The value of 'Made in Italy' must necessarily be up-to-date. This is the philosophy that Italia Independent has embraced. We decided from the outset to do away with stereotypes and attune ourselves to the extreme pace, to the incessant metamorphoses of the globalized world.

I drive girls crazy because I might call them 20 times in one day and then the next day not once.

I love challenges, and I believe that the challenge of quality cinema should not be underestimated as an important part of the Italian cultural offer.

I have many weaknesses, but I have one strength. When I do something, I do it 300 percent. I'm not a middle man.

Lawrence Ferlinghetti had a tremendous education as an artist and also an enormous knowledge of literarture.

Sardinia is beautiful. The people were so friendly, and the food was incredible! I also loved Florence. I spent two months there as part of a school study-abroad program. On the weekends, we would get to travel wherever we wanted, so I would explore. That was a magical time.

I go on a good many adventure-type trips. Whenever I go on one, it's always potentially going to be the setting for one of my books. I pay more attention to certain aspects than some other people might. Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don't. Most of the books I write are based on experiences I've had to some extent.

Good authors mature over time: it does take awhile. Travel abroad and learn to live in other cultures. That's one of the things about teaching abroad.