By Gregg Casazza
A listicle of some of Florence’s best spots to overcome your writer’s block, and to find your inspiration as a writer.
How to get over writer’s block, writing tips, become a better writer, places in Florence to visit
Even in a city like Florence, a city teeming with inspiration, it can sometimes be difficult to find a spark of creativity as a writer. I realize this must sound like a contradiction, but writer’s block can happen even in Florence. As any writer knows, writer’s block can strike at any time, and to combat this a writer must know what encourages and nurtures his or her own writing process. Over the past few weeks I have found a few locations in Florence which I feel do just that, and have proved very successful in getting me to write. From a secret garden to a pen shop, these Florentine locations will help any writer to feel inspired.
Ditta Artigianale
With two locations, (my favorite located on Via dello Sprone) this is a cozy two floor café with lush green plants and graphic eye-catching wallpaper. Sitting down with a coffee and a notebook, this place is the perfect place for a writer’s retreat. There are occasionally live musicians, and plenty of comfortable velvet armchairs to work in. Part of the atmosphere of this café is made up by the lively servers, and also the many students studying throughout. Another perk of Ditta Artigianale is that it stays open very late it is open until 11pm Sun-Thurs, and 12am on Fri-Sat. These hours are perfect for writers who work best at night, or for those who find late night inspiration.
Oblate Café
Offering one of the most spectacular views of the Duomo, this rooftop café is a tucked away spot perfect for warm days, reading, and of course writing. As part of a library you can find a book by your favorite author, sit down with a great cup of coffee, and write something at any one of the numerous tables throughout the rooftop. There is also an indoor portion of the café, and so if the weather is not so great, you can still find a nice spot to sit down to get some work done. By seeing such a notable landmark from a different perspective, this café offers you a chance to look at your own writing from a new perspective as well.
News Café
Just a short walk from the train station, this café is simple, quiet, and homey. A great blank canvas for writers, this café lends itself to all sorts of creative concepts. The cappuccinos are artfully designed, and the lighting is soothing. A wall of wine bottles acts as a backdrop to this writing spot, and you will find yourself spending hours typing away, or scribbling down notes in your journal in this café. There are also single tables, as well as larger conference type tables here, so whether you are working with a group or by yourself, the News Café has something for everyone.
Todo Modo
Perhaps the ultimate inspo-café, this bookstore-café hybrid offers endless opportunities to those who want to write. The entrance is a bookstore, filled with art books, novels, and great literature, but if you travel deeper into the building, you will find so much more. Divided into a library, a café, and a theater, you can eat, read and explore this shop and find something new to do every day. In the back of the shop is a wooden double staircase which offers more seating opportunities, and also acts as a stage for live performers. Described as “a large reading room that becomes a bistro, a place for meetings, performances, projections, concerts, workshops, and seminars” it seems like there is always something new at Todo Modo. Sometimes authors will visit this café, or hold a seminar which can help you to hone your craft, and garner you new skills as a writer as well. There aren’t many places in Florence that offer so much for writers, and the opportunity to improve as a writer makes this place a must-see.
Il Torchio and Casa della Stilografica
A writer is only as good as their writing supplies, and I find when I have really good supplies, I end up producing much more content. Try a custom notebook from Il Torchio, these books are all handmade and locally sourced. The paper is made on the Amalfi coast, and the woman who runs the shop can be found binding the books all day long. You can buy a premade book, or get a custom book to fit your needs. If you like this slightly more analog approach to writing, then you may also want to check out the fountain pens from Casa della Stilografica. These pens write like a dream, and you will be hard pressed to find a pen that writes better. The dedication and craftsmanship in good writing supplies can truly inspire any writer, every time I see my notebook or pen, I am immediately inspired to write.
Outdoor Spots
My last spots to visit as a writer are all outdoors, and weather permitting, these spots are truly unmatched. They offer intimate and solitary opportunities for a writer to find a slightly more introspective experience. The first spot is part of the rose garden near the Piazzale Michelangelo, if you walk just a bit further into this garden there is a zen garden with some benches that supply a perfect spot to take a break, and write. If you climb to the top of the Piazzale, especially at sunrise, there are few more awe inspiring sights in the city, and so this spot can give a writer many opportunities to find their spark of creativity.
Another slightly less common spot to do some writing, is the area in front of the Palazzo Pitti. It may seem strange to sit here to write, but many people actually picnic in front of the Palazzo, and the community atmosphere has helped me to write many times, something about people watching and the outdoors really helps me to get inspired.
The final spot to do some writing involves a little walking, or maybe even taking the bus, and is on the way to Fiesole. The walk there is so beautiful itself that it would be a challenge to not be inspired. However, if you take Via Giuseppe Mantellini you will find yourself at a small park, with benches, and the most breath-taking view of Florence imaginable. The park is very quiet and on a sunny day you can see the Duomo, the Santa Croce, and so much more. You can find rolling hills, a bright blue sky, the golden Tuscan sun, and hopefully that elusive inspiration to write.
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