A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life

"Time in Italy seemed less linear than it was at home, more of a space waiting to be filled with whatever delights the day might bring – exquisite miniature pastries behind the etched glass of an art nouveau window, a sliver of cantaloupe on a market-stall holder’s knife, amber and pink spritzes on a waiter’s tray, a flirty glance, a raised eyebrow, a tanned ankle in a tassel

"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress" - Anais NinWelcome to Episode #95:Today I go on a whimsical journey through my process! Reading and working on my book. The book is done! Yet, I am most keen to record an audiobook first - so here I go. It’s a journey of ruminating over recent books I have read and what is happening IRL and certainly what is on my mind! There are

"Be kind to yourself and just get going, because even if you are just writing a little bit, for a few hours a week - it adds up" - Kimberly SullivanWelcome to Episode #94:Today I have a conversation with fiction writer Kimberly Sullivan and her recent novel Rome’s Last Noble Palace. Kimberly loves to weave a story that includes a contemporary and a historical perspective, in this

"One's destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things" - Henry MillerWelcome to Episode #93:Today a share a meander through the creative landscape of writing and my process and the discoveries on the creative journey....Shownotes include a list of books and memoirs that have inspired me along the creative journey plus extra details from the end of the share if you

"Ligurian cuisine is often defined as a "poor" cuisine, of humble, rough origins because it was born in the homes of fisherman and farmers who had only simple, seasonal and low-value ingredients available. Yet, it is also sophisticated due to the expert use and skilful transformation of those few ingredients"..... Enrica MonzaniJoin me for a conversation about the beauty of Liguria

"You have not a right, but a duty to be happy" - Roberta MussatoWelcome to Episode #91: What a privilege it is to talk to women and share their stories. Women lead such fascinating lives. I continually notice this, the fact they continue to expand themselves, push their limits and boundaries, to grow, and not except contraction as the norm, but lean into expansion rather, living an

"We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves" - Pico IyerWelcome to Episode #90:Today I have a special conversation with Nadia Fragnito from The Vegan Italian Kitchen. Nadia is here to talk about her solo travel experience and the journey of returning to Italy to research her next cookbook due out later this year. We discuss the triumphs and the pa

"Italy was more than a subject, it was a tool of resurrection and empowerment" - Michelle Johnston“Can a place be an archetype? Or pertain mythical qualities? Emily Dickinson never left her home in New England to travel, the Italy she wrote and dreamed of symbolised something else, joy, hope, freedom…. And ultimately, the most powerful of qualities, transformation. Italy was mo

"You cannot lose what really belongs to you, even if you throw it away" - I-ChingHere I talk about the bitter sweet few months that have been, reflecting on life, books and events, and the books and writing adventures that happen along the way. Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at: michellejohnston.lifeYou can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement.© 2024 A Wr

"One will never forget the sudden transcendent quality of ordinary things, the glow of the fruit in its own leaves, the purple and green of artichokes with bushy tales, the delicacy of the sea creatures, silver, lilac - pale and coral red" - Winter in Venice, Pleasure and Landscapes by Sybille BedfordHere is some light musing over books I have loved this year and my favourite Audib