#tlpgtsc

The Lonely Planet Guide to Second Chances

By 1Diamondinthesun

This is my story behind the story:

18 years ago, I was preparing to leave my job in Italy. I was 22 and heartbroken to leave my life there. Mostly, I was scared of the future and being forgotten. I wondered if I'd ever return to Italy.

10 years later, I sat down to write this fic: a story about two people who get a second chance at love.

I set the first leg of their journey in the city where I had first found my own heart, Rome.

I wrote this fic in my first grownup apartment in a new city, doubting anyone would ever read it. But I sent all my hope, heartbreak, and love into the void anyway, hoping someone would feel it, too.

Writing this gave me the confidence to keep writing. It also led me to a special, supportive community in a time when I needed it desperately.

It's been 18 years since I walked the empty streets of Rome on a crisp, Sunday morning in late spring, but it's still vivid in my memory.

Thank you for reading, leaving me kudos and comments, and loving my fic over the past 8 years.

I am so proud to be in this community with you.