Today, I celebrate 19 years of marriage to Matt Sirolly, my greatest champion, critique partner, and friend. Without Matt, The Last Letter from Sicily might never have been completed. I might never have received the two-book publishing deal that also brought Beneath the Sicilian Stars into the world.
I started writing what would become my debut novel in a creative writing class, inspired by my grandparents' story of being separated during World War II. After writing several thousand words, I shared with Matt that it might have the potential to become a novel. He agreed and encouraged me to keep going.
I wrote on and off, but eventually, I set it aside. Who was I to think I could finish a novel, let alone publish one?
Later, over our anniversary dinner, Matt asked, "How's the novel coming along?" I shook my head. In my mind, there was no longer a novel. But he told me not to give up, and I didn't want to let him down.
So I picked it back up and returned to it in earnest. When I reached the part set in Cagliari, Sardinia—where my grandfather had been stationed—I struggled. I had never been there, and the scenes felt hard to bring to life. Matt suggested we travel to Sardinia and rent an apartment for a month. That trip turned out to be exactly what I needed. I finished the novel in a Marina District apartment, and we even toured World War II bunkers with a professor from the University of Cagliari.
Of course, finishing a novel is only part of the journey. Publishing is another challenge. I queried a few dozen agents and received rejections because, as one agent put it, "No one's buying World War II fiction." I felt discouraged. Matt suggested we create our own press and publish it ourselves. I loved the idea.
But then I discovered Storm Publishing, a UK-based traditional publisher that had just signed Lelita Baldock for her heartwarming World War II novel, The Baker's Secret. I decided to pitch them.
Within a week, I was able to share their enthusiastic reply with Matt. The commissioning editor loved the story's angle, the Sicilian setting, and the fact that it was inspired by my grandparents.
I had only one name in mind when I wrote the novel's dedication.
So today I raise a glass to Matt, on this special day and always. Everyone deserves someone like him. I just happened to be lucky enough that he chose me. I look forward to all the chapters ahead, knowing we are in this together.
Matt and Lindsay on their wedding day in Temescal Gateway Park, Pacific Palisades, California
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