Saturday, July 21, 2012

A writer in Italy

Kimberly Sullivan, a talented writer of women's fiction and a great critique partner, tagged me for this Blog Hop hosted by Page after Page. Thank you Kimberly!

According to the rules I should answer a few questions about a novel I am writing. At this time, however, I am writing short stories, essays and book reviews, so I will write, instead, about Kimberly's novel, "In the Shadow of the Appennines".
  Kimberly's story takes place in Italy, in the region of Abruzzo, where she loves to spend time skiing, hiking and exploring medieval towns. Her love for the region inspired her to write a story that takes place in these majestic landscapes.
 Her main character, Samantha, moves to a mountain home in Abruzzo, hoping to start a new life after the break-up of her marriage and a failed university career. Her attempts to become part of the new community are destroyed when the residents discover a blog she wrote about them. Shunned and increasingly isolated in her mountain cottage, Samantha seeks solace in some letters and diaries that had been written by a past tenant in her home - a survivor of the devastating Pescina earthquake.
 Despite the centuries that separate the two women, Samantha feels connected to Elena's life, and discovers startling parallels that allow her to understand herself better. This is a book for readers who enjoy discovering how women can be connected through their hopes and dreams across oceans, economic divides and centuries. I also think that anyody who feels attracted to the italian culture will find this story interesting and fascinating.
 Now I am tagging other writers who are supposed to write about one of their books (published or unpublished) and what inspired them to write them. I can't wait to read you!

Elizabeth Varadan, author of The Fourth Wish . She is a very versatile writer; she writes for adults and kids and is devoted to fantasy, mystery, historical and the literary genre. I'd like to learn what inspired her to write The Fourth Wish and I'd love to read it.

Liz Grace Davis, author of Tangi's Teardrops, a fantasy romance that will carry you away to another world. She recently published Chocolate Aftertaste.

Rick Watson a writer who is also devoted to music and photography. He has a very inspiring blog. He is the author of  a non-fiction book "Remembering Big". I would love to know what his book is about and what motivated him to write it.

J.L Campbell a prolific writer of women's fiction. The author of  "Distraction" and "Don't Get Mad, Get Even". She also has a very useful blog for those who are interested in publishing and promoting their books.

Laurie Elmquist, a writer of memoirs, short stories and poems. She is now working on a new novel. I'd love to learn more about her work.

Richard Hughes, author of "Only The Lonely" and "Battles and other stories". (I have to read Only The Lonely, I enjoyed his short stories from the latter).


10 comments:

  1. Hi, Julia,

    Kimberly's character sounds interesting. I'm familiar with some of the other persons you've tagged. I'll let you know when I post. Thanks!

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    1. I look forward to the blog entry about your book. I will be checking your blog. Thanks.

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  2. Thank you for the thoughtful review and intro to this book! Poor Samantha! Shunned and villified and isolated but finding solace in the writings of Elena. What a truly profound experience! Take care
    x

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    1. Yes, Old Kitty! I feel a very special connection to this writer. I hope she will get this novel published. I agree with your comment. I think it's a profound experience.

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  3. Hey Julia, thanks for the shout out. I'm also a columnist in the lifestyle section of The Daily Mountain Eagle. I've been writing for them for seven years (I think).
    My book Remembering Big is a compilation of columns from the first few years.
    I have a second book that's due out this fall called Life Happens. It's columns from the later years.
    If you'll send me your address to cwatson310@charter.net, I'll send you one free for the shout out.
    Your Blog Buddy, Rick

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  4. Thanks Rick. I'd love to read it and write about it here. My e-mail is juliahones@yahoo.com

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  5. Thank you so much dear Julia for the tag. It's so very sweet of you. Thanks for telling us a bit about "In the Shadow of the Appennines". Lots of hugs

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  6. Thanks, Julia, for this post! I truly appreciate it! Like my fictional character, Samantha, I was out hiking in the beautiful mountains of Abruzzo this weekend with my family, so it was a nice surprise to return to see this. You have lots of interesting tags here. Can't wait to explore these pages!

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    1. wow, Kimberly. I'm jealous. Good for you. One day I should visit the land of my ancestors. Ha.

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