As you know by now, travel is in my blood, and like many of you, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I’ve had to cancel my plans to go to Italy this year. At this point, without a safe and effect vaccine, the time frame for international travel is up in the air. Since the cases and deaths continue to climb in the US, the EU has banned entry for travelers from the United States, and who knows when that will change. I’m hopeful to return to Italy by the fall of 2021, but time will tell. As the Italians say, vediamo, or we’ll see.
Anyway, staying home hasn’t been all bad. I have focused much more on my writing and promotion of my books, and even contributing to a blog created by one of my high school classmates during the time of the coronavirus. You can check it out here. View from our Windows. I’ve also had time to contribute a few articles to a website focusing on museums, just because I have the time and like to give back. No money involved in either, just the enjoyment to write.
The big news is that I started writing another book about Italy on May 1st, and completed the first draft in just under three months, before August 1st, the shortest time it’s ever taken for me to write a book. Of course, I’ve already gone over it two or three more times, making changes and corrections before I send it to my editor. In case you’re wondering, the book is about Venice, and I’ll be announcing the title sometime soon.
After the edit is finished, more rewriting and revising will occur before a second proofread. Then the last revision, formatting, a cover design, and finally publishing, hopefully before the end of this year. Afterward, I hope to record the audiobook version.
My other exciting news is about my second novel, A Cure for Deceit, the sequel to Critical Cover-Up. I am happy to announce that it has received three awards. I’ll be attending the virtual Florida Writers Association conference in October and will find out then whether A Cure for Deceit will win one of its top awards. Fingers crossed and stay tuned for news.
- 2020 Readers’ Favorite Bronze Award Winner in the Medical Thriller genre
- 2020 Royal Palm Literary Award Finalist in the Thriller category from the Florida Writers Association
- 2020 Book Excellence Award finalist.
Thanks for allowing me to share my latest news with you, and once again, I appreciate all of your support. In case you’re curious, there will be a third novel to follow, but I will not start writing it until next year some time. So until then, send me any feedback about plot ideas or twists, because anything goes.
Grazie Ciao
For more information on any of my books, see my Books by Margie page.
leelaurino
great news, congrats.
margieinitaly
Thank you so much, Lee
Un po' di pepe
Complimenti Margie! Your productivity is inspiring. I have been unable to focus so not writing much-just reading and yoga! I am missing 2 trips to Italia this year and it is such a bummer. Pazienza! Ciao, Cristina
margieinitaly
I hear you, Cristina. It’s not always easy to focus, believe me. Hang in there. I know we will be able to travel eventually.
Carol
I am sure it will be a worth while read. I love traveling internationally too. However, Covid 19 has place a hold on a lot of international air travel. This pandemic has caused many to suffer that depend on American vacationers. Economic strain has occurred to most countries because of this virus, praying for all. We shall see…
margieinitaly
Thanks Carol. I know it is especially hard on anyone in the travel business, as many of my friends are. I hope 2021 will open up some opportunities in a safe way. Fingers crossed.
Karen Neary
Congratulations,Margie on the book awards! I’ll be looking forward to your book on Venice. My next mystery novel is set in Venice–it will be released early next spring.
margieinitaly
Thank you so much, Karen….And Congrats on the mystery novel set in Venice. It sounds intriguing! I’d be interested to read it for sure.
Debra Kolkka
Well done Margie! I hope you new book is successful.
My experience has been quite different. I arrived in Italy just before lockdown started and stayed for 3 months alone in our mountain house. I had the growing spring garden to keep me company.
I am still in Italy. If I go home to Australia I have to isolate in a hotel for 2 weeks, so I am staying here, probably until mid next year. Luckily I can travel around Italy and now that the weather has cooled a little I will be doing more short trips.
margieinitaly
Thank you Debra. I guess flexibility is the name of the game. I have been enjoying following your posts as you travel throughout Italy… And your mountain home looks beautiful… it seems like you made the right decision
margieinitaly
Grazie, Debra!!!
karenincalabria
Wow, you’ve been busy! Congratulations on completing a book during covid – you must have an excellent ability to focus. I also have been very disappointed in not being able to travel, as I had 2020 spring and fall plans for Italy, so tried to used the time to my advantage and have completed my second book, but I was already past the creative phase by that point. I’m hoping for spring travels but haven’t made any plans yet…
Kudos for your awards!
margieinitaly
Thanks so much, Karen. Yes, isn’t it amazing what one can accomplish when there are few distractions? Congrats on the second book! I’m hoping we will all be able to return to Italia in 2021.