Fact into Fiction: Part Three

Today's installment draws a comparison/contrast between Water Signs' main male character, Ken Lockheart, and Dr. Joseph Rose, the two most important men in heroine Madeline Rose's life. As I've noted in previous posts, both are representations of the American Dream, though generations apart, and both are based on real people who impacted my life to varying degrees.

Dr. Rose (based on my father) is the offspring of immigrants, and a member of that generation that falls in-between The Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers. While he himself had been too young too have served during World War II, like my own dad, he certainly knew of those -- including close family members and neighborhood friends -- who had. Some of these noble men made the ultimate sacrifice, while others were fortunate enough to have returned home safely after honorably fighting for the cause of freedom.

My father did serve in the US Army during the Korean War, although this real-life fact is not obviously noted in the novel. Nevertheless, I grew up in a home that respected the US Military and celebrated traditional American values, quintessential holidays (Independence Day, Thanksgiving, etc), and the right of the individual to pursue any path he or she might desire, whether it entail a career in medicine, law, journalism, engineering, graphic arts or countless other noble fields in which one could put their talents and abilities to their best use.

Although my dad was a practicing surgeon, he never imposed his dream on his children. Like my mom, his fervent desire was for each of us to create the life and career of our own choosing. And though his work schedule necessitated an upbringing in which my mother did the heavy lifting in terms of administering discipline, teaching values and prayers, helping with homework, providing transportation to and from extracurricular activities, planning family outings and parties, and otherwise managing all of the duties associated with raising five children (including one with a handicap), when my dad did arrive home, he was completely engaged in the family. (I will devote a separate post to my mom and her character, Monica Rose, both of whom are quite deserving of their own analysis)

Thus, our dinner (when he was able to make it home in time) conversations always centered on what we learned in school that day, what was going on in our lives and yes -- what we wanted to be when we grew up. My response as a young child to that last question typically vacillated between: "I'm going to be a novelist!" or "I'm going to be a journalist!" To which my dad would always follow-up with approval and encouragement (Good thing, too, because although I was an excellent student, my obvious strengths were English and the humanities; math and science were a daily struggle and almost always marked the difference between the achievement of First or Second Honors in high school).

Another aspect of my father I didn't fully appreciate until old enough to understand the pressures of the medical world (including the pervasive, sometimes devastating impact of trial lawyers and government) was that no matter how tough the day had been, he always came through the front door whistling. More often than not, he'd greet my mother with a cheery, "Che fai, Rosie?" and a kiss upon arriving in the kitchen, where she'd normally be preparing dinner. As a small child, I remember running to the foyer to greet him, where he'd always scoop me up and say, "How ya doing Little Lady?!"

All of these remembrances had their most profound significance in hindsight; I'm not exactly sure why it is so difficult to fully appreciate the gifts you've been given (e.g. a stable, loving family) when you're young. But as I matured and met other peers in high school, college and far-beyond, I began to realize my good fortune of being born into a family that -- while far from perfect -- had almost been ideal compared with the familial circumstances of others.

Which brings me back to the character of Ken Lockheart. In Chapter Two of Water Signs, Ken completely throws Madeline off-guard by actually following up on his 3 a.m. promise of meeting her at the beach in Ocean City -- a declaration made under the influence of an alcohol-induced buzz. He'd driven her back to her car in the nightclub parking lot, after the couple had gone out for breakfast at a local Jersey diner, and stated his intentions with conviction. Without the benefit of pen or paper, Maddy wrongly concludes that while cute, entertaining and interesting, this guy is far from serious about her. Part of this stems from her own insecurity, and part from her inability to let go of a previous hurtful relationship, both of which are explored in the novel in great detail.

After returning home from church much later that same day, Madeline gets the shock of her life when her sister announces that Ken is on the phone, wondering where she's been all this time, as he's been waiting patiently for her at the beach as promised. This ultimately results in the extension of an invitation to breakfast with the family, suggested by Madeline's mother, Monica. After a brief bout with nervousness, Ken accepts the offer and enthusiastically joins in the conversation around the table, amazed by the way in which the Rose family relates to each other. He's also blown away by their accomplishments, from Dr. Rose to Maddy's attorney-siblings Greg and Lori, and absent brothers Damian (a pathologist in Nashville) and Louis (the Down's brother who was working in PA that weekend, staying with family friends).

Later at the beach, he's even more amazed by how the Rose family welcomes him into their circle, and by Madeline's ability to express herself intelligently in bursts of enthusiasm and passion on everything from politics to pop culture to sports. I recall conversations from real life in which "Ken" would share his admiration of the way in which my family members ate together, amid sometimes boisterous but always engaging conversation on a variety of topics. With some puzzlement, I'd asked him why this was such a big deal. Didn't his family participate in the same kinds of activities?

His response was something along the lines of "not the way your family does." It was a telling example of another seemingly unimportant detail of my upbringing, and one of the first reminders that not everyone I'd meet would share the same kind of family experiences.

In a later chapter, Maddy (as did I) learns of the troubled relationship between Ken and his father, instigated by Ken's admirable decision to enlist in the US Navy to serve his country, earn money for college and to avoid, in his own words, "turning into a surfer bum." During an evening spent perusing photo albums from his years in the service, a teary-eyed Ken admits to her that -- unlike his supportive mother -- his father never once visited him when he was on leave, nor wrote him one letter, although he did show up for the ceremony marking the successful completion of his son's time in the Navy.

As with real life, "Ken" goes on to simultaneously complete his college degree and find success in the corporate world.

In the novel, I explore the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation through several characters. In this particular case, recalling the tension between Ken's human counterpart and his father afforded me the opportunity to start with a real-life element and carry it through the entire work of fiction.

Between Christmas Day and New Year's Day of that same year, "Ken" had spent several days hanging out with my family and me at our home in Pennsylvania. I clearly remember his emotional dilemma on New Year's Day, wanting to call his parents, yet dreading having to speak to his father -- an issue he shared openly with me. After listening for a while, I suggested that he follow through with the call, mostly for his own sake, as it was clearly causing inner turmoil. Further, by doing so, he'd take the high-road, demonstrating respect without actually conceding that his dad was correct in his unfair criticisms of his son. Ken subsequently took the advice and they had a cordial conversation.

Both of these incidents served as starting points to chronicle the evolution of the troubled father-son relationship between Ken and Carl Lockheart. By the book's end, Carl has developed a healthy respect for his youngest son's decision to embark upon a dramatically different path than the blue-collar, union card-carrying one he'd initially envisioned for his offspring.

Having spent several years apart from Ken mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically, Madeline is thrilled to discover this incredible father-son milestone when circumstances conspire to bring him and his family back into her life. In a purely fictional chapter, she finally meets Kenny's parents when she joins him for Mother's Day dinner at their home, where, among other things, they enjoy a round of karaoke (inspired by my own karaoke experiences with friends at a friendly, Pompano Beach bar). This scene is but one of many examples of coming "full-circle" in the novel, and one of my favorites in terms of the writing process. Unlike me, Madeline has been blessed with a beautiful singing voice, which is one of the countless qualities that Ken finds so intoxicating about her.

When I first met "Ken", the similarities between him and my father were not obvious to me; only in hindsight have I been able to fully see and appreciate them. From overcoming difficult obstacles on the way to achieving success, to possessing an incredibly attractive, genuine love of God, country and family, there are many ways in which Ken and Dr. Rose mirror each other. Yet, perhaps the most significant of these is their shared love for Madeline -- one as the man who brought her into the world, and the other as the man for whom she forever alters his.

Coming soon: More paths to reconciliation, and fact versus fiction.

Fact into Fiction: Part Two

With the news that my wonderful father, Dr. Al DiGiovanni, will be honored by the Drexel University College of Medicine (now consolidated with Hahnemann Medical School, the institution from which he graduated in 1960) for 50 esteemed years in the medical profession, it is only fitting to focus this next installment on the character of Dr. Joseph Rose.

As I mentioned in Fun Facts, I initially planned to make "Rose" my main character Madeline's middle name, before deciding that it made an excellent surname for the entire family. Rose happens to be my wonderful mother's first name, while Madeline (technically the Italian version, Madelina) had belonged to my maternal grandmother. So it had always been a given that I would create a character named Madeline Rose as a tribute to both women (I'll discuss the character of Madeline Rose, who is based on me, in another post).

Like my dad, Dr. Joseph Rose is a successful doctor with an outgoing personality; deep love of family and friends; passionate allegiance to the Philadelphia Phillies; and abiding zest for life. In fact, Joseph Rose is pretty much a mirror-image of his real-life counterpart with the exception that his specialty is neurosurgery, whereas my dad's had been general and vascular surgery. I specifically chose neurosurgery for Dr. Rose, knowing that his daughter Madeline would struggle with panic and anxiety disorder in the novel. Prior to her correct diagnosis, the medical profession would have to rule out possible brain abnormalities. By making her father an expert in this area, it helped to intensify his and his wife's distress over their youngest child's worrisome symptoms, which mimicked those of a patient with a serious neurological disorder.

In all other aspects -- and perhaps most importantly in their representation of The American Dream -- Dr. Joseph and Dr. Al are synonymous. Both are products of immigrant parents who migrated to the United States from Italy, in search of economic freedom and opportunity. Both grew up in the "inner city", a section of Philadelphia known asGermantown, in a small row-home shared with their parents and three brothers. Both aspired to be Major League Baseball pitchers, but had to turn to their second-love, medicine, when career-ending injuries forever shattered their dreams of pitching no-hitters to packed stadiums of loyal, enthusiastic fans. Finally, both are eternal optimists, grateful for the opportunities afforded them in a free and prosperous country where even the sons of broken-English-speaking immigrants could raise themselves up to greater heights, fueled by their own passion, persistence, hard work and determination.

These are the qualities that define my dad and his character. I have to admit, there was much I took for granted growing up as a doctor's daughter -- namely, my father's stunning transition from a poor boy with big dreams to a well-respected surgeon with a loyal patient following. I didn't fully appreciate the obstacles he'd faced and overcome, having only known him an accomplished member of the medical profession. And since he was never one to harp too much (although he had his moments) about how tough life was when he was a kid, (preferring instead to talk about the positives of being part of a close-knit, though financially challenged family), most of the stories I remember involve food, cooking, laughter, childhood pranks and parental devotion.

Not that things were always rosy. There was the occasional brush with bigotry, as when Chestnut Hill Hospital refused to bring an "Eye-talian" doctor on board, resulting in my parents' move to Delaware County, where he was offered staff positions at Mercy Catholic Medical Center and Riddle Memorial Hospital. And years prior, the tragic and unexpected loss of his mother when he was just a 19 year-old college student.

And yet, my dad persisted -- always with an attitude of gratitude and an optimistic outlook.

In spite of his success, neither of my parents ever forgot their roots (although as the daughter of a pharmacist who owned a corner drugstore in the neighborhood, my mom had grown up in a relatively affluent environment by comparison). Their closest friends included people from all walks of life -- doctors, dentists, plumbers, printers, small business-owners, truck drivers and military veterans.

As children, we were taught to be proud of our family members for their accomplishments, but never to think that we were better than anyone else by virtue of what our father did for a living. And my dad certainly walked his talk. Whenever we were out in public places like restaurants, he would always engage our waiter or waitress in friendly conversation, so much so that typically by the end of our meal, we knew as much about that person as they were willing to share -- which was normally a great deal, thanks to Dr. Al's genuine interest and friendly nature.

Ok, I'll admit, as a kid I found this somewhat embarrassing, just as my mother -- a much more reserved person when it came to strangers -- often did. We'd joke affectionately about how Dad felt absolutely compelled to know as much as he could about people he'd most likely never bump into again. But as an adult, I've come to appreciate and respect this rare quality, particularly in the frantic, me-first culture we're currently living in. If more people treated strangers, especially those who work in the service industry, as my dad did (and continues to do), our world would be a much better place.

Thanks for the great lessons, Dad! I hope I've done you justice in the character of Dr. Joseph Rose.

Fact into Fiction: Part One

Now that we've discussed copyright laws, and the obligation to remain mum about your "fictional" characters for legal, moral and ethical reasons, let's turn to the process by which real people become characters in a novel. This of course, is based on my own experience of writing Water Signs, so the information is purely subjective, and intended as helpful advice to others embarking upon the same kind of adventure.

Since there is so much I want to share with my fellow authors, I am breaking the topic down into several posts, to allow me to concentrate on specific characters in my book, in order to support my statements.

My novel is infused with many themes: first love, second chances, family, faith in God, personal resiliency, patriotism, traditional values vs. modern-day society, reconciliation, The American Dream (embodied by two specific characters, Ken Lockheart and Dr. Joseph Rose), and spirtual/personal growth. I explore and uphold these themes through the use of characters, plot, circumstances and symbolism. But for this particular post, I will focus on characters, as it ties in with the practice of basing them on actual people.

So let's start with my hero, Kenneth Lockheart. Also known as Ken and Kenny in the novel, he is modeled after a real guy I met and dated back in 1992. At the time, he seemed so much larger than life, as although we were both young adults of 25 (yes, I am giving away my age...:), "Ken" had already amassed so much more life experience, having spent four years in the United States Navy. An outgoing, energetic, intelligent and good-looking man, I was blown away by the fact that he'd summed up his young life and decided if he wanted to go after his dreams of a college education (something his parents could not provide), meaningful career and eventual wife and family, he had to go after it himself.

While this might not sound so unusual to my readers, as the youngest child of a successful surgeon, whose parents were determined to provide all of their children with a college education, it was a refreshing change for me. My dad, affectionately known as "Dr. Al" on Blog Talk Radio, was the child of Italian immigrants who supported him emotionally, but did not have the financial means to finance his dreams of higher education. Thus, beginning with high school and continuing on through medical school, my father worked several jobs, always grateful for the opportunity to achieve something greater, thanks to the USA (more on that later).

When he became a father himself, Dr. Al was adamant about removing as many obstacles for his children as possible. Thus, I never had to worry about attending college; it was a given in my family that -- at the very least -- a Bachelor's Degree would be the path for every DiGiovanni child (with the exception of my exceptional brother Ralph, a Down's guy who achieved his own remarkable success. More on him later).

Back in 1992, I'd just come out of a very painful breakup with a guy (my first boyfriend) who'd spent a lot of time criticizing me, whether for my fashion choices, hair color or weight (years later, he sincerely apologized and we put the past behind us, which is another plot point in the story). Having come through a challenging adolescence, during which an extra 10-15 pounds made my life miserable in terms of my desirability among high school boys, I was still carrying around the unwanted emotional baggage of this relationship, along with my previous disappointments pertaining to the opposite sex. And although I'd lost most of the weight and had become -- in the eyes of most others -- a beautiful, sweet and attractive young woman, it was nearly impossible to see myself that way.

Which brings me back to Ken. When we "accidentally" ended up hanging out together at a Somers Point, New Jersey nightclub, I couldn't reconcile in my mind his interest in me, expressed through conversation, hugs, high-fives and chaste kisses on the cheek. And the more I learned of his independence and self-sufficiency, the more impressed (and somewhat intimidated) I was.

To this day, no man prior and no man after him has treated me with the same genuine respect, admiration and affection. So when crafting the story, I realized that the Ken character had to be larger-than-life, in order to set him up as a stark contrast to the other men Madeline dates in the novel. Thus when readers meet Ken, they see a hard-working, optimistic, traditional, intelligent and determined young man who believes in his dreams and pursues them with passion. He knows the blue-collar job he's currently holding is a means to an end, a way to keep himself going financially, save for the future and figure out his next moves.

All of that is very true to the real man, along with his physical description. Sure, I could have changed eye/hair color, stature, physical build and place of residence (on this last point, my advice is to stick with the places you know, if indeed your novel is based on real life...what a time-saver!). I chose not to do that. This is obviously a personal decision for each author, but for me, authenticity is paramount. So while I did change the names for all of the obvious reasons, I wanted to remain as faithful as possible to his other characteristics.

Now don't get me wrong: Ken is a flawed human being like the rest of us. It just so happens that, unlike the other men Maddy dates, beneath the flaws remains a deep, consistent, abiding love for her. Therefore, everything he does -- including the hurtful, stupid things -- are a result of pure, genuine emotion. Readers may scratch their heads over some of his actions, but they will most likely never doubt his love for the story's heroine.

Pertaining to the theme of traditional values versus modern-day society, Ken is also very much an all-American kind of guy: a patriot and US Navy veteran with a relentless work ethic, love of freedom and fervent desire to settle down with the right woman. Yes, he's a young gun with all of the usual raging hormones and normal manly desires; however, he's quickly tiring of the dating game, even as he optimistically searches for his perfect woman. Marriage is foremost in his mind -- not meaningless hook-ups that regrettably characterize our current culture. And when he meets Madeline -- a traditional woman in every way, he knows his search is over.

Blown away by the facts that 1.) she refuses to go back to his place for "coffee" after the club closes at 2 a.m. 2.) she's not been with anyone in the Biblical sense, something he'd long given up on finding and 3.) she's planning on attending Mass the next day, he realizes she's a cut above the typical dating scene, and the women he's previously encountered.

Of course, these qualities also become a source of conflict, particularly because Madeline lags behind a bit in terms of her own emotional maturity. While she's adamant about upholding the values with which she's been raised, the thought of marriage -- and everything it entails with respect to physical intimacy -- is incredibly frightening. She's still struggling with body image and a fear of the unknown, a reality she has tremendous difficulty verbalizing to the man who stares at her adoringly and thinks everything she does is wonderful.

Ok, back to some specifics in fashioning Ken after his real-life inspiration.

As I mentioned, I remained true to his physical characteristics and personality traits. As much as I could recall through my journals and my memory, I recreated the townhouse he'd lived in in Somers Point, NJ. I literally retraced some of the steps we'd taken on the Atlantic City boardwalk, and toward Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, on our way to watch a live Eagles game.

Thus Ken and Maddy's first date at Frisanco's (a restaurant no longer in business), subsequent stroll on the A.C. boardwalk and eventual first kiss high atop the Trump Taj Mahal are all straight from real life. Other things are not, but were created with the book's themes in mind. In keeping with the title, I endeavored to place my characters by water as often as possible. Therefore, in one of my early chapters, Ken surprises Madeline with a private beach picnic in Ventnor City. Did this really happen? No, but it certainly is something that could have happened, and it provided me a wonderful opportunity as an author to delve further into my characters' feelings, motivations and outlook.

Other examples of things I did not alter: Ken's birthplace, zodiac sign (the real guy and me are both Pisces), high school, family (both the real guy and me are the youngest in our respective families), faith (both the real guy and me were raised Catholic), marriage to another woman, and ultimate success in the corporate world. The reasons for this are varied -- the shared Pisces sign, for example, ties in with water, which symbolizes renewal and emotions, the foundation of the story.

Examples of things altered:

Unlike the real guy and me, Ken and Madeline share the exact same birthday of March 7, 1967. This supports the "soul mate", spirituality and metaphysical aspects of the book. In real life, we're about two weeks apart, although both born in March. March 7 was chosen to honor my real grandmother's birth, since she plays an integral part in the plot, albeit from the other side of life.

As I've previously stated, the name "Kenneth Lockheart" is completely made up. I needed a first name that would lend itself easily and obviously to shortened versions, thus Kenneth becomes Ken, becomes Kenny. As a side note, I wrote half of the book using the guy's real first name as it took me that long to settle on a fictional one!

Ken and Maddy's date at The Ship Inn in Exton, where he gives her a Pisces pendant is also a purely fictional scene. However, I've shared some enjoyable meals at The Ship Inn with family and friends, so incorporating it into Water Signs was easy to do. It is also relevant by virtue of Ken being a US Navy vet, and the use of water and the Pisces zodiac sign as symbolism in the novel.

Ken's physical fight with his co-worker that ultimately results in his dismissal from the electric company is another made-up element that helps to advance the story and underscore certain themes. In this particular case, it is the tension between "working class" and "middle class", fomented by jealousy on the co-worker's part. It also feeds into Ken's insecurity of not being good enough for Madeline, having not yet completed his education.

In my next installment, I will expand upon the points I've made here. I will also place particular focus on the American Dream theme, with a comparison and contrast between the two most important men in Madeline's life: Ken and her father.

As always, I hope this information has been helpful, and I look forward to sharing more in the near future! :)

Copyright Law and Temptation

As I've noted in countless interviews, my book Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal is based on real people and events in my life. In a previous post, I discussed the amazing evolution of the book, following an unexpected memory recall of significant personal events I'd previously blocked from my consciousness. And while I believe these were all the products of divine timing and inspiration, and have no regrets for writing the book, I am also guided by integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong.

Therefore, I will never divulge the real identities of my characters, particularly Ken and Erin. True, there are some folks who, by virtue of actually being part of the real events (i.e. my family members), know who most of the real-life players are. That's just the way it is, although none of them would ever go public with the information.

Someone whom I previously considered a friend recently put tremendous pressure on me via a series of emails to share the real identities behind the characters. Although I don't recall, she claims I once trusted her with this information, and she's simply asking now because she (thankfully) cannot remember. If I did break my own rule of conduct, I regret doing so in a moment of emotional weakness. I've done countless interviews with local reporters and on internet and a.m. radio, and have never once divulged the information. Actually, if memory serves correctly, not one of them even posed the question in the first place, as it is neither relevant, nor crucial to the enjoyment and significance of the story.

Thus, it clearly suffices to let readers know that yes -- these personal experiences that highlight the tragedies and difficulties of the modern dating world, are indeed, rooted in reality. So yes, they are authentic, and yes, they help me make an important statement about our contemporary culture.

But it is enough to know that the men Madeline encounters in Water Signs are inspired by men I've met and dated in my own life. Period. Beyond that, their identities are no one else's business. Ditto for other characters like Ken's wife, Erin. I live in a town where there are "six-degrees of separation" within a very tight business community, and it serves no good purpose for me to start naming names.

Further, there is the not-so-insignificant matter of my legal protection under copyright law. Why would I do anything to jeopardize that, when it was put into place specifically for that very reason -- to protect me? I am truly stumped that a so-called friend would be incapable of understanding at least this last point, which I very carefully spelled out for her. Instead, she took my refusal to disclose the information as a personal insult, angry that I don't "trust" her.

Information is a funny thing; it has a way of getting out in spite of the best intentions of the secret-keeper. And as I painstakingly explained, the more people who know the real names, the greater the chances of it leaking out in a town where everybody is ultimately connected to everybody else. And that has the potential to hurt some innocent people who aren't even old enough to deal with the consequences.

If friends cannot understand or respect that, so be it.

Coming soon: Guidelines for transforming real people into fictional characters.

Literary Technique: Flashback

Since this technique is such an important element in Water Signs, particularly in terms of creating intrigue, I decided to devote an entire post to its discussion. Given that readers know the ending of the story the moment they read the Prologue, I had to employ every possible literary tool at my disposal to build suspense and maintain a good pace throughout the novel. I've noted most of them previously, but wanted to delve into the flashback technique in greater detail, since the entire work of fiction is, in essence, a series of smaller flashbacks within the context of one big 16-year flashback.

Part One begins in 1992, with Southeastern Pennsylvania and South Jersey (i.e. Greater Philadelphia area) as the setting. The Prologue, set in Deerfield Beach in 2008 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (a place where I regularly attend Mass), has just alerted readers to the significance of the nuptials about to take place between Ken Lockheart and Madeline Rose, "by the grace and mercy of God" and "at the end of a long, arduous and oftentimes broken road." Considering I've now piqued their interest in the long journey leading to this momentous occasion for my two main characters, I next had to focus on crafting an interesting, page-turning tale worthy of the intrigue generated from the outset.

Of course, as I've noted before, it helps that so much of Water Signs is based on real life, proving the maxim "write what you know". And in spite of a well-meaning editor/friend's advice, I declined to change the geographic locations of the story from Southeastern Pennsylvania to Illinois, and from South Florida to Southern California, for this very reason (along with a few others). I didn't have to agonize over describing unfamiliar locations, or researching the local culture and traditions of unknown parts of the country, and then trying to infuse them into the makeup of my characters.

I know what constitutes a Philly girl versus a suburban Philly girl versus a Boca Babe, and a South Jersey guy versus a South Florida guy. I feel passionate about Philly sports, food, culture and history. I've spent countless summers at the Jersey Shore in my childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. I've lived in South Florida most of my adult life. Therefore, immortalizing these characters and settings was effortless. And the result is an authentic work of fiction that simultaneously uplifts, instructs and and occasionally tugs at the heartstrings.

However, I still had to make many necessary adjustments and/or embellishments to certain plot points because -- let's face it -- sometimes actual events do not quite have the same dramatic oomph required for compelling fiction. Case in point: the night Maddy and Ken peruse his old US Navy photo albums while hanging out at his house (Chapters 4 and 5). While this is a true-to-life occurrence, it took place in "Ken's" living room, while we were both seated on the couch in broad daylight, not in his bedroom in the late-evening, as is the case in Water Signs. I changed the locale from living room to bedroom and time period from afternoon to the almost wee-hours of the morning, to increase the sexual tension between the characters, as well as to test Ken's ability to respect his new love's clearly articulated boundaries, and in turn, her willingness to trust in his sincerity.

This incident is also a great example of the flashback technique, as although the scene begins in Chapter 4 and continues into Chapter 5, it's not until later in Chapter 5, when Madeline is cruising along the highways of suburban Philly conducting sales calls for her job that we learn the full extent of what transpired during the previous night's intimate moments. Prompted by the song, Just Another Day, she reminisces back to Ken's recounting of his broken engagement, complete with raw emotional betrayal and visceral heartbreak. This gives readers another insight into Ken's history, and his motivation in wanting to marry and settle down with his true love. It also offers a window into Maddy's soul and the extent to which her lingering insecurities -- exacerbated by a previous relationship -- will cause problems in her nascent romance with Ken.

Much later in Chapter 31, an older, wiser and recently reunited couple are cruising down Camino Real on the way to Ken's parents' home in the Royal Oak Hills section of Boca Raton, Maddy embarks upon a silent remembrance celebrating the history of her family. This provides readers yet another new insight into her character and conveniently (for the author) lays the groundwork for future prequels featuring the entire Rose clan.

Look for the strategic use of flashback throughout the novel.

Literary Techniques Used In Water Signs

As someone who believes good fiction should engage the reader to the point where he or she loses all concept of space and time, it was important to me that my book have the same all-consuming effect. Thus, I used several different techniques to create a "mental vacation" for the reader and underscore the points I was trying to make through plot and characters.

So here they are, in no particular order:

1. Italics - A significant factor in Madeline's personal development is learning how to effectively confront people and circumstances when warranted. Throughout most of the novel, this is a daunting challenge for her. To denote this element of her personality and allow readers a window into her real thoughts and motivations, I employed italics. One of the most dramatic examples occurs in Chapter 19, when Ken forthrightly asks her how the news of his engagement makes her feel. Unlike Ken, readers get the truthful answer, immediately followed by her articulation of a lie she deems honorable and necessary under the circumstances:

How the hell do you think I feel Kenny? You were the one calling and crying on the phone for nearly two years about how much you loved me and missed me; the one who practically begged me to move here in the first place; and the one who kept your live-in girlfriend a secret until there was no turning back! How the hell do you think I feel after uprooting my entire life, hurting my family and having to face the consequences of a misinformed decision alone? How could you deceive me like that? Is this some sort of payback for hurting you?

“Hey, I think it’s great!” she replied brightly. “Congratulations! I’ve been dating a lot myself since I got here. Believe me; I have my own things going on!”

Look for this technique throughout the novel.

2. Music - Water Signs spans sixteen years in the lives of its two main characters -- 1992-2008. In order to help readers identify with the changing time period throughout the story, and relate more deeply to Ken and Madeline's world, particular songs and artists are mentioned. Some of these were chosen specifically for their relevance to real life, while others either fit the narrative at a particular juncture perfectly, or reflect the characters' Philly-area roots.

For example, in Chapter One, Ken and Maddy's first slow dance takes place to Elton John's The One, which debuted during the summer of 1992 and immediately became one of my favorites.

In Chapter Three, as the two characters are driving to Atlantic City -- site of their first official date -- in Ken's black Acura (another detail taken from real life), Maddy asks him to stop switching the radio dials when Jon Secada's Just Another Day starts blaring through the speakers. That's also a page (no pun intended!) out of real life, with the song being a 1992 hit with both the characters and their living, breathing counterparts.

In Chapter 23, Madeline performs her own unique rendition of the song, On My Own, from Les Miserables, for her dance studio's local production. As I've mentioned before, singing beautifully and powerfully was something I've always wished I could do, but alas was not in God's plan for me. Thus I took some creative license as an author and infused the character based on me with that very talent. I chose this particular song for two reasons: 1.) to dramatically underscore the melancholy circumstances of Madeline's life at this point in the book; and 2.) to pay homage to my very favorite Broadway show. However, like Madeline I am also a ballroom dancer, and I did participate in a Fred Astaire showcase in Boca Raton, as part of a group tango!

In Chapter 30, The Spinners' Then Came You, not only retells the love story between the two main characters, but also recalls their native metropolitan Philadelphia origins.

3. Sports - In Water Signs as in real life, professional sports play a significant role. When crafting the novel, I endeavored to recreate the culture of the Philadelphia/South Jersey area (site of Part One) and South Florida (site of Part Two) via the incorporation of real-life sporting events. Much of this occurs as a remembrance uttered by a character over a breakfast or dinner conversation, such as when Maddy relates her experience as a young teenager at the 1980 World Series when the Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals, and at the 1981 NFC Championship Game when her beloved Eagles beat the Dallas Cowboys, 20-7. Both are examples of art imitating life, as is Dr. Rose's passionate devotion to the Phillies.

4. Food - As part of bringing regional culture and tradition to both a new and familiar audience, much of the activity in Water Signs revolves around popular foods and delicacies. Maddy and Ken's beach picnic, for example, features provolone cheese from South Philly, homemade Italian wedding cookies and "tomato pie" (a special pizza-like creation first introduced to the area by a South Philly bakery in the 1900s).

Humorous Side Note: When I spoke at the Hawthorne Writers Group last fall in North Jersey (about 20 miles from Manhattan), I thought it would be fun to bring wedding cookies (baked by yours truly) and tomato pie. Although I knew the latter was mainly found in South Jersey, I'd assumed it had finally made its way north, for the simple fact that it is absolutely scrumptious. After several fruitless calls to North Jersey bakeries and pizza shops, I realized the Philly-area delicacy was nowhere to be found anywhere north of Trenton. So I ordered it from a local suburban place near my parents' home and transported it by car. Thankfully, it survived the 2 1/2 hour trek unscathed (and uneaten). :)

5. Technology - One of the most enjoyable aspects of tracing the progression from 1992 to 2008 was referencing the various technology used by my characters. When the story opens, "car phones" are the latest rage, as evidenced by an excited Lori happily showing off the one that came with her brand-new Pontiac Bonneville (an actual event borrowed from reality) to her younger sister and her new beau. As the plot progresses, Madeline notes the heretofore unknown and excessive use of cell phones and pagers in South Florida (circa 1995). By the time we arrive near the end of the first decade of the new millennium, she is employed as a content manager for a company that specializes in online marketing for the hospitality industry, a fictional career based on the fact that I did indeed work as a content writer for a Boca Raton-based company, creating e-proposals for major hotel chains.

6. Juxtaposition - Water Signs is about the journey, not the destination. Therefore, readers know the ending from the moment they read the prologue, demanding a compelling narrative on the part of the author to keep them turning the pages. In addition to the other methods mentioned, the use of juxtaposition was a great help in building suspense, beginning in Chapter One. It opens with Madeline and Carmen crossing the Walt Whitman bridge, before speeding down the Atlantic City Expressway, their conversation informing readers of their backgrounds, motivations and plans for the evening ahead. Before long, the chapter shifts to a back-and-forth narrative that alternates between the girls' arrival at the club to Kenny's reluctant preparation in front of the mirror for a night of drinking and dancing (which also serves as his initial introduction to readers). This technique continues throughout the novel, with most chapters picking right up where the previous one left off.

7. Branding -- Another method through which the culture and traditions of Philly, South Jersey and South Florida come alive for readers is branding. In Part One, I make several references to familiar retail chains and brands throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Jersey Shore, including Wawa convenience stores; Tastykake commercial baked goods; water ice (known to the rest of the country as flavored Italian ices); soft pretzles; Herr's potato chips; and Turkey Hill ice cream.

In Part Two, Maddy gets stood up by Mark Donnelly, who was supposed to take her to SunFest (an incident straight out of real life, SunFest being an annual event held in West Palm Beach). Several chapters later, Maddy and Ken reunite over lunch at the Samba Room, a popular restaurant chain in South Florida.

Side Note: I did once work in downtown Fort Lauderdale, where I also shared a few lunches with former co-workers at this particular Samba Room location, thus the inspiration for using it as the setting for Madeline and Ken's long-awaited meeting.

8. Water Imagery - Aside from obviously paying homage to the book's title, the use of water imagery also evokes a dream-like quality within the narrative, and supports the interwoven concepts of renewal and reconciliation. On a basic level, the coastal locations of the story, the characters' shared Pisces sign and Ken's US Navy service contribute to Water Signs' "escapist" quality, conjuring up images of beach-inspired beauty, majestic ocean waves, colorful fish swimming beneath the sea's surface and American heroes serving their country on awe-inspiring aircraft carriers.

But on a much deeper level, water is a symbol of rebirth in traditional religious customs and spiritual practices. It is also a symbol of the emotions, which play a significant role in character development, particularly for Maddy. She suffers for years with panic and anxiety disorder -- a gross distortion of the emotions that negatively impacts the physical body -- without actually knowing what it is -- until she reads the packaging for the medication prescribed by her doctor. Prior to her unusual cure by a psychic, the only time she finds relief from her sometimes frightening symptoms is when she's immersed in water, whether swimming in a pool, riding a wave in the ocean or standing under the pulsating refreshment of a hot shower.

Ken, although not a co-sufferer with this affliction, often heads to the beach or to the Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier when life seems overwhelming. In Part Two, when rocked by Maddy's unexpected arrival in Florida -- blissfully unaware of his engagement to another woman -- the pier is his destination of choice when he seeks his mother's counsel in person.

Side Note: When I first moved to Florida, I'd often go to this pier for my own consolation, which is why it is also the setting for Maddy's date with Mark (another fact turned into fiction). Today, I still visit there frequently, as this section of Deerfield also boasts plenty of retail and mom-and-pop stores and restaurants, as well as a beautiful, two-mile sidewalk along the beach.

More to come in another post!

Fun Facts About Water Signs

Since my novel is a loosely autobiographical tale of first love and second chances, I thought it would be amusing to compile a list of "Fun Facts" explaining the fusion of real life into fiction. Enjoy!

• The character Madeline Rose is named for my grandmother and mother. Originally, I was going to use "Rose" for Maddy's middle name, but decided it made an excellent surname for the entire family.
• My confirmation name is Madeline, chosen by me as a young girl to honor my grandmother's memory.
• The shared birthday of Ken and Madeline, March 7, was my grandmother's actual birthday. And while the real life counterparts for these characters don't really share the same birthday, both are Pisces! :)
• I wrote most of Part One using a different first name for the Ken character -- the name of the real life person upon which this character is loosely based. Not wanting to lose any ground, I kept going until I finally settled on the name, "Kenneth." Thank goodness for the "Find and Replace" feature on Word!
• The name "Water Signs" was chosen for a variety of reasons, the most obvious having to do with Zodiac signs and the coastal locations of the story. However, since water is also a symbol of renewal in traditional religious faith and spiritual practices, the use of water imagery worked well for a 16-year personal growth odyssey. You'll notice it throughout the book.
• Chapters 21, 22 and 23 were culled from a manuscript I'd written about 10 years ago, and then thrown into a filing cabinet, never to be seen again until I sat down to seriously write the book in March, 2008.
• A keeper of journals for over 20 years, I pulled them out to help me fill in details and flesh out characters, plots and circumstances.
• Though I've been fully recovered from panic and anxiety disorder for 12 years, it still pained me deeply to have to go back and read my real life journals, which chronicle that awful period in vivid detail. Though I'd written in them faithfully on a daily basis, I'd never gone back to review them. So pulling them out after all this time was tough. To make it easier, I literally wrote the happy ending -- the 2nd half of Part Two -- first, then went back and filled in the story!
• Technology progresses along with the novel, so we start off with the new phenomenon of "car phones," work our way up to cell phones and beepers, and then finally to the Internet and website design!
• To help set the time period from 1992-2008, I employed a lot of great music. During the summer of 1992, Jon Secada's Just Another Day and Elton John's The One, were two of my very favorites. You'll see them and other familiar songs along the way.
• Part One is laced with local Philly/South Jersey references including Herr's potato chips, Wawa, Tastykake, Turkey Hill, soft pretzels and water ice.
• The Philadelphia Eagles play a prominent role in Part One; the Philadelphia Phillies are mentioned to a lesser extent. With both teams, I tried to highlight the famous Philly/New York rivalries. Therefore, in one pivotal scene it's the Eagles home opener against the Giants; in another, it's the Phillies battling the Mets.
• William J. Bennett's Book of Virtues was actually given to me by my brother Paul (Damian) in 1994. The handwritten note inside the book's cover that Madeline reads at the end of Part One are Paul's words, verbatim.
• The flashback scene where Madeline recalls breaking her arm in a football accident with her brothers and cousins is also from real life. My brother Mark (Greg) fell into me while trying to catch a pass, resulting in one nasty fracture. And yes, he really did give me his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album as a way of expressing remorse -- a hot commodity at the time! I used to love the sketches inside the cover, especially the one of Marilyn Monroe.
• Damian is Paul's middle name; Greg is the name of one of my nephews. The name "Louis" has been a nickname for my brother Ralph for as long as I can remember; therefore, I gave his character that name!
• My sister Carolyn reminds me of a close friend named Lori; thus, the name of Madeline's older sister.
• My dad's middle name is Joseph and he is a retired general and vascular surgeon. And though in the book Dr. Joseph Rose is a neurosurgeon, the character is pretty true to his real life counterpart in every other way.
• Monica Rose is based on my mom, whose photos as a younger woman remind me very much of Monica Crowley, making it easy to name that character!
• The psychic Ann Claire is based on a real person, someone I actually did meet at a monthly women's social and business networking organization. Madeline's interaction with her that evening mirrors my own almost exactly; only her name has been changed.
• Madeline's conversation by the pool with they guy who asks her if she'd go out with him if he wasn't married is also (unfortunately) a true-to-life incident.
• One of the best things about being an author is the ability to infuse the characters with personality traits, physical qualities and talents that may or may not exist in real life. For example, Madeline and I are both former ballroom dance instructors, but only Madeline is a professional singer, too!
• The Atlantic City restaurant, Frisanco's, where Ken and Madeline share their first date is no longer in business. However, it was the setting for the actual date in 1992, along with the boardwalk and Trump's Taj Mahal. And yes, the rolling chair incident really did take place!
• Les Miserables is my favorite musical, which is why I had Madeline sing On My Own in the theatrical production she participates in with her dance studio in Boca Raton. It also dramatically underscores her circumstances at this particular juncture of the book.
• My dad really does have his pilot's licence and flew a Piper Cub for years. The aerial route over the Jersey Shore that I describe in the book was one of his favorites, especially when entertaining new passengers.
• I created the beach picnic scene as another method of getting the two characters near water (in keeping with the book's theme), and a way of conveying a bit of the Philly/South Jersey culture, via the foods they are eating, e.g. provolone cheese from South Philly. This is one scene that is purely fictional.
• I used the fictional character of Erin Mahoney to represent what I perceive to be our culture of excessive self-absorption. While on one hand we have people who overextend themselves -- often to their own detriment -- in my experience many more are the opposite extreme. Their obsession with self tends to focus exclusively on the physical body and material possessions. Of the three Boca Raton transplants Ken, Erin and Madeline, Erin is the only one who loses sight of her values and becomes enveloped by the "keeping up with the Jones'" mentality.
• Traditional values and a clear-cut sense of right and wrong are deeply ingrained in me, and I wanted my book to reflect that. Madeline does the right thing by hiding her feelings and stepping aside, allowing Ken to make his own decision about his future without any outside interference. Years later, he unexpectedly comes back into her life as a free man, only because he and Erin failed to resolve their conflicts. The dissolution of their marriage is directly attributable to them -- and not anyone else.
• I wrestled with a little bit of guilt over employing a psychic to help me overcome panic disorder in real life, but finally resolved it in my own mind as an answer to an oft-repeated prayer. I've been free of the disorder for 12 years now, and have absolutely no regrets. It doesn't change my religious beliefs in any way; however, it is kind of ironic that someone who once feared psychics was actually healed by one!
• The characters of Isabella, Mark, Elyse, Audrey, Carolyn and Robin are all modeled after real people. All names have been changed.
• Sunfest is an actual festival that occurs every year in West Palm Beach. Mark calling Maddy to cancel their date at the last minute is also straight out of real life, as is their first face-to-face meeting in Mizner Park, and their evening at the Acapulco Grill and the Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier.
• Ken's roommate Kathy is a fictional character I created to set up another contrast between Madeline and other single women in the story.
• Carmen is based on a personal friend, with whom I once taught at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Wayne, PA. While her name has been changed, the rest of the character is true to her real-life counterpart. Carmen also creates a contrast between Madeline and her peers, with Carmen assuming another "big sister" role in Maddy's life.
• Although the book is loosely autobiographical, it is definitely not a documentary. Not all of Madeline's experiences are my experiences; some are actually gleaned from various conversations I've had with female friends who love to talk about the happenings in their lives!
• Certain elements of real life experience have been embellished and/or used as a springboard to create more drama and intrigue. In many cases, I condensed the time period between events to tighten up the story. For example, Jake's (based on a real person whose name I changed) phone call asking for forgiveness actually took place several years prior.
• Even the closest families have their difficulties, and mine is no exception; I worked hard to create balanced portrayals while also highlighting the importance of forgiveness -- another theme of the novel.
• The Pisces pendant that Ken gives Madeline at the restaurant was just a literary ploy to reinforce the Pisces/water imagery, although I have eaten many meals at The Ship Inn in Exton!
• Some plot points are left purposely vague. For example, I know of a woman who was raped on the beach by a former boyfriend. To give an added element of drama as well as a contrast between Ken and the rest of the men Maddy encounters, I created Ray Smith, an older guy who takes advantage of her. The point here is not about a crime being committed, but Maddy learning an important lesson about trusting her inner guidance. It also serves later on as a test of Ken's character and Madeline's courage.
• Since we are all free to filter literature through the prism of our own biases and experiences, some may interpret the book as a repudiation of traditional values. As the author, I can assure you it is not. Quite the opposite: the true merit in striving to live up to one's moral foundation lies in the fact that it is difficult. And it's only through faith, forgiveness and endurance through the trials of life that we become better people and develop a closer relationship with God.
• Although I wanted to, it just wasn't possible to immortalize every good friend through fiction; likewise, there were some real life events that didn't make the cut. Good thing, or the book might have been 800 pages!
• The character of Cassie is based on my close cousin, Annie, who was also one of my "test readers" along the way.
• I really did live with family friends when I first moved to Florida. They were wonderful people who opened their home to me for nearly two months, until I got on my feet. My mom really did grow up with the Rita character (last name changed), whose daughter Debbie has been my hairdresser for 14 years!
• Elyse Lombard is based on a very close friend who is very much like another big sister to me. Our friendship grew even stronger as a result of a horrible tragedy -- the untimely death of her five year-old nephew from brain cancer. This awful incident is referenced in the story. And yes, in real life, this friend loves to offer unsolicited fashion advice! :)
• Audrey Solomon is also based on a dear friend with whom I also share a sisterly connection. She's really a foot and ankle surgeon, wife and mom of two (though her second baby wasn't born until well after the book was written).
• Water Signs delves into sensitive emotional and physical territory -- the kind of intensely personal matters most of us are reluctant to discuss. In addition to panic disorder, Madeline deals with overwhelming insecurites regarding the opposite sex and her own attractiveness; irregular menstrual periods; fear of physical intimacy and even pelvic floor dysfunction. Some of these are "borrowed" from friends' experiences; some are my own experiences.
• There is nothing gratuitous in my book, though there is plenty of "adult content." Maddy struggles to live up to her values while trying to date in the modern world and deal with her own grown-up desires. The chapters involving older, divorced man Mark Donnelly are an excellent example of this.
• I debated whether or not to include a consummation scene near the end of the book, but ultimately decided it was necessary in order to demonstrate the physical, emotional and spiritual growth of both characters. Still, I focused on making it more romantic (as opposed to explicit), by incorporating conversation and describing the setting in vivid detail. I am not as concerned about what the characters are doing as I am about how they are feeling and what they are thinking.
• Having made the above two points, it was still not easy to reconcile my inclusion of intimate scenes with some members of my family. As an author and an adult, I knew most people would certainly understand and approve; however, as a daughter I was well aware that my parents still think of me as their little girl. I am happy to report my mom loved the book, though she was a little put-off at first. Now she's my best PR agent!
• The karaoke scene is also pure fiction; however, I used to sing karaoke a lot with some close friends at a little bar in Pompano Beach. Getting up to sing in front of a crowd really was a fear I wanted to confront. Leather and Laceand Stop Draggin' My Heart Around were two numbers I used to perform with the bartender that worked there.
• The nicknames Elyse bestows on Madeline's parents -- "Yaki" and "Tootsie" -- are straight out of real life. A few years back, this friend and I took a road trip to Philly to visit my family. Though we were exhausted from the drive, my excited dad, who just loves to take pictures, insisted we view his photo gallery from a recent trip to Italy -- thus the nickname "Dr. Yakimoto", or "Yaki" for short!
• My mom has a very dear friend she calls "Lolly", short for Lauretta. Amused by the nickname, my friend "Elyse" was inspired to dub my mother "Tootsie" as in tootsie roll and lollypop!
• My grandmother really did leave me her engagement ring, a beautiful antique piece I wear every single day. Though many have suggested resetting it, I have steadfastly refused. And though I've worn it for years, I still get compliments!

Water Signs: Recipient of Blurb Radio's Book of the Week Award

I had the wonderful opportunity to create a three-minute audio commercial for Water Signs, as part of a fiction competition for an exciting Blog Talk Radio show called Blurb! Hosted by Dr. Kent and Sally, this creative, entertaining program airs select blurbs submitted by aspiring authors, alternating genres (fiction, nonfiction, etc) every week. The hosts then comment live after playing each blurb for their listening audience, before ultimately selecting a winner for "Book of the Week." On July 15, 2009 I was thrilled to appear on their show as the recipient of that week's honor!

Many thanks to Dr. Kent and Sally.

For those of you who love to read, I highly recommend listening their innovative BTR show, which airs every Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. And for authors seeking more exposure for their work, I highly recommend contacting them to submit a blurb. Even if I hadn’t won, the process of distilling the major themes of my novel into a compelling, three-minute audio description was an excellent exercise that prepared me well for future interviews.

The Evolution of Water Signs

One of the questions I am asked most frequently by readers is "How long did it take you to write Water Signs?" In truth, there are two paradoxically correct answers:

1. Just under four months; and

2. Fourteen years.

I originally conceived the title in 1994, as a reaction to some very traumatic, real-life events involving a handsome guy and a relocation to a state about 1,200 miles away from home. To put it in a nutshell, I'd moved under false pretenses, believing the guy (whom I'd met and dated two years prior), was still a.) single and b.) avidly desirous of having me move to The Sunshine State, although I'd initially balked at the idea. By the time I'd found the courage to make such a bold choice, he'd moved on with a "platonic roommate" who turned out to be his betrothed.

Indescribably humiliated, angry, hurt and demoralized, I nevertheless found the strength to view his purpose in my life as a catalyst for positive change -- one of forcing me to make some painful, yet necessary decisions which I now realize were vital to my personal and spiritual growth. However, back in the excruciatingly painful reality of late-1994/early 1995, such magnanimous, mature thoughts had yet to take root in my mind (although they soon formed the foundation for my emotional survival).

When he surprised me with an in-person visit to break the "happy" news, every fiber of my being wanted to scream, cry, berate and interrogate to get the answers I knew I deserved. Instead, I just sat there, unable to articulate a coherent sentence. That is, until he asked me point-blank how I felt about all of this. And in a performance worthy of an Oscar, I smiled sweetly, expressed my congratulations and assured him that -- since my arrival in South Florida -- my social life had been moving along swimmingly (which was actually true, thanks to some family friends with offspring in my age group, and a determination to create my own social circle). Thus with all the sincerity I could muster, I congratulated him and his bride-to-be, a woman whose acquaintance I was yet to make, but for whom I'd nevertheless felt an obligation.

In my mind, an engagement was a commitment that precluded any interference from past girlfriends. Should he arrive on his own at the conclusion that he and his fiancee were all wrong for each other, and therefore cancel the wedding, that would be one thing. As for me, I was not willing to hurt a woman I'd never even met, simply because he and I couldn't get our timing straight. Stepping aside then, was the only moral thing to do.

Somewhere in the middle of all the trauma, an image of my future book, along with its title, Water Signs, popped into my head. While I am not necessarily adept (yet) at the practice of holding an image firmly in mind, I clearly saw a book with the head-to-tail, in-a-circle, Pisces fish immersed in rippling water -- hardly surprising since the gentleman and I are both March babies, born about two weeks apart under the last sign of the zodiac. I jotted down some notes in a journal. And soon after, I banished the book, the title and the guy in the deepest recesses of my mind, never to be seen or heard from again. At least that was the plan. I continued to journal, as I'd done for most of my life, but for all intents and purposes, the man for whom I'd uprooted my entire life had never even existed.

Fast forward to February, 2008 -- and an odd, amorphous "full-circle" kind of feeling that led me to visit with a local intuitive named Ann, a woman I'd seen about once a year for nearly a decade. During the span of our fifteen-minute conversation, Ann ushered in a flood of unparalleled emotion by uttering one word -- the proper name of the man who'd broken my heart so many years prior. It didn't sink in at first, because I'd always called him by a nickname that's a natural offshoot of his baptismal name, as had everyone else; additionally, this proper name is also shared by my brother-in-law. Coupled with the fact that I was still suffering from selective amnesia where this person was concerned, it took a bit of clarification before I realized that the man Ann declared was "cycling back in" was the same one I'd deliberately and forcefully sealed off in my mind's vault, forever. Or so I thought.

And once the floodgates surrendered to the onslaught, a relentless rush of memories overwhelmed me to the point where the only logical course of action was to prove the age-old axiom, "writing is therapy." Thus, the "fictional" novel Water Signs began to take form in my mind. And once I sat down at the computer, the words sprung from my keyboard and onto my computer screen without much assistance from me, other than as a diligent typist, dutifully keeping pace with their frenzied demand.

Though I had a full-time job and a 40-minute, round-trip commute at the time, I'd rush home and spend a minimum of four hours every weeknight, and pretty much every waking hour of every weekend creating the story of Ken and Madeline. It was as if an angel was sitting on my shoulder, whispering the words into my ear. At no point did I have to consciously think about where to use descriptive narration versus character dialogue; where to end one chapter and begin another; or even how many pages to comprise each chapter. Although I did refer to my journals to fill in details and retrace my heart-wrenching journey through panic and anxiety disorder (a topic for another post), and even pulled out a manuscript I'd written ten years prior to formulate Chapters 21, 22 and 23, the bulk of the novel originated from a mind and a heart that had finally found the courage to tell a story whose time had finally arrived.

I sat down in March of 2008 with the intention to complete the novel by July 4 of 2008. On June 29, 2008 -- my parents' 51st anniversary, Water Signs: A Story of Love and Renewal, had completed its 14-year trajectory from obscure idea with an intriguing title, to a compelling, romantic novel comprised of 435 pages and 35 chapters.