Reader asks: Seems like you jumped ship...

Rainbowgirl asks: I really liked your first novel, Sweet Bitter Love. But this new one, I don't know, seems like you jumped ship. No more lesbian books?

Well, Rainbowgirl, (cute name, by the way), I really don't feel I "jumped ship." Publishers set the genres -- fiction, thriller, suspense, etc. My first book was labeled lesbian/gay studies/romance—I thought it was fiction. Just like the new book, Painting The Invisible Man, is fiction. (Although it is labeled contemporary historical fiction because it is a fictional account of a true event.)

I would hope most readers would enjoy reading my work. The lesbian genre label dropped me into a narrow category. Now, please don't misinterpret this and think I am embarrassed or closeted or whatever label may come to mind; I simply see myself as fiction writer.

I think anyone can relate to the story of Jenny and Susan (Sweet Bitter Love). Relationships are universal...and all alcoholic relationships deal with the same types of issues. I felt the sexuality of the characters was not central to the story.

Anna's experiences in Painting The Invisible Man, that is, growing up in a family on the fringes of the Mafia, may be unique to her. Yet, I believe the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and atonement are universal.

Sweet Bitter Love — Review

...Schiano captures the passion, pain and fragility of modern day romantic relationships...Readers will cycle through feelings of joy, bitterness, excitement and anger as they learn how and why the relationship unfolds as it does...Schiano presents this dramatic tale of love, pain and soul-searching in clear, easy-to-read prose with an energizing style that dares the reader to set the book down. Highly recommended!

- Susan Phelps, author A Lady Without a Latitude
www.sweetbitterlove.com