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Art of Loving Italy

Art of Loving Italy

Art & Beauty are all around us.

Blog

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?

A reader asks: How did you become a published author? Was it a childhood dream or something you embraced later?

Waking Isabella is resonating with readers! All this month it is on a book tour around the world AND there is a chance to win a copy. At this writing, almost 1700 people have entered the contest! There are still 3 weeks to go! Over the past couple of weeks, as the book is being discovered and … [Read more...] about A reader asks: How did you become a published author? Was it a childhood dream or something you embraced later?

Amazon Reader Review of Dreaming Sophia – this just in!

A delightful story of self-discovery that will leave you dreaming too! (Posted by cmakin17 on February 28, 2018 - Amazon.com) This is a wonderful novel that will transport you into the life of a young artist, Sophia, trying to find her place in the world. It is a delightful tale of love, loss, … [Read more...] about Amazon Reader Review of Dreaming Sophia – this just in!

A reader asks: Can we find parts of the author in the main female characters of “Waking Isabella?”

Recently I was asked if readers can find a part of me in the characters, Nora, Isabella, and Margherita – the three female protagonists in my new novel “Waking Isabella.” Curious to know the response? Yes of course! I think all writers put a bit of themselves in their characters. At the beginning … [Read more...] about A reader asks: Can we find parts of the author in the main female characters of “Waking Isabella?”

Waking Isabella is on a world-wide book tour: Join in and win a copy!

All this month “Waking Isabella” is on tour around the world with Laura Fabiani's Italy Book Tours and there is a chance to win one of three copies in a raffle GiveAway, along with a $10 Amazon Gift Card. You can find a schedule of all the bloggers who are featuring “Waking Isabella” by following … [Read more...] about Waking Isabella is on a world-wide book tour: Join in and win a copy!

Waking Isabella reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views

Earlier this week I had an email from Sheri Hoyte telling me she had reviewed “Waking Isabella” for Reader Views. With great excitement, I clicked on the link to take me to the website to read her comments about my newly published novel set in Arezzo Italy. Writing a novel is a very personal … [Read more...] about Waking Isabella reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views

Picasso’s Guernica: Art speaks volumes

“A work of art must make a man react…it must agitate him and shake him up.” The Guernica is undoubtedly one of Pablo Picasso’s most famous works of art. It is a powerful antiwar statement and was painted in reaction to the Nazi’s casual bombing of the Basque town of Guernica during the Spanish … [Read more...] about Picasso’s Guernica: Art speaks volumes

Waking Isabella Book Trailer Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4bH6gZDKo8 Ciao a tutti! I just published “Waking Isbella” my new novel that takes place in Arezzo, Italy in Tuscany. I’m very excited and pleased to share the new book with you. To explain the plot line in a visual way, I have put together this short video … [Read more...] about Waking Isabella Book Trailer Video

“Waking Isabella” New novel about Italy set in Arezzo by Melissa Muldoon

It is here! My newly published novel set in Arezzo, Italy called “Waking Isabella” is now available on Amazon in print and e-book. When Isabella woke that morning with intentions of washing her long dark hair, she hadn’t imagined she would be dead before it was dry. …and so begins the story of … [Read more...] about “Waking Isabella” New novel about Italy set in Arezzo by Melissa Muldoon

Florence through the eyes of an Artist – Dreaming Sophia Program 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oH7wLw65JI I have just returned from spending a month of September in Italy. The first two weeks I was in Arezzo co-leading a language learning group with Paola Testi of Cultura Italiana. The third week I found myself in Florence once again, with a delightful … [Read more...] about Florence through the eyes of an Artist – Dreaming Sophia Program 2017

Feeling Artsy? Carry the Art World in your Pocket

Recently I became acquainted with Jenna who helps curate the Artsy Web Site and we realized that we have a common goal: To make art and art history accessible to people, no matter what their background or what they may have previously studied With my novels, first "Dreaming Sophia,” and now … [Read more...] about Feeling Artsy? Carry the Art World in your Pocket

Dreaming Sophia Reviewed by Parrot Time

Dreaming Sophia was recently read and reviewed by Erik Zidowecki for his online magazine: “Parrot Time – The Thinking of Speaking.” Read Review on-line I can’t tell you how pleased I am to learn that readers enjoy the story, can relate to the heroine and empathize with her character as they travel … [Read more...] about Dreaming Sophia Reviewed by Parrot Time

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Giveaway Time! Un regalo per voi per farvi ricorda Giveaway Time! Un regalo per voi per farvi ricordare l'Italia! The Studentessa Matta is collaborating with Life. Lemons. Italy. We have come up with this fun giveaway!  Sit down and relax with a fantastic book, some Lavazza coffee 
and yummy amaretti cookies. What you will receive: WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE😁

Melissa's book Dreaming Sophia - a magical look into Italy, language, art, culture and turning dreams into reality

2 Bormioli Italian espresso cups

Some delicious Lavazza espresso Italiano

A lovely tin of Italian Amaretti cookies

TO ENTER

1. Follow both @life.lemons.italy <https://www.instagram.com/life.lemons.italy/> & @studentessamatta <https://www.instagram.com/studentessamatta/>

2. Like this post

3.Tag a friend in the comments below. 1 tag per comment. Each tag counts as one entry.

4. Extra entry - share this post to your stories and tag both @life.lemons.italy <https://www.instagram.com/life.lemons.italy/> & @studentessamatta <https://www.instagram.com/studentessamatta/>

Contest ends Sunday March 7th at Midnight (west coast time) Shipping in the USA only.

In bocca al lupo! Good luck😉

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Are you ready to travel to and study in Italy? We Are you ready to travel to and study in Italy? 
We are now accepting reservations for 2021!
For more information, please visit: www.studentessamatta.com, link in bio.

#melissamuldoon #travel #traveltoitaly #italian #learnitalian #studyabroad #reservations #italianlanguage #italianlandscape #september #smallgroup #arezzo #lucca
Parliamo dei piedi oggi! It's all about the feet t Parliamo dei piedi oggi! It's all about the feet today! la parola e le espressioni di oggi... anche alcuni idiomi!

in piedi = standing
a piedi = walking by foot
punto di piedi = tiptoe

A piede libero : out of jail

Andarci coi piedi di piombo: to be cautious

Cadere in piedi: to land on one’s feet, to come out of a situation without damage

Fuori dai piedi! : clear out!

Leccapiedi: brownnose

Ragionare coi piedi: to be illogical

Su due piedi: on the spot
New YouTube video on the Studentessa Matta website New YouTube video on the Studentessa Matta website and YouTube channel. In a new Studentessa Matta Video I talk about my home town of Austin, Texas. Learn about this funky Texas city, which is also the state capital. Visit the Studentessa Matta website to view transcripts of this video in English and Italian #learnitalian #studentessamatta #YouTube video #improveitalianathome
"The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola" by Melis "The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola" by Melissa Muldoon will be featured in the upcoming April "Dream of Italy Book Club" with Kathy McCabe! Join us April 7th. https://dreamofitaly.com/2021/03/01/book-excerpt-the-secret-life-of-sofonisba-anguissola-by-melissa-muldoon/ #dreamofitaly #novelitaly
The iRead "Sofonisba Anguissola" book is wrapping The iRead "Sofonisba Anguissola" book is wrapping up. Lot's of great comments regarding the book! Still a chance to win a copy of the novel as well a complimentary copy of one of my Audiobooks.  https://www.ireadbooktours.com/blog---current-tours/book-tour-secret-life-of-sofonisba-anguissola-by-melissa-muldoon
Join Maddie in Tuscany as she learns more about he Join Maddie in Tuscany as she learns more about her connection to Artemisia. Available on Amazon in AUDIO, print and eupb for Kindle and iBook. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PNS364N #artemisiagentileschi #tuscany #historical-novel

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