Rebeca Seitz
My most recently release is FIRST BLUSH, which was produced as a TV pilot a while back but never available in print book form until now. This is the first book in "The Neapolitan Stories" which is a series of beach reads based in my adopted hometown of Naples, Florida.
I began this series as a way to settle in and figure out my new home, which also happens to be my husband's childhood home. Naples is a very odd community in several ways. Many of the world's wealthiest people have a home here, but are only in that place for a few weeks out of the year. They and other "snowbirds" come down usually between January 1 and May to enjoy the beautiful climate and beaches while the rest of the nation freezes their tails off. We call that time period our "Season."
Where there is a gathering of wealth, there is almost always a gathering of those who need that wealth to accomplish their worthy endeavors. This means Naples is also home to over 300 non-profits, most of which hold some sort of fundraising event (gala, soiree, golf tournament, etc.) during Season. I was the President and CEO of one of those non-profits, SON Studios, for several years.
Operating in a town filled with Bentleys and billionaires, even while another part of the population struggles to afford rent and food, is...uniquely interesting. Raising my children here comes with blessings and curses. Building life and community here comes with blessings and curses. There are challenges and opportunities that aren't present in other kinds of towns.
As I felt my way through all of that, a woman came alive in my mind. This is how characters start for me. I lived with her for several weeks before sitting down to write her story. In doing so, I was able to work out what I think of Naples and how I can live and move within it. Those ideas are constantly changing as Naples and the surrounding towns and islands change and I mature, so I'm thinking this series could be endless!
I began this series as a way to settle in and figure out my new home, which also happens to be my husband's childhood home. Naples is a very odd community in several ways. Many of the world's wealthiest people have a home here, but are only in that place for a few weeks out of the year. They and other "snowbirds" come down usually between January 1 and May to enjoy the beautiful climate and beaches while the rest of the nation freezes their tails off. We call that time period our "Season."
Where there is a gathering of wealth, there is almost always a gathering of those who need that wealth to accomplish their worthy endeavors. This means Naples is also home to over 300 non-profits, most of which hold some sort of fundraising event (gala, soiree, golf tournament, etc.) during Season. I was the President and CEO of one of those non-profits, SON Studios, for several years.
Operating in a town filled with Bentleys and billionaires, even while another part of the population struggles to afford rent and food, is...uniquely interesting. Raising my children here comes with blessings and curses. Building life and community here comes with blessings and curses. There are challenges and opportunities that aren't present in other kinds of towns.
As I felt my way through all of that, a woman came alive in my mind. This is how characters start for me. I lived with her for several weeks before sitting down to write her story. In doing so, I was able to work out what I think of Naples and how I can live and move within it. Those ideas are constantly changing as Naples and the surrounding towns and islands change and I mature, so I'm thinking this series could be endless!
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