Joseph Sciuto was born and raised in New York City where he spent his early  years listening to his Italian-American grandmother’s vivid stories  about how their family was responsible for building much of the  impressive Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building. 

The  rich flavor of her stories about their family’s heritage still works its  way through his writing.

Sciuto holds degrees from both John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Stony  Brook University and a certificate in film studies from New York  University. 

After studying psychology, film, theater, literature, and  English as an undergraduate, he relocated to Southern California to  attend graduate school at Loyola Marymount University, where he studied  writing and film. 

Married for over 30 years to Hollywood studio veteran and novelist, Melissa J. L. Smith, the couple currently is collaborating on their first book together, “My Grandmother’s Apron.” In addition to writing, the couple spends time spoiling their cats, Bogie and Bette.