Our Italian Adventure: Spotlight on Presenting My Book in Rome

PART 106: It might be interesting to share how we pulled off living in Italy for part of the year. I will post some steps and what we are learning along the way.

We love every minute of it, and what was once a dream is our life!

We live in Tuscany in the Fall, then back again in the Spring, and in California for the rest of the time (in a previous blog, I explained why we live in Italy only part of the year).

Step 1: As we explore areas and towns in Italy, we discover some gems worth sharing. Some are well-known tourist magnets, and others are lesser-known but always amazing.

This week, I want to share an exciting event in Rome with you!

Step 2: Why write?

Teaching is my profession, and writing is my hobby. This separation allows me to write without feeling pressured to cater to market demands. Writing for the "market" involves conforming to current trends and creating content for profit.

I write because stories come to me. These stories usually manifest as images, and I strive to capture them with the best words I can manage. The writing process is challenging, but finishing and seeing a book in print is immensely fulfilling.

Positive feedback, whether through book sales, reader enjoyment, or comments, is the ultimate bonus!

Step 3: The event

In my recent blog, I discussed the historical libraries in Rome and highlighted that many offer open study areas for the public. Whenever I spend more than a few days in Rome, I make it a point to visit these libraries as they provide a peaceful and conducive environment for research and writing.

My favorite historical library in Rome is the Vallicelliana Library, established in 1565 near Piazza Navona, one of my favorite areas in Rome. This library is located next to the Chiesa Nuova, and the most impressive part is the Borromini Hall, a majestic rectangular room. The room is filled with natural light from 16 windows and a balcony that overlooks Piazza della Chiesa Nuova, providing a wonderfully bright ambiance (https://www.livetheworld.com/activities/italy/vallicelliana-library).

Recently, the library invited me to present the Italian version of my book "She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome" (https://a.co/d/iwsclKf ). The Italian version is titled "Lei mi ha sedotto. Una storia d'amore con Roma" (https://amzn.eu/d/0eFUMCHN ).

The presentation will be on September 11, 2024, at 17:00 (5 p.m.) in Piazza della Chiesa Nuova in Rome (see flyer in this blog). 

Step 4: A big deal?

I don't make any money from writing, as the little I earn (about $1 per copy sold) goes back into promoting my book. So, for me, the rewards of writing are not monetary, but rather:

• Satisfaction: I enjoy setting goals, working towards them, and achieving them. It gives me a sense of satisfaction in my work life, gym, or writing. Putting down a story that's been floating around in my mind, going through the painstaking process of editing the initial draft, refining it, finding a publisher, and seeing it released all add up to immense satisfaction and a sense of purpose and meaning, especially now that I am retired.

• Meeting interesting people: An unexpected benefit of writing is meeting some incredible people. Whether through this blog or the books I have published, I've met and befriended others who seek more out of life and are willing to take risks for their dreams.

• Amazing experiences: If someone had told me five years ago that I would be interviewed by Vatican Radio, I would have laughed in their face. If someone had told me I would be interviewed by a news program in Italy, I would have said they were lying. If someone had said I would be doing a public presentation of one of my books in the center of Rome, I would have said, "You're crazy!" Yet here we are.

Step 5: The presentation

I am passionate about teaching, so I want to ensure that this learning experience is engaging. To achieve this, I plan to use a Google Slides deck to make the presentation visually interesting and encourage audience interaction through questions. Drawing on my experience as an educator, I will intertwine stories from Rome with my personal history. Additionally, I aim to share examples of excellent teaching from my former professor of archeology, who provided enlightening insights about underground Rome.

To enhance the presentation, I have invited the translator of my book to co-present with me. She has a unique perspective as a native Italian speaker and educator in Italian studies. Additionally, she has experience teaching in California, so she understands the culture and mindset there.

After the presentation, I will open the floor to questions about the book's content and our experiences in the field of education in the United States. The entire presentation will be conducted in Italian, so I'm doing my best to prepare for it.

Step 6: The gratitude

I am honored to have the opportunity to present my book about Rome in the heart of Rome. It is definitely one of the most exciting moments in my writing career. I am grateful for the friendships, experiences, and cultural opportunities my writing journey has brought into my life. I don't know how many people will attend the event, but if you happen to be in Rome in September, I would be thrilled to see you there.

More next time.

SECOND EDITION NOW ON SALE FOR $2.99! “She Seduced Me: A Love Affair with Rome.” https://a.co/d/4Bx0Eh3. 

Amazon Italy- my book “Lei mi ha sedotto. Una storia d'amore con Roma”: https://amzn.eu/d/13nuZCL.