Day 2 of our summer Paris retreat began with our usual congregation on our hotel patio. Today, CWW directors Rita Banerjee and Diana Norma Szokolyai led a workshop on character development. Szokolyai shared a few tips for making believable and memorable characters, even sharing a few writing exercises from authors like Rachel Basch, Cai Emmons, and Edie Meidav. Banerjee discussed the differences between dynamic and flat characters, and even talked about how both can be useful for a story.

The class also shared some of their favorite dynamic characters, ranging from novels like Invisible Man to shows like The Sopranos. The lecture ended with participants by writing short prompts based on the exercises, using their own characters or people they noticed walking around the Rue Daguerre.

Some of our students also went to Elissa Lewis’ yoga classes today. Hosted at a nearby yoga studio, Lewis led two 45 minute sessions, using a variety of yoga styles and practices, including the use of aromatherapy.

It was a quiet day today, but most of our participants are taking it easy. Tomorrow, some of our participants will be heading to Versailles to see the palace and the events there, so be sure to check back to see how that goes.