Moving to Venice: Inspiration from Andrew Sean Greer

Inspiration from Venice

Andrew Sean Greer, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, embarked on a unique adventure when he moved to Venice to complete his latest novel, Villa Coco. The story follows a recent graduate who lands a job inventorying the belongings of an ancient villa in Italy, where an elderly count resides. Although most of the narrative unfolds in Tuscany, Greer chose Venice, famous for its romantic canals, as his creative sanctuary.

The Journey to Venice

At the end of 2024, Greer decided to leave Milan due to rising living costs and the fact that his partner, an Italian citizen, did not yet have a U.S. green card. They spent about a year and a half searching for the perfect place to live, exploring lakeside towns outside Rome and down to southern Naples. Ultimately, Greer selected Venice, a city he had never considered before. "I wanted a medieval house by the sea," he recalls, though surprisingly, his partner was not on board with this idea.

A Creative Haven

Upon arriving in Venice in November, Greer took advantage of the quiet winter months to focus on his writing. He learned how to obtain a library card for the Fondazione Querini Stampalia, which offered a tranquil workspace filled with beautiful natural light. This environment motivated him, especially as he observed others diligently immersed in their own projects.

Each day, Greer traveled from his home to the library via the vaporetti along the Giudecca Canal, an enjoyable experience that helped him concentrate his thoughts. Venice always has something new to uncover, particularly during the Art Biennale.

Embracing a New Environment

Living in a foreign country and working in a language that isn’t his native tongue heightened Greer’s awareness of his surroundings. He noticed that during his early morning walks along the Zattere waterfront, he began to observe the small details he previously overlooked, from joggers to elderly ladies strolling by and people preparing trash boats.

Reflecting on Past Experiences

Before moving to Italy, Greer spent 30 years living and writing in San Francisco. He genuinely felt that this new environment helped him rediscover sources of inspiration he had long taken for granted. Milan, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, lacked the creative spark for him due to its familiarity and fast pace. Greer felt trapped in his thoughts and found it hard to let his imagination roam freely.

Transformation Through Art

In Venice, every detail can spark inspiration for a story. For instance, upon seeing a carved face on a wall, Greer discovered metaphors for his characters in the novel. The conclusion of Villa Coco also takes place in Venice, and while rewriting, he realized he needed to view the city from a fresh perspective to uncover intriguing elements he had previously missed.

Art and Reality

Interestingly, the streetlights in Venice are indeed a pale pink, and there’s a word to describe how the light reflects off the canal water: gibigiana, a delightful term. In winter, thick fog often causes the vaporetti to halt until the weather clears. Churches emerge unexpectedly from the mist, creating a mystical atmosphere.

Lessons from the Experience

Living and working in Venice reminded Greer that slowing down and paying attention to one’s surroundings can unveil wonders in creativity. "Not everyone should abandon gondola rides or unexpectedly move to Venice, but spending more time in one place will certainly help you notice the fascinating things around you."

This article is adapted and edited from: Condé Nast Traveler