Nicole Sharp's Blog

After reading my book, Big Trouble in Little Italy, my aunt called me with an urgent question: “Is there really a museum in Florence that has Michelangelo’s shoes on display?” You betcha! The museum is called the Casa Buonarroti. And I’ve got some fun information for you, so hold on tight.  Who Was Michelangelo Buonarroti (Besides the Guy Who Painted Ceilings)? Let’s start with Michelangelo’s full name. He was Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. But our dude got so famous folks just call...

If you’re new to my blog or writing, I write a lot about Italy. Why? Well, first, I’d have to say it was the lure of my Italian heritage. Second, my sister lives in Italy. (Because of that, I worked hard to learn the language, so I could communicate with her husband and kids – who speak such good English, it isn’t needed. But learning Italian gave me an unexpected connection to my ancestors.) Thirdly, I write about Italy because I get to visit often, and one day, the trips will be a good tax wri...

I was recently talking to a few writers and the question that we ended up talking to for quite some time was this: What has been the biggest challenge in the self-publishing journey? The Biggest Challenge in Self-Publishing (It Wasn’t What I Expected) As we theorized and philosophized, I realized my biggest challenge, the thing that changed everything for me, was getting out of my own damn way. I had soooo many excuses. I wanted to publish all the stories I was writing, but it seemed like every ...

I’ve been thinking about coffee. If you know me, or have read my work, you’re probably thinking, ‘of course your thinking about coffee!’ If it’s not Italy and how to get to Italy and what adventure I’m currenting writing, then I must be thinking about coffee. Though, to be fair, I often think about what we’re going to have for dinner, if I’ve switched the laundry, how am I going to juggle all my work with gardening this summer and the intricacies of the latest Beowulf translation in the world an...

When I ask you about Italy, whether you’ve been or you dream of going, chances are pretty good that while expounding on your trip, you’ll utter something along the lines of, “And oh, the pasta!” And of course, you’ll say that! Italians have built up notoriety for romance, travel and food. So, is it any wonder that my books set in Italy included a lot of pasta and wine and pastries and cappuccinos? And it seems, that is one of the many elements of my books, readers seem to enjoy: “Luscious; every...

Now, we’re all aware of the fact that I’ve been to Florence several times and that I love the place so much, and love Italy so much, it’s a major character in three of the books I’ve published. As you can imagine, because of these things, I often end up with people asking me for tips and tricks when they head to the place of my ancestors, aka: the birthplace of the Renaissance. So, I thought it would be fun to talk about a few of the things you don’t always find in guidebooks, but that I think a...

Some days I just want a large, neon arrow, pointing me in the right direction when it comes to my writing career. I try to explain to the muses. Declare to them that sometimes, I need loud clanging bells and whistles indicating: “Go THIS way!!!” I know there are several schools of thought that like to say that the signs we’re looking for can be found in whispers and gentle nudges. Thankfully, with the use of the interwebs finding the whispers of inspiration is a little easier. And the whispers I...

Amid the rolling green hills of County Cork Ireland, where tiny villages dot romantic landscapes is a land ripe with legend. You see, it was in one of those little villages, within the confines of County Cork, that our Irish ancestors lived. You know, some great grandparents, great aunties and uncles, random cousins … all who are now names assigned to old black and white photographs. But some of their stories have survived, and some of our family’s folk-lore still lives. And what better day to d...

(Written at 3:36 am when my congestion woke me up gagging) Wake up.Breathe.Scramble to find hope in the fact that you woke up today.   Get the kids to school.Tilt them out of the car and try not to let your voice waiver as your verbal flailings remind them:YOU are amazing. YOU are powerful. YOU’ll get through this. You are WORTHY. Cry on the drive to work.Rage scream.    Early morning: During second and third cups of coffee, check on friends. How are you?We’ve got this!I believe in YOU.YOU’ll ge...

A friend and I get together and walk every two weeks or so to catch up. Walking took the place of coffee sitting a long time ago. Once the hugs of greeting are given; cell phones and keys are tucked away in various pockets; and hats fitted into place – we get to the task of walking. And talking. My friend quickly runs through her personal update and then excitedly asks, “what have you been thinking about lately?” I like that question, the way she puts it. Though, I have to ask myself, is it real...