Acciaccato

by S.W. Gunn

Physically and emotionally drained form the constant pressures of being a world famous popstar, Lizzie Francis sneaks away from her tour during a stop in Philadelphia. While out she accidently runs into a cable installer named Derek. Completely unlike the usual models, actors, and athletes she has dated in the past, she finds herself enamored with him almost instantly. He’s friendly, kind, and very normal. Deciding it best to keep him a secret from her overbearing manager she hides their relationship.
Slogging along as a cable installer until he figures out what he wants to do with himself Derek Johnson’s life is totally turned upside down when he runs into a beautiful woman while out for a jog. She is intelligent, funny, and unusually interested in him which leaves Derek hoping he doesn’t mess things up with her. He wants to be hesitant to tell her about his love of archaeology and playing the online game World of Warcraft but he is unable to keep himself from being anything but honest with her. He is quite surprised and happy that she seemingly accepts every aspect of who he and even joins him in playing his game.
Once their relationship is exposed by the press things quickly goes bad. Under pressure from her manager and her family Lizzie breaks off their relationship, which only causes both to spiral into depression. What Lizzie does next will change both of their lives forever.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2017

About the author

Born in Muskegon MI and raised in Concord CA, Heima: The Ninth Kostir is S.W. Gunn's first novel. He is 42 years old and married to his lovely wife Neeta. They have two boys, Shawn II and Spencer, and a cat named

In writing Heima he drew upon many of his own life interests and experiences. Things like his hobbies, which include writing, reading, video games (World of Warcraft), and card games (Magic the Gathering), have added little bits of inspiration or stoked his imagination.

One specific area that has inspired the words and phrases within Heima was Medieval Norse history (Specifically the era in which the Vikings existed). Personality quirks like his favorite color, which is purple, added to the novel (It is the favorite color of our erstwhile Princess Astir).

Other areas of inspiration that poke their heads in Heima include his Bachelor’s in History that he obtained from Chaminade University. Some of his favorite novels that are either especially entertaining or inspiring to him include: The Lord of the Rings/Hobbit series, any Star Trek book involving Klingons (especially from Keith R.A Candido), and lastly he loves the Trollslayer series from Warhammer. His favorite movie is “Tangled”, which he loves it because it is such a beautiful story with a pair of lead characters that play off each other both strongly and equally, which inspired the society of Heima.