My previous books are memoirs. While I was writing them, I wanted to challenge myself by exploring the fiction genre. I started writing this manuscript in the summer of 2018 and finished the first draft in January 2019. My partner and husband, Anthony Mosca, had always been the first to read all my previous manuscripts. The plan was for him to do the same with this one, but he died of a massive heart attack on January 24, 2019. I set the text aside while I grieved his loss.
I tried repeatedly to start fresh, but grief, depression, and rebuilding my life as a single man kept me from focusing on writing. I let two friends read my draft. Both said the story had potential but needed rewriting to develop the characters and plot. I often sat at the computer, staring at what I had previously written. I rewrote the first chapter many times, but it still didn’t adequately introduce the protagonist and major conflict. So, I put it back on hold
Later in 2019, I joined the Royal Palm Beach Library Writers Workshop. Instead of working on the fiction, I rewrote my earlier book about my four years in the military. The revised “One Month, 20 Days, and a Wake Up” took over 18 months to complete and was published in late 2021.
In January 2022, I attempted to rewrite this book again. With the help of the writers’ group, I was making progress. We met only twice a month, so the process was slow and challenging. In July 2023, doctors diagnosed me with colorectal cancer. Once more, I had to set the writing aside.
If it hadn’t been for my writer’s group’s encouragement, I might never have finished my fiction manuscript. Each member, in their own way, understood my personal crisis and contributed to the project. The contributing group includes: Karen Crisco, Lori Flynn, Laura Founier, Jeffrey Philips, Vito Leonardo, and Ruth Darrington. I know I have left out some members, and if you are one, please accept my apologies for the oversight. All of you played a significant role in developing the manuscript, and I am grateful.
BOOK BLURB
A Son’s Dilemma
Growing up in the West Texas town of Snyder, Charlie swore he would never work in his family-owned funeral business. Yet, three years after high school, he is a licensed mortician and a partner with his parents.
While attending mortuary school, a camaraderie with classmate Dennis quickly evolves into a tumultuous relationship filled with passion and sexual discovery. Charlie’s naivete regarding his sexuality compels him to confront the growing conflicts.
During the years of serving the West Texas community, his involvement in various deaths reveals the community’s history of hate, racism, and intolerance. How can the small town exhibit its Christian values while continuing its hypocrisy? And if exposed, will Charlie’s secret love affair destroy the family business?
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