I Went on a Last-Minute Writer’s Retreat in Paris. Here’s How It Went (Exclusive)

**Inspiring Writers Take Centre Stage at Story Magic Paris Retreat**

Writers from various genres gathered in Paris for the inaugural Story Magic Paris, a two-day retreat designed to inspire creativity and foster project development in one of the world’s most iconic literary cities. Organised by Rise Literary, the retreat took place from June 5-6, 2023, at the historic Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe.

Kristen McGuiness, CEO and Publisher of Rise Literary, articulated the aim of the retreat, stating, “We wanted to translate the focus of our one-day New York retreats into something that felt more immersive and creative.” The event’s environment was intentionally curated to help participants engage with their creative sides more deeply, allowing the magic of storytelling to flourish amidst the city’s artistic backdrop.

Among those attending was Carly Tagen-Dye, an editorial assistant with PEOPLE’s Books, who found herself unexpectedly journeying to Paris. She had an existing draft of a novel, which fortuitously related to the French art scene. “This retreat seemed like the perfect opportunity to return to my long-neglected fiction writing,” she recounted, adding that Paris might be the ideal locale to rekindle her creativity.

The first day of the retreat set the tone for exploration and connection. Writers of varied backgrounds and experience gathered in an atmospheric room adorned with classical art. The diverse group included participants from the United States as well as local Parisians, embodying a rich tapestry of genders, ages, and literary genres.

Activities kicked off with unique rituals aimed at tapping into the creative spirit. Attendees engaged in a game called “Mary Oliver Roulette” where the works of the celebrated poet were randomly explored, alongside tarot card readings intended to “open up the room to magic.” Morning sessions focused on understanding the emotional core of each participant’s project, followed by an inspirational wander through Paris during lunch.

As the afternoon unfolded, participants were encouraged to share their writings for real-time feedback. While some were hesitant, the sense of camaraderie that developed among the writers created a supportive environment. They discussed a variety of works, ranging from memoirs to children’s literature, and plans began to emerge for further dialogue.

The evening of the first day featured optional activities, including a local gastronomy tour and a night at the theatre to see “Scènes de Mariage”. Those preferring self-exploration had the freedom to delve into the city at their own pace, discovering the artistic allure of Montmartre or enjoying a quiet meal at a café.

The second day shifted focus to refining individual writing processes. Led by Rising author and creativity coach Dufflyn Lammers, participants underwent somatic exercises designed to connect physical presence with written expression. This engaged approach allowed writers to effectively brainstorm scenes centred on their characters’ desires and pivotal life moments without self-criticism.

A highlight of the retreat was a special panel discussion featuring authors Robinne Lee and Ajiri Aki, who shared insights from their own writing journeys with attendees. “Engaging with others who are on a similar path is crucial for inspiration and motivation,” Lee noted. Aki added, “Conversations like these can advance our craft tremendously.”

As the retreat wound down, the final sharing session saw participants openly present their work, bolstered by the supportive environment fostered throughout the event. The experience, which opened with poetry and encouragement, offered attendees valuable tools to maintain their creative momentum in the months ahead.

The conclusion of Story Magic Paris not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also solidified a sense of community among the participants. As attendees mingled during a casual cocktail gathering, they reflected on their shared journey of artistic exploration, recognising the potent magic that storytelling holds.

To learn more about Rise Literary and its upcoming events, interested writers can visit the organisation’s website and social media platforms. The experience at Story Magic Paris underlines the importance of nurturing creativity in inspiring settings, encouraging writers to harness their potential regardless of where they are in their literary journeys.