As the southern poet passed away Aug 31, I would like to share his poem How to be a Poet. May this be a source of inspiration today for all of you, poets: How to Be a Poet By Wendell Berry (to remind myself) i Make a place to sit down. Sit down. Be quiet. You must depend upon affection, reading, knowledge, skill—more of each than you have—inspiration, work, growing older, patience, for patience joins time to eternity. Any readers who like your

A thin line of smoke is a perfect Camilleri image, a heavy smoker. Il filo di fumo is Andrea Camilleri’s first historical novel and my most recent reading in the course of writing a contracted book on his historical fiction. Reading it with that larger project in mind has made one thing especially clear: this is not only a novel that contains deception. It is a novel built out of deceptions. Some are comic. Some are cruel. Some are social habits so ordinary that the character

Watching the show on Hulu, yesterday, made me reflect on the power of storytelling, story side by side with history, truth alongside fiction, new approaches of writing and explaining, the power of a story. Pompeii is often described through catastrophe. A city is buried, bodies are frozen in ash, and time seems to stop. That version is powerful, but it can also flatten the people who lived there into symbols of disaster. The stronger story begins somewhere else. It begins wit

Exciting news about the outcome of my Spring 2026 sabbatical. I completed an anthology I have been thinking about for years, a collection of Sicilian women writers and their literary accomplishments. Drafts often begin as scattered notes before they find their form. The anthology is now complete Completing an anthology is a different kind of milestone from publishing a single piece. A single work asks for focus. An anthology asks for focus and relationship. Each selection mu

April in Sicily offers a unique blend of warm sunlight, gentle sea breezes, and a rich cultural backdrop that makes it an ideal time to immerse myself in books. This year, I have set specific reading commitments to make the most of my time on this beautiful Mediterranean island. My goal is read/present my novel Il coraggio di dire, and to complete an anthology I am working on. Here is the schedule of my presentations: APRIL 10 - Caltagirone. It was a wonderful presentation o

Launching a new book is a journey filled with anticipation, hard work, and discovery. Today, I want to share some exciting updates about my latest book release. Whether you are a reader, a fellow writer, or simply curious about the creative process, I hope this post will offer a little spark of light, some genuine hope in the tough world of marketing. https://edizionimilella.it/product/il-coraggio-di-dire/ Upcoming Events and Opportunities After the first readings and sales,

The literary world is buzzing with anticipation as a diverse range of new books prepare to hit the shelves. Whether you are a fan of gripping fiction, insightful non-fiction, or innovative academic works, this year promises a wealth of fresh voices and compelling stories. Upcoming publications offer readers a chance to explore new ideas, discover unique perspectives, and enjoy captivating narratives. This post highlights some of my upcoming releases across various genres, pro

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If you are interested in Mediterranean Studies as I am, you will be happy to receive a link to the newest issue of I.S. Med.,...