"My motive was simple and hedonistic: I was looking for beauty" - Alain de Botton, The Art of Travel

Welcome to Episode #103

I have mused over limoncello, Liguria, Milano and Roma, the streets of Genova and once wrote a love letter to Padova. I have revered Giotto and Botticelli and cried over Santa Chiara in Assisi. I have interviewed many beautiful women about their lives in Italy, their stories, their cookbooks and their passions for a bountiful table and the beauty of the artist’s life. I have researched Sardegna and even had a good laugh with the one and only Luca Spaghetti. I went deep down the rabbit hole on the iconic Peggy Guggenheim and I dreamt about returning to Italy to do it all over again. I inspired women to go solo traveling in Italy and I insisted my husband take me again for my 50th birthday. And finally I published my travel memoir - In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure. 

And so over 103 episodes I have mused and I have definitely felt the call, that magnetic lure of Italy, it has been a beautiful life expanding journey and a wonderful daring chapter of my life - Enjoy my next share In Bocca al lupo - a few of the many stories that happened along the way ❤️

The Italian affair continues through travel, books, art and lifestyle. In truth, there are many portals to enjoy Italy and many ways to connect the dots of living a beautiful life. They all make for a sumptuous connection to Italy and one that has given so much beauty and magic.  

Thank you for joining me and making this journey what it is for without the beautiful listeners and you whom I have connected with along the way in conversation and in spirit, it has made it just so much fun!!

Michelle xo

"In bocca al lupo (pronounced [im ˈbokka al ˈlupo]; lit. "into the wolf's mouth") is an Italian Idiom originally used in opera and theatre to wish a performer good luck prior to a performance.

The standard response is crepi il lupo!  - "may the wolf die" or, more commonly, simply crepi! ("may it die").

Equivalent to the English actor's idiom "break a leg", the expression reflects a theatrical superstition in which wishing a person "good luck" is considered bad luck. The expression is commonly used in Italy off stage, as superstitions and customs travel through other professions and then into common use, and it can sometimes be heard outside of Italy".  (Wikipedia 2024)

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

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"Solitude, I reflected, is the one deep necessity of the human spirit to which adequate recognition is never given in our codes. It is looked upon as a discipline or penance, but hardly ever as indispensable, pleasant ingredient it is to ordinary life, and from this want of recognition come half of our domestic troubles" - Freya Stark, The Valleys of the Assassins and Other Persian Travels

Welcome to Episode #102:

Today I share the story and personal journey behind my solo travel adventures, how I navigated my writing, creativity and family life to create the time and space to go on the adventure - to really listen to my heart, to trust the whispers, and to just do it anyway.  

This share is an honest account of my journey as a woman navigating relationship and family life and my dream to travel and explore Italy. Ernest Hemingway once said “All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know”, here today on the podcast I let that sentiment run through my words and my voice, and this account of this stage of my life.  The decision to travel solo made an immense ripple effect in my life (at the time I didn’t know that) in my writing, in my creativity and in my choice to later create a podcast on Italy because I loved Italy…. It has been an incredible experience, a work in progress and a lot of fun connecting with every one along the way.

Enjoy xx

Visit the Shownotes for BOOK suggestions on Solo Travel and a few tips if contemplating such an adventure....

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

Go in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!! 

Email me to share your review and enter the draw!

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

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"The city is beautiful at night. There's a danger but also a freedom" - Erri de Luca, The Day Before Happiness

Welcome to Episode #101: 

Today I go on another travel adventure and share some of the story of my Naples travel experience…. To say the least Italy is always an adventure, as it turns out so is my life. I reflect on our time in Naples and the magic of travel, friendship and serendipity, the Patron Saint of Naples - San Gennaro, and the books that call you without knowing why.  

Enjoy and visit the Shownotes for lots of beautiful images of this trip in Campania, Italy.  Enjoy x

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

Go in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!! 

Email me to share your review and enter the draw!

DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!

Support the show

"Perhaps in Italy, surrounded by beauty and history, we shed the layers of who we think we're supposed to be and rediscover the essence of who we truly are" - Erica Simone

Welcome to Episode #100:

Today on the podcast we go on a personal journey, the story of what took me to Ischia recently and what exactly I discovered there. 

From the Gulf of Naples we ferried over to the green island of Ischia in the Tyrrhenian Sea to discover the volcanic and mineral rich thermal spas, the natural beauty of Negombo, the magic of the Castello Aragonese, a journey to nearby Procida and the picturesque island life that is Ischia. There were beautiful days traveling and exploring and wandering the streets of the island Ischia in Campania, sampling the local specialities and basking in the charm of Southern Italy.

Enjoy and visit the Shownotes for lots of beautiful images of this trip in Campania, Italy.  Enjoy x

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

Go in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!! 

Email me to share your review and enter the draw!

DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!


© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show

"I adore the spirit of Rome" - In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure 

Welcome to Episode #99:

Today we go on an adventure in Rome… I share some travel adventures and a few details on staying in Monti, Roma.  I take a few beautiful tangents telling you all about my recent time in Italy with my family, some discoveries, some funny moments, some tricky train delays and most importantly some glorious days in the Eternal City - Rome…

See my Shownotes for all Restaurants mentioned in this share - if you are visiting Rome and need some traditional & regional Roman fare!

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

Go in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!! 

Email me to share your review and enter the draw!

DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show

"The travel journey is always an interesting paradox. To spend time navigating, being, seeing, collecting and contemplating. And haphazardly wondering about the next step. Yet, to not get carried away, or in front of yourself that you miss the opportunity that is right under your nose. I like sitting here observing the morning pursuits, the cars zooming in and out of the piazza, the deliveries being made. The locals in animated conversation, the tourist stalls being uncovered. It is good sitting with the hum of the place, no need to race anywhere. The breeze blows through the open door and I write a few more thoughts in my journal. I pack up my books and my water bottle and wander out to the street. A perfect morning in Siena, like no other" 
                        Michelle Johnston, In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure 

Welcome to Episode #98:

Today I reflect on the publishing journey and a few funny moments along the way, I have a few stories to tell about the creative process and this Italian Journey of mine. This  publishing business is lots of steps but the end goal is worth all of the work to make it real. In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure is available now. And if you enjoyed the book let me know! Stay Tuned for the book release on Audible coming soon!

Enjoy....

Buy my new book:  In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure

Book Link for my MichelleJohnston.life

Go in the draw to win an original watercolour painting from my new Book! Write a kind review if you enjoyed 'In the Shadow of a Cypress - An Italian Adventure' and you are welcome to email or DM on Instagram with the review for a chance to win an original artwork from one of the chapters in the book!! 

Email me to share your review and enter the draw!

DM me on Instagram to share your review and enter the draw!

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show

"So this is it. I am thirty nine years old. I am sitting at a table in a medieval piazza with a black moleskine journal. I am sipping a glass of Chianti Classico. I stare at the menu with none other than Luca Signorelli on the cover. I like the words Gran Caffe Signorelli. Luca Signorelli was born in Cortona in 1441. He is still revered. Signorelli’s art is in many of the museums and churches in Cortona and well, all around the world. I salute the artist, and the joy of making it this far, on this grand tour of mine. Alone and happy with a pen and journal, to just muse, people watch and write notes" - Michelle Johnston, In the Shadow of a Cypress

Welcome to Episode #97:

After a small pause, I return to share Book release dates, an extract of my audio-book in the making and some exciting news.  I couldn't help but share the journey so far and what has been happening and what's to come next!!

'In the Shadow of a Cypress: An Italian Adventure' is due out on the 13th September, 2024 - Stay Tuned for more soon!

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show

"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 tasselled loafer"  -  Ros Belford, Children of the Volcano

Welcome to Episode #96: 

Get ready for a wonderful adventure today with Ros Belford - Travel Writer, Journalist and Author of Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily.  Enjoy this conversation and read her book - it’s a wonderful account of making a life in Italy and following the call.

Note: Ros Belford reads excerpts from her book, Children of the Volcano...

*Arriving on the island of Salina 16:29
*Discovering and falling in love with Italy  23:28
*The path of miracles  33.25

Children of the Volcano: Finding Freedom and Making a Home for Three in Sicily by Ros Belford

Children of the Volcano tells the story of motherhood and childhood on the Sicilian island of Salina. Izzy and Juno grow up playing on the beach, learning to swim over volcanic bubbles, hearing tales of Aeolian witches, fighting battles armed with jellyfish and watching Stromboli erupt on the horizon. But nowhere is paradise. The school is atrocious, the teachers scary, and there are power cuts, storms and an earthquake. However, an eclectic community of islanders take them to their hearts, friendships are forged and Salina becomes home. Full of humanity, vitality, honesty and optimism, Children of the Volcano is for anyone unwilling to give up dreams of adventure and excitement simply because of parenthood, lack of money and not getting things right the first time.

Visit Ros for travel guides, articles and more at Ros Belford

On Instagram: Ros Belford

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show

"Perfection is static, and I am in full progress" - Anais Nin

Welcome 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 quotes and beautiful moments to capture along the way, nothing is lost and life is good. 

Enjoy xo

Find all Shownotes at  michellejohnston.life

If interested in the list of beautiful books I have explored on Italy - Here is the List
( 90% I have read, the rest are on the shelf! )

P.s - Never under estimate a good bookshelf, nor the potential of it. I liken it, to planting bulbs at the end of summer - something to look forward to down the track when spring finally arrives!

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

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"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 Sullivan

Welcome 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 case dual timelines. It is quite an alchemical process and a wonderful story about two women from different centuries in Rome, with one place in common - the Palazzo Brancaccio. 

Kimberly and I have beautiful chat about the writing process. Kimberly shares great advice on fiction writing and how she approaches the craft and the creativity of bringing it all together on the page and into book form.  

This is a lovely chat about her book Rome’s Last Noble Palace and Kimberly’s writing and traveling adventures in Italy - Enjoy….

Rome’s Last Noble Palace by Kimberly Sullivan

Two women. Two different centuries. One attic room

Visit for books, news, blog and travel news:  Kimberly Sullivan &  Instagram @kimberlyinrome

Feisty Deeds: Historical Fictions of Daring Women at Net Galley

Listen to our first conversation on the Podcast Series: Drink Wine and Be Beautiful
Nb: Women's Fiction Day is on June 8, 2024....

Find all Show Notes and details mentioned at:
michellejohnston.life

© 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life
Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024

Support the show