Writing in Paris 2009 with Patti Miller and
the Sydney Writers’ Centre
Words and photos by Miranda Budiman, 2009 participant It started from the time of our arrival; the bewildered, excited, tired flight recovery drinks at Café Francais, then the welcome French champagne at Rue de Birague the next morning.
For the next two weeks, 12 ladies ventured through Paris. We were there for time out, to share moments of our lives behind closed doors. I doubt if anyone was aware of how it would unfold – each person was ready to discover or rediscover journeys that might have been shoved in some suitcase; perhaps almost forgotten, or perhaps just waiting to jump out of the box.
Amidst baguettes, punnets of raspberries, raspberry cakes, fresh dates, exotic and colourful patisseries, Café Deux Moulin – and in the warm glow of the autumn sun or a rainy November day – we faithfully attended classes each morning from 10am to 1pm … eager to absorb each session of this journey. If there were expectations, they were not apparent. Patti, true to her experience in this journey, made sure there was no derailment of the subject at hand. We learned about writing - style and structure – and no one was judgmental about the content. Patti was the greatest rudder of all.
For me, Abbesse (my apartment) was home for the next two weeks, shared with two other ladies whom I had not met before. There was a welcome pack provided – pieces of fruit, biscuits, cheese and tea, (the tea became a welcome home drink each evening) – and, best of all, the French butter, with, of course, baguettes. It doesn’t matter where one lives, in Paris there are always fresh baguettes just around the corner.
Both in and out of class we were always curious and willing to share. If nothing else, perhaps it came from being nosy and wanting to know what the others were doing! There were birthdays, and tears and laughter, anxiety and excitement, learning and enjoyment. Most importantly, I believe Paris was a gateway for many of us. The city opened the doors, or perhaps widened the doors, for some.
The journey was topped by a visit to the highest level of the Eiffel Tower, a dinner at 58 Eiffel and a lighting display for the 120th birthday of the famous Tower. Then there was the moment of standing in the middle of Champs-Élysées…
Writing is a journey I had not taken before. The two weeks in Paris, under the experienced guidance of Patti, has enriched this the beginning of my journey. A pattern is emerging in my writing like the flowers of the autumn plum blossom. And now, armed with determination, I must move up to the next rung of ladder.
Many thanks to Paris, Patti, Vicky and Sydney Writers’ Centre (not necessarily in that order).
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