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? I think all writers put a bit of themselves in their characters. At the beginning of the … [Read more...] about A reader asks: Can we find parts of the author in the main female characters of “Waking Isabella?”
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Waking Isabella is on a world-wide book tour: Join in and win a copy!
“Waking Isabella” is on an around the world book tour! All this month “Waking Isabella” is on an around the world book tour with Laura Fabiani's Italy Book Tours. After finishing my debut novel "Dreaming Sophia" which in some ways is autobiographical and tells the story of a young woman – … [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
Ciao a tutti! I just published “Waking Isabella” 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 plotline in a visual way, I have put together this short video featuring pictures set to music. It is a little … [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
I have just returned from spending a month of September in Italy. For 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 group of Dreaming Sophia readers. For four days … [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 … [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 … [Read more...] about Dreaming Sophia Reviewed by Parrot Time
Cristo Velato di Giuseppe Sanmartino – Baroque art pushing the limits of realism
During a recent visit to Napoli, I visited the Chapel of Sansevero that is home to one of the most impressive sculptures in the world. The chapel is just off a narrow little side street around the corner from Via San Gregorio Armeno otherwise known as Christmas Alley. There, you can find Presepe and … [Read more...] about Cristo Velato di Giuseppe Sanmartino – Baroque art pushing the limits of realism
Elsa Schiaparelli – Italian fashion designer with a surrealist heart
Spotlight on Elsa Schiaparelli I would like to bring to your attention Elsa Schiaparelli, an Italian fashion designer who dominated the fashion scene between the two world wars. Her rival at the time was none other than Coco Chanel. But, while Coco considered herself a dressmaking … [Read more...] about Elsa Schiaparelli – Italian fashion designer with a surrealist heart
Tale of Two Crosses by Cimabue
Cimabue was a Florentine painter who lived from 1251 until 1302. He is significant in that he is one of the first painters to shift from stylistic representations popular during the medieval ages, signifying a turning point in Art History toward the Renaissance. Paintings before Cimabue were … [Read more...] about Tale of Two Crosses by Cimabue
In the Presence of the Last Super by Stacy di Anna Pollard
Today I am pleased to share a guest post written by Stacy di Anna Pollard. Stacy is a friend and an Italian-American, who like me loves Italy, art, and the Italian language. Stacy writes the Blog "Prayers and Piazzas”. During a recent visit nel bel Paese, Stacy, visited Milan where she viewed … [Read more...] about In the Presence of the Last Super by Stacy di Anna Pollard
Harland Goudie: an inspirational art professor
When I look back at my college years and think about all the professors and teachers I had, one man stands out clearly amongst them all. His name is Harland Goudie. Harland taught Art at Knox College from 1954 until his retirement in 1990. Originally hailing from Montana, he came to live and … [Read more...] about Harland Goudie: an inspirational art professor
Dreaming of pasta dishes: Pasta Carbonara & Tagliatelle Paglia & Fieno
This afternoon, being particularly hungry, I thought it would be fun to talk about some pasta recipes I am dreaming of at the moment! Two dishes come readily to mind! The first is Pasta Carbonara. Hands down this is my favorite pasta to prepare. It is pure comfort food. This is traditionally … [Read more...] about Dreaming of pasta dishes: Pasta Carbonara & Tagliatelle Paglia & Fieno
Marilyn Ricci – Moves to Italy and realizes her dream!
I am pleased to feature Marilyn Ricci of "Take Me Home Italy” on the Dreaming Sophia Blog site! Marilyn is the first to share a dream she is turning into reality! If you would like to share your dream to write Melissa at: Melissa@DreamingSophiaBook.com Here is Marilyn's story: Tanti anni fa, … [Read more...] about Marilyn Ricci – Moves to Italy and realizes her dream!
