When UF alumna Frances Mayes told her family she was moving to Tuscany, they thought she had completely lost it.
When she returned to her home in the U.S., she found the inspiration to write a bestseller.
Speaking to a crowd of about 275 in Pugh Hall Wednesday night, Mayes, author of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” discussed her travels to Italy and answered questions submitted by the audience.
“Under the Tuscan Sun” is a memoir describing Mayes’ restoration of a Tuscan villa.
During her presentation, she read an excerpt from her new book, “Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian Life,” which was released in March.
“If you find your place, you’re very lucky,” Mayes said. “I found my place.”
After the presentation, she was awarded a plaque recognizing her as a distinguished alumna. Beaming with pride, she noted how she never thought she could win such an honor.
She also signed copies of her books
“Wouldn’t my professors be surprised?” she joked.
Mayes gave advice to current students, encouraging aspiring writers to read heavily and write without censoring themselves.
According to officials from the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Mayes was not paid for her appearance.
