|
We are so grateful to the spectacular women who joined us for the inaugural Blue Hour in April. We couldn’t have dreamed up a more curious, courageous and generous group of writers. Here’s what they had to say about
The Blue Hour Paris: |
Writers of the inaugural Blue Hour
|
“Bonjour, Glynnis and Susanna! As I wrote recently on my Substack, attending The Blue Hour was such an incredible experience for me, I have no intention of shutting the fuck up about it ever again. It's pretty amazing that it was the first iteration of the workshop. I have no notes for you! I loved it so much!
What worked so well for me was that nothing felt forced: I did not feel pressured to write in the moment, yet I was inspired to do so. I loved meeting up with the group each morning as much as I loved the freedom of leaving each day and exploring Paris independently. When we were together as a group, it felt natural, safe, freeing. I learned so much from both of you and it was an experience that lifted my spirits and quieted the ever-present voice that was in my head, whispering (sometimes shouting): "Your writing isn't good enough ... your Substack is silly ... who gives a shit" ... and I am forever grateful. Glynnis, when you said, "your writing is important" on our first day, I wrote it down, and I keep telling myself so I don't forget. Susanna, your "7 things" tip is my new favorite, and I also wrote down when you said, "What happened is not the point. The point is how you made sense of it." When I caught up with my best friend Beth back here in Chicago and told her about the workshop, she told me she couldn't remember the last time she'd seen me quite so animated and excited. I am so, so grateful to you both! And my god, the flea -- what a way to end our time together. Merci beaucoup, Alison “ —Alison Hamm writes the To Be Sorted Later newsletter on Substack |
Your Blue Hour hosts
|
"When I heard about a writer’s retreat hosted by two titans of media and publishing—in Paris(!)—I knew I had to go. There was one problem. According to the workshop’s website, it was “for femme-identifying writers over 40.”
Femme? Check. Forty? Well, if we’re judging by my wiry chin hairs and number of drapey linen sets, then yes, I’ve been happily, proudly, over 40 for years now. But on paper I’m a 35 year old (with 40 clearly in sight), but who still doesn’t know how many glasses of white wine she can handle to not feel it in the morning. So I wrote the hosts, hoping they’d be down to take my money and let me in (they did!). I made the case that what united me to a group of 40+ women was a shared, poignant period of transition. A sense that the life I’m living just isn’t working; the work I do will not hold; the invisibility I feel isn’t unique; and the reservations I’m having around partnering and procreating at this specific juncture in time are perhaps worth putting down on the page. –An excerpt from "9 Lessons From a Writer's Retreat That Changed How I Write–and Live, by Kelsey Glennon, published in her newsletter, Not Optimized on Substack. |
"From the optional and delicious reading list which I devoured before arrival, to our final indulgent croissant-and-noisette breakfast and long-hug goodbyes, the Blue Hour was a sheer delight. Glynnis and Susanna are generous, fun teachers and they also brought in several lovely guest speakers. There was the ideal balance of together-time in the morning talks, group writing time and private conferences, and alone-time with afternoons and most evenings unscheduled. I got several stories started during our time together and also got to enjoy walking around Paris, unhurried, soaking it all in. My fellow participants were kickass women I actually want to stay in touch with. Highly recommend giving yourself this treat. Your writing and your soul will thank you." –Marie-Elizabeth Mali writes the Sex, Death & Cash newsletter on Substack
“First, I got to hang out in Paris with Glynnis and Susanna for a week. Need I say more? Second, I'd been wanting to pursue a personal writing project for several years, and the Blue Hour was the catalyst I needed to finally make it happen. The result is a forthcoming Substack centered around sex and my desire for more of it. Even more importantly, this retreat, and the brilliant, talented women I had the pleasure of spending the week with, helped me rediscover and reignite my creativity and love of writing. Thanks to this invaluable experience, I now have the courage to bare my soul to the world.” –Suzanne Huwe
“Writing hour at @le_hibou_paris + Paris blooming 🌺 Can’t get any better than that. Merci merci à @susannaschrobs @noonetellsyouthis for your words of wisdom and overall awesomeness. Creativity & imagination are the pillars of a renewed humanity 🫶”
–Amé Desrochers |
|