Sometimes we need to look to the past to know our future. This is the purpose of my Women’s Fiction novel, The Difference. Anxious and lost psychotherapist Rachel seeks fulfillment by embarking on an ancestry journey. She needs to reveal her Italian immigrant grandpa’s secretive past to learn about her own identity and for any hope of saving her damaged romantic relationship and poor mental health. Are you in? I hope so!
The Difference was my first novel, and one I worked on for eight years until it was published. The idea came from nowhere, I swear! I was sitting in my family room when the storyline came to me, flooding in and calling me to write it. Even though I wasn’t a writer at this point, I knew I had to tell this story. Now, I’ve always been an artist otherwise, loving to create drawings, yarn work, music, and more, but writing a novel? That was something I never thought of doing, but it looked like I was going to dive in.
So, remember how it took eight years to bring The Difference to you?
That’s because it was a hobby at first, just something I did every now and then. After about five years, I decided to get serious and finish my first draft, working every Sunday until done. You can call it a labor of love, especially since I was inspired by my own Italian immigrant grandpa. Just like Rachel, I viewed my grandpa as my hero and he was one of the closest people to me. When I lost him, I felt like I lost a part of myself. But, carrying on his spirit, and D’Angelo name, with my novel turned out to be healing for myself and for many others.
Since 2021, when The Difference was published, I’ve heard countless beautiful words from readers about my book baby, including how much they relate to missing someone—or something in their life—and wanting to find connection again. I’m thrilled people feel heard and seen by setting foot in Rachel’s shoes as she goes on her mission of genealogy, as well as in love and well-being. I believe readers of all stages in adult life can relate, due to the existential questioning in youngers years of the 20s to 30s and the deep meaning and appreciation for family, tradition, and culture that grows with age. And since I’m a psychotherapist besides an author, I was able to express the complexity of mental health, giving people a voice for how they feel in sometimes hidden ways. We need more authenticity in media, even fiction, to help destigmatize mental health so hopefully I contributed with my representation of anxiety and mild depression.
As for Rachel’s story from here, you’ll love what I have planned (so make sure to read The Difference asap!). But sorry friends, you can’t find out here. I know, I know, and believe me I want to tell you, but I need to keep true to my word for my C. VIPs. Who are they, you ask? They’re my monthly newsletter recipients. It’s easy to get my newsletter, just sign up on my website at CDAngeloAuthor.com. I tell them everything first as much as possible, then share news on social media as well. Find me on most platforms, but here’s my Instagram handle to get you started: @c.dangelo.author.
I thank you and the Author’s Lounge for reading along in my brief trip down memory lane. The Difference will always be special to me because it started my author journey with a bang! I think my grandpa would be proud.
I hope you want to immerse yourself in my novels of the Italian American culture, bursting with food, tradition, history, travel, and quirky characters. You can find the ebook in your favorite online store and the paperback on Amazon. Happy reading!
Website: https://cdangeloauthor.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.dangelo.author/
The Difference on Amazon:
