Welcome, I’m so glad to have this opportunity to chat with you. Can you share with my readers the essence of your book and why you penned it?
Twenty-some years ago I started studying Italian simply to be able to speak with Italians on our travels. I never expected to fall in love with the language, but I did. La Bella Lingua celebrates this love by recounting the adventurous tale of how Italian became Italian, civilized the West and enriched every aspect of culture and life.
You’ve chosen a very interesting title. What inspired the title? What inspired the book?
“La Bella Lingua” means the beautiful language, and that’s how I view Italian. I worked as a journalist for many years, and I know a great story when I see one. The story of Italian has everything: history, drama, courageous heroes, beautiful women, music, art, fashion, food and, of course, love! I couldn’t resist telling it.
What makes this book special to you?
It’s a true opera amorosa, or labor of love. I’ve written dozens of trade and text books but none has meant so much—or brought such joy and satisfaction to my life.
What makes this a book that people MUST read and WHY?
There’s a bit of Italian in every soul—the part that loves passionately, that appreciates beauty, good food, friends and family, that lives in and savors the moment. This is a book for your inner Italian. Even if you never visit Italy and never say so much as “ciao!”, if you love pizza, pasta or just an armchair adventure you’ll find something to love in La Bella Lingua .
What sparks your creativity? Any tips to help others spark their own creativity?
I interviewed a lawyer-turned-chef in Florence and asked her what had sparked her passion for food. “Signora,” she said, “we do not so much choose our passions as much as they choose us.” Italian seized my imagination and my heart. I would say open yourself up to a wide range of experiences and pursue the one that stirs you the most.
What has been the biggest stumbling block in your writing? Can you share some tips to help others get past similar problems?
At times I thought I was “tutta matta” (completely crazy) to write about a language other than my own. Italian, as many of you know, is easy to love but hard to learn, so I struggled mightily to master it. Yet, as with any other obstacle, I found help by turning to experts for guidance and support—and by simply persevering day by day, treating every iota of progress as a victory.
Tell me about the most unusual things you have done to promote your book?
Well, I haven’t done it yet, but I bought a shower curtain decorated with Italian words, and I plan to offer it as a prize for an online contest. Any takers?
Each author is different in the way they write. Please describe for us the steps you took to plan your book.
First, I had to study Italian -- not just its grammar and vocabulary but its history. In addition to years of classes, I worked with a private tutor in San Francisco and took a course in the history of Italian at the Societa Dante Alighieri in Florence. Since I’m trained as a journalist, I then followed the steps I use for articles and books: I identified authoritative sources and interviewed them. All the while I kept reading everything I could about every aspect of the language.
Authors are very unique in the way they write, the tools they use, when they write, etc. Please describe a typical writing day for you? How do you organize your day?
My best writing days are in Italy. I let my husband sleep in and creep down the stairs to the matchbox kitchen of the summer house we rent each year. I make myself an espresso as my pet cat (yes, she lives here) begs to be petted and fed. Then she and I go up a lovely flower-lined path to the little cottage where I write. It’s like Butterfly’s house in the opera, with a long porch open to the sky and a view of the sea. I set up my laptop on a rickety wooden table and write for several hours. My husband comes up mid-morning with cappuccino and biscotti. Then I write only lunchtime. The rest of the day I swim, walk, talk, explore, etc.
In California, I simply go down to my office, turn on the computer and start plugging away. When I run into a dead end, I fantasize about being back in my casetta in Italy.
What is your current work in progress?
When I got here ten days ago, I thought I’d never have another book idea. But the atmosphere here is so nourishing that my husband describes it as amniotic fluid. In this creative womb, sure enough, I’ve found inspiration. The idea is too fragile and new for me to dare put it out in the world. But it will be about Italy, I assure you.
Can you tell us where to find more information about you and your books and how readers can reach you?
Yes, please visit my website at www.becomingitalian.com or www.labellalingua.org. There is an excerpt of the first chapter posted there. I do a blog on Italian three times a week at www.becomingitalianwordbyword.typepad.com.
I love getting feedback and hearing from readers who share my love of all things Italian. I look forward to hearing from you.
What would you like our readers to know about you and your writing?
An Italian friend once told me that I had unlocked “the Italian secret.” When I asked what that was, he said, “You know how to make the soul smile.” I like to think that’s true, and I hope La Bella Lingua does the same for readers.
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