Y have you heard of it?!? lol
What is your favorite book?
Inferno by Dante Alighieri. He was the first author to write in a common language so everyone could learn how to read. Prior to that moment only religious or wealthy men were permitted to learn to read and write in Latin.
Is there a character in your book that you most identify with?
Sibyl. She questions everything and everyone. She trusts no one, has her own original thoughts, and is not easily convinced or swayed.
If you could have any magical power, what would it be?
To take away emotional and physical pain. But the child in me would love a magic wand to get sh*t done!
What is your favorite magical creature?
There is a creature introduced in book two called Roa, it is both a dragon and a snake. (Roa is an acronym for Roses of Avalon). They are disguised as roses in the garden in the Avalon Asbgah.
What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is that I will not leave this world in a better place than which I came into it.
If you were king for a day, what would you change about the world to make it a better place?
I would put in a law that would require only females with good hearts and competent minds to lead countries and run corporations for the next 20 years without exception. Return of the Divine Feminine.
What was the happiest time of your life?
Yet to come….