In autumn 2023, Maison Saint-Joseph gathered eight writers for a ten-day writing residency. In this historic setting conducive to creativity, participants were able to fully dedicate themselves to their projects while benefiting from enriching collective stimulation.
Zoé Collart, Trey Fowler, Juliette, Valérie Fageol, Thomas Lajon, Naoile Ji, and two other participants brought a variety of projects ranging from satirical short films to animated features, as well as thrillers and dramas. This diversity fostered particularly fruitful exchanges and cross-perspectives on each work.

The residency alternated between personal writing time and collective moments. Targeted exercises challenged creative habits, while small group feedback sessions offered precise insights. Discussions naturally extended during meals or garden walks, allowing ideas to mature in a relaxed setting. Several powerful moments marked this period: a writing game that unblocked complex narrative situations, late-night discussions that radically transformed certain projects, and a forest hike that inspired a key scene. These shared experiences forged lasting bonds between participants.

By the end of the residency, each writer observed significant progress: refined structures, deeper characters, clarified stakes. Creative blocks gave way to fresh perspectives on each project. All participants emphasized the exceptional quality of the environment offered by Maison Saint-Joseph, allowing total immersion in the writing process. This experience not only enabled progress on ongoing projects but also opened possibilities for future collaborations. The alchemy between an inspiring location, thoughtful organization, and a group of committed creators made this residency a precious interlude in each author’s journey.