Читать книгу Resisting The Sicilian Playboy - Amanda Cinelli - Страница 3

Dear Reader,

This story began as a flicker of an idea—as most stories do. I was newly engaged, and exploring a wedding fair in Dublin, when I spotted a kiosk that advertised dream Italian weddings. The idea that someone could have such a glamorous job—planning events in such spectacular locations—was fascinating. The character of Dara was born instantly: a super-organised wedding planner on a mission to take her career to the next level.

It was while researching possible locations that I stumbled across the breathtaking Castello di Donnafugata in Ragusa. Leo’s family estate is inspired by this ancient Sicilian landmark. I fell in love with the dramatic façade and wondered what it would have been like to grow up in such a place … to wake up in the morning and look out of the arched windows to see waves crashing on the cliffs below …

And so it came about that I entered the 2014 So You Think You Can Write competition—with the aim of finally typing ‘The End’ on Leo and Dara’s story. I had no idea that it would be the beginning of a wonderful adventure of my own. The support I received was overwhelming, and being named winner of the competition is a moment I will never, ever forget.

Writing, to me, is like dreaming on paper, and I am honoured to be able to share my dreams with you.

Amanda