| It’s a funny thing about novel writing – sometimes you realize connections between your fictional world and your real life only after the story is complete. That’s what happened to me with THE FORGOTTEN ITALIAN RESTAURANT, which launched on Aug. 21st. I found myself creating a wonderful character who serves as a substitute sister to my protagonist Emilia—a beautiful teacher with honey-gold hair, bright eyes, and a kind spirit that offers comfort even at the darkest times.
Only after I finished the book did I realize that I was actually writing about my fourth-grade teacher. Miss Clarson was the most creative, charming, warm, and fun-loving teacher you could imagine. At the same time, she could be quite serious, especially when she had something important to share. She knew I wanted to be a writer, and she implored me to not let obstacles stand in my way. It’s for this reason that I dedicated the book to Miss Clarson—and to all teachers. |
