Monday, February 15, 2016

THROUGH SHADES OF GRAY

Hi, All,

Today I am honored to be featured at my good friend, Renee’s blog. This past year has been a whirlwind with rehabbing my new loft, moving, and now a new four-month-old puppy. Life certainly is hectic, but I am finally back on track with focusing more on writing and editing. Two things I actually LOVE to do.

Last month I was asked to submit a short story to an amazing anthology published by Stay Classy publications. 


THE THING THAT TURNED ME. 

I am honored to be included in this prestigious publication. Many of my blogger friends will also be featured. Such talent! The lineup is star-studded!

Authors, S.K. Anthony, Imani Allen, Michelle Athy, Madalyn Beck, Diane Carlisle, Alex J. Cavanaugh, Crystal Collier, Cathrina Constantine, Tonja Drecker, Deanie Humphys-Dunne, Sherry Ellis, Elise Fallson, Heather Gardner Samantha Geary, Misha Gerrick, Krystal Hillman, Celeste Holoway, Harper L. Jameson, Randi Lee, Terrance Dwane Mack, K.D. Martin, Tyrean Mathinson, Melissa Maygrove, Nana Prah, Christine Rains, Melanie Shultz, Elizabeth Seckman, Tara Tyler, Michelle Wallace, L. Diane Wolfe, and Roland Yeomans…

Imagine all this talent in ONE anthology… The cover is stunning, the trailer amazing, and the writing off the charts!

A few years ago, I started my business, Michael Di Gesú Presents for the purpose of creative editing. I've created blurbs and taglines for such amazing writers as Yolanda Renée, Denise Covey, Julie Flanders, and Michelle Wallace, just to name a few,  and now, my story, THROUGH SHADES OF GRAY will be published. Words can’t describe how incredibly happy I am to be featured in such a wonderful debut. The title says it all!
What turned you?

In life, there is always that ONE EVENT that changes your life. It could be anything and it is something every human being experiences. Even though my story is a work of fiction, it is loosely based on one of my own experiences. If I may, I’d like to share the first page from THROUGH SHADES OF GRAY. As most of you know, I'm hired for my atmospheric description and how to incorporate it into your works.

This story certainly features my signature trademark of setting the scene… I hope you enjoy it.

Charcoal skies face me on yet another frigid morning. Haunting, like a shroud suffocating the dormant sunrise. Amber street lights reflect in the crystalline sheath, entombing my buried car.
A high pitched bleep breaks the deafening silence.
As I pry the door open, the fragile layer cracks with a loud snap and the surface creates an intricate web of golden threads. My stiff body folds behind the steering wheel and a moment later, the engine roars to life.
I drive down the skeletal tree-lined street, edging Lincoln Park. The brittle, elongated fingers of barren trees seem to wave an eerie goodbye. The road is slick, but I’m ready for my escape back to light.
How could I have let those brightly lit days set without one note of appreciation for so many years. Heather skies, cotton-balled clouds, and mild trade winds caressed the tranquil sea. But without her, the sunshine dimmed, and it was time to move on.
Little did I know how much the north had changed. No longer did the bright summer days last forever. Overcast skies now dominated the plains and what little light present struggled to break through the mass of clouds.

Mood plays a huge part in this particular story. Here, the city represents the feelings of the MC as he escapes the frozen north. Many of us can relate to this especially this time of year!
The anthology will be released sometime in mid year. I will keep you all posted.
 ******

Thank you, Renee for featuring me today. It was a real pleasure! 



After fifteen years of modeling in New York, I spent the past eleven years as an interior designer in Chicago. I decided to take my creative talents and write/illustrate my first m/g novel, Amber and the Whispering Willows. A year later, I wrote The Blinded Gardener, an edgy y/a contemporary. I never knew how wonderful it could be to write novels ... I'm addicted!


Thank you, Michael!
Congratulations on the Anthology, The Thing That Turned Me, and your story, Through Shades of Gray

Michael barely mentioned his business Writing Art & Design. He does an amazing job with taglines, blurbs, and introducing your novel to the world. But he also does an even more astounding job designing covers. Here are just two.




Need help with design or writing those short taglines and blurbs? 
Need to come up with a design or logo for that new business?
Consider giving Michael a call. 
He truly is a magic man! 
Learn more by following these links:

Michael Di Gesu Presents
Writing Art & Design





30 comments:

Jo said...

I hadn't realised that Michael was an interior designer and was blown away by his pictures of his apartment. I have read many of his blurbs for others, wonderful. This anthology should be wonderful when it comes out. Way to go Michael.

Unknown said...

Huge congrats to Michael on getting his short story published! That's so exciting! I'm floored by all the writers that I know in the list. Wow! :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

That's neat we will be in the same book!

Pat Hatt said...

He sure does know how to set a scene indeed. Life can be hectic at times too, especially with a 4 month old pup haha

Liza said...

Congratulations, Michael!

Chrys Fey said...

You really do know how to set a scene. Brilliant! Congratulations!!! There are so many great authors in that one. :D

Chrys Fey said...

You really do know how to set a scene. Brilliant! Congratulations!!! There are so many great authors in that one. :D

cleemckenzie said...

I'm such a sucker for description. Thanks for giving me my fix for the day. So happy for you and the others in the anthology. Enjoy that puppy. But I'm sure you will.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Lee! He certainly is a hand full... Glad you enjoyed the descriptions...

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thank you, Chyrs!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi, Renee! Thanks so much for featuring me today~ You are THE BEST!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Jo!

Michael Di Gesu said...

I know.. it's amazing the talent in this Anthology, Lexa! I couldn't be happier!

Michael Di Gesu said...

I know! I was thrilled to see you on the list L. Diane!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks Pat... yes, it is my little Holy Terrier. LOL

Sandra Cox said...

Congrats on the anthology! Nice scene.

Hi, Yolanda....waving.

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Congrats again to Michael. He really knows how to set a scene be it with words, in his decorating or making covers.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Congratulations, Michael! You're such an inspiring friend with such a big heart. You have such a great talent for finding the beauty in all things.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Congrats Micheal. You know, I can relate to the except!

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thank you Liza!

Yolanda Renée said...

You are so welcome, Michael! Congrats on making it into the The Arts and Crafts Daily
http://paper.li/GoodBlogPosts2/1309693936?edition_id=4c92b310-d3fc-11e5-9bb1-0cc47a0d15fd
Very, very cool!

Denise Covey said...

It's so lovely that you have a short story in the anthology Michael. I think I've read it!! And your editing talents should be shouted far and wide. I love the blurb and tagline you wrote for my for my Tuscan story.

Thank you Yolanda for featuring Michael!

Denise :-)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Michael - wonderful post .. and to share the limelight with 'our' amazing blogging story-tellers is just great. You do have some incredible skills and talent - and long may you go on developing all of these - so we can see you and share your way forward ...

Thanks Yolande for highlighting Michael here - he has experienced life and that shines through in his posts, stories and creativity ... cheers to you both - Hilary

Misha Gerrick said...

I'm so proud to be part of this anthology. :-D

Julie Flanders said...

As always Michael your talent for setting a scene is off the charts! Congratulations on being part of this amazing anthology. I can't wait to get my hands on it - so many amazing authors all in one place!

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Congratulations on being asked to go on this epic journey. I can't wait to see your short story, Michael. That I am allowed to be with you, Misha,Diane, Alex, and so many others is an honor. Your scene was etched beautifully.

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Wow, that's a veritable Who's Who of the blogging world. I'll definitely be looking forward to buying that anthology.

Great scene-setting, Michael. (I'd be moving away from that kinda weather, too!)

Jemi Fraser said...

Yay for Michael! :)
The description of the setting is great - definitely one of my weaknesses in my writing life :P

Michelle Wallace said...

Michael is The Blurb King!
Beautiful writing. When it comes to creating atmosphere in setting, Michael is really good.

Deniz Bevan said...

Congratulations, Michael, and everyone in the anthology!