The Secrets Of Milan Blog Tour: Crafting a Trilogy

By: Edale Lane

 

When I first conceived the idea behind this series, it was going to be one novel–The Night Flyer. But as I began mapping out the plotline, sequence of action, side plots, locales to visit, and so on, it became clear that it would be really, really long. People don’t like really, really, long; I’m not Tolstoy. The thought then occurred to me that I could break it up into a trilogy. That makes sense from an author’s marketing point of view and would allow me to publish in three installments. If I could hook readers on the first novel, then I would have time to write the second and third, releasing each when it was completed.

From the onset, I did not want annoying cliff-hangers, but three “episodes” of the saga that could stand alone if needed. Books one and two both have satisfactory endings with the hint or teaser that the story isn’t finished yet–there is still another mystery to solve. 

I then assigned each book one of the art-history-rich Renaissance cities to exploit. While most of the action in the series occurs in Milan, 1502-1503, our characters visit Rome in Secrets of Milan and will travel to Florence in Chaos in Milan. This way I have the opportunity to showcase more Renaissance masterpieces. And while my choice of setting predates some truly remarkable works, such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and sculpture of David, many significant pieces were already on display. I needed that year to coincide with the war between France and Spain over the Italian city-states, and to accommodate Leonardo da Vinci’s timeline. For Florentina to have been his de facto student during his time in Milan and her age to be correct, 1502-1503 best fits the established historical data. And while the introduction of a vigilante style character flying about in a homemade device based on da Vinci prototypes is a fantasy element, it was my intent to work as closely within the parameters of recorded history as possible. 

This is my first trilogy as an author, so I turned to works I love and respect as examples to go by: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the original Star Wars Trilogy. In each, the first book (movie) introduces the main characters and the central struggle. Each act has a dramatic completion while leaving unanswered questions and the final resolution yet to come until the last act.  

Typically, in these types of trilogies line up in an introduction (book one), a conclusion (book three) with a bridge between them (book 2). In some trilogies the second book (movie) comes across as weak when compared to the first and third, but I do not believe this to be the case in Secrets of Milan. I have already had reviews praising it as better than its predecessor. When done correctly, the middle act can become a vital precursor to the dramatic finale. Other effective trilogies may have unbroken, continual action from novel to novel that does leave the reader with an untenable cliffhanger, and while that may motivate readers to buy the second and third books to see how the crises are resolved, I preferred not to do that. A third frequent layout one can use is simply three (or more) books in a series that feature the same characters but without an over-arching plot line, such as various Clive Cussler book series. 

In the style trilogy I chose based on the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars models, the first act establishes the setting, initiates action, introduces romance or the seeds thereof, presents a clear image of the characters, then builds to a climax and resolution that only speak to the crisis at hand, leaving the over-reaching problem still out there to be dealt with. The second act is often more introspective as characters grow, deepen, or transform. This occurs in Secrets of Milan between Florentina and Madelena, but also with Benetto Viscardi as he re-examines his life and Antonio as he makes the transition from boy to man. Then there is the big reveal, the surprise twist, the “Luke, I am your father,” moment; Secrets of Milan has one of those moments. As we move into the third act, you will see action speed up and the stakes grow higher. Since Florentina and Maddie worked out their issues in book two, Chaos in Milan will present them as a solidified team, each doing her part to solve the greater mystery and restore order to their lives. The side plots involving Don Benetto and Antonio Torelli will also deliver their climaxes and decisive resolutions. Look for more extensive battle scenes, revelations, and of course more art and history in the final book.

Get ready to take the next step in Edale Lane’s Night Flyer Trilogy with Secrets of Milan in an exciting blog tour taking place June 30 to July 8th!

Power, passion, and payback intertwine in Renaissance Italy in this enchanting new installment of the Night Flyer Trilogy! This story appeals wonderfully to those who love historical fantasy and historical romance alike!

The Secrets of Milan Blog Tour features reviews, interviews, guest posts, top ten lists, and more!

Come aboard for a grand adventure and explore the worlds of Edale Lane! 

Book Synopsis for Secrets of Milan:  While Florentina as the Night Flyer searches for a mysterious underworld organization that has attempted to murder the woman she loves, Maddie struggles to deal with the danger Florentina is courting. Her brother, Alessandro, has become the most prominent merchant of Milan, but the Night Flyer uncovers a secret so shocking it could destroy them all.

Secrets of Milan is the second book in Edale Lane’s Night Flyer Trilogy, a tale of power, passion, and payback in Renaissance Italy. If you like drama and suspense, rich historical background, three-dimensional characters, and a romance that deepens into true love, then you’ll want to continue the Night Flyer saga.

Tour Schedule and Activities

 

6/30 The Literary Underworld http://www.literaryunderworld.com     Guest Post

7/1 Jorie Loves A Story http://www.jorielovesastory.com Review

7/2 MyLifeMyBooksMyEscape http://mylifemybooksmyescape.wordpress.com Author Interview

7/3 Jazzy Book Reviews https://bookreviewsbyjasmine.blogspot.com/ Interview

7/4 Horror Tree https://www.horrortree.com     Guest Post

7/5 Armed With a Book http://www.armedwithabook.com Guest Post

7/6 Jorie Loves A Story http://www.jorielovesastory.com Interview

7/7 The Seventh Star Blog  http://www.theseventhstarblog.com Interview

7/8 The Paperback Voyager  http://thepaperbackvoyager.wordpress.com Review

7/8 A lot of Pages http://www.A-lotofpages.com  Review

About the author:  Edale Lane is the author of an award winning 2019 debut novel, Heart of Sherwood. She is the alter-ego of author Melodie Romeo, (Vlad a Novel, Terror in Time, and others) who founded Past and Prologue Press. Both identities are qualified to write historical fiction by virtue of an MA in History and 24 years spent as a teacher, along with skill and dedication in regard to research. She is a successful author who also currently drives a tractor-trailer across the United States. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Edale (or Melodie as the case may be) is also a musician who loves animals, gardening, and nature. Please visit her website at:    https://pastandprologuepress.lpages.co/

Author Links: 

 

Twitter:   @EdaleLane

Official Site:  https://pastandprologuepress.lpages.co/

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