From the first day, I was introduced to Artemisia in a darkened lecture hall in college, I have been fascinated and intrigued by the seventeenth-century artist’s story. Artemisia was a sixteenth-century artist pitted against a male-dominated society. During her lifetime Artemisia suffered … [Read more...] about Artemisia Gentileschi – A woman who triumphed against great odds
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The man who wrote the book of Love — Petrarch’s sonnets to Laura
The only love that lasts is unrequited love. You’ve heard of Heathcliff and Cathy. You already know the stories of Scarlett O’Hara and Ashley Wilkes, as well as Dante and Beatrice. You may also be familiar with Charlie Brown’s love for the Little-Red-Haired Girl. But, are you familiar with the … [Read more...] about The man who wrote the book of Love — Petrarch’s sonnets to Laura
The Marvelous Miss Anguissola!
Sofonisba Anguissola – try to repeat that name three times fast! The name Sofonisba Anguissola doesn't necessarily roll off the tongue easily. Not only is it an unusual name, but it is also a name that, for many, many years has gone unnoticed and, for the most part, forgotten. The reason you ask? … [Read more...] about The Marvelous Miss Anguissola!
Umberto Boccioni and Futurism
As we turn the page and face a new year, I wanted to talk about an artistic movement that dared to break with the past and create a unique, forward-thinking expression of the world. The movement I refer to is — Futurism. In retrospect, Futurism might seem a little out-dated — being over … [Read more...] about Umberto Boccioni and Futurism
The magic of the Magi.
‘Tis the season to be triumphant and jolly! It is also the season to embrace the spirit of hope and miracles of the human heart. When we do — miracles happen. There is no bigger miracle than the birth of a child. It is truly a mystery and wondrous thing, no matter what religion you practice … [Read more...] about The magic of the Magi.
Bringing the “Grand Tour” home!
This is a post reprised from the Studentessa Matta Dual Langauge Italian Blog. To read the post in Italian Click this link Back in the day, to expand your horizons and see great works of art, you had to travel great distances to find it. It was called “The Grand Tour” — and no I’m not talking … [Read more...] about Bringing the “Grand Tour” home!
Playlist of Italian Songs for each book I write
Everyone has a different style of writing and a different way of going about the creative process. When it comes to music—some listen to music while they write, and some don’t. I tend to fall into the latter category. During the day, listening to music while I’m putting words together is far too … [Read more...] about Playlist of Italian Songs for each book I write
Eternally Artemisia Book Video Trailer
There are so many things to do when an author publishes a new book! Aside from working very hard on the story for over a year (getting the plot lines just right, writing, rewriting, proofing, and rewriting some more) in my case, since I am the author, designer, layout artist, illustrator, … [Read more...] about Eternally Artemisia Book Video Trailer
Eternally Artemisia is published!
I am very happy to announce I’ve published my third novel set in Italy! Eternally Artemisia Some loves, like some women, are timeless. After an intense year—yet at the same time a very rewarding year—of research, writing, editing, illustrating, rewriting and countless hours of editing, I’d … [Read more...] about Eternally Artemisia is published!
Art and Artemisia come to life!
It’s been a while since I wrote a post on the Dreaming Sophia Art History Blog site. The first reason why I’ve been a little absent from this site is that for most of the summer of 2018 I was traveling in Italy. I spent the entire months of June and September, first in Montepulciano and then in … [Read more...] about Art and Artemisia come to life!
Arezzo Scarf – designed by Melissa
I wanted to share with you my newly designed scarf that pays tribute to Arezzo and la Piazza Grande! I have taken the original illustration that I created for the cover of my book “Waking Isabella,” depicting the medieval buildings that surround the Piazza Grande and applied them to an oblong … [Read more...] about Arezzo Scarf – designed by Melissa
Sharing a magical letter from Sophia Loren
A year or so ago as I was writing my first novel Dreaming Sophia I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Miss Sophia Loren in person. At the time I was researching my book, and when I learned she was giving a one-woman show in Las Vegas, I knew I had to find a way to meet her. Had I not been involved … [Read more...] about Sharing a magical letter from Sophia Loren
Dreaming Sophia Receives 1st Place in Adult Fiction in the 2018 Reader Views Literary Awards
I am thrilled to announce that “Dreaming Sophia” has been selected by Reader Views as the FIRST place winner in their 2018 Adult Fiction Literary Awards category! Cin! Cin! Grazie! Sophia and I couldn't be happier and more proud to know that the story of a day-dreaming artist and the love she has … [Read more...] about Dreaming Sophia Receives 1st Place in Adult Fiction in the 2018 Reader Views Literary Awards
As an author – what do you enjoy most about the writing process?
Sharing readers thoughts about “Waking Isabella” and answering reader questions Review of Waking Isabella – OLIO By MARILYN: Kudos to the author on a well-crafted story. I love the way the author's writing takes the reader between past and present so seamlessly it feels like they are happening side … [Read more...] about As an author – what do you enjoy most about the writing process?
Celebrating Waking Isabella — Book Launch Party!
Celebrating with friends and readers of my new book “Waking Isabella” was such a thrill! It was a chance, to get out from behind my computer, pop open a couple of bottles of prosecco and share my love of living and traveling in Italy, that I express through my books. We had a great turn out, and I … [Read more...] about Celebrating Waking Isabella — Book Launch Party!
Waking Isabella starts in the distant past, then continues in the future with flashbacks. How did you keep track of parallel history lines?
Writing a novel is an interesting experience, and I am learning that not all readers are wired the same. Just as each author has a unique story to tell that only he or she can tell, each reader is different and will react to a story and its characters based on their own personal tastes and … [Read more...] about Waking Isabella starts in the distant past, then continues in the future with flashbacks. How did you keep track of parallel history lines?
