The journey begins

I’m in Florence, Italy. This is my writing room for the next month.

Why did I come here? So. Many. Reasons.

One, I’ve been here before. I first visited Italy in 2014 with the fabulous Wide Open Writing, a retreat organization developed by MFA classmates of mine, who hosted a creative getaway at a farm (agriturismo) in Tuscany. At that point, the program was brand new and nameless until the bus ride back to Florence and we were saying, wow. WOW! 

Two, at about the same time, I made the decision to start working as a freelance writer/independent contractor with the goal of occasionally being a digital nomad. I had recovered from cancer (the first time) and had decided I wanted to have more freedom and flexibility. It was time. Florence is a place I’ve been to and feel relatively comfortable in, and I found a good deal on an Airbnb rental for a month.

Three, I’ve felt a bit — creatively stagnant. While my freelance projects are thankfully abundant, I’ve lost a balance with my creative work. I know I do all work better when I’m nurturing that side of my passions and abilities. Just working to rebuild some old habits. Italy has inspired me in so many ways, and hey, Florence. Birthplace of the Renaissance and a second home to many, many, many artists and writers throughout the centuries.

Four, on that note, Mary Shelley. The author of Frankenstein, Mary Shelley is often considered the mother of science fiction, and as a fellow female sci-fi writer, she piqued my interest early on. Her biographies have led me down a very twisty rabbit hole involving her unconventional life and the many unconventional and artistic people connected with her. While I’m here, I’m keeping an eye out for the places she and some of her contemporaries haunted, seeking some inspiration that may lead to a new creative project.

Five, I want to learn more Italian. I’m taking some lessons.

Six, I simply want to learn more about Florence. Or maybe absorb is a better word. I want to take more time to see things. There are so. many. things. I like wandering around and finding interesting carvings, gargoyles, piazzas, great places to eat and gorgeous views.

So, I’m here. And I’m starting.