Who are you?

I’m Enzo De Palma! I’m a writer and musician. You can read more about me on my Bio page.

Enzo? That’s a cool name!

Thanks! I mean, I didn’t have a say in it. It’s really because of my parents, but thanks!

Is it short for Lorenzo?

Nope! No offense to the Lorenzos of the world, but I prefer just being Enzo.

How about Vincenzo?

Just Enzo!

Were you named after Enzo Ferrari?

Nope. It was just a cool name that my parents liked.

Do you own an Enzo Ferrari?

I wish! These days, I’m rocking a Toyota Corolla. So almost there!

Do people ever get your name wrong?

Constantly! I’ve gotten everything from Denzel to Nedo.

Do you like having a unique name?

I do! It’s great. Once people do learn it, they rarely forget it.

So are you a writer or a musician?

I’m both!

You can do that?

Why not?

How many instruments do you play?

Fourteen at varying levels of competency and six incompetently.

You play the mandolin? What is that?

It’s a small violin-like instrument that you play like a guitar.

It’s not a guitar-like instrument you play like a violin?

No, that’s called a nickelharp.

Is it a banjo?

No, a mandolin is not a banjo. Why do people always ask me that?

So you write superhero comics? Why?

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a superhero. At some point, I realized that I couldn’t, so I settled for writing about them instead.

Who’s your favorite superhero?

I better not say — I don’t want to get sued for copyright infringement.

Is it Batman?

…maybe.

You write about politics too? Why?

So that I have an outlet for my obsession with the topic.

Why do you enjoy it so much?

Politics is kind of like superhero comics! There’s a huge cast of characters who team up and fight in different situations and appear in each others’ storylines. And even though some seem good and and some seem evil, they’re all human beings with complex motivations.

What are your top five favorite cuisines?

That’s an odd question, but I’d say Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican, in that order.

What’s your favorite animal?

Also an odd question! I have to say the sea otter.

Why?

They’re incredibly cute, smart, and important to the environment.

What’s your Social Security number?

I’m not telling you that! Who are you anyway? And how’d you get in my house?!

I’m a reporter. With The New York Times.

Uh-huh. Sure you are.

So a mandolin isn’t a banjo?

Nope.

Is it a ukulele?

Get out before I call the police.