Perfect Ten

 

 

Happy Ten Year Anniversary to me then!

It really has been a whole decade since I thought, lemme add banging to this story about a Mafia guy called Nick in love with his best mate called Gina. Then lemme put it on Literotica. Then lemme get a publisher (enter stage left Jayha Leigh). Then lemme get absolutely stoned in Brighton and figure out a way to add another fifty thousand words to it. (Enter Hot Muse Hank to tell me “bitch, add more sex!”) Lemme give you some Tony Caristo, sprinkle in a little Rocco Mamione and a healthy dash of Beppe Nardiello. Oh and if we’re adding a little spice to the mix, Gianluca Caristo warmed by Durante Da Canaveze all under the heat that is Sir Massimo Da Canaveze. Lemme give you some of my favourite places, my favourite shops, my favourite things to do, lemme share a little trauma coz it’s good to share. And ten years later, here we are. 

So, as if it were a lifetime achievement award (I’d like a BAFTA one day) let me say some thank yous:

The Lady London and her ever patient squire Papa London. What would I have done without you spelling out words in Fante to me and asking why only to be thoroughly distracted by watching something on TV instead. 

My bros, endless sources of amusement! 

Hot Muse Hank, where would I be without your guidance? 

Ms Jayha Leigh for finding me and testing me and encouraging me and introducing me to my next big thanks

The Queen of Hearts, Barb Wilson, the most magical of editors. There are things I wouldn’t have linked or understood or even come up with in the absence of your wonderful, magical guiding hands.

My fellow authors especially Janet Eckford and Nikki Winter and Violette Dubrinsky. I’m a solo artist by my very definition, but solo artists do have producers and sound mixers and all sorts. They have collaborators who will tell you ‘nah, son a little to your left.” I'm so grateful for the time they gave to me. 

And finally, my readers. You, yes, I’m looking right at you! Thank you. I thought Windows was a pump and dump, to be fair. I thought it was finished and nothing else would come of it. I didn’t think I’d be writing about Massimo’s elegant feet or Tony’s propensity to smack a bare bottom or Auntie Belinda’s love of swimming or Rocco’s tattoos or Beppe’s Prince Albert piercing! Yet, here we are. Because you asked, maybe threatened to cut me a little if I didn’t.

And I’ve expanded that little universe to my other stories and I’m getting back to a place where I can write just as freely about new characters. I love writing. I always have. I always will. Let’s see what the next ten is about. Got to be wilder than this!