–Frank Napolitano’s historical novel, Day of Days: September 11, 2001, A Novel of the Fire Service, published by Toren James in 2021, was recently named a “Distinguished Favorite” by the Independent Press Awards. Day of Days is based on Napolitano’s experience as a volunteer firefighter in Greenwich, Connecticut since 1982, where he has held the rank of lieutenant and captain in the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Frank was on his way to a hearing in lower Manhattan when the terrorist attacks occurred, which he witnessed first-hand. Two weeks later, he deployed with members of his fire company to the World Trade Center to assist in the recovery efforts there.
The award citation reads: “This accurate, authentic roman à clef takes the reader into the world of firefighting, revealing the strong brotherhood that lays at the core of the profession. It portrays the courage, pain, and devotion of the men and women who respond when the alarm is sounded, who follow an unwritten code borne of necessity and preservation, and who sometimes pay the ultimate price so others may live. Themes of self-sacrifice and bravery abound as the novel explores the question of how much risk is acceptable, even for the fire service.”
All profits from the book are being donated in a fifty-fifty split between Tunnels to Towers Foundation and the 9/11 Tribute Museum in Manhattan.
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–A Pangolin Slept on Buddha’s Lap, by Madeleine Dale, will be released this summer, published by Austin MacCauley. This novel tells the story of Wolf Vandengetz, an adventurous scientist who leaves his fieldwork in the Serengeti researching lions to administer a program to save endangered pangolins in Nepal. As a scientist, he’s accustomed to solving complex ecosystem mysteries but ill-equipped to tackle the politics of donation-hungry NGOs, the tragic consequences of conservation strategies gone wrong or the greed driving pangolins to extinction. On a mission beset with unpredictable twists, he stumbles into a hornet’s nest of corruption and is framed by poachers. What follows is a story about nature, the evils rooted in human nature and the dignity that inspires transcendence. The novel journeys to the front lines of conservation but the fate of the endangered pangolin is everyone’s fate; we are all victims of near-sighted environmental policies.
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–Melissa Bell’s play, Zoe Comes Home, a dark comedy about depression, backyard “art,” and an errant pooch, is soon to be staged at two theaters in the New York area. The play tells the story of Zoe, who arrives home for a rare visit and finds her estranged mother Gloria, once a respected sculptor, now a recluse, creating new monuments from discarded objects in her backyard, causing a conflict with the new neighbor who has a different view of her work. Buried deep in this statuary lies a wound that must be recognized if Zoe and Gloria are ever to heal.
Productions:
Tusten Theatre, Narrowsburg, NY,: Friday and Saturday May 5 & 6 at 7pm and Saturday May 6 at 2pm
Bernie Wohl Theatre 647 Columbus Ave, NYC, Saturday, May 20 at 7pm
For tickets and further information please contact [email protected]
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–Finally, CFF’s Executive Committee would like to thank Will Hughes, who is stepping down from his role as Communications Director, for his exemplary service to CFF. Will brought fresh ideas and invaluable institutional knowledge to his roles as Communications Director and past President. We wish Will great success with his new projects!
The Executive Committee is delighted to appoint Michael Hirsh as our new Communications Director. Michael’s background in journalism gives him outstanding perspective and experience. We look forward to working with Michael in his new role.
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As publishing evolves, writers continue to publish traditionally as well as with hybrid or independent presses. To help navigate this landscape, the Alliance of Independent Authors posts a helpful rating system for self-publishing services, including hybrid presses, small presses, and editing services, indicating which are the most dependable and trustworthy. https://selfpublishingadvice.org/best-self-publishing-services/
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