PennDOT Spokesman Authors Books, Sang in Heavy Metal Rock Band

As PennDOT’s spokesman at the  in Collier, Jim Struzzi writes countless press releases every day letting us know or when we can cheer .

But it’s his literary skills as a novelist that the Bridgeville resident is trying to showcase during his free time.

“Writing has always been my passion and something I’ve wanted to pursue,” Struzzi said. “It’s pretty cut and dry when it comes to writing a press release about roads and bridges. For a creative person, you need to have an outlet.”

Struzzi, who has lived in Bridgeville for five years, has released two books — The Christmas Secret and Jacob’s Haunting — and is “polishing up” a third one.

To move his creative writing portfolio forward, Struzzi recently launched a website that can be found at www.booksbystruzzi.com. The website features the books and information about new writings in the works.

“I have a lot of people who are aware of the books, but have trouble finding them,” Struzzi said. “They were in the bookstores at first, but now they’re really only available online. Books By Struzzi, as a website, puts them in one spot.”

He moved to Bridgeville in 2006 after transferring from PennDOT’s division in Indiana County. Struzzi, who has four children, has settled in nicely and even coached his daughter’s Bridgeville softball team last year.

What few people might know about him, though, is his previous life as the lead singer of a metal rock band. Struzzi even wrote songs while gigging around in 1980s and 1990s.

“We’re trying to get the band back together,” Struzzi said. “People can see that side of me again.”

Until then, Struzzi plans to continue writing and talking to area students about his books and the publishing process. He tries to motivate the students to read and write, but Struzzi also gets a little bit back in return.

“I really enjoy going out and speaking with children,” Struzzi said. “They seem to enjoy the stories. I like talking to them and getting their feedback. They have good messages, especially The Christmas Secret. It holds a good message, especially with these economic times.”

In addition to his school presentations, Struzzi will hold a book signing at the Indiana Mall in Indiana County on Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information about his events, go to www.booksbystruzzi.com.