Okay – I can say that I am excited because I am almost ready to publish my second book. For anyone who has been following my blog or my Twitter account, you already know that I have been working on My Love Affair with Sicily ever since I returned from Italy last September. Some of you have already had a sneak peek at the cover. And I truly appreciate all of your feedback on it. Grazie mille.
The book is in the final editing process and is almost ready to go. I hate to jinx myself and give a date yet, so I am refraining from doing so…just yet.
But, as promised, I am going to do a give-away and it is going to be easy to enter. At the end of this blog post, just leave a comment with hashtag, MyLoveAffairwithSicily. For those of you who are not on Twitter and are unfamiliar with what a hashtag is, here is an example: #MyLoveAffairwithSicily. That is all you have to do. You do not even have to write anything unless you want to, and you don’t have to be a follower on the blog either. Below this post is a place for comments and just write #MyLoveAffairwithSicily. Of course please feel free to also leave a comment if you wish.
I will select 4 random entries and give away 2 autographed copies of My Love Affair with Sicily and 2 e-Books. So, start commenting and stay tuned. I will be posting one or two more times before the end of the drawing. I will collect all the comments following this post, as well as comments left after the next one or two posts that I write before my book is available for sale, and place them in the drawing. You may leave as many comments as you like. but up to three per person will be added to the drawing.
I will notify the winners by way of a blog post as well as by email and will request your addresses in the cases of the paperback book winners. Good luck!
Here is a short excerpt from My Love Affair with Sicily —
“Our meals are every bit as good as our food of the previous evening. The entire bill is only twenty euros, including bottled water, aqua naturale, meaning without gas or fizz. The prices in Sicily are unbelievably low, much less expensive than on the mainland.
On the way home we buy more cough medicine at another farmacia and then go back to the hotel where we all anticipate a good night’s sleep. When I enter my room, I am pleasantly surprised to find the bed turned back, and two pieces of Italian Torrone, or nougat, candy with a note that reads, “Buonanotte,” Good Night. I am familiar with this sweet, toasted-almond candy, especially at Christmas time with Grandma Savoca. This gesture by the hotel staff touches my heart.
Sicily feels like such a special place to me; I love it here more and more each day. Because of our hotel’s proximity to the water, I hear the loud sounds of the wind from inside my room. Reminiscent of how noisy the wind can be during a hurricane, I wonder whether I can sleep. Apparently my concerns are unwarranted, since I never awaken, until morning.”
Jack Erickson
Ciao, Margie. Glad I found your blog and exciting news about #MyLoveAffairWith Sicily
My wife and I traveled to Sicily a few years back, was as enchanted as you were. We’ve been back several more times, mostly in the north. During a layover at Milan’s Stazione Centrale in 2011, I had one of those experiences all writers need. I came up with the plot of a thriller that begins with an American woman taken hostage during a political assassination at Centrale.
The book is “Thirteen Days in Milan.” It’s being translated into Italian and I’ll shop it around to publishers in Milano when I’m there next month. To do the research, I spent a lot of time in Milano, meeting academics, journalists, and police officials at the Questura. I have an incredibly talented researcher who’s given me all sorts of insights into Italian culture, lifestyle, and real life characters.
I hope our paths cross one day. Best of luck with your book; I’ll get a copy when it’s published.
A presto!
margieinitaly
Jack, Thanks so much for sharing this story. Sounds intriguing. I just ordered your book. It would be wonderful to meet you one day. And thank you for the support. Milano is defintely an interesting city.
Anonymous
Margie : So excited for you! #MyLoveAffairwithSicily now
Can’t wait to read your “baby”, I’m sure I will enjoy it as much as your first book. Looking forward to seeing you at the end of the month, too.
Debbie Robson
I would love a copy of your book, Margie I’m going to tweet #MyLoveAffairwithSicily now!
Amy Campbell (@slapdashgourmet)
Would love to read about Sicily — I’ve only been to Italy once and am pondering which region to visit next… #MyLoveAffairwithSicily
margieinitaly
Thanks Amy – Of course I would say to visit Sicily! It is a beautiful place and the food and people are wonderful!I hope you can visit soon.
Alysha
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily begins this September! Thanks for helping me discover its secrets! I cannot wait!
margieinitaly
My pleasure Alysha – Thank you so much for checking out my blog. Enjoy Sicily this fall! Buon viaggio!
Lori Chisholm
#MyLoveAffairWithItaly
Liz
#myloveaffairwuthsicily
I’m very excited to read your adventures
margieinitaly
Thank you Liz for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate that so much. Good luck!
Marilyn Cameli Romeo
Bravo, Margie!…..so proud of my little flower girl many years ago!!!!!!!!!! I would love to read your new book but because I was lucky enough to see Sicily (and hope to go back), I feel someone else should have the #My Love Affair With Sicily………….love you Marilyn Cameli Romeo
margieinitaly
Grazie Marilyn! Yes Great memories from so many years ago! Your descriptions and enthusiasm of Sicily made me want to go even more. And I too loved Cefalu`!
Bonnie Melielo
Sicilia is on the list of places we want to visit. Time and money! LOL! We will be very close in August, in Soverato, so perhaps this will be the year!! #MyLoveAffairWithSicily
margieinitaly
Wonderful Bonnie – So glad you are going to Italy…This may be the time to experience the allure of Sicilia! Thank you
Wanda
#MyLoveAffairWithSicily…been to other parts of Italy, Sicily may be next…Wanda
margieinitaly
Grazie Wanda – I know you will love Sicily!
Greg Speck
I saw this post while waiting to leave for Catania. I will pick it up for Kindle subito! Grazie.
margieinitaly
Thank you Greg! Hope you enjoy!!
Janet Hicks
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily
GLORIA wa
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily
I am sorry I never went to Italy. It is truly beautiful!
We love your passion!
margieinitaly
Thank you Gloria – I appreciate the support and hope to see you soon!
Clare Savoca
Margie,
I look forward to reading another one your books. See you in Śeptember.
Lorraine Allen
#MyLoveAffairswithSicily. I am new to your blog and I am loving it so far & love the thought of going to Sicily.
Lorraine Allen
#MyLoveAffairswithSicily.
Mary Roush
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily. Going with friends at the end of September!! We started planning this trip almost 2 years ago.
mbrovelli
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily. I’m so looking forward to reading your book! I have visited Sicilia once, but plan to go many more times. It is truly a magical place!
Maria B.
I would love this Margie! I’ve been to Sicily twice to visit family. I need to get back there soon! #MyLoveAffairwithSicily (from @MG_inthe_CLE)
margieinitaly
Grazie Christine
christineetclaude
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily
Nancy Brindisi Smith
#i am dying to go to Sicily. I look forward to reading your blog! Thanks.
margieinitaly
Grazie Nancy! Thank you and please don’t forget to leave the hashtag #MyLoveAffairwithSicily to be entered in the drawing!
ishitasood
Wow Margie!! So lucky to have chanced upon you on twitter and everywhere else. Even more excited for #MyLoveAffairwithSicily now than ever before. Looking forward to read about a land I dint visit but something that has enthralled me.
margieinitaly
Thank you Ishita – I am equally happy to have discovered your writing and your love of Italy. I hope you can return soon.
ishitasood
Thank you Margie. Keep me posted of your travels to Italy, maybe we can meet soon 🙂
Francesca
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily
Ah Bellissima Sicilia. I look forward to seeing your book. I also am in love with Sicily and yearn to return.
margieinitaly
Grazie Francesca! Another lover of Sicily! I hope that you feel like you are traveling with me throughout the book, but that you also can return to Sicily in person soon!
hometoitaly
#MyLoveAffairWithSicily will be a good introduction to my next place to visit, 20+ visits and never experienced wonderful Sicily
margieinitaly
I am so thrilled to hear that! Sicily is really an amazing place!
imarancher
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily I am eagerly awaiting the next volume of your travels. I think I like the pics even better. And the food. Yum. #MyLoveAffairwithSicily
margieinitaly
Grazie Bonnie – You have been very patient and soon the wait will be over, my friend!! I appreciate all of your comments and support over the years!
Leslie Vincent
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily Sicily is on my “places to visit in Italy” I have been checking off my wish list places steadily. Soon!!! 🇮🇹 🇮🇹 🇮🇹
margieinitaly
Thank you so much Leslie! Glad to hear that you plan a visit sometime to Sicily!
jennyandstephenmilan
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily This year we spend Easter in southern Sardinia. Next year, thanks to your inspirational blog, I’m planning to venture further south to Sicily. I’m sure your book will be equally inspiring.
margieinitaly
Wonderful! And grazie mille. I am interested in following your exploits into Sardinia, one of the three regions in Italy that I have yet to explore.
floridaduh
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily I’m very excited to see the final product …. an amazing country. I’m sure it will be beautiful!
margieinitaly
Grazie for your kind words! I appreciate them.
The Mermaids Purse
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily Ah so envious! Sicily is on my list. I was there years ago but Montalbano and cannoli reignited a desire to return there…
margieinitaly
I totally understand! And I hope that you can visit Sicily soon.Thanks for sharing your thoughts here.
Karen Seltzer
Enjoyed reading these excerpts of #MyLoveAffairwithSicily. Lovely photos of a region that I need to explore! Looking forward to more of your travel writing,
margieinitaly
Grazie Karen. I am so happy that you enjoyed the excerpt and the photos. I hope that you get to Sicily sometime soon.
Gina Lipari
#myloveaffairwithSicily
Anonymous
Sorry for the typo….I can’t WAIT to read the book, Florence
Gina Lipari
I would absolutely give a copy of your book a good home and forever cherish it. I still dream of going to San Teodoro and Cesaro someday.
margieinitaly
Thank you Gina. I am so happy for how things have worked out for you and I also hope that your dream comes true and you make that trip to the place of your roots! Don’t forget to leave the hashtag!
margieinitaly
Oh – I see that you just did..sorry Gina!
Anonymous
#MyLoveAffairWithSicily
I am so happy for you Margie….congrats and can’t read to read the book (hoping to win 🙂
Ciao
Florence
margieinitaly
Grazie Florence, one of my first fans here! I hope you win too, my friend.
K Smothers
#myloveaffairwithsicily I am so excited for the release of your new book. The cover is very inviting. We are returning to Italy in Sept. For 2 weeks. We can never get enough of the people, language, food etc. Reading books (and blogs) such as your helps us to feel connected when we cannot physically be there :). Wishing you much success on the launch of your book. Buona Fortuna
Ciao Katherine
margieinitaly
Thank you from the bottom of my heart Katherine. i am always so pleased when someone else has such a passion for Italy! Have a wonderful trip this fall!
Adri
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily Oh, but you must be absolutely thrilled. I wish you the utmost success with your book. I am looking forward to it!
margieinitaly
Grazie Adri!
Debra Kolkka
#MyLoveAffairWithSicily. You have inspired me to go to Sicily. It looks fascinating and I love the south of Italy for its delicious food, wonderful people and gorgeous scenery.
margieinitaly
How wonderful Debra and I am sure that you will discover lots to write about!
Leila Harris
Can’t wait to read it! Looks absolutely fantastic #MyLoveAffairwithSicily
margieinitaly
Thank you Lea! So excited for your upcoming trip to Sicily!
Greg Devlin
#MyLoveAffairwithSicily Hi! Margie, what a great journey! I have no doubt your passion and love for Sicily will take place in an AWARD winning new book. Wishing you massive success..PS Since we’re friends I want to purchase one of your books. Don’t enter me in the contest OK? Tikiman
margieinitaly
You are too kind Greg. I am still entering you and if you win you can give it to someone! Grazie my friend for all your enthusiastic support!
Philip amankwaah
Hi dear congratulation for all your hard work , and I wish to meet you personal , so please make an appointment , from on I willp be happy to see your face to face , please do your best ?
aliciashearsby
I’m off to explore Italy for myself in June and can’t wait! I was lucky enough to visit Venice last year and this time i’m teaching for 2 weeks and traveling for 2 weeks. Where would you suggest the best places to visit to be in my short time (and quite possibly low budget)? #MyLoveAffairwithSicily
margieinitaly
How wonderful Alicia! June is a great time to be in Italy although a little warm. A few of my faves are the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Firenze, Sicily and Lake Como. Two weeks is not long but wherever you go you will enjoy I am sure! Buon viaggio!
Ruth Rainwater
I love reading about your love for Italy, Margie, and your photographs are always gorgeous!
margieinitaly
Thank you Ruth -You are always so kind..Be sure and leave the hashtag to enter the drawing! #MyLoveAffairwithSicily
Ruth Rainwater
Forgot about that – thanks for the reminder! #MyLoveAffairwithSicily