Storytelling to transport readers to Italy
The challenge
DK (Dorling Kindersley) Travel publishes illustrated travel guides known for rich storytelling, compelling visuals, and local recommendations.
Its “destination celebration” series covers countries, people, and culture, and the book I worked on, The Italian Way, reaffirms the allure and love travelers have for Italy, whether it’s a spread on aperitivo or Italian mythology.
Storytelling
As a contributor for the 224-page book (published in June 2025), I wrote eight sections, each between 230 and 900 words. From family traditions to the origin stories of Italy’s beloved ingredients and recipes to the history of gardens and UNESCO sites, I researched and delivered copy working closely with an editor during all stages of the book production.
An excerpt from a section, The Italian Pantry:
Tomatoes, olive oil, mozzarella, and garlic. Four ingredients, dozens of possible recipes. Margherita pizza, bruschetta, pasta with a variety of tomato-based sauces. The Italian dishes ordered on repeat are made from a few elements. Pochi, ma buoni (few, but good) as a nonna might say. To transform simple ingredients into sublime dishes, they must be high quality, which means paying close attention to where they come from.
An excerpt from a section, The Family Unit:
Being a Romano, a Ricci, or a Rizzo sets an Italian’s role as a mother, father, aunt, uncle, son or daughter, and later, grandfather or grandmother. It fills their free time and influences where they live (near extended family for many). While friends, community, and work also structure lives, family comes first. Learning how to cook Sunday lunches and Christmas dinners, planning vacations, and attending baptisms, confirmations, weddings and funerals are obligations that bind Italians.
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