"One's destination is never a place but a new way of looking at things" - Henry Miller Welcome 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 would like to know more!! 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 ..read more

Join me for a conversation about the beauty of Ligurian cuisine and the unique terrain that is Liguria, Italy.  Enrica Monzani specialises in the rich and diverse cuisine of Liguria,  leading food tours, market and cooking classes in the city of Genova.  Enrica is a Food Writer and Author of Liguria in Cucina: The Flavours of Liguria, where she shares her passion for preserving the traditional recipes and the stories of her region. We go on a beautiful journey through the many layers of Liguria, with expert tips on mastering your pesto sauce and what to do and see in Genoa if o ..read more

"You have not a right, but a duty to be happy" -  Roberta Mussato Welcome 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 and learning so much about themselves, and making things happen!! I love that. Today I talk with Roberta Mussato about her book - Universe I Trust You: One Month in Sri Lanka I wanted to share that I lis ..read more

"We travel, initially to lose ourselves, and we travel, next to find ourselves" - Pico Iyer Welcome 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 pain points of travelling alone, things we both discovered on our own personal journeys. I might add, I have recognised over the past few years that taking the reins and travelling solo is the ultimate journey ..read more

"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 more than a subject, it was a tool for resurrection and empowerment.  Hmmm, I recognise this…” Today I go deep into the many layers of my life and the inspiration that has led to this point o ..read more

"You cannot lose what really belongs to you, even if you throw it away" -   I-Ching Here 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.life You can now Support the Podcast and send your encouragement. © 2024  A Writer In Italy - travel, books, art and life Music Composed by Richard Johnston © 2024 Support the show ..read more

"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 Bedford Here is some light musing over books I have loved this year and my favourite Audible listens too.... Family Lexicon by Natalia Ginzburg A Place in the World: Finding the Meaning of Home by Frances Mayes Serendipity: From Truffles and Champagne to Corn Flakes and Coffee: Stories of Accidental Su ..read more

"Some things are here for our souls, not our interests, and every land has its pockets of wild. Let us leave then there for the birds, for the night watch, for the person who needs and longs for a creeping into invisibility" This year Allison published her third book,  'Allison Zurfluh and the Venice Lagoon'.  Here are pages of art and essays on her experiences living on the Venice lagoon.  The book is an intimate look at the place that captured her heart and soul, the place that would initiate a 1000 questions and responses.  There is a part that Allison conserves for fa ..read more

“Cucina Povera is not just a unique approach to cooking and ingredients; it’s the highest expression of the Italian arte delle arrangiarsi - the art of making do with what you have got" - Giulia Scarpaleggia, Cucina Povera Welcome to Episode #85, Today a wonderful conversation with Giulia Scarpaleggia about her recent cookbook Cucina Povera: The Italian Way of Transforming Humble Ingredients into Unforgettable Meals. We talk about the book journey of creating Cucina Povera and that lovely panforte story I couldn't resist asking about, and the food writers that have inspired Giulia on her pa ..read more

"I travel and collect things that I love.  Memories, tastes, colours and stories. I bring them home and make the beautiful meals I had, so we can live them all over again" - Tessa Kiros, Now & Then:  A collection of recipes for always Welcome to Episode #84: Tessa Kiros is here today, her most recent book is 'Now & Then:  A collection of recipes for always'.   This is Tessa’s 11th cookbook.  This is a beautiful conversation about Tessa’s writing, her creative life, food and styling, the travels, and how she sees the world and the things that inspire.  Ma ..read more