Fresh Fiction Blog | Maria Grazia Swan

I always wanted to be a writer. When I was a little girl I lived with my grandparents in a 3 story house my grandfather built. One rainy day I went up into the attic to look for something, not sure what. Keep in mind that was before phones, before TVs and certainly before computers. I found a wooden crate full of old books—Gialli, that's what mysteries are called in Italy. The books had been left there by my uncle Agostino who migrated to Canada.

From then on I spent my weekends in the attic, reading. Agatha Christie, Rex Stout...I loved them all. In school my best grades were in Literature. My teachers liked my writing, often would read it out loud.

Then my parents moved to Belgium, and I said goodbye to my grandparents, the attic and the books. In Belgium I had to learn French, and I did. Soon my teachers liked my French essays.

I still dreamed of becoming a professional writer. By the time I was fourteen, not today's fourteen, mind you, I entered a short story contest and won! A French newspaper published my story. Pretty good I guess, except, my parents didn't read French, neither did my grandparent back in Italy. Still, I felt proud. It was a good start.

Life has a way of playing tricks on our carefully planned tomorrows. So I met an American boy, fell in love, married and moved to the United States. I had to learn English. And I did. Didn't have much time to write with kids, a career, Great Danes and a philandering husband. I managed to survive without writing. Then came the divorce, the kids moved out, the Great Danes went to dogs' heaven, and I went back to write, in English.

I paid my dues, learned my craft and won an award, a national award! All right! By then my grandparents were dead, too late to make them proud, but they always believed in me and that made it okay.

In 2001 my first book was released, a mystery, in English. LOVE THY SISTER was a late homage to the 3 story house, my Italian heritage, and my newly found American life.

By then my parents were dead, but somehow I felt they always knew I would be a published writer.

I wrote more stories, more columns, more blogs, and more books— all in English. But when I dream, I dream in Italian.

2010 was a very bad year for me, in too many ways to even try to list them. I had to get back to writing, my true passion. That's when a miracle happened, via Twitter. I swear, even as a writer, I can't make this stuff up. I received an e-mail from an Italian publisher interested in the Italian rights of LOVE THY SISTER, my out-of-print mystery. I own all the rights, the paperback is no longer available. Of course I said yes!

The book is being translated. I'm saving my pennies to make it there for the launching! The 3 story house my grandfather built was sold after my mother died, but I still have 2 sisters and plenty of nieces and nephews and good friends to celebrate with me! I even have a growing number of Italian followers, how cool is that?

And for my non Italian speaking friends, LOVE THY SISTER was just released as e-book in all the usual places. And BOSOM BODIES, the sequel is being released this month. I can't ask you to dream in Italian, but I would be thrilled if you read my books about my Italian heroine, Mina Calvi who was born in a 3 story house her grandfather built.

One commenter will win a $20 Starbucks, and great news! BOSOM BODIES is only $0.99 today on Amazon.com.

Comments

What a remarkable journey you have had. Am impressed with
your love of stories and tenacity to pursue writing across
continent. Congratulations on all of your successes!
(G. Bisbjerg 2:28am December 11, 2012)

I would love to read this book...it sound very interesting
(Bonnie Capuano 4:29am December 11, 2012)

Ours lives seem to parallel one another. I am also one of three daughters and have one niece and two nephews. Both my parents were born and raised in German households and once my grandparents passed (both sides) their family homes were sold. I would truly enjoy reading "Love Thy Sister", although at times it is difficult to love my sisters. LOL Although we are extremely close, there has always been a sibling rivalry of sorts.
(Beth Charette 8:49am December 11, 2012)

What an amazing story. Your strength of character and talent
has given you this opportunity and wonderful success. Best
wishes and continued adventures in your writing career.
(Sharon Berger 9:58am December 11, 2012)

Grazie per il vostro articolo e concorso, Maria Grazia Swan! Thank you for your article and contest.

How strange it is how writers' experiences can become material for their work. And stranger still how some experiences end up this way, but others don't.

Good luck with the release of "Bosom Buddies"!
(Mary Anne Landers 10:59am December 11, 2012)

I also was raised by my grandparents, Sicilian. I think the culture allows the passion for the arts to be praised. It sounds like you had a wonderful life and a wonderful time writing your story, thank you for sharing.
(Carla Carlson 11:15am December 11, 2012)

Italy is a special place for me. It was the first country I
visited abroad. Capri is my favorite. :-D
(Karin Anderson 11:44am December 11, 2012)

What a wonderful story of your writing life---I hope you have a great trip to Italy for the launching of the book.
(Sue Farrell 11:57am December 11, 2012)

THank you for sharing with us... my grandmother was half Sicilian... wishing you the very best this holiday season.
(Colleen Conklin 12:10pm December 11, 2012)

What a wonderful, heart-felt post. Thanks for the day brightener.
(G S Moch 12:54pm December 11, 2012)

I would love to go to Italy someday.

Happy Holidays!!!
(Lori Yost 2:54pm December 11, 2012)

i would love to win this book as it sounds very good and one you will not be able to put down
(Kimberly Hoefs 3:27pm December 11, 2012)

Knowing so many languages gas got to be a serious plus in the writing
department! Congrats in everything good that us finally happening for you!
You obviously deserve it all!!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 4:15pm December 11, 2012)

Congrats... I love Italy and wish you all the best.. Do go visit your grantparents home and soak in the memories..
(Cate Sparks 4:34pm December 11, 2012)

I love to read and although I wasn't raised by my grandparents
I spent tons of time with them. I would love to win your
book. Merry Christmas!
(Kelly Sander 5:06pm December 11, 2012)

Merry Christmas. hope that I win your book. It sounds great.
(Mary Hay 5:22pm December 11, 2012)

Enjoyed reading how your love for reading books in the attic developed into your writing and becoming an author and learning other languages. Grandparents are always so special when we're young and things they have. I always admired my grandmother's old bubbling lights on her Christmas tree when I was little, they just fascinated me and when she'd take time to give me some piano lessons. I'd love to win your book and hope you do well with your new book, Bosom Bodies!
(Linda Luinstra 5:33pm December 11, 2012)

Oh Maria, What a busy life you have lived. Sounds like a book to be written, after all, life is stranger than fiction. Love Thy Sister sounds like a book I would pick up to read without any prompting. I read the covers and buy. You're on the way upward..........go for it with gusto!!! Merry Christmas and a successful New Year.
(Rosemary Simm 6:11pm December 11, 2012)

As a military brat, I've lived in, travelled to, or travelled through many of the places you mentioned. Nothing is more exciting than rounding the corner on life to reveal the new mystery ahead. I work hard to make every roadblock life throws at me into a step into a better future for me... I see that same quality in you. I can't wait to read your books and see if your heroines have the same quality.
(Donna Holmberg 7:38pm December 11, 2012)

A very inspirational story about sticking with.
(Theresa Norris 7:47pm December 11, 2012)

You sure follow your dream to be a writer. You also have great life materials to write about. Congrats and Merry Christmas.
(Kai Wong 8:15pm December 11, 2012)

Congratulations on your success, and thank you for sharing your journey. You should be deeply proud.
(Chelsea Brooks 8:26pm December 11, 2012)

Thank you for sharing with us. What wonderful family you have. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
(Kimberley Coover 8:34pm December 11, 2012)

Thanks for your great story and Happy Holidays!
(Linda Birdsell 9:39pm December 11, 2012)

Wow, I guess good things do happen when you least expect them.
I am so glad to hear that things are turning around for you.
Congratulations on your book being bought by the Italian publisher. It is like everything has come full circle for you.
(Gigi Hicks 10:37pm December 11, 2012)

Wow, what a life and journey you have had in many countries
and I know that your Grandparents and Parents are still with
you in spirit and I truly believe that they are so proud of
you and your fantastic writings too. I also want to become a
famous writer like You and have always written Poetry and
other writings and have gotten award too. I would truly love
to Win and read all of your books and Pray to God that you
have lots of fun in Italy and here and may all your dreams
come true. Thanks for the fantastic contest. Happy Holidays!
Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 10:37pm December 11, 2012)

Enjoyed reading Bosom Bodies over the weekend - adding
Love Thy Sister to my list. Thanks for sharing.
(Mary C 10:39pm December 11, 2012)

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your books sound wonderful
and congratulations in the Italian translation.
(Ann Sheiring 10:45pm December 11, 2012)

I am thrilled for you, more than words can say!! Your life sounds like mine in a way. I've always wanted to write a book and was encouraged to write, but certain circumstances have prevented me to do so up to now. At my age, I'd really be a late bloomer, but oh, what stories I could tell!! Anyway, don't ever give up on your dreams, and I'll be dreaming for an e-reader so that I can read all of these wonderful stories!! The house, as well as the story sounds like a book I shouldn't miss!!! Best of luck in the future!! You've earned your hard-knocks already!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:47pm December 11, 2012)

Book sounds great. Thanks for a chance to win it. Happy Holidays to everyone.
(Linda Hall 10:48pm December 11, 2012)

What a wonderful post, I enjoyed reading it. Good luck with the Italian launch of Love Thy Sister. I'm looking forward to reading Bosom Bodies.
(Rita Wray 11:36pm December 11, 2012)

That fortuitous trip up to the attic began the story of your life. What a
wonderful journey. How many fun filled hours were enjoyed in your own
attic library. The adventures continued, some difficult and thankfully some
amazing. I hope I will be selected the winner but to all the other entrants, I
wish you the best as well!
(Mary Ellen Trella 3:42am December 12, 2012)

I really enjoyed your post. So interesting. I wish you great success so that
the pennies pile up and you get to Italy for the release.
(Victoria Sloboda 5:11am December 12, 2012)

Well done on working so hard and following your dream. I hope the book goes really well for you.
(Clare O'Beara 5:23am December 12, 2012)

Maria, what a beautiful and heart warming post. Congrats on all you have achieved. Just speaking so many languages is brilliant :)
Love that the Italian Publisher contacted you. It's fitting considering that's where you started. :)
Happy Holidays.
Carol Luciano
(Carol Luciano 5:28am December 12, 2012)

Thanks for the insight into who you are as an author and how you got there.

Happy Holidays
(Shelby S 11:39am December 12, 2012)

What an amazing story. I had trouble learning one new language and you not
only learned more than that but well enough to write and win again and again in
those languages. Now you write even more. Wow! and WOW again! To add to
that you are truly lovely. Congratulations.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:41am December 12, 2012)

How exciting - I certainly hope you make that trip! When
things are not going well we often get some unexpected light -
we just have to hold out for it.
(Diane Sallans 12:53pm December 12, 2012)

I was raised by my grandparents also. At the time I thought i was the only one...
(Michelle Schafer 1:54pm December 12, 2012)

Hi,
Thanks for sharing that look into your life. It's great to hear you always wanted to write. Best of luck in the future and great success. Merry Christmas.
(Sharon Extine 2:52pm December 12, 2012)

Thanks for sharing with us as well as for the giveaway!
Happy Holidays!
(Chelsea Knestrick 3:57pm December 12, 2012)

Hi Maria,
What a writing journey. I love how you shared your "discovery" of the mysteries
and just knowing that you wanted to write them too. That is so wonderful that
you were contacted via twitter. Social media *is* a good thing! \o/
(Elle C 5:28pm December 12, 2012)

Thanks for sharing your story...and stories with us!
(Marcy Shuler 6:23pm December 12, 2012)

Thank you for sharing your story and books with us:)
(Nicole Nobles 6:26pm December 12, 2012)

Wow this IS a great story - yes, it is so interesting how life has a way of surprising us - thank you for sharing your life with us!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 6:32pm December 12, 2012)

Happy Holidays & Thanks for sharing with us as well as for the giveaway!
(Tina Knestrick 6:40pm December 12, 2012)

Boy, having to learn so many languages was quite an accomplishment. It must be nice to be able to communicate with so many people. It took a while for your writing career to take off, but congratulations on your persistence.
(Gladys Paradowski 6:49pm December 12, 2012)

I am so glad to read of your multiple homecomings-- to new languages, to writing, and in prospect, to Italy and Italian publication.
(Mary Ann Dimand 8:10pm December 12, 2012)

Sounds like a great adventure!
Good luck and happy writing!
(Tracie Travis 8:18pm December 12, 2012)

Congrats and I'm sure you'll be there at the launch.
(Jan D 8:26pm December 12, 2012)

Enjoyed reading your blog, book sounds like a great read.
(Sheila True 10:23pm December 12, 2012)

I am always amazed by people who are proficient in more than one
language. I took French. I can still speak "food". I have a hard time hearing
other languages so, therefore, an even harder time speaking it. I can read
some though. And I once had a French nightmare. Not quite the same as
dreaming in Italian!! ;) I'd say that readers all over are very lucky that your
Italian dream of being a writer came true. :)
(Penny Mettert 3:31am December 13, 2012)

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