Four friends, one city. Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel navigate life, careers, and love in Boston. Each woman is newly single and looking for a fresh start. As their work lives start to look up, they each meet a new man who may be “the one”—or may not. The bond the four women share helps them make better sense of their lives, but at times their friendship causes more issues than it solves. New couples form, and one of them is headed for the altar. But which of the women is about to be a bride?
All along the way, Grace, Piper, Sydney and Rachel are each other’s biggest fans and cheerleaders. The Wedding explores the bond women share and the love they seek.
Four friends. Four relationships. Love and loss, but friendship endures.
This novel follows four friends, their careers, and the relationships that they form. Some are good, some not so good, but at least these women know who they can count on at the end of the day. Some of the relationships are trainwrecks waiting to happen. You know something isn’t right, but you don’t know what until the truth is revealed.
There is a wedding being planned between the chapters, but you have no idea which friend or couple it is until the end. I had my thoughts on who it should be, but I was wrong. You’ll have to read the book to find out who the mystery couple is.
As the book progresses, we learn about each woman’s past relationships, why they failed, and where their life is going. We saw them enter the dating world, whether they were ready for a relationship or not. But sometimes, you just have to get out there and see what happens.
I appreciated that once the mystery couple was revealed, the last chapter and the wedding shared with us what happened to the other three women in the group. I had a few ideas but wasn’t 100% sure what happened to each couple. Also, the last chapter seems to be a few years into the future. This gave a satisfying conclusion to this story.
My only complaint has nothing to do with the story but the eBook. The font is TINY. All ebooks usually load just fine for me, but this one was unreadable on my e-reader, and I had to read it on a larger tablet.
Overall, this is a fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.
About the Author
Kelly Smith, a three-time published author, first came on the scene with her debut novel, Signs in the Rearview Mirror Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind. After healing from her toxic relationships, she soon realized dating after a toxic relationship was difficult, which then led her to write Out of the Darkness. Out of the Darkness, her sophomore book is about her experiences with healing after abuse, dating, and finding love again. Sunny Day Publishing published all of her books.
Smith, an award-winning writer, writes for Elephant Journal and HuffPost. Smith is a dating expert for the online relationship and dating magazine, GoDates.
Smith is a certified relationship and dating coach who works with clients who are trying to rebuild their lives after an abusive relationship ends, or after a long-term relationship ends.
Smith is a Boston native who moved to the Austin, TX, area in July 2003 with her three sons.
Media Expertise Kelly can speak on topics including domestic violence in teen dating, narcissism and toxic relationships, women as the abusers, recovering from an abusive relationship, dating again after an abusive relationship, narcissism in both men and women and living as an adult child with a narcissistic parent.
In this heartfelt story about how the places we run from hold the answers to our deepest challenges, the death of her grandmother brings a young woman home, where she must face the past in order to become the heir of not just the family restaurant, but her own destiny.
Violeta Sanoguera had always done what she was told. She left the man she loved in Colombia in pursuit of a better life for herself and because her mother and grandmother didn’t approve of him. Chasing dreams of education and art in New York City, and with a new love, twenty-eight-year-old Violeta establishes a new life for herself, on her terms. But when her grandmother suddenly dies, everything changes.
After years of being on her own in NYC, Violeta finds herself on a plane back to Colombia, accompanied at all times by the ghost of her grandmother who is sending her messages and signs, to find she is the heir of the failing family restaurant, the very one Abuela told her to run from in the first place. The journey leads her to rediscover her home, her grandmother, and even the flame of an old love.
“From the moment Vi stepped off the plane in Barranquilla, I felt as if I had come along for the journey. The wonderful descriptions of the town, its people, and Caminito’s traditional Colombian dishes made me wish I was visiting for real. I especially enjoyed the supernatural element to this emotional story about going back home to discover who you were always meant to be.” ―Annette Chavez Macias, bestselling author of Big Chicas Don’t Cry
“The Waves Take You Home is a tender, generous novel that sings with the rhythms of family, food, and love. A warm and wise meditation on the ghosts of lives unlived that challenges familiar immigrant narratives and resounds with the voices of three unforgettable women. María Alejandra Barrios Vélez conjured a world I didn’t want to leave.” ―Katie Gutierrez, national bestselling author of More Than You’ll Ever Know
“It’s hard to put down an international love triangle, especially one featuring ghosts and a quest to save a family’s legacy set along the Caribbean coast! Every page in The Waves Take You Home sizzles with life and lush descriptions. I grew nostalgic as I read for the sights and smells of Colombian street food and culture. It’s a love story, deeply invested in all the ways love defines us―love for family, childhood crushes, tradition, and especially a well-cooked meal.” ―Adriana E. Ramírez, author of Dead Boys, winner of the PEN Fusion Award, and author of the forthcoming novel The Violence
Interview with Maria
What inspired you to write THE WAVES TAKE YOU HOME?
In 2020, my Abuela’s health declined, as she started to lose her battle with cancer. Due to the pandemic, I couldn’t visit Colombia and say goodbye. My worst fear had happened, and I was left with immense grief. My Abuela, and her stories, were central to my life and shaped my vision of the world. For me, she represented home and although I had left Colombia, it remained in my heart.
The idea for a novel started to take shape during that year as I reflected on how my relationship to my Abuela and her memory would live on. After she died, I was left with the idea of her as a ghost. Not in the classic sense, but she remained someone with whom I constantly spoke. I would wonder what she would do or how she would react to a situation, and sometimes I could sense her by my side. I wanted this book to embody that idea, that you always carry your ancestors with you, and even if you can’t see them, they’re still rooting for you.
I also knew in my bones I wanted this book to be inspired by the stories of the women in my family, and I wanted it to be centered around my interests and what I knew. Like Toni Morrison said, I wanted to write the book I wanted to read. So, I started writing about a family of women, food, cooking, Barranquilla and New York. This is what I knew. I also wanted to write about what scared me, and the feeling that my two lives were growing farther away from each other and the repercussions of this pull. There’s an immense amount of sacrifice with the decision of choosing one life instead of the other.
Doña Emilia, Vi’s Abuela, is central to the plot of the story. What do you think is the role of the matriarch in the book?
The matriarch in many Latin American cultures is everything. She is the center of the family, the decision maker, the voice of reason and warnings, and a representation of the past; how a particular family unit has lived until now. I think Doña Emilia is the key in acknowledging what has come before for these characters (a past of heartbreak, fear, and struggle), but she is also the one who ultimately leads Vi to examine her life and her choices, and to encourage Vi not repeat the mistakes she made.
Generational trauma is another theme discussed in THE WAVES TAKE YOU HOME. Why is this theme important to address?
It’s interesting because as I get ready for the book launch, I’ve been reflecting on my writing path. I didn’t grow up writing consistently like many other writers do, and I wasn’t a good reader until I was fourteen or so. But I was always a good listener.
My Abuela would tell me stories about her life, and the life of women in our family. And these stories were always so complete in my head, like the classic tragedies: they were stories with a beginning, a middle, and an end and with one single message: that’s what you get for trusting, for being a pendeja. There are stories about us and our families that we are always listening to, and that lead us to believe things about who we are, and who we could become. It makes it seem like we’re trapped in these ideas and concepts that sometimes aren’t the right fit.
I wanted to show the stories in the Sanoguera family that they tell each other, and I wanted Vi to confront them in order to finally ask a question that we sometimes never ask: What do I think? And what do I believe to be true? And now that I know that, how will I respond?
How did you approach the magical realism in the story? What was it like creating a ghost as a character?
I grew up surrounded by ghost stories. My Abuela was my best friend, and my caretaker during the day when I was a child. She would tell me all kinds of stories, but my favorite kind would involve ghosts. She had a very matter-of-fact way of talking about ghosts, as if they existed and were just another fact of life.
The greats of magical realism Allende, Marquez, Esquivel, always approach the magical elements in the story as they are, not as something to explain or dissect. Staying true to my Abuela, and my own family history, I also didn’t want to explain it. I was more interested in the readers feeling alongside Vi. I should add that this is the way of my culture. We tell ghost stories with interest and curiosity, without worrying about convincing the audience if they are real or not.
There are so many delicious dishes featured in the book! Are these family recipes? What made you decide to include them in your debut novel?
Yes! My Abuela’s side of the family is from Spain, and one of the things that was passed down from that heritage was the food. I grew up at my Bisabuela and Abuela’s side watching them cook sopa de bolli (a velvety broth with tender rib and a side of potatoes and green beans you bathe in olive oil), coca bread (a delicious thick pizza with onions, bell peppers, paprika and plenty of spices that give it a great kick!), the classic tortilla española with french bread, and more. We also had the succulent Colombian dishes at home, and since my Bisabuela had a very prominent sweet-tooth and was an incredible baker, she also made sure we had plenty of sweet treats: poundcake, pineapple-rum upside-down cake, black cake, hot flaky dough sprinkled with sugar, a homemade flan bathed in caramel!
The love language of the women in my family was food. I wanted to incorporate that rich and proud heritage of food in the novel because I think you can tell a lot about someone’s culture and background in the spices they eat, how they approach food and cooking (do they do it in a relaxed manner? Is there pressure around it?), and the legacy that this food carries. I wanted Vi to explore the complicated relationship she had with her family through food and cooking—I also wanted to feature the delicious food I grew up eating!
A lot of the novel takes place in Barranquilla, Colombia. What is something you wish readers will take away from visiting this place?
This book is centered in a real neighborhood, “Barrio Prado,” which is an epicenter of culture and art deco architecture in Barranquilla. Walking there, you can see the beautiful big roble trees and the flowers that the florón trees spread in the streets, that smell like vanilla. Every house in that neighborhood is different and unique. I wanted to share the magic of this neighborhood, both in how it looks and through the wonderful community of people who live there. Everyone is in everyone’s business, but at the same time, everyone cares so deeply about Caminito and the Sanoguera Family. I wanted to show that side of us, while also showing the beautiful beaches and delicious food.
And the heat! I want people to feel the scorching heat that we get all year round.
About the Author
María Alejandra Barrios Vélez is a writer born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She has an MA in creative writing from the University of Manchester and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and scruffy dog, Gus.
She was the 2020 SmokeLong Flash Fiction Fellow, and her stories have been published in Shenandoah Literary, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, El Malpensante, Fractured Lit, SmokeLong Quarterly, The Offing, and more. Her work has been supported by organizations such as Vermont Studio Center, Caldera Arts, and the New Orleans Writers’ Residency.
Echoes of a Voice for Justice: The Story of Barry A. Murray
by Anita Hackley Lambert
Publisher: HLE Publishing
Pages: 296
Genre: Historical Biography
Synopsis
Experience the extraordinary life of Barry Antonio Murray, an unwavering champion for the progressive Black movement of the post-Reconstruction era. Ms. Lambert masterfully tells the riveting tale of this unsung civil rights activist, influential publisher, and uncompromising editor in this historic biography. Uncovering a 50-year-old family secret, Ms. Lambert’s captivating narrative begins at her book’s debut, where chance encounters forever altered her life. Delve into Barry Murray’s legacy, his ties to F.H.M. Murray, a civil rights trailblazer and the great-grandfather he never knew—yet, walked in his shoes. Readers gain insights into the nation’s racial divide and witness the heart-wrenching conclusion and his questionable sudden death. This captivating biography sheds light on Barry’s remarkable journey, celebrating his unwavering activism, pursuit of justice, and empowerment of the community. This saga intertwines history, personal struggles, and family secrets, leaving an indelible mark on readers, showcasing the indomitable spirit of one man’s triumphs and divine destiny.
Interview
Why Barry A. Murray? What was it about him that made you want to write a book about him?
Anita: Why, because it’s truly supernatural—all a part of God’s plan. Barry Murray’s life and legacy had a date with destiny. The Lord chosen, inspired and facilitated every aspect of Barry Murray. Really. From, personal spiritual experiences I have learned there are no coincidences. As fate would have it, the time had arrived when Barry’s legacy and my destiny would merge. Barry Murray is the cousin I came to know through exploring his life. Just as there was an appointed time for Barry’s legacy to be revealed, God had orchestrated the appointed for me to write Barry his story—just as He did for the F.H.M. Murray legacy.
Anyone who knows me, understands that I live my life is Spiritually-based. I do not focus on my desires but solely on how the Spirit of God leads me. There are no words to express my gratitude that God allowed me to the author of both Barry A. Murray and F.H.M. Murray’s historical biographies that otherwise may never have been written.
Can you give us the very first page of your book so that we can get a glimpse inside?
Anita: As a spiritual-connected individual, I’m thrilled you requested that page because, for me, it was the beginning manifestation of a promise I received from Lord, years before. It’s still awe surreal.
Prologue
Echoes of a Divine Encounter
God blessed me, then set me up to bless me again.
Call it an omen if you like. I know better. It was a clear demonstration of God’s favor in my life, as He has always been present. In His infinite wisdom, the Holy Spirit sent a message to my spirit, assuring me that great things would transpire once my book, F.H.M. Murray: First Biography of a Forgotten Pioneer for Civil Justice was released. Little did I know how astonishingly accurate that message would prove to be.
As a first-time author entering the arena of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors, the journey behind the creation of this book is remarkable in itself. Allow me to indulge in a few eventful affirmations leading to this book.
During this time period, was there much turmoil going on in the country?
Anita: In the crucible of 1963, a twelve-year-old Barry Murray began his journey through a harsh reality dominated by systemic racism. It was a pivotal point that laid the foundation for his unwavering commitment to addressing the glaring absence of support and representation for the black community. Submerged in newspapers, Barry keenly observed the injustices reported and pledged to become the advocate his people sorely needed.
The era spanning the mid-1960s to 2000 witnessed the prominence of civil rights luminaries such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Julien Bond, Eleanor Holmes Norton, John Lewis, Dorothy Height, and Fannie Lou Hamer. Yet, following King’s tragic assassination, a shift occurred in the landscape of activism. Many leaders assumed federal positions, trading some of their boldness for comfortable roles, which, ironically, did not afford the freedoms they once enjoyed. The struggle for justice became entangled with financial gains, and the waves of change began to recede.
Compounding this transition, both white and black press adopted a superficial approach to news reporting. White media, driven by advertiser interests, skewed their narratives, neglecting the pressing issues affecting black communities. Simultaneously, the black press, grappling to stay afloat, found itself caught in a cycle of rehashing stories originating from the white press.
Barry, disheartened by the distortion of facts, recognized a critical gap in the narrative. The community remained uninformed, devoid of an authentic voice that truly represented their concerns. This realization sparked an unyielding determination within him. He envisioned a future where he would assume the self-appointed role of advocating for the black race – a mission to make waves, empower the community, and disseminate the unadulterated truth. Barry Murray emerged as a symbol of resilience, propelled by a commitment to fill the void and ensure that his people were not merely heard but accurately informed about the realities shaping their lives.
This “closely guarded secret” that you hint about in the book description, can you give us a hint at what that is?
Anita: I’ll reveal only this much: had the secret not been guarded with utmost care, the narrative of Barry Murray might never have unfolded. What I am willing to assert is that, in my perspective, the true hero—or should I say, heroine—of this entire saga is an impoverished, solitary, and perplexed orphan girl. She, against all odds, defied expectations and made a pivotal decision that became the genesis of this entire tale.
Do you believe we need more people like Barry A. Murray and, why or why not?
Anita: AT the moment and based upon the current fallen state of humanity, more people like Barry Murray is not what this country needs. While the prospect of such a transformation may seem like wishful thinking, the landscape of our times has indeed undergone significant upheaval, leaving everything topsy-turvy. Our current reality reflects an ungodly societal shift, where the lines between right and wrong, good and bad, have become blurred. Regrettably, our society and the global stage have evolved into a marketplace of hatred, indifference, and intolerance. It is disheartening to observe that those with malicious intent are causing disruptions, and there seems to be a deafening silence in response. Society appears to have succumbed to a state of collective ignorance, fear, and confusion. The struggle for survival has become a daily reality for many, with the simple act of providing for their children becoming an arduous task.
True change, it seems, hinges on decisive actions from our government or military to reclaim power for the people. Until then, the narrative remains stagnant. A pivotal aspect missing from our current discourse is the absence of God and the Bible, which, if reinstated, would serve as a beacon to steer humanity away from self-destruction.
Speaking from a personal standpoint as a woman of faith, having traversed two near-death experiences has granted me glimpses into the future. I am certain that a day of reckoning is on the horizon. Positive change will manifest, ushering in a season of change for the betterment of the people. However, the inevitable corruption cycle repeats itself, with evil rearing its head once more, presenting new challenges. It is during these times that figures like Barry Murray and other advocates for humanity will need to unite or stand alone to uphold justice.
Then our nation would urgently require powerful like-minded advocates of civil rights and full equality—men and women alike—who will courageously champion what is right and stand against the prevailing injustices targeting humanity. The strength derived from an unwavering connection to the Word of God will be the determining factor in prevailing over adversity. Sadly, amidst this struggle, millions, perhaps billions, may perish, highlighting the urgency for a collective awakening and a return to foundational Christian values this nation was founded upon.
Is this a series of books and if so what are the others?
Anita: My writing career had to be appointed by God, because although I write historical biographies, that would not have been my genre of choice. I am on a divine mission to write a host of nonfiction books, not a specific series. As 2024 approaches I shall strive to complete as many of the following book projects as possible:
Second Edition – F.H.M. Murray biography (to highlight his major contributions and to add more research details)
The F.H.M. Murray’s Family Member Biographies & Genealogy Charts of selected individuals who devoted their lives and careers to the betterment of humanity during a time when Jim Crow laws prevailed.
Authorized biography: an amazing “outhouse to the White House” story of a poor orphaned girl who against all odds, emerged to work for some of the world’s wealthiest families before working for two former U.S. presidents.
Memoir: My two near-death experiences and my transforming life
Inspirational/Encouragement: about the supernatural connection between dreams and achieving your goals
Memoir: based on the unpublished book (No Where to Run), I wrote when I was 14 about the deep dark secret that nearly shattered and almost ended my life.
If I were to stop and think about it, this might seem like a lot. However, each of these volumes either have either a rough draft or summary chapter outlines, which will help move things along. I will do my best as I am still learning to write.
Last questions: What do you believe would put an end to racism?
Are we going about it all wrong and that’s why nothing’s working?
Or do you believe we are doing everything we can and are going in the right direction?
Anita: Based on my observations, racism appears to be a learned behavior, sustained by the persistence of prejudiced hearts. It seems destined to persist until either those harboring such malice undergo a transformative change or the world itself comes to an end. The key to eradicating racism lies in the willingness of parents to instill values that prioritize judging individuals based on their character rather than the color of their skin.
Reflecting on the historical dynamics of white infants raised by black caregivers, I’m reminded of instances where deep bonds were formed. A white friend who experienced such an upbringing shared, “To this day, I cherish my ‘mammy’ as if she were my biological mother. Her kindness, warmth, nurturing nature, and love were unparalleled. My biological mother was seldom involved in my upbringing.”
However, the present reality is marked by a troubling landscape of opposing groups seemingly fueled and funded to incite racial and civil unrest. A concerning trend involves uneducated and ignorant youth from various ethnic backgrounds falling into a trap, unwittingly contributing to civil discord. Many seem to lack a clear understanding of the protests they join, functioning as followers without leadership skills, ambitions, or dreams—essentially becoming unwitting puppets.
In my perspective, the role of the federal government in curbing hatred and racism has been notably limited. Insights from media and digital platforms reveal a disheartening truth: politicians, regardless of party affiliations, often prioritize personal wealth accumulation over serving the people. The pervasive issue persists because little concrete action is taken to address the root problems.
While some assert that a solution would require an act of Congress, I posit an alternative view. Real change, I believe, necessitates an Act of God—an intervention beyond the conventional realms of human governance. Until a higher force intervenes, inspiring genuine transformation and a commitment to resolving societal ills, the status quo prevails, and the cycle of unaddressed issues perpetuates.
Excerpt
Revelation At Harpers Ferry
DAY 1. Over three remarkable days, I experienced an extraordinary blessing. The journey began with a captivating audience of history enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the scholarly presentation of my book. Hosting the event was none other than the talented actor and orator, Fred Morsel, adding an extra layer of prestige to the occasion.
DAY 2. The second day brought an unforgettable collaboration as I joined forces with the esteemed Dr. Henry Lewis Gates. Together, he and our volunteer group embarked on a historical reenactment that transported us back in time, allowing us to breathe life into the past. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
DAY 3. As the event’s third and final day unfolded, it delivered an exceptional finale that surpassed all expectations. Amidst a captivating photo shoot, I had the incredible honor of meeting the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and esteemed historian, David Levering Lewis. His approval of my book was a momentous validation, solidifying its significance in the literary world. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of engaging with readers and selling and signing copies of my book–an experience that felt like a dream come true for a first-time author.
But the wonders did not end there. On this very same day, I had the privilege of capturing memories alongside the illustrious Dr. DuBois Irving, the great-granddaughter of the legendary W.E.B. DuBois, as well as Reverend Walter Fauntroy. It was a surreal convergence of influential figures embodying the legacy and impact of the subject I had delved into within my book.
In retrospect, I realized how mistaken I was to believe that the day couldn’t get any better. This trifecta of days had become the pinnacle of a first-time author’s aspirations, a once-in-a-lifetime culmination of success, connections, and reflective experiences. It was an unforgettable chapter in my life, ever etched in my memory.
The true purpose behind our fateful meeting that day in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia became crystal clear, and its significance can never be underestimated. It felt as if the forces of destiny were at work, orchestrating every detail. Joan Anderson and her daughter Kelly had embarked on a journey with a singular objective in mind: to find me and engage in a discussion. Their presence was no mere coincidence; they sought me out with a determination reminiscent of an eagle’s relentless pursuit of its prey.
As they made their way across the paved courtyard towards me, I immediately sensed an air of urgency and purpose. Joan, with a noticeable limp and relying on a cane for support, locked eyes with me. The tremor in her voice betrayed her emotional state as she began to speak. What she revealed next left me utterly stunned. “My son, Barry, has been a closely guarded family secret for half a century,” she confessed. Her words hung heavy in the air. “He is none other than F.H.M. Murray’s great-grandson. He shares a bloodline with you.”
Sensing the watchful eyes of curious onlookers, Joan guided me away from the crowd, creating a cocoon of privacy amidst the bustling celebration. She revealed that other family members were in attendance, yet she chose to trust me, a stranger, with her most painful secret. As she spoke, her words carried a weight of sincere love and immeasurable loss. It was palpable how deeply she cherished her son and the devastation she felt in his absence.
The burden she had carried for so long was finally lifted, and she entrusted it to me, a confidant she had only just met.
In that moment, the weight of generations converged, extraordinarily intertwining our lives. The revelation brought forth a deep sense of connection as if a hidden mystery of familial ties had been unveiled. Our encounter was far more than a chance meeting—it was a cosmic convergence guided by an unseen hand. It was as if the universe itself conspired to bring us together, weaving together our shared heritage and the legacy of our ancestors.
I sat in awe as Joan continued to unveil the depths of her long-held secret, her words flowing uninterrupted. It was as if she bore the weight of this revelation for years, and now she was resolute in her purpose. There was a certainty in her voice, an insightful understanding of the task before her. With a firm determination, she looked directly into my eyes as if she could anticipate my very thoughts.
You have been chosen,” she declared, her gaze piercing into the depths of my soul, “to write Barry’s story.”
At that moment, the weight of responsibility and privilege intertwined. For over fifty years, the truth about Freeman Murray’s audacious fight for African-Americans had remained buried, neglected by historians and authors who failed to uncover his significant contributions. Yet, she believed that I, and only I, possessed the ability to breathe life into Barry’s legacy, to connect him to his Murray lineage, and to share his untold journey with the world. Joan was adamant, unyielding in her conviction that it was my divine purpose to write Barry’s biography.
An inexplicable connection enveloped us instantaneously as if the threads of fate had bound our lives together across the ages. It felt as though I had stumbled upon the long-lost sister I had conjured in my childhood fantasies. Joan articulated that our bond symbolized her “freedom,” a newfound purpose that propelled her forward. As I grappled with the weight of this extraordinary opportunity, I contemplated whether I dared embrace an encounter that would bind me by an unbreakable oath while simultaneously liberating her.
Though cognizant of the commitment that awaited me, I recognized it as a remarkable honor to undertake. The magnitude of this chance was too extraordinary to overlook. It held the promise of a cherished friendship, a sisterhood forged in the depths of shared secrets, a bond of cousinhood, and the revelation of a hidden familial legacy. Moreover, it presented an unparalleled opportunity to craft yet another captivating book, exceeding my wildest aspirations. The first book had merely set the stage, but this authorized biography, bestowed upon me like precious rubies, was a treasure of immeasurable worth. It came accompanied by invaluable documentation, slashing through the dense thicket of research and providing a shortcut to truth.
About the Author
Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.
One of resilience and transformation, Conquergood’s life-changing discovery explores the depths of family, memory, love, and the mysteries that lie at the heart of the universe.
In 2183, Jerome Conquergood is an outcast roaming the abandoned and crumbling skyscrapers of Old York City outside the Korporation’s seductive and dizzying headquarters, a post-apocalyptic security-city for the mega-rich. Despite his hatred for the techno-optimism and the Korporation, Conquergood is compelled to save his mysterious twin brother Vincent by joining the Korporation, a mega-corporate and governmental entity in a world oppressed to peace.
For better or worse, Texans have a direct way of telling it like it is. When I travel the world, strangers always ask, “Where are you from?” And my reply is always the same, “Texas.” And every single person, no matter what country they are from, knows Texas.
So being a Texan shaped how I grew up, and it shaped me in how I see and think and tell stories. As a Texan I aim to be direct, unflinching, and authoritative. As a Texan I also seek to be kind, patient, and considering. So, this is how I was raised to be a Texan, but it is also how I treat the stories and characters I am writing. As a writer, I am patient and kind with my characters, and with a fierce intensity I must also be direct and immediate in the act of storytelling.
Where did your love of books, reading, and storytelling come from?
As a young child growing up in Brownwood, Texas without the internet or most of the technological wonders that we are blessed with today, books and storytelling — believe it or not — was a popular form of entertainment in my household.
My Grandmommy — Goldie O. — would read to me before bedtime each night I stayed with her in my grandparents’ lake house in Breckenridge, Texas where the white crane called Big Bird would stand in the shallows waiting for sunrise, and when the sun hit the great white bird, it would fly across the lake in all its wonder and glory. My Grandmommy would tell me stories about this bird, where it came from, where it was headed, and at night she would read from books telling to me the lives of historical figures, such as Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie, and Helen Keller.
Why did you choose to write in your particular genre?
As a writer (and avid reader), I’m not bound to one genre. As a serious novelist I enjoy and focus writing mostly historical fiction, because the research aspect of writing about history is fascinating and challenging to me.
Conquergood is a sci-fi novel because the story demanded it so. I did not choose to write a sci-fi story. The story is set in 2183, and I tried to write about this time by going even further into the future and writing this story as though it were already history. But the story takes place in the far future with more advanced technologies which reshape humanity and culture, so the label the story has chosen for itself is one of science fiction.
Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured in your book?
Yes, though it may be a strange one because it might not be currently accepted as an “under-represented group” — well, not for at least another fifty years or so.
The group I’m referring to is primarily A.I. related, and I imagine “Artificially Intelligent Related Entities” (i.e., A.I. Robots) might read my book one day and see themselves in the unique characters I’ve created.
There have been distinct times since 2007 while writing Conquergood where I felt that A.I. would one day read my words, read this novel, and learn something about themselves and about humanity. Now in 2023, that seems ever more likely than ever.
What do you like to read in your free time?
You can see my author website for everything I have recently read. The living writers who I frequently go back to are Paulo Coelho and Haruki Murakami. I did the same for Cormac McCarthy until his recent passing in the summer of 2023.
My “free time” (outside of my normal working-writing-reading hours) is spent with my family, and I read to my son Thor every night. Over the last few months, we worked our way through, and finished, The Notebook of Doom book series (2007) by Troy Cummings. We also read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964) by Roald Dahl.
We’re currently reading and making our way through The Unofficial Minecrafters Mysteries series (2018) by Winter Morgan. We’ve already finished Stolen Treasure (Book 1) and Beneath the Blocks (Book 2), and we’ll soon be starting The Skeleton Secret (Book 3).
As anyone will quickly see, I love to read, but what’s more important is that I pass that passion on to my son so that he will have a strong desire to read, to learn, to think critically, and to explore new lands and new ideas when he’s older.
Do you have any writing pet peeves?
Yes. I like to be left alone to write. I must write in solitude — isolated from the world so my words can reach the world in their own time and place — and for me, this has a sense of delayed gratification — giving myself to something bigger than the moment or the current fad.
Photo credit: Thor Fewston
The American novelist CG FEWSTON has been a Visiting Scholar at the American Academy in Rome (Italy), a Visiting Fellow at Hong Kong’s CityU, & he’s been a member of the Hemingway Society, Americans for the Arts, PEN America, Club Med, & the Royal Society of Literature. He’s also been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) based in London. He has a B.A. in English, an M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership (honors), an M.A. in Literature (honors), and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing & Fiction. He was born in Texas in 1979.
Fewston is the author of several short stories and novels. His works include A Father’s Son, The New America: Collection, The Mystic’s Smile ~ A Play in 3 Acts, Vanity of Vanities, A Time to Love in Tehran, Little Hometown, America, A Time to Forget in East Berlin, and Conquergood & the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being.
Comments Off on Interview & #Giveaway – Conquergood & the Center of the Intelligible Mystery of Being by CG Fewston #LSBBT #TexasAuthor #dystopian #cyberpunk
Rich with history, the geriatric romance in Two Rivers entertains and educates. Without fear of causing “discomfort” to some, Two Rivers takes us deep into the lives of two peoples—Africans and Europeans—in 1854 near Charleston, South Carolina.
In Two Rivers, the parallel courtships of enslaved widow Ella wooing 84-year-old widower Posey and Tiffany Plantation manager James’ pursuit of Jacqueline, daughter of a bank president, reveals the side-by-side lifestyles of enslavers and the enslaved.
Attorney James’ dream was to join the elite planter-banker class by any means necessary. Rebuffed by Congressman William Aiken’s daughter, James turned to Jacqueline. Meanwhile, Angolan Ella was determined to marry Posey, whose ancestry was Igbo.
Though enemies from the day James arrived, both Posey and James respected Senator John C. Calhoun—but for vastly different reasons. For James, Calhoun represented the “rule-maker class” he wanted to join. Posey welcomed Calhoun’s prediction of war between white people.
By 1854, the Tiffany family had enslaved over 300 Africans for more than a century on the 1,100-acre slave labor camp that they called the Tiffany Plantation. The Tiffanys were the largest rice producer in South Carolina’s Colleton District. While the toil of enslaved Africans earned untold riches for the Tiffanys, the Africans endured violence inflicted to force increased rice production and profits followed by the indignity of the bodies of loved ones being stolen from their graves and delivered to a medical school.
Rich with history and a cast of unforgettable characters, Two Rivers is a sweeping saga of two peoples—European immigrants and African abductees. Together, they experience courtships, infanticide, homicide, rape, rebellions, revenge, sabotage, storms, high-stakes gambling, grave-robbing, counterfeiting, slave mortgage-backed securities, and more.
“De troubles Posey be sees” in Two Rivers reminds one of Southern Gothic storytelling.
SBR: Where can readers find out more about you and your books?
Bob: Readers can learn more about me than a body needs to know on the “Team” page on my website. I displayed all my books on this page, which includes links to individual book pages for more information. For example, the Two Rivers page includes an “About the Book” message, trailer, free download button for chapters 1-3, and purchase links to retailers in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
SBR: Tell us about the process for coming up with the cover.
Bob: The Two Rivers cover is a photo of a rice harvest painting commissioned by The Rice Museum in Georgetown, South Carolina. I discovered the painting while on a field research trip in 1995 for another book. Twenty-five years later, when I was well into writing the Two Rivers story set on a rice farm, I realized that the painting would make a splendid cover. The cover was produced by a collaboration between the museum’s executive director, museum photographer, my cover designer, and me. The largest rice farms in 1854 were on tidal rivers, hence the title.
SBR: If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
Bob: That’s a brilliant question. Let’s see. These are the actors that come to mind: Posey would be played by Morgan Freeman, Ella by Viola Davis, James by Tom Cruise, and Penny by Hailey Kilgore.
SBR: Do you have a library membership?
Bob: Yes. Though I have used many public libraries while doing field research, I am a member of only two libraries. I maintain membership in the public library in my former home city of Charlotte, North Carolina, and my current home city of Merida, Yucatan.
SBR: Who is your favorite author and why?
Bob: The late historical novelist Herman Wouk is my favorite author. I remain impressed and inspired by his dedication to thorough field research and authenticity. His work ethic is clear in his companion novels, TheWinds of War and War and Remembrance. I have done my best to follow his example.
SBR: Who are your heroes?
Bob: Some of my heroes date back to my childhood. So, here’s my list, warts and all: Don Newcombe, Albert Einstein, Herman Wouk, Billie Jean King, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Nina Simone, August Wilson, Ray Charles, Alexandre Dumas, and Barbara Lee. They, like me, had, or have, feet of clay.
SBR: If you could invite one person to dinner, who would it be, and what would you cook?
Bob: I would invite Denzel Washington. I would cook salmon and garlic shrimp, stir-fried mixed veggies, and miniature red potatoes. My garlic shrimp includes diced white onion, real bacon bits, diced white mushrooms, olive oil, butter, Old Bay, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and, of course, garlic.
SBR: oh my, that sounds delicious! Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions so we could learn more about you.
About the Author
Bob Rogers is the author of the historical novels First Dark and The Laced Chameleon, which earned critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Review, and Baltimore Examiner. Bob is a meticulous researcher, known to spend extra time, magnifying glass in hand, deciphering 18th and 19th-century handwriting for “just the facts, ma’am.” Bob, a former U.S. Army captain and combat leader during the Vietnam War in Troop A, 1/10 Cavalry, finds his topographic experiences useful in field research. If not closeted in libraries or museums, you are likely to find him walking centuries-old rice fields, battlefields, or in a canoe following the river trails of his characters.
He studied at South Carolina State University and the University of Maryland.
Bob tends his flowers, okra, and tomato plants in Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Dwell Time is a term that measures the amount of time something takes to happen – immigrants waiting at a border, human eyes on a website, the minutes people wait in an airport, and, in art conservation, the time it takes for a chemical to react with a material.
Renowned art conservator Rosa Lowinger spent a difficult childhood in Miami among people whose losses in the Cuban revolution, and earlier by the decimation of family in the Holocaust, clouded all family life. After moving away to escape the “cloying exile’s nostalgia,” Lowinger discovered the unique field of art conservation, which led her to work in Tel Aviv, Philadelphia, Rome, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Charleston, Marfa, South Dakota, and Port-Au-Prince. Eventually returning to Havana for work, Lowinger suddenly finds herself embarking on a remarkable journey of family repair that begins, as it does in conservation, with an understanding of the origins of damage.
Inspired by and structured similarly to Primo Levi’s The Periodic Table, this first memoir by a working art conservator is organized by chapters based on the materials Lowinger handles in her thriving private practice – Marble, Limestone, Bronze, Ceramics, Concrete, Silver, Wood, Mosaic, Paint, Aluminum, Terrazzo, Steel, Glass and Plastics. Lowinger offers insider accounts of conservation that form the backbone of her immigrant family’s story of healing that beautifully juxtaposes repair of the material with repair of the personal. Through Lowinger’s relentless clear-eyed efforts to be the best practitioner possible while squarely facing her fraught personal and work relationships, she comes to terms with her identity as Cuban and Jewish, American and Latinx.
“A masterful revelation about life and art imitating each other in maintenance and repair.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred)
“DWELL TIME evokes a visceral, vibrant, complex materiality. From her mother’s aging body to the spectacular architecture of Cuba to the history of marble, concrete, and plastic, Lowinger brilliantly unlocks the stories that always reside in the material. DWELL TIME is as intellectually engaging as it is profoundly moving.” —Dana Spiotta, author of Wayward, a New York Times Critics’ Top Book of the Year
“Rosa Lowinger’s DWELL TIME is the story of a family, a mother-daughter relationship, but forged of what seems like new building materials entirely. An artist has many duties, among them to conserve the traditions and innovations of the past but also to “make it new.” This memoir does just that, and delivers on its final promise, that of repair.” —Gary Shteyngart, the New York Times bestselling author of the memoir Little Failure and novels that include Super Sad True Love Story, Absurdistan, and Our Country Friends
“DWELL TIME is a multi-generational family memoir that reads like a panoramic, deeply moving roman-fleuve—taking the reader from Eastern Europe through Havana, Miami, Manhattan and Los Angeles, amid revolution, war, upheaval and exoduses. That it’s written by a revered conservator of art makes perfect sense, because Lowinger’s profession has given her a complex understanding of the past, of the contingencies of history, of the differences between surface and interior. One of art conservation’s creeds is: ‘You can’t repair what you don’t understand.’ This beautiful book is an act of understanding as a work of art.” —Randy Kennedy, New York Times arts writer and bestselling author of Presidio
“In DWELL TIME, art conservator Rosa Lowinger delves deep into a profound insight lying at the heart of her profession: when you understand how something got broken, you cannot help but soften to it. And when you soften to the damage done to an object of art, you soften to the damage others have done to you. Bit by bit, you begin to let go of the pain of the past, learning to live more fully in the present. Deeply personal and profoundly moving, DWELL TIME transcends the field of art conservation, applying its lessons to family and beyond.” —Barry Michels, bestselling author of The Tools and Coming Alive
Interview with Rosa
What made you decide to write a Memoir and share your story?
In 2009, when I had the Rome Prize at the American Academy in Rome, I came across the memoir The Periodic Table by Primo Levi. As I read the way he structured a family story around the metaphor of chemistry, I realized that I had a similar book in me, about conservation. Initially, I thought of it entirely as a way of showing the world what the conservation field is all about, because there are no books out there AT ALL that display our work in a way that is true and makes sense. Our profession is rife with powerful metaphors about damage and repair, and I felt that telling that story would resonate with so many people. I thought about this book for years and years but put it on the back burner as I built a business, which is now the U.S.’s largest woman-owned materials conservation practice. Then, the pandemic happened. Suddenly I found myself with time to write and reflect. I began a novel, hired a writing coach to help me structure it, and out of the blue I mentioned this idea for a memoir. She said, “stop everything and write that book proposal.” As I began to unpack the conservation material, a story about my family burbled through the narrative. It centered around my troubled, volatile, and extremely abandonment-averse mother. I realized that our family’s loss of Cuba, a country that my grandparents had moved to in the 1920s traumatized my family irrevocably and made my parents difficult to live with. As I wrote, I began to see the healing metaphor within this subject matter as a way to understand my family history of double exile. Art Conservation teaches us that the basis of all repair is understanding the source of damage. My goal with this memoir was to use this knowledge I have to unravel and learn to understand the intergenerational trauma at the foundation of our family life.
What is the definition of Dwell Time and why did you pick it as the title of your book?
In conservation, the term dwell time refers to the amount of contact time a chemical material needs to work. It is a measure of action on something you are trying to remove— soap on dirt, solvent on a stain, paint stripper on a varnish. The term dwell time also refers to the total time a person spends in an airport, or looking at a web page, or the time a family lingers at a border, waiting to get into a country, or the time you live in a city before moving on. I chose this title because it perfectly describes how I was trying to clean away the murkiness that made my family difficult to understand. Metaphorically, Dwell Time can also mean the amount of time you need to work on a problem. As I write in the book: We repair and make reparations by taking the risk of going past our own immediate emotions. Acting is its own salvation. You take the harsh decision or material, blend it into a gel, and watch the magic happen. The content of this book is like one of those solvent gels. That’s my hope, anyway.
What exactly is an art conservator and why did you pursue this career? How is it connected to your personal history?
Materials conservators (this term is more esoteric, but it’s used to include both art and architecture) repair, preserve, and perform preventive maintenance and basically enhance the longevity of all built heritage, which includes artworks, natural history collections, books, media, film, sculpture, paintings, murals, textiles, costumes, tapestries, archeological sites, and historic buildings and their materials. Our work blends art, science, and good hand skills. We are trained in the science of chemical deterioration and repair, and we work within specialties, like doctors. In public building restoration projects, for example, we are the ones who determine how stone or metals are treated, how terrazzo floors are repaired and salts leaching through tiles are addressed, yet we are often relegated to the sidelines and the architects get all the credit, even though they do not have the technical knowledge about materials that we have. In art, the curators, gallerists and fabricators get all the attention, yet it is only we (conservators) who know what to do when someone puts their elbow through a painting, or an outdoor sculpture starts to rust. I pursued this career because I fell into it. I was studying art and not very good at it. A professor recommended the field to me. I got into grad school by default and found that the field dovetailed with my sensibilities. It was all a bit subconscious I imagine. As a conservator, you are a servant to a work of art, never the protagonist. It’s got an odd humility to it, work done in the service of someone else’s aesthetic. I was raised to be beholden to others’ visions, my mother especially.
About the Author
Rosa Lowinger is a Cuban-born American art conservator and founder of RLA Conservation of Art + Architecture, LLC. (www.rlaconservation.com), the U.S.’s largest woman-owned materials conservation practice. She is also a published author, most well-known for Tropicana Nights: The Life and Times of the Legendary Cuban Nightclub (Harcourt, 2005), a book on Havana’s pre-Castro nightclub era currently optioned for television by Keshet International, the company responsible for Homeland, Our Boys, and The Baker and the Beauty. Other fictional works by Rosa include The Encanto File, a play produced off-Broadway by the Women’s Project and Productions and published in Rowing to America and Sixteen Other Short Plays, edited by Julia Miles (Smith & Kraus, 2002), and The Empress of the Waves, a short story published in the anthology Island in the Light/Isla en la Luz (Trapublishing, 2019).
Rosa’s academic and professional distinctions include the 2008-09 Rome Prize at the American Academy in Rome, where she researched the history of vandalism, graffiti, and street art; and Fellow status in the American Institute for Conservation and the Association for Preservation Technology. She holds an M.A. in Art History and Conservation from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts, lectures regularly at numerous universities around the country, and serves on the boards of the Amigos of the Cuban Heritage Collection at University of Miami, Florida Association of Museums, the Partnership for Sacred Places, and the Florida Association of Public Art Professionals.
Rosa co-curated the exhibits Promising Paradise: Cuban Allure American Seduction (Wolfsonian Museum, 2016) and Concrete Paradise: Miami Marine Stadium (Coral Gables Museum, 2013). She writes regularly for academic and popular media about conservation, the arts, and Cuba. Her 1999 cover story on Havana for Preservation spawned a career in cultural travel that has taken her to Cuba over 100 times since 1992. Rosa lives in Los Angeles and Miami.
During a span of four inquisitive years, Wendall, an overly curious teen, has his view of the world transformed by a colorful cast of small-town characters. Some are mentors; others are tormentors. However, each one thoroughly comprehends a specific facet of human nature: happiness, manipulation, and saying no, just to name a few.
But Wendall isn’t just a passive student. He gets his hands dirty when his father transplants the family to a rundown farm and soon finds himself up against a sadistic psychopath, a con man, and a close friend who has attempted suicide.
Wendall’s adventures add some fun and entertainment, which balance and reinforce the seriousness of the lessons being taught throughout the story.
“An inspiring story about a teenage boy, Wendall, and his journey to discovering the importance of self-respect and understanding of human nature. The book is full of life lessons, stories of kindness and empathy, as well as a serious look into the issue of bullying. It is a great read for all ages, full of heartwarming moments and valuable lessons.” – Johnston316, OnlineBookClub.org
“I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to young adults and lovers of books that share life lessons through short tales.” – Roy Nick, OnlineBookClub.org
No formal research. I pulled everything from my experiences and people I have met.
Which was the hardest character to write? The easiest?
Hardest: Mrs. Brown – a combination of several incredible women.
Easiest: Rance Hill – an unforgettable, real-life monster.
How did you come up with the idea for your book?
The idea of the book came from patients asking me in the ER from what book I learned the 3Bs (my own description of manipulation). I wrote my book for people like them – struggling to deal effectively with other people in their lives.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Helping others and the potential to help people I will never know.
There are many books out there about self-help. What makes yours different?
Most self-help books are full of good advice and information but they are mundane and read like a college psychology text – not fun or particularly enjoyable to read. I have implanted my self-help lessons in a story line with memorable characters. Remember the characters, and you will remember the lessons.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Write and then rewrite and then refine it again. The more you write and review sometimes-embarrassing edited versions of your work, the better writer you will become.
Your book is set in Benson, Kansas. Have you ever been there?
It is set in a fictional town. I grew up in a town in northwest Oklahoma very similar to Benson.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Yes. Two cures: 1) Just type down the thoughts of whatever topic you are confronting without worrying about coming up with the perfect line. You can always sift through it later. 2) Walk on a treadmill and think about what you want to say. Then stop and jot down lines or segments of lines as needed.
What is your next project?
A follow up book: Mentors and Tormentors in Medicine – the story of Wendall’s medical school and residency adventures.
About the Author
Tim Jones, M.D. is a board certified family physician currently practicing full-time ER medicine in rural Texas. He is happily married with four grown daughters and five grandsons. He and his wife also have a toy poodle, who has more followers than Tim on his Facebook account. He enjoys fine art acrylic painting, but it has recently taken a back seat to his pursuit of writing.
Clarissa Martinez, a biracial young woman, has lived in seven different countries by the time she turns twenty. She thinks it’s time to settle in a place she could call home. But where?
She joins a quest for the provenance of stolen illuminated manuscripts, a medieval art form that languished with the fifteenth century invention of the printing press. For her, these ancient manuscripts elicit cherished memories of children’s picture books her mother read to her, nourishing a passion for art.
Though immersed in art, she’s naïve about life. She’s disheartened and disillusioned by the machinations the quest reveals of an esoteric, sometimes unscrupulous art world. What compels individuals to steal artworks, and conquerors to plunder them from the vanquished? Why do collectors buy artworks for hundreds of millions of dollars? Who decides the value of an art piece and how?
And she wonders—will this quest reward her with a sense of belonging, a sense of home?
At least 50% of my time in previous jobs was devoted to writing proposals and reports. Before that, I wrote short stories for a school paper, term papers, a thesis, a dissertation. If you include those, then I’d say I’ve been writing a long time. As far as published fiction is concerned—twelve years.
What is your next project?
How about a novel on Edouard Manet (“father” of modern art, Le Dejeuner SurL’herbe) and Berthe Morisot, one of very few female Impressionist painters? Were they more than friends, or was he just a mentor/painter to her student/muse? She eventually married his brother. If I find enough intrigue in what’s been written about them, I’ll be sorely tempted.
What is something you had to cut from your book that you wish you could have kept?
The chapter before the Epilogue was supposed to show the male character, in his POV, disclosing his feelings for Clarissa, and what happens after she kisses him. More intimate and a bit sexy, it’s part emotional hook/part deeper characterization, but I decided it would distract from the story’s main themes and is out of sync with the story presentation. And why not leave something for the reader’s imagination? So, I excised it before I sent my draft to the editor.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
My author website tagline reads “I see, I listen, I think. Therefore, I write.” I live in a multicultural region where my reality consists of stories of the “Other”—multiracial or transcultural characters navigating separate “realities.” I’ve packaged my stories of the “Other” into a series (Between Two Worlds) of standalone books, each of which delves into a specific subject that interests me—for The Golden Manuscript, it’s art.
Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse.
Evy studied psychology (M.A., University of Hawaii; Ph.D. University of Illinois). So her fiction spins tales about nuanced characters dealing with contemporary life issues and problems. She believes in love and its many faces.
Her one ungranted wish: To live in Paris where art is everywhere and people have honed aimless roaming to an art form. She has visited and stayed a few months at a time.
Abandoned by his father as an infant and raised by a single mother among the wealthy and privileged in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Dylan Tomassi grew up poor. As a boy he is befriended by a mysteriously reclusive widow he meets on his paper route. She mentors him with sage advice on matters facing a young man growing up without a father. She never pays for her newspapers, and he never asks for the money because of all the good advice she dispenses. When she finally does square up, it changes his life forever.
Dylan relocates to Florida and becomes a successful private investor, wealthy beyond his wildest dreams. His newfound socioeconomic status introduces him into the upper echelon of Florida society where he finds many things going on in the world simply don’t make sense. With the help of his old friend and mentor, he navigates life in a turbulent modern-day society and vows to use his wealth to make a difference when he’s not sidetracked running into nefarious characters or busy keeping his best friend, wealthy playboy Alex Malloy, out of hot water. With corruption, debauchery, deception, and murder swirling around him, Dylan proves nice guys can finish first.
Were any of the characters in PAPERBOY based upon real life people you have known?
The short answer is no. All the characters were derived from my wildly vivid imagination, although some of the book’s villains share characteristics with people you may be reminded of and that was done intentionally as part of the extrapolation feature of the writing.
Are you sure Dylan Tomassi is not based on you?
That’s probably the most frequent question I get from readers, and the answer is a resounding no. Dylan is tall, handsome, smart, and extremely well-grounded. He came from a hardscrabble background and became incredibly wealthy and successful. Along his journey, he is guided by an unrelenting work ethic and strong moral compass and his somewhat naïve outlook allows him to view the ways of the world through an apolitical perspective of common sense and reasonableness. He’s almost too good to be true, and I am far from that.
Is there anything that you and Dylan have in common?
We both grew up in Connecticut, had paper routes, and relocated to Florida after graduating from college. We also both enjoy sports and fitness. The similarities pretty much end there.
The central characters in the book, Dylan, Alex Malloy and Esther Lott are all very different but equally likeable and relatable. How did you go about creating such awesome characters?
My primary objective in writing the book is to entertain readers and provide them with an escape. When I read fiction, particularly a series, I am always drawn to books where I develop an affinity for the recurring characters, and so I tried to do the same. Additionally, the three you mentioned all play very different roles in the story and their personalities and character lend credibility to the situations they find themselves in.
At times the book goes into terrific detail on the background of various subjects, including the college sports recruiting process, the state of the newspaper industry, and the criminal justice system. Where do you get that information and is it all fact based?
Regarding the subjects you mentioned, it’s no coincidence that I have, at various times in my life, coached college athletics, worked in the newspaper industry, and served as an assistant state attorney. So much of the detail regarding the inner workings is drawn from real life experience. The story lines themselves are fictional, but I do try to be factually accurate when describing the fundamentals of the various institutions.
What can we expect to see from Dylan in the future?
You won’t have to wait much longer. He will be back soon in the second book in the series, BLINDSIDED JUSTICE. As of now, no release date is set, but it will be sometime in the spring. You can read a preview on my Website.
About the Author
DAN ROMANELLO began his career working for a large Florida newspaper before attending law school at the University of Florida. After serving as an assistant state attorney, he entered private practice where he spent more than 20 years as a civil trial lawyer litigating cases in courtrooms throughout Florida. He retired from the active practice of law in 2017 and, before writing PAPERBOY, spent four years coaching college athletics. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
It should have been an otherwise uneventful Sunday morning for Charleston attorney Noah Parks. Perhaps a trip to the beach or a run with his new Australian Shepherd, Austin. But with a cryptic voicemail, everything changes.
A client has vanished, leaving nothing behind as a clue to where he may be. Neither his family, friends, nor neighbors are able to provide help.”
Turning to his friend Emmett Gabriel, Charleston’s newest police detective, Parks can only watch as what started with a simple voicemail takes on a sinister life of its own.
Parks soon finds himself entangled in an affair that spans centuries, going back to the time of Charleston’s birth.
With a focus on learning his client’s fate, Parks will soon find himself facing a mystery that will not only be a test of his wits but leaves him challenged in ways he never imagined.
Facing down twists, turns, betrayals, and traditions of honor, will he break The Code?
He looked into my eyes with something that could only be described as desperation. Suddenly, his look of despair faded as if a veil was lifted from his face. He stopped speaking and stood straight. His hands stopped moving, and he looked at each of them, turning them over, back to palm, as he examined them. He raised his head back to my eyes. As he looked at me, in an instant, the fearful look drained from his face, replacing it, a blank, expressionless gaze took hold of his features. He moved his eyes to my hand on his bicep, then shifted his gaze back to my face. He slowly twisted his arm from my slight grasp. He spoke slowly and methodically.
“No, Cash didn’t call. No one called. There was nothing from Cash.”
“But you just said…”
“I didn’t say anything. Nothing,” he said as he turned and faced the rear of the lot.
Interview with Sean
Thanks for the interview, Sean! Your book, THE CODE, sounds absolutely awesome. Can you tell us the story behind that intriguing title?
Sean: The title comes from a best selling publication from way back in 1838. The Code, the Noah Parks work, as with my prior books, is a murder mystery, but the foundation for the reason behind the murders goes back to the ideas in the 1838 book. I came across the 1838 book in some reading I was doing after The Solicitor, my second book, was released, and that started the basis for the plot that would become my third book.
Can you tell us a little about your main characters?
Sean: There are three main characters in The Code that are consistent throughout all of my mysteries.
Noah Parks – he is a Charleston, South Carolina attorney who has been practicing law for several years during the period of the events in The Code. An early morning phone call from a relative of one of his clients that sets in motion the story that is The Code. Noah doesn’t set out to be a detective and I would say he does not consider himself a detective, but is always curious to get to the bottom of a mystery.
Austin – he is Noah’s Australian Shepherd. In The Code, he was just adopted and has been living with Noah for about six months. He was a mainstay in my prior two books, and as I was researching The Code, I found some intriguing historical ties to canines, so it was logical to work those into the plot with Austin. As well, every character has a back story, and The Code starts Austin’s.
Emmett Gabriel – or Gabriel as he is known, is a Charleston Police officer. He has just been made a detective, and the murders in The Code are his first major cases. Gabriel and Noah, even though they grew up in Charleston, had never met prior to being randomly assigned as roommates at The University of South Carolina. They became fast friends and remain so.
Where is your book set and why did you choose that particular location?
Sean: The Code, like all of my books, is set primarily in Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve lived in the area for most of my life and love the city. It was logical for me to use it as the setting for my books. Unlike my first two books, The Trust and The Solicitor, which have scenes in other parts of the South Carolina coast, The Code occurs entirely in the Holy City as Charleston is known.
What part would you say was the most exciting to write?
Sean: It is tough for me to isolate any one part of the book as y favorite, though there are several scenes with Austin that I really enjoyed, Noah’s scenes, as the book is in first person, are always fun to create as well. I enjoyed the final scenes with Noah that began to close the book. However, the most two enjoyable things about the writing process for The Code were the research that allowed me to begin to craft the plot and, since The Code is a prequel, it was tremendously enjoyable seeing the character’s back story develop.
What’s next for you?
Sean: I became fascinated with the research behind The Code. Being able to have the historical underpinning and foundation that creates a mystery within a mystery was something that I really enjoyed. As a result, I have another idea I am researching that will be the next Noah Parks book. No title as of yet, but it will follow next in time after The Code.
He is also the author of Mediation in the Family Courts of South Carolina, a legal treatise on family law mediation.
He lives and writes in Charleston, South Carolina.
In addition to his writing, Sean is a recording and performing guitarist/singer/songwriter of Americana and Alt-Country music. Watch him sing Carolina Sunset which was inspired by his latest book, The Code. Listen here!
Kelly Smith, a three-time published author, first came on the scene with her debut novel, Signs in the Rearview Mirror Leaving a Toxic Relationship Behind. After healing from her toxic relationships, she soon realized dating after a toxic relationship was difficult, which then led her to write Out of the Darkness. Out of the Darkness, her sophomore book is about her experiences with healing after abuse, dating, and finding love again. Sunny Day Publishing published all of her books.
María Alejandra Barrios Vélez is a writer born in Barranquilla, Colombia. She has an MA in creative writing from the University of Manchester and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and scruffy dog, Gus.
Ms. Lambert, a distinguished genealogist, historian, and biographer, achieved historical acclaim with her inaugural book, praised by luminaries such as Pulitzer Prize-winner David Levering Lewis and historian Charles Patterson. As an unrivaled familial authority, she penned insightful biographies of visionary businessmen and civil rights champions F.H.M. Murray and Barry A. Murray. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia with her husband, Ms. Lambert continues her literary journey, poised to add two more captivating biographies and contribute to a quartet of nonfiction gems, that showcases her unwavering commitment to illuminating the human experience.
One of resilience and transformation, Conquergood’s life-changing discovery explores the depths of family, memory, love, and the mysteries that lie at the heart of the universe. 
As a writer (and avid reader), I’m not bound to one genre. As a serious novelist I enjoy and focus writing mostly historical fiction, because the research aspect of writing about history is fascinating and challenging to me.
Bob Rogers is the author of the historical novels First Dark and The Laced Chameleon, which earned critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews, San Francisco Review, and Baltimore Examiner. Bob is a meticulous researcher, known to spend extra time, magnifying glass in hand, deciphering 18th and 19th-century handwriting for “just the facts, ma’am.” Bob, a former U.S. Army captain and combat leader during the Vietnam War in Troop A, 1/10 Cavalry, finds his topographic experiences useful in field research. If not closeted in libraries or museums, you are likely to find him walking centuries-old rice fields, battlefields, or in a canoe following the river trails of his characters.
Rosa Lowinger is a Cuban-born American art conservator and founder of RLA Conservation of Art + Architecture, LLC. (www.rlaconservation.com), the U.S.’s largest woman-owned materials conservation practice. She is also a published author, most well-known for Tropicana Nights: The Life and Times of the Legendary Cuban Nightclub (Harcourt, 2005), a book on Havana’s pre-Castro nightclub era currently optioned for television by Keshet International, the company responsible for Homeland, Our Boys, and The Baker and the Beauty. Other fictional works by Rosa include The Encanto File, a play produced off-Broadway by the Women’s Project and Productions and published in Rowing to America and Sixteen Other Short Plays, edited by Julia Miles (Smith & Kraus, 2002), and The Empress of the Waves, a short story published in the anthology Island in the Light/Isla en la Luz (Trapublishing, 2019).
Tim Jones, M.D. is a board certified family physician currently practicing full-time ER medicine in rural Texas. He is happily married with four grown daughters and five grandsons. He and his wife also have a toy poodle, who has more followers than Tim on his Facebook account. He enjoys fine art acrylic painting, but it has recently taken a back seat to his pursuit of writing.
Evy Journey writes. Stories and blog posts. Novels that tend to cross genres. She’s also a wannabe artist, and a flâneuse.
DAN ROMANELLO began his career working for a large Florida newspaper before attending law school at the University of Florida. After serving as an assistant state attorney, he entered private practice where he spent more than 20 years as a civil trial lawyer litigating cases in courtrooms throughout Florida. He retired from the active practice of law in 2017 and, before writing PAPERBOY, spent four years coaching college athletics. He lives in St. Petersburg, Florida.
