To stay at Civitella as a Fellow gave me the space and silence I needed to plan out, research and begin a new novel. The combination of solitude during the day and a group dinner at night  provided a perfect balance for alone time and social needs and opened possibilities and friendly relations to exchange ideas and information with the other Fellows. The presentations of the work of the different residents  was specially important to spark and widen one´s own ideas and creativity. Civitella fulfilled and excelled my professional expectations. It was a gift for my soul and imagination for which I am deeply grateful.