writing residency, 1st edition
autumn 2023
In autumn 2023, Maison Saint-Joseph gathered five writers for a six-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 Bocquet, Valérie Fageol and Thomas Lajon 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
words from our residents
“What is rewarding during this residency is being able to devote oneself fully to one’s project, to allow oneself time for reflection, to set oneself a goal to achieve, and above all to be able to share and exchange ideas with other authors from different backgrounds, in a stimulating, inspiring and peaceful setting. It is also an opportunity to discover the worlds of other authors, to experiment with other ways of doing things and different ways of working to enrich our reflections on our project, and to confront other methods of writing. For me, it is a fruitful, enriching time, where we gain strength, time, reflection and confidence. It is a timeless moment, full of creative and human emulation, pleasant and conducive to advancing one’s project. Being able to discuss, question and confront different sensibilities and points of view on the issues we may encounter in our projects is stimulating and often beneficial, even if it can sometimes be challenging and unsettling.
Kindness, respect, listening, high standards, and supporting each other through the twists and turns of writing are the main ingredients of this writing retreat. Exchanging ideas and sharing your passion and experiences in a specific place and time can be very constructive and rewarding.
That’s what I look for in a residency, and I found it here. What’s more, we were pampered, we had a wonderful time, and the moments of relaxation when we got to know each other as people were also very enjoyable and wonderful moments of sharing.”
