I am happy to announce, that my fourth short story is published. The Family Tree is a story for the Hidden Identity Anthology and now published in a brand new book. 40 stories and poems written during the challenging year of 2020 by authors belonging to the Writing Journey are compiled in “Masks, Facades, and Reveals.”
And this time I am not only an author, but I also contributed two illustrations.
“The Family Tree” tells the story about Luca who visits his Great-Grandmother for lunch. But he doesn’t just come for lunch. He plans to interview his Nona. Surprised that Angelina doesn’t want to talk about her childhood, he starts to investigate on his own. What secrets will he find?
Loving all kinds of spy stories, no matter if books or movies, I was keen on writing a story for this anthology. When I thought about what to write two things came to my mind, a conversation with a friend whose mother confessed a secret to her daughter on her deathbed and a book I read about the girls who worked on secret missions during World War II. I felt compelled to explore these narratives and their intersection.
For this anthology I was not only an author but also an illustrator. I had a lot of fun to come up with these two illustrations.
My illustration for my story “The Family Tree” 
My illustration for Sue Ekin’s Story “The Cad”
So, if you like to read about hidden identities and secrets, you can buy the book on Amazon or check it out on Good Reads.
Amazon blurb:
What we show and don’t show to the world can be a delicate balance. Each mask on display is carefully painted, our facades built with focus, and our reveals calculated even if the consequences are not. From putting on airs for your parents to a sudden need for witness protection to discovering a grandparent’s past, enjoy these 40 stories and poems from Chicago authors.
Explore the lengths to which people can go in a charade to protect themselves and others. Watch what happens when secrets come to light.
Featuring stories and poems by:
Brian Cable, Bevan Das, Susan Ekins, Elaine J Fisher, Leslie Hatch Gail,
J. M. Guilfoyle, Liz SanFilippo Hall, R. Todd Hogan, Yolanda Huslig, S. Ellen J., Debra Kollar, Karen Stumm Limbrick, Barbara Lipkin, Keshia L. Nowden , Mary O’Brien Glatz , Timothy Paulson, Savannah Reynard, Lauren Rogers, Tauna Sonne-leMare,
Jennifer Stasinopoulos, Gwen Tolios, Annerose Walz, Esther S. Wiggin, Victoria Williams, Milda Willoughby, Gregory Wright, and Tim Yao
Edited by Gwen Tolios, Tauna Sonne-leMare, Tim Yao, Cathy Goodman, and Milda Willoughby.
For more information and a list of stories please go here The Family Tree
Enjoy Reading!