Time travel. For many of us, the concept of traveling through time, either backwards or forwards, is intriguing. Science fiction writers like H.G. Wells, Rod Serling, and Jack Finney have each written fascinating stories about traveling through time. Now, Fairfield Glade author Tom Catalano can be included in that group of writers who stretch our imagination, convincing us that time travel is possible. Catalano has published his first novel, “Talisman, a Time Travel Mystery.” Although this is Catalano’s 14th published book, it is his first full-length novel.
In “Talisman, a Time Travel Mystery,” prominent archaeologist Henri Rutherford and his young protégé discover an ancient skeleton clutching a mysterious device. They have no idea what it is or where it came from. When they start repeating the same days, weeks, and years over and over again they know they have something that could change the world — for better or worse.
The device presents a myriad of problems for the discoverers. For example, will they use the time travel Talisman for the betterment of society — or their own personal gain? Can they keep it from being stolen? Can they avoid the government agent willing to do whatever is necessary to get it and rule the world? Their lives are in danger and the future is in jeopardy.
Each of the main characters who come in contact with the mysterious device wrestle with conflicting thoughts of good versus evil and greed versus generosity. What they choose to do while in possession of it not only defines who they are but leaves the reader pondering what they would do in similar situations.
According to Catalano, “Talisman, a Time Travel Mystery” has been a long time coming. “I found a note in my file dated March 8, 2008, where I had written that I started a new story about time travel. Now, 16 years later, it is in print! But to be honest, I haven’t been working on ‘Talisman’ for 16 years straight. There were periods when I was working on other books too. My short stories and rhyming poetry, for instance.”
Did stepping away from the story now and then make it easier or more difficult to work on it? “For me, stepping away for a while made it easier to come back and edit it,” Catalano explains. “Too often, authors fall in love with their own words and have a hard time editing or deleting them. By working on it intermittently, I was able to be much more objective when analyzing the plot and deciding what needed to be edited. The result is a much more cohesive and well-written story.”
Growing up, Catalano loved reading books and watching movies about time travel. “I have always found the concept of time travel fascinating. As a writer, I challenged myself to come up with an original plot on the concept of intentionally shifting time. Thus, ‘Talisman, a Time Travel Mystery’ was born.”
As any author can attest, writing a full-length 346-page novel can be a huge undertaking. Conceiving an original plot is difficult enough, but there is a lot of research, writing, and editing involved. “Writing a novel is a painstaking process,” Catalano admits. “But it is a labor of love. And I love the way that ‘Talisman’ turned out. Early reader reviews indicate that they too enjoyed the time travel journey I took them on.”
Originally from Illinois, Catalano now resides in Fairfield Glade. He retired from a career in marketing and now spends the majority of his time pursuing his passion of writing fiction and rhyming poetry.
“Talisman, a Time Travel Mystery” is available now and can be ordered from any online bookseller worldwide (ISBN #978-1-882646-14-2, Wordsmith Books). Copies ordered from his website (tomcatalano.com) are signed by the author.