Retired Shelton educator pens novel 'Still Life,' a coming of age story

Gary Scarpa

Mia Scarpa 

 

Lifelong Shelton resident Gary Scarpa enjoyed a rewarding career as a teacher, guidance counselor, and theater director. In his retirement, he has pursued new artistic avenues as an author.

As it was in the world of theater, publishing is a family affair for Scarpa. With the professional support of his daughter Mia, Scarpa recently released a new novel, Still Life, a coming of age story set between 1969 and 1971.

“When I decided to venture into writing, I knew I needed someone to both edit my work and help me develop my characters and stories,” Scarpa said. “Mia was the perfect person for the job!”

The two have a long history of collaborating professionally, having co-directed a number of major musicals together.

“People often ask me what it’s like to work with a family member in this capacity, but we’re both so used to it that it feels very normal to us,” Mia explained. “After years of working together in the theater, we Scarpas continue to partner in other endeavors.” Mia also assists her sister, Gina, in the voiceover business.

As Gary creates new stories and characters, Mia both edits and formats the interior of his novels. “My dad is a very creative person, and I am more structured,” she explained. “This makes us a good match for the literary world.”

Scarpa added, “Her work on my books goes way beyond editing and formatting, though. Mia is truly a literary advisor and my partner in creating fiction.”

Scarpa decided to be an independent author, he said, because he began writing late in life. “I’m in my seventies,” he said, “and, realizing I had a number of books I wanted to publish, I decided to go the independent route, thereby giving us complete control over our timelines and our literary choices, from the cover to the last chapter.”

Mia said, “We even created our own little publishing company, Next Chapter Press, for the exclusive production of our own work.”

Scarpa’s newest release, Still Life, is a coming of age story about a young man who takes a road trip in the early 1970s. “The story has all of the elements of navigating late adolescence,” Scarpa explained, “and going on a road trip, which turns out to be a journey of self-discovery in the midst of a revolutionary historical period.”

Each of Scarpa’s novels takes place in Connecticut, in the Lower Naugatuck River Valley, where he himself grew up and where he chose to raise his family.

The father-daughter team works side by side throughout the entire process, from first ideas to final publishing. They both say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Mia is very meticulous,” Scarpa said. “She doesn’t let anything get by, and as a creative person, I need that kind of help to ensure that the final product is ready for our readers.”

Scarpa's novels, Still Life and What Are the Chances?, are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever e-books are sold.
Upcoming book events with the author will take place on Dec. 13 at the Shelton Senior Center, Dec. 14 at JC’s Sports Bar, and Jan. 4 at Derby Public Library. 

For more information about Gary’s novels and these events, visit www.garyscarpa.com

This is a press release from Gary Scarpa.