Adriana Girolami
In today's world filled with anxiety and everlasting challenges, there is a special place that we all can enter and find solace in, even during life's difficulties. It is comforting to know that we can always find a magic wand if we only reach for it in the realm of imagination.
This wonderful gift we are all blessed with is of particular value to storytellers and authors who express their creativity by the power of words. The beauty of imagination is defined by the freedom of thought and the avoidance of boundaries. It will take you any place you wish to go at any time since it stimulates creativity combined with the depths of inner feelings.
Writers tend to be complex and emotionally charged to a greater degree than most people. Therefore, storylines appear to come alive more frequently while confronting challenges that tap our emotions, whether happy or sad, such as exaltation, despair, etc. It is wise to let your imagination guide you in writing new and exciting novels. There is great satisfaction in expressing our innermost feelings and allow them to glide freely through our books' pages.
I experience great happiness when I enter my world of imagination. I consider it my special companion as I travel through that extraordinary place. It can happen as I sit by my computer in the solitude of my study or out in the great outdoors as I jog in my favorite park surrounded by trees and waterways glistening in the sun. Imagination can follow you anywhere, which is most rewarding, especially for an author.
My experience in writing my latest novel, The Zamindar's Bride, was fascinating and closely connected with the gift of imagination and how it guided my creativity in different directions.
At the time, I was busily writing, Daughter of Hades, with an exciting storyline already well defined in my mind. The novel follows my Knights Templar Series twenty years into the future. I was happy and excited about my newest literary project and looked forward to bringing it to a happy conclusion.
Coincidentally, a gentleman from India asked to become my FaceBook friend. The request was not unusual since many wish to be my friends online. I carefully looked through his Facebook page and his profile. He appeared well educated, intelligent, creative, and an all-around fascinating person from an exotic world that captivated my interest and imagination.
We began to communicate online, and he introduced himself as a Zamindar and the scion of a very distinguished family line. He also mentioned that he is the eleventh generation Zamindar of his dynasty. I was immediately curious and interested to learn more since I had no idea who a Zamindar was.
The gentleman proved to be an excellent teacher and explained in detail that they were powerful Feudal Lords and very wealthy landowners. Some even retained the title of Maharajas, and their statute flourished during the British occupation of India.
Being a Historical Author, I was immediately interested and captivated by this engaging, knowledgeable individual as he described the excesses and pitfalls of these fascinating aristocrats—the glamour of the gilded palaces and their exciting and decadent lives.
The Zamindars used to be autocrats, and their power was absolute over their underlings. Although they were married according to Hindu traditions, beautiful concubines were always available in the Zamindars harems. These captive women vied to be the favorite of those powerful Lords by using their sensual prowess. Intrigue and jealousy ferment in the courts, as those unfortunate females who aspired to a more affluent life sometimes became victims of their greed with deadly consequences.
In those days, women were entirely dependent on men's generosity since they had no means of support and were relegated to second-class citizenship. The cruel practice of Sati was at times implemented when their husband died. Many women were burned alive on the funeral pyre with their spouses since they were now expendable without the ability to self-sustain.
My imagination was now beginning to percolate, and a very exciting storyline was fast developing in my mind. I was captivated by the Zamindars and the fascinating perception of reincarnation since the Hindu religion believes in everlasting life. My creativity was now focused on this exciting new premise. My imagination had taken over, and I felt compelled to embrace this new storyline and interrupt writing, Daughter of Hades, at least for the moment.
Suddenly, The Zamindar's Bride was born, a passionate love story between a beautiful European countess and an Indian Zamindar. The novel opens the doors to the glamorous Royal courts of 19th Century Europe and the splendor of exotic India. There is love, mystery, violence, and intrigue in the novel until the surprising ending. Also, as a professional artist, I made the cover for the book.
Happily, my newest novel, The Zamindar's Bride, is the winner of the 2021 FIREBIRD award in three categories, Best Historical fiction, Best Romance, and Best Romantic suspense.
By embracing my imagination as it guided me in an unexpected direction, I am now delighted to be an Award-Winning Author. I am convinced that allowing your innermost feelings to guide you might be the recipe to create novels of exceptional quality.
Award-winning author Adriana Girolami. was born in Rome, Italy, and immigrated to the United States after her father’s untimely death. She attended the Art Students League in New York City, and as an accomplished portrait artist, she illustrates all the covers of her books.
She is the author of the historical romance series, The Templar Trilogy: Mysterious Templar, The Crimson Amulet, and Templar’s Redemption. Her latest offering is the award-winning novel The Zamindar’s Bride, which reflects her passion for different cultures, world travel, and the ever-present love and romance.
The author is presently writing Daughter of Hades, continuing The Knights Templars Series.
Adriana traveled extensively worldwide with her husband, loves physical fitness and Martial Arts. She plays racquetball and is a black belt in Kenpo Karate. A born optimist, she looks forward to a bright tomorrow and writing her exciting new novel.
