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Writers of The Blue Hour, Fall 2025
Writers of the Blue Hour, Spring 2025
"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
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The Blue Hour helped me in two really huge ways. First, I came to the workshop with a writing project and Susanna and Glynnis provided brilliant, clarifying advice that helped me move it forward. I was at an impasse and they pushed me right through it!
Second, and maybe more important, this workshop helped me think of myself as a writer without hesitation or embarrassment. It made me realize I can, and should, write every day and generate new ideas. It’s a revelation, truly. Susanna and Glynnis create a sacred space for women to express and create. This is no small or trivial feat. And they do it in such a cool, unforced way. This workshop exceeded my expectations in every way. –Marci Brenholz 
“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 
"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. 
Openness, generosity, kindness and joie de vivre set the tone from the minute we arrived at cocktails. You fostered bravery and commitment to our craft by creating a safe space in how you led, the women convened, the conversations and the structure of our days.
The Blue Hour Paris held the perfect balance of the emotional and practical, the creative spark and commitment that I was searching for. The extraordinary women in our group – from LA and Brooklyn, from New Zealand, Australia and Boise - generously supported each other, trusting with their most vulnerable, raw selves. All week, I listened intently as we debated and opened up, as we raged and laughed. We talked about writing, politics and art, about lipstick colors, vintage stores, metro routes and restaurants. We drank coffee throughout the morning, as we talked and wrote and listened, and ate many, many baguettes and croissants. I was slow to open up, but I felt held by these women.They saw each other and they saw me. —Jill Tannenbaum 
“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
“ Merci merci à @susannaschrobs @noonetellsyouthis for your words of wisdom and overall awesomeness. Creativity & imagination are the pillars of a renewed humanity 🫶” –Amé Desrochers
"Paris is one big writing prompt." This Blue Hour mantra proved true as the hosts skillfully orchestrated a week of inspired writing, communal support and expert career guidance in one of the world's most storied writing locations.. WIth decades of professional publishing experience, and proficiency of craft, Glynnis and Susanna facilitate a dynamic, supportive community to rejuvenate and refine my writing. Their collective understanding of the publishing industry has been a springboard for me to explore new avenues to publish my writing and energized new goals. Above all else, the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and friendships formed are the fuel to carry me back and expand my own writing corner. As part of an expanding network of writers, I know that it is always the Blue Hour somewhere. –Mindi Bach Roser
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