Eastern Student Madison Forsander of Newington Writes in Florence, Italy

2014 Dec 15

During the summer of 2014, 11 students from Eastern Connecticut State University spent the month of July in Florence, Italy, at an intensive creative writing workshop. With its rich culture and scenic Tuscan views, Florence was chosen as the location for the workshop to inspire students' creative and literary senses as they wrote, critiqued and edited original works of fiction and poetry.

Among the students was Madison Forsander '17 of Newington, who is majoring in Pre-Secondary Education Certification and English.

The Eastern students worked in the courtyard of Studio Art Centers International (SACI) where, surrounded by gardens, they produced their own works of poetry and short fiction. "Taking inspiration from the Renaissance art around every corner and the beauty of the Tuscan countryside, students immersed themselves in lively Italian culture and produced their own stunning works of art," said English Professor Chris Torockio.

The five-week workshop, titled Creative Writing Abroad, was the summer highlight of the English Department at Eastern. The trip included visits to the famed and picturesque cities of Lucca, Siena, Pisa, Fiesole and San Gimignano, as well visits to museums, galleries and other attractions.