In the streets of Nice, a 27-year-old woman catches the eyes around Place Masséna. Prescillia Correnti, a street writer, has made a name for herself by offering stories to passersby. Behind the keyboard of her typewriter, she creates tales for those who cross her path.
At Place Masséna, locals and tourists alike have discovered an extraordinary talent. For three months now, Prescillia Correnti, the street writer, has been stationing herself there daily. Her objective: to offer stories to passersby. A quiet but intense presence, marked by the tapping of her typewriter’s keys and the smiles of those who stop. Following a video by YouTubers McFly and Carlito, a week ago, her activity was abruptly interrupted. Without an official permit, Prescillia was chased away from the square. However, after submitting her application to a special commission, she was able to return to her spot on the square this Thursday. An encounter with a woman for whom writing is a vital breath.
Where did your passion for writing come from?
I have loved literature since I was young. As children, we are used to reading literary classics. One day, I stumbled upon the novels of H.P. Lovecraft, and I fell in love with his manner of writing. I saw and felt the words, the atmosphere, the anxiety of his characters, his grimy environment! I continued by discovering other authors like René Barjavel. It made me dream. I had always had a lot of imagination. Their inspiration rocked me throughout my adolescence. That is what launched me into the love for writing, for words, for the manner of crafting a plot, setting an atmosphere, creating a character. Then, last year I experienced an accident that put me in a wheelchair (I broke an arm and a leg). It was a trigger. I decided to turn my imagination into reality. So I wrote, over and over, and finally completed my first novel. After that, I challenged myself to write in public and come to Place Masséna.
When and why did you decide to set up in Nice?
I settled at Place Masséna about three months ago. I am there almost every Thursday as it is my day off! I wanted to settle there because it has been beautifully renovated and mainly because it was the most practical location for me in terms of time-saving. Hauling the table, chair, and typewriter is quite the journey [She laughs]. The spot also complies with the official street artist placement as per the prefectural decree!
Why did you choose to write in the street rather than in a more traditional setting?
At the end of my recovery, one of my close friends decided to take me to London, explaining that it was a city I would love. While we were walking, we came across two artists with their typewriter. They were offering poems to tourists. I fell in love with the symbolism of the typewriter, its vintage aura, their Peaky Blinders-like style. I thought to myself: “Yes, I have to do this too! It’s wonderfully brilliant.” So, I began searching flea markets for a typewriter. When I found it, I immediately headed to Place Masséna to offer my writings.
What was the reaction of the passersby?
Many people were initially very amused to see a typewriter again. Many stopped to ask where I bought it and if I knew how to use it because they had learned to type on one! There was a lot of sharing about the object itself. Then, once the curiosity passed, there were questions about my activity. One out of four times, they would ask me to write them a text after our interaction.
What kind of stories do you write?
The type of stories depends on the word the person gives me, what they convey, and what they transmit to me in terms of energy, their appearance. It also depends on what I read the night before. If, for example, I delved into science fiction, it will be much stranger and more evasive, or sometimes poetic and dark. I always try to adapt a bit to the tastes of the person in front of me.
Is there a story or a particularly memorable moment you have experienced while writing?
There are two touching moments I remember. The story of a young woman for her sister who was in the hospital. She described a memory she wanted to offer her, and I spun a beautiful story around it. It was a memory involving a fish trapped in a crystal bubble. The second was a young man who wanted to cheer up his girlfriend after a bad morning. So, I recounted their meeting in the form of poetry.
What is the average time you spend on a story?
On average, it can take me between 3 to 5 minutes.
Have you ever been inspired by an encounter to write something bigger?
Not yet, but maybe it will happen!
Do you think this street experience has changed your style or approach to writing?
Not yet, I would say, but meanwhile, I have discovered a passion for this activity. I find it beautiful, poetic, like a moment out of time. It feels good to provide a little free literature.
Following everything that happened, would you have liked to be in the spotlight as you are today with all this buzz, or would you prefer to be more in the shadows?
In all honesty, I was extremely embarrassed following the calls from the town hall. Now, fortunately, everything has been resolved! And seeing the reaction of those who support me has reinforced my right to continue!
