How to write

The Naples Mafia has ordered a hit on 29 year old Roberto Saviano, author of “Gomorrah”.   The book is a first person account of the Camorra crime organization of Naples, a group which allegedly controls the region’s drug trade, garment manufacturing and waste disposal.   Organized crime is the largest sector of Italy’s economy, generating more than $127 billion in revenue, according to The New York Times.   Since it’s publication in 2006, the book has sold 1.2 million copies and has been made into a film, screened at Cannes film festival in May and is in the running for an Oscar.  Saviano’s success has come with a high price; he’s been under police protection for two years and has lived in fear.  Now his fear has a deadline, according to Italian news paper, La Repubblica, the Casalesi clan has decided to kill Saviano by Christmas, because his book”has made a great deal of noise, created a mess.” Saviano is planning to leave Italy, saying “I want a life, I want a home. I want to fall in love, to drink a beer in public….I want to walk in the sunshine and in the rain, and to see my mother without fear.”

Saviano was last seen in public a year ago at an anti-Camorra rally in Casal di Principe, the Naples suburb where the Casalesi clan has its stronghold.  He has become a public figure in the fight against organized crime.  

Words have power. They have the power to uncover evil, to encourage change and to unite. They also have to power to promote hate, fear and isolation. As a writer you have a responsibility to choose your words carefully.