Meg Bortin is an adventurer. It was this quality that immediately got my attention: a fearlessness, a gusto, a scandalous honesty wrapped in warmth and wit. Her memoir, Desperate to Be a Housewife, is very much like herself - and immensely entertaining. A former senior editor at the International Herald Tribune and the founding editor of The Moscow Times, the first independent English-language daily newspaper in Russia, Meg has reported from Paris, Moscow, London and Manila.
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This year, the faculty includes Sven Birkerts, Chris Castellani, Tananarive Due, Brenda Shaughnessy, Henry Sutton, Mimi Thebo, Susan Tiberghien, Marion Winik, and Wallis Wilde Menozzi - in addition to panels with literary agents, editors, publishers and consultants. Organized by the Geneva Writers’ Group, the conference takes place at Webster University, Bellevur. See the full program and registration forms . If you have questions please contact [email protected]
The spirit behind the whole thing is Susan Tiberghien, teacher, mentor to writers, and author of numeous books including One Year to a Writing Life. Susan chairs the Geneva Writers' Group. She took some time out from her insanely busy schedule to answer a couple of questions about the Conference...
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WE HAVE SET UP THE PROGRAM HOPEFULLY FOR ‘ALL’ WRITERS. THOSE WHO ARE JUST BEGINNING MIGHT HAVE A HARD TIME KEEPING UP WITH A FULL WEEKEND OF WORKSHOPS, PANELS AND Q&A’S BUT IT WOULD BE WORTH IT! FOR EVERYONE ELSE – ADVANCED, PUBLISHED AND UNPUBLISHED -- THE INSTRUCTORS ARE EXPERIENCED IN DEALING WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS AND THE PANELISTS WILL PROVIDE NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE EVER EVOLVING PUBLISHING SCENE.
MOSTLY BY WORD OF MOUTH. RECOMMENDATIONS ARRIVE FROM OUR MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AT THEIR WORKSHOPS AND FROM OUR PAST INSTRUCTORS WHO OFTEN STAY IN TOUCH WITH US. WE LOOK FOR WELL-PUBLISHED, WELL-RESPECTED AUTHORS WHO KNOW HOW TO TEACH. THE LATTER IS HUGELY IMPORTANT IN OUR CHOICE.
THIS IS OUR 9TH CONFERENCE, HAVING STARTED IN 1998. WE STARTED WITH JUST OVER 100 PARTICIPANTS, QUICKLY GREW TO 150, AND NOW FOR THE LAST THREE CONFERENCES WE HAVE CAPPED AT 200. WE FEEL THAT THIS IS THE RIGHT NUMBER, WE ARE ABLE TO LIMIT THE CLASSES THIS WAY TO 20 WRITERS, AND IT LET’S US HAVE A FEELING OF FELLOWSHIP. IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT ONE HALF OF tHE PARTICIPANTS HAVE ATTENDED EARLIER CONFERENCES. THIS TOO CONTRIBUTES TO THE FRIENDLINESS AND SOLIDARITY. AND THE NEW WRITERS BRING LOTS OF FRESH AIR.
MAYBE WELCOMING EVERYONE. I KNOW HOW WRITING HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. WITH THE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE, WE WANT THE WEEKEND TO BE FULL OF INSTRUCTION, INSPIRATION, AND ENCOURAGEMENT. SO THAT HOPEFULLY ALL THE PARTICIPANTS RETURN HOME STIMULATED AND WISHING TO TAKE THEIR WRITING FORWARD INTO THE WORLD.
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This month, news from Sam Riviere, Helene Cixous, Rachael Allen, Kit Buchan, Jack Underwood, Jenna Marie Warenecke, Luc Benazet, Michael Hellier, Kate Stables, Anna Jarota, Bianka Reinhartd, Rosy Lamb, Sally Eggert, Lola Peploe, Laurel Zuckerman, Steve Howard, Ellen Hampton, Scott Dominic Carpenter, Alicia McKenzie, Lantzie Miller, Damien Cifelli, Sarah Towle, Katy Masuga, Darren Frey, Heather Hartley, Adam Biles, Nathan Lecoff, Rosa Rankin-Gee. and many more. Update ongoing...
The inaugural American Library in Paris Book Award was attributed to Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam, by Fredrik Logevall.
Damien Cifelli won The Telegraph's travel writing competition - and £200 - for his account of going in search of his great-grandfather's 1883 home in Paris
The Geneva Writers Conference will take place January 31 to February 2, 2014. Conference Information
PWN will publish a special series of interviews about the International Fine Art Photography Award.
The 2014 Young Authors Fiction Festival has announced its submission deadline: 1 April 2014. Here is the 
YAFF 2014 Flyer.
We are delighted to welcome Meg Bortin, author of Desperate to be a Housewife to the Paris Writers News Team.
Coming soon: Kathleen Spivack, Salvatore Di Gregorio, Ann Mah, Clydette de Groot, Peter Erickson, Meredith Mullins, Matthew Gonder, Meg Bortin
For readers of French, check out the interview with Marc Trévidic: French terrorist expert, judge and author of Terroristes: les 7 pilliers de la déraison. (For non-French readers, PWN now has a google translate button on the upper right corner - select your language and see...)
(update ongoing)
EVERY Saturday from 17-19h at Shakespeare & Co : the Other Writer's Group, the writing workshop hosted by Bruce Sherfield and David Barnes. It's open to all! Read here about how the Other Writer's Group works.
December 1 @ 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm PLU Writing Workshop @ Shakespeare & Company 37 Rue de la Bûcherie Paris, Ile-de-france 75005 France
December 1 @ 6:00 pm “Life is in the banlieue” : reading @ La Generale 6 Grande Rue Paris, 92310
Monday 2nd December 7:00pm Launch of The White Review No. 9 at Shakespeare & Company, with editors Benjamin Eastham and Jacques Testard and four of Britain's best young writers : Sam Riviere; Rachael Allen; Kit Buchan and Jack Underwood @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
December 2 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm PLU Magazine @ Shakespeare & Company 37 Rue de la Bûcherie Paris, Ile-de-france 75005 France
4 Dec Story Hour 10h30 & 14h30 (ages 3-5): Dog Days @ American Library in Paris
5 Dec Mother Goose Lap-Sit 10h30 & 17h00 (ages 1-3) @ American Library in Paris
December 5 @ 8:00 pm - 11:55 pm PLU Open Mic featuring Jenna-Marie Warenecke @ Culture Rapide 103 rue Julien Lacroix Paris, Ile-de-france 75020 France
6 Dec 17:00-18:30 Vision-Boarding - Writing Supercharged @ American Library in Paris
Friday 6th December 6:30pm Steve Howard on 'Kant's Critique of Pure Reason and Metaphysics’ @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
Saturday 7th December 2013 2-3.30pm Noreen Riols will sign her memoir THE SECRET MINISTRY OF AG. & FISH: MY LIFE IN CHURCHILL'S SCHOOL OF SPIES. Kindly RSVP by email to books(at)whsmith.fr or on FACEBOOK.. @ WH Smith
7 Dec 10:00-19:00 Used Book Sale @ American Library in Paris
7 Dec 12:00-13:30 Young Authors Fiction Festival: Tips & Tricks with Sarah Towle @ American Library in Paris
7 Dec 15:00-16:30 Bon Bon Voyage (ages 5+) @ American Library in Paris
Dec 7-8: Paris Writers Weekend led by Wendy Goldman Rohm. For information and prices see: Paris Writers Retreat Weekend
December 8 at 8pm The first of a series of literary events at Atelier Sainte Marthe. Join us from 8pm for mulled wine, mince pies and lots of literary fun. Reading new (or newly published!) work will be Katy Masuga, Darren Frey, Heather Hartley, Adam Biles, Nathan Lecoff and Rosa Rankin-Gee. @ Atelier Sainte Marthe 26 Rue du ChaleT, 75010 Paris, France
Monday 9th December 7:00pm Helene Cixous, professor, feminist writer, poet, playwright, philosopher, literary critic, and novelist, on her new novel, Twists and Turns in the Heart's Antarctic @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
December 10 @ 7:15 pm - 10:00 pm Ivy Writers featuring Luc Benazet and Michael Heller Luc Bénazet's most recent book is : La vie des noms (Nous éditions, 2013). Michael Heller has published over 20 volumes of poetry, essays, memoir and fiction; his most recent book is This Constellation Is A Name: Collected Poems 1965-2010 (2012), See/RSVP at our FB event invite/ AT: LE NEXT, 17 rue Tiquetonne,75002 PARISmétro Etienne Marcel/RER Les Halles For more, see Ivy Writers
Wednesday 11 December 2013, 14:00 - 17:00 Ebook conference:E-Writing, E-Publishing: Risks and Rewards, with panelists Anna Jarota, director of the Anna Jarota Literary Agency; Bianka Reinhardt, director of international business for Books on Demand; Laurel Zuckerman, editor of Paris Writers News, and author of EBOOKFAQ (Jan 2014); and Sally Eggert, author of In the Dark, a Random House e-novel (Jan 2014). Panel to be moderated by Ellen Hampton - writer, historian, lecturer and author of Playground for Misunderstanding (2013).
To sign up for this workshop at the Mona Bismarck American Center, please email [email protected] requesting to join. Space is limited to 30 and the price is 10€. @ Mona Bismarck American Center for art & culture 34, avenue de New York 75116 Paris +33 (0) 1 47 23 38 88
Wednesday 11 December 2013, 19:30 Panel Discussion: Being a First-time Novelist, with Scott Dominic Carpenter, author of Theory of Remainders (Winter Goose Publishing); Alecia McKenzie, author of Sweetheart (Peepal Tree); and Lantzey Miller, author of City Limit (GrandViaduct). @ American Library in Paris
Wednesday 11th December 3:00pm . Bring your children (2-6 year-olds) to Children’s Hour – music, rhythm, and stories for kids. Led by the magic Kate Stables, there will be instruments to play and a lot of noise to make! Four euros donation appreciated. (Due to space restrictions, please email Kate Stables at [email protected] to confirm your place. Each child is accompanied by only one adult where possible.) @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
Friday 13th December 6:30pm Book signing party for artist Rosy Lamb’s exquisite first picture book, Paul Meets Bernadette, a tale of love and lunacy between two goldfish. @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
Friday Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Christmas party at the Abbey Bookshop, with Christophe Lebold presenting LEONARD COHEN: L'HOMME QUI VOYAIT TOMBER LES ANGES and Meg Bortin presenting DESPERATE TO BE A HOUSEWIFE. . Come enjoy the mulled wine. Contributions of Christmas cookies welcome! @ Abbey Bookshop
Monday 16th December 7:00pm Christmas evening of Edwardian tales of mystery and imagination, presented by The Cats Meet. The stories will be narrated by Paris-based actor Lola Peploe, accompanied by music from violinist Daniel Pioro, leader of The London Contemporary Orchestra. @ Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
Tuesday 17 December 2013 Signing 6-7pm Presentation 7-8pm Patricia Wells will present and sign her new cookery book THE FRENCH KITCHEN COOKBOOK. Kindly RSVP by email to books(at)whsmith.fr or on FACEBOOK.. @ WH Smith
Check Paris Writers News regularily for updates as we add to the list of events!
You can follow us on twitter @pariswriters or on Facebook at Paris Writers News (we are not against "likes" - or even "smiles" ). If you have news about Paris writers, we invite you to post on our Facebook page)
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But do you ever feel like you're repeating the same things over and over again? Here's an introductory video for tourists in Paris. Have your guests watch this, turn them loose, then take them to the special places that only you know afterwards!
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‘My life in SOE was based on deception, on lies. I lied to my mother. I lied to my friends. I lied to everyone I met outside of F Section. It was inevitable,’ Noreen Riols says. Her memoir THE SECRET MINISTRY OF AG. & FISH: MY LIFE IN CHURCHILL'S SCHOOL OF SPIES tells about her secret work in WWII for the French section, (better known as the F Section), of the Special Operations Executive led by Colonel Maurice Buckmaster. Noreen worked secretly with Buckmaster and her fellow operatives to support the French Resistance across the Channel.
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Continue reading "Islamic headscarves in France: the Baby Loup decision" »
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Sequel to The Eden Paradox and Eden's Trial, Eden's Revenge is the third episode in the acclaimed science fiction series, The Eden Paradox Novels, by Paris Writer Barry Kirwan.
Description: War is tearing across the galaxy, drawing inexorably towards Esperia, where human society shelters under a Quarantine shield. But as tensions mount amongst the human population, and old and new enemies gather outside, one man decides to bring down the barrier early...
“Awe-inspiring aliens are swept up in an epic narrative.” Sophia McDougall, best-selling SF author of Savage City
“Brilliant plotting, sizzling action, the tension and pull of the story keep it steamrollering along.” Gideon Roberton, screenwriter and author.
Oeuvrés volées, destins brisés
This excellent book is the French translation of Lost Lives, Lost Art: Jewish Collectors, Nazi Art Theft, and the Quest for Justice by Melissa Müller (Anne Frank: The Biography) and Monika Tatzkow (Nazi Looted Art) with introduction by Ronald S Lauder
The incredible stories of fifteen major Jewish art collectors, whose extraordinary collections were scattered by Nazi looting or forced sales, and the ongoing efforts of their heirs to recover their inheritance.
Particularly relevent and useful book in light of the secrecy and confusion surrounding the discovery of 1400 artworks of suspect provenance in the Gurlitt apartment in Munich. See "Gurlitt: pouquoi la spoiliation fut encore plus massive" par François Guillaume Lorrain in Le Point
Now available in French.
"The book is meticulously researched, brilliantly and dispassionately written, and is in all likelihood a game changer in the world of art, art provenance, and art restitution that will resound for years to come."~ ForeWord Reviews
"Richly illustrated with excellent art reproductions and family photographs, this is a solid addition to works on Nazi art plundering and the world of art restitution, ownership, and property rights. This will be of great interest to readers wanting to know more about upper-class Austrian and German Jews. Recommended." ~ Library Journal
CONVERSION
Jennifer K. Dick is well-known to the Paris literary community: as a poet, teacher, academic and organizer of terrific literary events. Her new book, Conversion, is a set of 7 prose poems about Greece. It is being published by ESTEPA EDITIONS with artwork by KATE VAN HOUTEN this week and presented at the LONDON SMALL PRESS FAIR this coming weekend (15-16th Nov) and then, in PARIS at Salon PAGES 16 (on the the 22-24th Nov).
Winner of the inaugural Paris Literary Prize in 2011, Rosa Rankin-Gee's The Last Kings of Sark is published this November by Virago. The Last Kings of Sark is a bewitching ode to youth, summer’s strange haze, the idea of an island, scallop smuggling, and rosé in the morning. A luminous debut from a compelling new voice in literary fiction. Rosa Rankin-Gee grew up in Kensal Rise, London, but now lives by the Parc de Belleville in Paris. One of Esquire magazine's '75 Brilliant Young Brits' in 2010. Rosa ccurrently runs the Book Club at the Carmen in Paris, where hundreds of night owls come to swap books and drink cocktails in the former home of George Bizet. The Last Kings of Sark is her first novel.
14th November 7pm Paris launch of The Last Kings of Sark by Rosa Rankin-Gee @Shakespeare and Co Paris, 37 Rue de la Bucherie 75005 Paris
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If you've never been to an event at the Mona Bismarck Foundation in Paris you've got a treat in store for you. The American Center has been renovated and looks spectacular.
The Center draws top talent in all areas of culture, including photography, writing, music, theater, art, and offers seminars and artistic demonstrations. It's an exceptional meeting place for all who appreciate American culture.
Here are some upcoming events at the Mona Bismarck American Center! (Check out the ebook conference on December 11 - I'll be contributing to the panel!)
Space is limited in this spectacular venue, so the Mona Bismarck requests that you please reserve at [email protected]. )
MONA BISMARCK FOUNDATION NOVEMBER EVENTS 2013
Until January 26th: Yousuf Karsh. The remarkable artistic career of Yousuf Karsh was matched only by the extraordinary lives of cultural, political, artistic and intellectual figures that he photographed. Organized by Jerry Fielder, Curator and Director of the Estate of Yousuf Karsh, uniquely for the Mona Bismarck American Center, this exhibition celebrates Karsh’s exceptional contribution to shaping personal and historical memory throughout the twentieth century. Original photographs of American and French luminaries will be presented alongside archival material from the dozens of Life and Paris-Match covers that Karsh captured, marking the transformation of his intimate portraits into public icons.· Mona Bismarck American Center
Thursday, November 28, 3:00 PM – Gallery Talk: on Georges Pompidou (talk in French)
Emilia Robin Hivert, Head of Research at the Association Georges Pompidou, will give a brief talk in front of the portrait of the former Prime Minister and President, about his life’s work, his administration’s accomplishments and their lasting impact. Gallery talk is free with exhibition admission.
Friday, November 29, 8:00 PM – Opera Fuoco Musical Performance.
David Stern and the Opera Fuoco propose a musical encounter exploring Italian composers around Haendel: including Jomelli and Porpora, among others. This performance by the young members of the Lyric Studio will be preceded by masterclass sessions (open to the public by prior reservation). Concert followed by drinks, 20 euros. Reservation required (see top of page 1).
MONA BISMARCK FOUNDATION DECEMBER EVENTS 2013
Thursday, December 5, 6:00 PM – Curator Talk: Didier Rapaud, former Editor in Chief of Paris Match
Didier Rapaud, former director of the Gamma Agency and former editor in chief of Paris Match, will explain the elements of a photograph that make it a cover image, as were so many of Karsh’s striking portraits. 10 euros
Thursday, December 5, 8:00 PM – Special Performance: Vox Amerika musical performance
Jennifer Lindshield, and SooJin Anjou, will perform the world premier of Vox Amerika, featuring various facets of the vast repertoire of vocal music composed in the United States. Included among the composers are two featured in the exhibition (Bernstein and Copland) as well as Samuel Barber, Amy Beach, Elliott Carter, Ruth Crawford Seeger and George Crumb.
Concert followed by drinks, 20 euros
Friday, December 6, 8:00 PM – Vox Amerika musical performance
Jennifer Lindshield and SooJin Anjou will perform the world premier of Vox Amerika, featuring various facets of the vast repertoire of vocal music composed in the United States. Included among the composers are two featured in the exhibition (Bernstein and Copland) as well as Samuel Barber, Amy Beach, Elliott Carter, Ruth Crawford Seeger and George Crumb.
Concert 20 euros
Saturday, December 7, 2:00-4:00 PM – Etsy Lab DIY Session
Join us in creating your own craft projects inspired by the photographic printing processes. In collaboration with Parisie net Fait-Main, Etsy Labs • DIY Session will offers a hands-on craft workshop, 5 euros (or 10 euros for the exhibition and event!)
Saturday, December 7, 2:00-5:00 PM – Photography Workshop with Lesphotographes.org. In partnership with Lesphotographes.org, we are pleased to present a photography workshop focusing on Karsh’s lighting techniques. Discover the secrets behind Karsh's portraits -- learn how to manage the same lighting elements that so well served him. Thanks to our partnership with Profoto, high quality lighting material will be made available to participants.
To enroll in this workshop, please visit www.lesphotographes.org. 3-hour workshop in English, 55 euros
Wednesday, December 11, 2:00-5:00 PM – E-Writing, E-Publishing: Risks and Rewards, e-Book Conference with Ellen Hampton, Anna Jarota, Bianka Reinhardt and Laurel Zuckerman
The literary landscape has been thrown wide open with the advent of e-publishing, a development as exciting as it can be confusing. A panel of writers, agents and publishers with experience in the field will assess changes e-publishing has brought thus far and target areas to watch in the future. The panel discussion, co-organized with the American Library in Paris, will be moderated by Ellen Hampton - writer, historian, lecturer and newly-minted novelist on the e-horizon.
To sign up for this workshop, please email [email protected]
Thursday, December 12, 3:00 PM – Gallery Talk: on Jacques Cousteau (talk in French)
Oceanographer Jacques Cousteau also worked as an explorer, author, filmmaker, French naval officer and inventor. This gallery talk, in conjunction with the Foundation Jacques Cousteau and given by his daughter Diane Cousteau, will focus on his life and many accomplishments that continue to influence ocean preservation today. Gallery talk is free with exhibition admission.
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par DOMINIQUE GODRÈCHE
«Terroristes, les 7 piliers de la déraison », de Marc Trévidic, juge d’instruction au pole antiterroriste du tribunal de Grande Instance de Paris, spécialiste des filières islamistes, aborde la description de profils psychologiques des terroristes. Brossant le portrait d’une jeunesse en déshérence, en quête d’idéologies «plus justes », et prise dans les mailles d’un système mortifère, il décrypte, dans ce dernier ouvrage à la croisée des chemins entre essai, document, et roman, les processus mentaux de la violence terroriste. Après la publication, en 2010, de « Au cœur de l’antiterrorisme », il poursuit sa description de complexités géosociétales, les dérives d’un malaise identitaire, s’attachant à l’analyse de la violence, et les dangers de sa propagation, à l’ère d’internet.
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A couple of months ago Brian Solis came to Paris. The advance email was so intriguing I had to check him out.
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