Lindsay Marie Morris

Thanks to all who braved the Los Angeles traffic to attend my Beneath the Sicilian Stars signing and discussion on September 8 at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena, California.

The book is rooted in a rarely told chapter of California history: the Italian Americans who endured curfews, property seizures, forced relocation, and internment during World War II. These stories have long remained in the shadows. 

I shared how this historical novel came to be, explaining that my research for my debut, The Last Letter from Sicily, led to my discovery of Una Storia Segreta, a collection of essays and testimonials by Italian Americans affected by World War II restrictions and imprisonment. The book's editor, Lawrence DiStasi, dedicated the last three decades of his life to bringing these stories to light, helping convince President Bill Clinton to pass the "Wartime Violations of Italian American Civil Liberties Act," which was signed into Public Law 106-451 in November 2000. I was fortunate to have had the chance to meet and interview Mr. DiStasi just weeks before he passed away in May of this year.

Vroman's holds a special place in the historic events portrayed in Beneath the Sicilian Stars. During the war, the bookstore donated and delivered books to Japanese American internees, offering comfort and connection in a time of hardship. Holding this event here felt both literary and deeply historical, honoring Vroman's legacy of community support.

I'm grateful to everyone who attended and sent well wishes. It was touching to see former colleagues alongside new faces in the audience. Everyone you meet influences your journey, and sharing this night with such an engaged group was an honor.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for releasing both of my books to the world this year, and to the small businesses who helped make the evening memorable with customized swag: vegan book-cover cookies from Dottie's House of Sweets (@nicoooo8), lip balm from Bulk Apothecary, and bookmarks from Platinum Print USA.

I appreciate all of the support I've received from those near and far. It means the world to this author.

Thank you for reading and watching. Check out my upcoming events and appearances. 

August 16 marks another trip around the sun.

It has been a year of firsts, unforgettable experiences, and reconnection. My last birthday was spent on a two-week research road trip for Beneath the Sicilian Stars, visiting the WWII internment camp at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, paddling Oregon’s Lost Lake, and seeing Glacier National Park’s few remaining ice masses.

Four months of nonstop writing followed as I finalized The Last Letter from Sicily. Although my debut was published in January, the hometown launch came in February with a front-page feature in Racine’s Journal Times, bookstore events at Vintage and Modern Books and Boswell Book Company, and reunions with friends and family.

Since then, I have finished a third novel, taught writing workshops, attended the Historical Novel Society North America conference in Las Vegas, and celebrated Beneath the Sicilian Stars' release with a virtual launch party and a Railroad Book Depot appearance.

Now, just over a month after my second launch, it is incredible to see reader reviews and hear about the ways people connect with my work.

What a remarkable trip around the sun it has been. Thank you for your friendship. Here’s to another year of adventure together!