A New Title and a New Direction

After a long, long while, I'm back. My last post on here was back in February of 2009, and a lot has happened since then. My father passed away in April, there was much family drama in the aftermath, and my day job work schedule dropped down to virtually "nil."

In the Summer I went to the US for a couple of months to see family and friends and to generally "recharge my batteries." I also got to go through many of my father's things and sort out a few special keepsakes for myself.

While in the US, I also finished the first draft of my Italian "epic." All of the titles mentioned within this blog have been consolidated into one novel: "Alternate Rialto", "Connections", "Un Romantico a Milano" and "Bentornata a Bologna" have become "Ask Me if I'm Happy." The title in Italian would be "Chiedimi se Sono Felice" and is shared with a film by Aldo, Giovanni e Giacomo as well as a song by Samuele Bersani - both of which I adore. The film and the song, I mean.

This labor of love was officially completed in October, and has been accepted for publication by Dragon International Independent Arts - Diiarts.com - in Spring or Summer of 2010. This is a brand-new publishing company, and judging by some of the titles they've launched this past weekend, I'm going to be in pretty darn good company.

Yes, I'm excited, to say the least. I've got my fingers crossed and I'm knocking on wood (ouch!) that all will go well. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, however, I'm already at work on a new project.

"27 Stages" is set in the world of professional road cycling, taking place during the (fictional) Tour d'Europa.

Federico Renard is a young rising champion in the sport, struggling with personal difficulties, team politics and emotional conflicts while racing in the Tour. Abigail McGann-White is a married aspiring photographer dealing with the slow disintegration of her marriage while she follows the Tour on a speculative assignment. When she and Federico meet, sparks fly at first sight.

Kept at arm's length from one another by the rules dictating how he may spend his free time, as well as her marital status, Federico and Abigail are nonetheless drawn to one another. As he comes to depend on her stability and the sense of safety she imparts to him, and she becomes comfortable with her new found awareness of her own sexuality, the barriers between them begin to crumble.

If he is caught, he'll lose his best chance to win the Royal - the ultimate prize for the overall winner of the Tour - because he'll lose his position on the team.

If she succumbs to her desire for this younger man, her marriage will come to an end - but is it really worth saving, anyway?

The answers lie along the Tour's route, emerging day by day within each of the 27 Stages.


More to come at a later date!