Greetings! I hope the new year is treating you well. One of the many things I hope to accomplish this year is to make some headway on another novel (possibly a series) of mine that I like to call Off the Clock. Before I run away with myself, since this is #InspirationMonday, I thought I would give you some insight as to how it came about.
About two years ago, my family and I traveled to New Castle, Pennsylvania for a family gathering. Now if you have never been to New Castle before, it is one trip you must take. While you will never mistake it for New York City, it is definitely a city with a great deal of history attached to it. Rumored has it, the city was victim to the Black Hand Society, or the Italian Mafia, in the early 20th century, but you would never guess that after taking one look at the beautiful church that stands on North Jefferson Street. Complete with a round stained-glass window in the front, whispers of the past are evident in this magnificent building circa 1845. I could happily walk around and around that building for hours just drinking in the vintage structure, but there is another thing that makes the town so special to me – the family.
That particular time, about two years ago, we went to visit my aunt, the great storyteller. She had a treat for us that day. I had never heard before the history of the Italian immigrants in that area, nor about the oppression they suffered. I was shocked to hear of the prejudice. I never would have imagined. Hearing tales of children avoiding fights, when all they were doing was walking home from school. Not just boys either, girls too. As we left that day, it was as if He lit a match, and then a candle in my heart. I knew I had a new story to tell – the story of a young Italian writer, trying to make her way in the world in a small close-knit town. From there, Irena Altieri was born. It took me a year, but now I finally have a draft of the novel. I’ll keep you posted on the progress, but know that it comes from a town that does exist, and a time that was not exaggerated. It is funny how when we put our hearts into our writing, how much better the end result is.
So, with that in mind, I ask you – what has your past inspired? I would love to hear.
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