Return to Cozy Island

One of the passions I set aside because of the toxic environment surrounding it was writing. I loved losing myself in the worlds I brought to life; I loved imagining what it would be like to talk to a character of my own creation. As I grew older, however, I put down my pen: I felt surrounded by people doing the same thing, people who believed they did it better than me (and likely still do!), and who, when sharing, treated my unpretentious stories with superficiality. Perhaps that was exactly what was so unsettling? My writing wasn’t aimed at being published by a major house, and I never desired to become a successful author. I wrote for myself, and I believe that is what bothered so many people.

One day, however, a friend of mine suggested that I choose five of my stories to propose for a publication with La Chancerìa. I accepted, though at first, I didn’t give it much thought. I was quite pessimistic and didn’t think anything would come of it. Instead, she managed to gather our stories, those of other authors, and another girl’s poems: the result was a very graceful collection of about 120 pages. Inside, each of us also had the opportunity to include a photograph.

The cultural association, which oversees two imprints (Chance Edizioni and La Rìa), accepted our manuscript, and the project truly came to life.

In September 2023, Wyrd – Cinque Voci di Donna was published, and here I quote its synopsis:

It is said that we reap what we sow. We are five women, five life experiences that decided to meet on paper. We sowed our words, proceeding with care, delicately handling each other’s stories, listening to and supporting one another during this labor of sowing. As Wyrd reminds us—the ‘white rune’ meaning ‘destiny’—great secrets are revealed in due time, and now it is time for the pages to speak.

We had actually published a book: I struggled to process the joy and satisfaction, especially because I don’t consider myself (and never have) on the same level as the other authors in the volume. And yet, the first comments from those who read Wyrd were all positive. Perhaps I simply needed to believe in myself more? To be prouder of my work, and of my success?

In 2024, I decided to bring the copies I had to the Festa del Gatto in Florence, held at Villa Vogel, and chose to donate all the proceeds to the AMA Cat Shelter in Bagno a Ripoli. I was happy that way.

On that occasion, while I was setting up my table, a very sweet kitten came to visit me. She sat right beside the copies of the book, watching everyone else in the room and protecting our little volume.

I like to think she brought us a bit of luck, as every single copy was sold, and that our words have found their way into the homes of people who might have appreciated our little work.