20 Comments
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Emanuela B's avatar

Thank you for sharing what happens behind the walls of such residencies. I always romanticize these timeless places, where creativity becomes the bond between strangers who, for a few days, turn into a tribe. I dream of experiencing that one day.

Special mention to “Because this is France, we celebrated with more wine and cheese” , you truly captured the spirit of this country!

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

I went in very unsure of what to expect and with a very personal goal to meet. It was indeed magical. Incredible. You’ll understand that all the cheese and miscounting how many stoelgang kruiden to bring along…

Ailén Cruz's avatar

What. A. Dream!

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

It truly was. Life-changing!

Riana | Teaspoon of Adventure's avatar

This was such a great read! I’ve always wanted to do a writing retreat but now I’m moving it up the bucket list.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

Thank you so much. You definitely need to! It’s an incredible opportunity to reset and reflect.

Daniel Puzzo's avatar

Thoroughly enjoyed this, sounds like you had a magnificent time and I was living my very own residence vicariously through your words. Would love to do one of these someday.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

It was unlike anything I could have imagined. I highly recommend making it a goal!!

Lee Pelletier's avatar

What a beautiful write up of our time there. It made me so happy to read. You captured it so well.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

Thank you, I am so glad it resonated. It’s really hard to explain, as I know you know! That’s the trouble with magic…

Sahba Shere's avatar

Love! So compelling and thoughtful. The way you held the residency, the group, and the novel together felt completely true. Bravo my ( new ) friend! ❤️

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

Why thank you my darling. I so appreciate that we shared that special time, for it will bond us always. We all saw one another and it was tremendous.

FranB's avatar

It sounds amazing - I'm jealous!

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

It was the most incredible thing!

Amy M. Hale's avatar

Thank you for this. I needed it. My withdrawal symptoms are not subsiding. I am honored to have shared this time with you.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

I know exactly what you mean—it’s hard to walk back into a real life once you’ve been so creatively reenergized. We’ll always have Orquevaux!

CyberComa's avatar

It's very picturesque and visually pleasing there. 'dinner was a no phone affair', I almost feel like sending out invitations to friends or family for a BBQ this summer and including that line on them. Glad you had a good journey that was a creative bonding experience. Thanks for sharing details of it with us.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

Thank for reading! Honestly, I loved the no phone rule. At first it felt odd, but goodness if it didn’t make a difference in the kinds of conversations we had…on the other hand, by the final days we wanted pictures together!!

CyberComa's avatar

And maybe pictures of some of the food you tried if it was something you hadn’t had before. Maybe not every meal needs to be a ‘no phone’ meal. But once in a while it might make people resort to talking to each other a bit more. Glad you’re home safe.

Gillian Fletcher's avatar

People definitely got pictures of the desserts!!