As I mentioned in a previous blog, before I begin my novel, I visit the locations I intend to include in my manuscript. I also spend quite a bit of time speaking with locals, those conversations giving me an insight into everything from how they interact with one another as well as strangers, what they do when not working, places they go, their favorite foods, and so forth. Therefore, when I describe a character from a particular area, I can accurately portray their tendencies and biases. That’s important because, in the end, readers care more about the characters within a novel than the plot. They may not remember the storyline in detail, but I’ve found they remember nearly everything about their favorite characters, and when they look forward to a coming novel, it’s not the story they primarily care about but what else they’ll discover about the characters they care about and how they cope with the situations which I get them into.
Sara, whose photo is above, is a warm and caring person at the Dior boutique in Taormina. An accomplished scholar who spent part of her educational training in Beijing and speaks the language, she was of great help in understanding, far beyond my readings, Sicily and its people. Over several days, she was kind enough to spend time with my wife and me, including a lovely lunchat Anciovi at the San Domenico Palace. As I’ve mentioned in the Author’s Comments of some of my novels, my wife is both my content and story editor and selects the cover. Speaking with Sara gave me an incredible insight into the Sicilian people and their culture, which was much more than I’d gleaned during my research.
I found that the people of Sicily are warm and generous and have a joy of life that becomes infectious when one is around them. Knowing my fondness for cannoli, Sara was gracious enough to give me two during one of our visits, followed by another pair later that day. Neither made it to morning.
Thank you, Sara, for the kindness and generosity you extended to my wife and me and the insights you gave us into Sicily and its people. Sei il migliore.
Anciovi at the San Domenico Palace
Dior boutique in Taormina
