In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.

This episode therefore introduces you to the second part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed in two parts; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.

The odd numbered chapters; in this episode Chapters 7, 9, and 11; are set in the modern day and introduce you to its lead character, Isabella, who applies for a job in Florence's Academia Galleria so that she can be closer to her muse and idol Michelangelo and his works.

We follow Isabella's life and her loves, including her love of her home city, its food, its people, the beauty of Tuscany and her friendships, particularly with her best friend, Mia. In later episodes, you will also hear about her lifelong love for one particular songwriter, artist and poet who Isabella adores.

Chapter 7 Extract

"Isabella found herself enjoying things the more the lesson continued. They mingled around the room using a structured questionnaire to find out more about each other. Each participant had to share something secret about themselves that no one could tell at first glance. She had so many delights to choose from. Which one should it be? She settled on the time she had climbed in the Himalayas, getting to base camp. This was safe to share with strangers. Some of her other stories were certainly not for this group of novices."

In parallel with Isabella's life, the second storyline involves Francesca. This story is set in the High Renaissance and follows the life of Michelangelo as he struggles with his art, his stone craft, his relationships with the church and the city and with its controlling family, the Medici. Chapters 8, 10 and 12 in this episode tell Francesca's story.

Chapter 8 Extract

"Rushing through the busy morning streets as best she could, Francesca arrived at the Medici Palace to be greeted by guards and soldiers of the Court. They knew her, of course, and beckoned her to enter without delay. The noise and chatter of the outside world quietened as she entered the dark corridors and turns which led to her office, a substantial room on the ground floor which overlooked an internal courtyard, providing her with some indirect sunlight for much of the day."

While based on some experiences described in the literature about Michelangelo's life, this is a story of fiction and is not meant to be wholly historically accurate, so please accept it as that; a story.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the draft of the story so far, perhaps to read as you listen to the audio version, please email me at ⁠johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk⁠

Spotify also has the facility to follow a word by word transcript of the podcast, available via a tab next to the 'Description' tab on laptops or desktops, or at the bottom of the podcast description on mobiles and possibly tablets, headed, 'Episode Transcript'.

For more information on this podcast series, 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know', or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or leave a sound bite comment on Spotify.

Please visit my LinkedIn profile at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to view Recommendations regarding my English Language teaching and Executive Coaching Services (towards the bottom of my profile page).

#teaching #learning #learningenglish #TEFL #TESOL #IELTS #listeningskills #listening #teacher #stories #fiction #audiobooks #storytelling #Michelangelo #Italy #Florence #shortstory #shortnovel #novella #Firenze #Medici