So when I set out to write my novel The Medal, I wanted to keep Long Island in the forefront once
again. After all, I am a Long Island author, so why not promote it? Unlike my
non-fiction books, I was able to now create my own places, but I wanted them to
be modeled after places people were familiar with. I love reading books and
trying to figure out if it’s based on a real place, so now I had the
opportunity to do so.
Since I live in Huntington, I didn’t want the book set in my
own backyard, so I decide to place it in the seafaring town of Northport. I
left the main streets, like Woodbine, as is, but changed the name of the street
where the main characters call home. The house in the book is actually a real
house in Northport where friends of mine used to live. I had spent a lot of
time there when they owned it, and I was completely inspired by its tranquility
and beauty.
The main character, Bethany Fitzpatrick, is a pastry chef
and owner of Giovanni’s Italian Bakery, otherwise known in real life as Northport’s
Copenhagen’s Bakery and Café. In the book I changed the interior and made it an
Italian bakery instead of Danish, but everyone who reads it asks if it’s based on
Copenhagen’s. During the filming of my video book trailer, I needed a shot of
cannolis (a running theme in The Medal)
so I called up another bakery, Fiorello Dolce in Huntington, to get the look of
the Italian bakery.
Bethany meets with two of her friends at the cozy Villa La
Marco restaurant in Northport, which is actually Campari’s Ristorante. I added
a bar and a very Italian maître d', but
kept it’s intimate atmosphere.
I did bring some of Huntington into the picture as well.
Although set in Northport, Lorenzo’s Jeweler, where Bethany first lays eyes on
a large Padre Pio statue, is actually Libutti Jewelers on New York Avenue in
Huntington. The church in the book is
St. Francis of Assisi. Many people believe it is the church by the same name in
Greenlawn (especially since they have a huge Padre Pio following.) I actually
decided to name it St. Francis because of my own love for the saint, and since
he too, like Padre Pio, bore the five wounds of Christ…the stigmata. By now,
I’m sure you’re getting the picture that my book has something to do with Padre
Pio; it most definitely does. To get back to the church in the book, however,
the outside is modeled after St. Philip Neri in Northport, but the inside is
clearly St. Patrick’s Church in Huntington.
The only place in my book where I kept the real name, was
when I made mention of Mr. Sausage, the Italian Pork Store in Huntington
Village; a cult following amongst Huntingtonians. Because of my long-time
friendship with the owners, the co-authored cookbook I did with Sal Baldanza,
their devotion to Padre Pio, and their support of my book, I couldn’t help but
give them an extra plug as a thank you.
In my efforts to support these local businesses, and to put
Northport on the literary map, I came up with two unique book events that are
actually taking place this upcoming week. As an author, it is often challenging
to find places to give lectures and book signings. Our book stores are
dwindling, and so many people are purchasing books online. I’m a book person. I
love buying books, supporting authors, meeting them and getting books signed,
and I love talking to people about my own books. What good is being an author
if you can’t get feedback from your readers?
So this Thursday, I will be at Campari’s Ristorante at 225
Main Street, Northport doing an Author Dinner. For $60 per person, guests will
enjoy a special 4-course, prix fixe dinner, a complimentary glass of wine, and
a signed copy of The Medal. During
the dinner I will discuss the book, along with the true stories behind it,
including a miracle that happened to me. The event takes place from 7-9 PM, and
reservations are a must. You can call Campari’s at 631-757-6700.
The next night, I
will be at Copenhagen’s Bakery and Café, at 75 Woodbine Avenue for a Meet the
Author, Book Discussion and Signing from 5-7 PM. Everyone who attends the event
will receive a free cup of coffee. Books will be available for purchase, as will
delicious cakes and pastries.
Spread the word and
help put Northport and our small businesses on the literary map. Hope to see
you there!
