Eleanor Rigby only Flies Pan Am, With Camille Di Maio

Two attributes of being an author are humility and perseverance. You have to push through a whole lot of no’s and believe you have something there—and have the humility to step back, receive critiques, and let your story grow.” — Camille Di Maio

In this episode of Uncorking a Story, I sit down with bestselling historical fiction author Camille Di Maio to talk about her path from a 12-year-old bookworm seeking refuge in the library to publishing eight novels, including her latest, Come Fly With Me. Camille shares how bullying shaped her love of stories, the lessons she learned from 43 rejections, and how perseverance and humility became cornerstones of her career. We also dive into her research process, including interviews with former Pan Am stewardesses, and the unforgettable story of handing a manuscript to Paul McCartney himself.

The Gift of Struggle – How early challenges like bullying can become fuel for creativity and resilience. Perseverance Pays Off – 43 rejections, 17 drafts, and years of revision eventually led to her first book deal . Humility in the Craft – Embracing feedback and remembering that publishing requires both art and business thinking. Research with Respect – Gaining the trust of former Pan Am stewardesses to authentically capture an era in Come Fly With Me. Following Curiosity – Asking “what if?” as the writer’s most powerful question. Moments of Magic – The role of creative “downloads” and inspiration that seem to arrive fully formed. Dream Encounters – The story of giving Paul McCartney her Eleanor Rigby–inspired manuscript and how passion creates serendipity.

Buy Come Fly with Me