I am a Sicilian-Greek, 14 year old, whose family is all from NY.
my Mother's side is from, Long Island, NY.
and my Fathers side is from, Little Italy, Brooklyn, NY.
I wanted to write a book that brought something like the Bowery Boys, to a modern story. To a story that contained little tidbits of all my favorite movies and things.
(the book I'm working on: Mulberry St., is more like the Bowery Boys style. and a little more adult.)
My family holds a few notourous gangsters in it's history, such as the most famous one, my Great-Grandpa's cousin, Carmine Galante (see: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmine_Galante )
My Grandpa, who I spent so much time with, had all the mannerisms of a Mobster, the Talk, the Walk, the Style, the Smile, the Humor.....everything.
in his younger years he was a famous Do-Wop singer and songwriter.
(see:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Billy-Galante/143477772414798?sk=info ).
he also was half of my heart and life.
and my heart was shattered, when he unexpectedly passed away during a card game this January (2014).
after that I didn't want to do anything, because everything I did, I did for him. 
I stopped my Card tricks,
my guitar,
singing,
my dream: acting,
my website, (www.brklynbeads.com)
my comic drawings,
my book,
everything I ever did.
sometimes I even felt like stopping my smile.
as I said my dream was acting, I had the looks, the passion, the mind, even the sense of humor.
My Grandpa was alway wanting someone to carry on the Galante name. he said he only wanted to see my success. my dream was his dream to, and he always encouraged me. Now I know he will help me even more and I alway pray for his help, and hope that one day, (maybe through my story.) 'Our' Dream, may one day come true. some day I might even play a part in my own book, only God knows.
well thats my story. at least a small part of it. but enough for now.
Stata' Buon'

Maria Filomena Galante