As I mentioned in a recent blog post I am returning to Italy this fall and of course am thrilled making travel plans and just thinking about it. My destination is Positano, and for the first time, I will stay in one place for two weeks.
I am traveling solo and it has been a dream of mine to stay on the beach in Italy and write.
Many well-known writers have been inspired by the beauty of Italy and have kept homes in or near Positano for many years. Gore Vidal had a sparkling white mansion in Ravello that could be seen jutting out high on the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast and overlooking the azure Tyrrhenian Sea a thousand feet below. It recently was listed for sale for $21 million.
And I only recently found that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones wrote “Midnight Rambler” while staying in Positano on a holiday. Since I am a big fan of The Stones I found this story fascinating.
By now you probably already know that I am always drawn to the beach. The image of water, especially the ocean with its gentle rolling waves, is soothing to me and inspires me to write.
Even when others are around, the sounds of the waves drown out distracting conversations. I go often to the beach near my home in Florida.
I’m beyond excited just thinking about staring at the shimmering sea and listening to the gentle sounds of the waves as I pen my first novel.
I’ll be staying at the same beachfront hotel where I spent five days last summer and thought I was in Paradise.
I hope to find my inspiration there and complete the first draft of my current work in progress, my first novel, Critical Cover-Up.
Don’t look for me too much on my blog or social media while I am there, since I want to stay focused on the manuscript. Stay tuned to see exactly how inspired I was.
A recent article in The Huffington Post describes exactly why “Positano is the destination of your wildest dreams.” Enjoy.
What do you think? Do you think this view is inspiration enough to write? I’d love to hear you thoughts so please leave a comment.
Grazie and Ciao
margieinitaly 
The beach is hugely inspiring to me too . It relaxes the mind and allows new ideas to float to the surface. Have fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Geoff. I’m glad you also find the beach a tranquil place.
LikeLike
I completely understand the thrill you are feeling to return home to Italy………..i spent 3 months in Sorrento when I closed my business and wanted to test ‘living in Italy full time’.
Although I will be in Italy end of Oct beginning of Nov I won’t suggest a meet up or anything that will interfere with this special time! But enjoy completely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Lee. I know that you’ve experienced that feeling too. I appreciate your understanding too.
LikeLike
So excited for you Margie!!!! I know how you have been looking forward to this. I also know you will be inspired. You will be in 2 places you love, and are passionate about, Italy/Positano and by the sea. What beter inspiration?
So very happy for you. I cannot wait to read your next book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Rae…Can you tell I’m psyched about this? Stay tuned…
LikeLike
Margie, I have been following your blog since my 2 sisters and I decided to plan a first time trip to Italy. We are so excited! We will be in Positano October 9-13. If I see a woman writing on the beach I will say “hello” real fast. Then let you get back to your novel! Thanks for your posts.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow, Sandra…I am so happy for you and your sisters! You have certainly chosen a wonderful place. Thank you so much for following my blog and taking time to comment here. If you do see me on the beach or on my balcony writing, please do say hello! I will be there during that time.
LikeLike
We are trying to finishing planning our trip to Italy! Hope I am not out of line asking you a question. It seems in our research we should buy our train tickets now. I guess we just print tickets on line. We will be traveling by train from Venice to Florence. Then Florence to la spezia. And Florence to Naples. Do they really sell out seats on these fast trains? Any information will greatly appreciated! Hope to see you in Positano! Thank you, Sandra Ps.. Do you recommend an area in Rome to stay? We still need a hotel there for 2 nights. Thanks again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ciao Sandra – Your trip sounds amazing!! Yes I always purchase my train tickets in advance online if I can. The Trenitalia site has an English version and once you register it is fairly easy. For any regional trains, such as the one to La Spezia, you may not be able to purchase until closer to the time. I will e-mail you about a Rome recomendation. And please so stop by my hotel on the beach in Positano!!
LikeLike
Sounds like a wonderful idea Margie! I have stayed on the Amalfi Coast 3 times now and each time was a different experience. The first time we stayed in Praiano in an apartment for 2 weeks which was fantastic. The second time was at a lovely B & B way up at Montepertuso above Positano, and the third time in a family run hotel in Positano itself. Each time was fantastic. I will definitely look into your hotel when I go again as I love Fornillo beach. I am sure you will have a lovely yet productive holiday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grazie Paula. You know why I love the Amalfi Coast so much since you’ve stayed there three times yourself! So many of their little towns are lovely. Maiori is particularly nice. I think I may get to Montepertuso this time. Thanks again.
LikeLike
I travelled to Positano two years ago and completely fell in love. Have since been to France and Tuscany but the ‘bite’ was no-where as deep! Hope the muse is with you. I am sure if it is anywhere it will be there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You made my day, Fiona. I’m already feeling it!!! I like the south of France and Tuscany too. There just is something about Positano.
LikeLike
I grew up by the Atlantic ocean and Long Island Sound and have always loved the beach. For some reason, the beaches of Italy are truly magical. Enjoy your special time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Kathryn. We do have a lot in common. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
So exciting! I have fond memories of that beach – a perfect place to just be and write. You’ve inspired me to work on my next book, maybe in Italy? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Victoria. We certainly did have a great time last spring there. You’ll be with me on that beach in spirit this time. And definitely start writing. I know you’ve had that book in your head for a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful Margie! Happy writing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grazie Orna…Enjoy your updates on your new life!
LikeLike
I love the beach, too, especially the dramatic scenery Italy has to offer with the cliffs that plunge down to the sea, but I must say, looking at your pictures, I had to wonder what food was served and eaten, and will be served and eaten on that terrace overlooking the water. Gotta be honest, that’s where my mind wanders, as beautify as the view is, the boats, the lapping of the water, I’m thinking, “What kind of seafood’s going to be brought out to those tables?”
Best of luck with your writing and enjoy your time in Positano!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you so much Karen! The food there is great..very fresh…Calamari…Mmm,
I’ll be sure and take note and post photos while I’m there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Admire your adventurous spirit. Wishing you the best. You deserve it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for checking out my blog and leaving a comment. I appreciate it!
LikeLike
Thank you so much!!! I appreciate your reading my blog and commenting…Glad you are enjoying it
LikeLike
How wonderful to hear! It sounds both relaxing and inspiring to be in one place for two weeks in Italy. Tante belle cose!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Grazie Stacy! I am looking forward to it so very much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Margie, I love you adventurous spirit…you are truly an inspiration! Believe me, I can see you very clearly writing in Positano…all the best, and I am very excited to read your upcoming novel!! Have a wonderful time amica.
LikeLike
Oh, Margie, I am happy for you and your solo trip to Positano. I agree with you on being near the sea for inspiration to write. I, too, am in the process of writing a book, and your are an inspiration to me. I hope to see more of your blog posts, but I thoroughly understand your wanting to concentrate on writing your book. I wish you the best adventure ever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much my friend. I am so happy to hear that you are working on a book! Best wishes with it! I will still be posting on my blog..just maybe not as often…trying to schedule a few in advance..The real-time posts will more than likely be on social media like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Watch that space!
LikeLike
That view may even make me want to write! 🙂 Absolutely incredible, and two weeks in the same place, and a place that beautiful…wow!! I am a tad bit envious, but very happy for you enjoy and be inspired!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tony..And I know you’ll be going next year, right! Stay tuned for photos on social media…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s correct. Looking forward to the photos!
LikeLike
Ahhhh…. Positano. I’m so envious. I’ve only been once, but I’m definitely going back again. Can’t wait to hear all about it and see your gorgeous photos. And more than that… I can’t wait to read this delicious novel you’re working on. If your other books and blog posts are any indication, I know it will be well worth the wait.
Ciao!
Susan
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, Thank you so much Susan..I’m glad to know you’ll be going back some day too! And you’ll be the first to know when I’m ready for an editor!
LikeLike
Have just spent a week in Prague, so going to Viareggio on 10 September will be a contrast. Then it will be back to Quito in Ecuador in October. I find that the movement between places always stimulates writing and new ideas. New perspectives too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a wonderful time on the coast of Italy, Barbara. LIguria is beautiful. I like your perspective about movement and stimulating new ideas. Safe travels and thank you again for leaving a comment here!
LikeLike
Good luck with your writing. You’ve chosen a beautiful spot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much Victoria! I appreciate that…Best wishes with your latest book!
LikeLike
Wow! I might have to put this on my bucket list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Eric, you definitely do…You’ll fall in love with Positano and the Amalfi Coast!
LikeLike
Wow how exciting for you. Positano looks very inspirational!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Barbara…Definitely Positano is a place of beauty and inspiration. I have never had the opportunity to stay in one location for the sheer purpose of writing with no other agenda so yes, you are right…I am beyond excited. Stay tuned for photos from social media…My blog posts may lag while I am there though in lieu of writing…
LikeLiked by 1 person
How exciting! Staying in a place for a longer time is the best way to see it. I just got back from the Association of Italian Canadian Writers conference in Padula, Campania. I read my first short story and it was so inspirational to meet so many people just like me and hear what they have written. In bocca al lupo on the manuscript! Buon viaggio, Cristina
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Cristina! That is quite an accomplishment. I am thrilled for you!! Keep up the fantastic work!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person