In alliance with the Genre Specific Goodreads Blog Tour, I am writing about one of my favorite travel experiences in Italy where I encountered the Sword in the Stone, the root for my latest novel, The Proof.
This is me, stopped along a road somewhere in Tuscany. I say somewhere, because most of the time, I had no idea where I was, only an address and Mr. Garmin to guide me to the next stop on my husband's 18-day bike tour.
I rented this incredibly fun Fiat that became my lifeline as I navigated a 100-mile circumference around Siena in a land whose language I didn't speak, with very few posted street names, and whose drivers consider the center line a suggestion. This trick was accomplished by myself, a 'lisdectic' navigator in the best of times. |
One day, as the road climbed high over the top of a mountain range, narrowing steadily, I began doubting Mr. Garmin. Again.
This abandoned cart didn't help my misgivings, nor did the condition of this road, barely more than an unpaved path. A short time late, a sign announced I was in a national forest, which thankfully had a back exit that led down to real pavement and to our next night's lodging. Whew!
Getting lost was not without its benefits. After leaving Masa Maritima, I drove through the rolling hills and spied this magnificent castle high on a mountain. I wished there were a way to get to it and, presto, I came around a bend and found a sign for Castle Massini, where I could taste wine and cheese.
The grounds and buildings were exquisite and became the model for the exterior of Palazzo Dolcini, Gabe's grandfather's home in "The Proof." |
While in Massa Maritima, a shopkeeper asked if I'd seen the 'Sword in the Stone' yet, that it was about 15k from where I'd be staying.
The next day, I drove to San Galgano and there it was! Thrust into solid stone in 1178, this legend began one year before the story appeared in the King Arthur tales - although that is still disputed! By the end of my journey, I'd become comfortable being on my own in a strange land. I eagerly contemplate a return, next time longer, perhaps a few months or a year, taking time to visit Seborga, a key town in the novel, where Saint Bernard was shown a 'great secret.'
See more pics from Tuscany HERE
The Proof
Shrouded in mystery, a precious relic known as Il Testamento, or The Proof, circulated among the early Christians. Before their deaths, its guardians hid it from their adversaries, leaving only a crude map of its location.
For centuries, it lay in darkness. Until now. Reports of its existence have resurfaced, inciting an ancient rivalry between a ruthless group that seeks to destroy it, and a secret association that lusts for its power. Summoned to Siena by a grandfather he has never met, Gabriel Dolcini is thrust into a dark maze of danger. And into his divine destiny.
Read what others are saying about 'The Proof' HERE
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READ ABOUT OTHER GOODREADS AUTHORS' TRAVEL STORIES:
Genre Specific Review Group Blog Tour Stops:
July 6 - The Consulting Writer
Author Susan Day
Michelle Abbott's Blog
Author George Thomas Clark
July 7 - Marilyn Peake's Blog
Author Jo Grafford
July 8 - Plain Talk BM
Author Domino Finn
Author Stephanie Ward
July 9 - Author Melinda Brasher
July 10 - Author K. Chrisbacher
Author Tim Stead
July 11 - Author Jayne Blue
July 12 - The Consulting Writer
Author Alexis Donkin
Cheryl Colwell
Genre Specific Review Group Blog Tour Stops:
July 6 - The Consulting Writer
Author Susan Day
Michelle Abbott's Blog
Author George Thomas Clark
July 7 - Marilyn Peake's Blog
Author Jo Grafford
July 8 - Plain Talk BM
Author Domino Finn
Author Stephanie Ward
July 9 - Author Melinda Brasher
July 10 - Author K. Chrisbacher
Author Tim Stead
July 11 - Author Jayne Blue
July 12 - The Consulting Writer
Author Alexis Donkin
Cheryl Colwell
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