Living Sara’s Life in #GnightSaraNightHeck
Perched on a well-worn yet comfortable couch in the lobby of the quaint Hotel des Bains, nestled on Rue Delambre in the heart of the 14th arrondissement of Paris, I was enveloped by a sense of absolute wonder. The familiar hum of the city, the hustle and bustle of the nearby Montparnasse Tower, standing approximately 1800 feet away, and the serene beauty of Luxembourg Gardens, a mere 10-minute stroll from my doorstep, all beckoned me to explore.
This neighborhood, celebrated for its artistic heritage, had transformed into my home away from home as I plunged into the life of our protagonist, Sara, from the novel “Gnight, Sara / ‘Night, Heck.” My co-author, Mike Dee, had compelled me to immerse myself in her world, asserting, “You should go while this is still an option for you.” Most scenes in the novel's first part (partially published as a short story) were set in New York City, a place Mike and I knew very well, every nook and cranny. However, unlike typical tourist spots, Paris presented a completely different landscape. And so, I find myself in the City of Lights, living out Sara’s life, observing, learning…..and writing.
My days unfolded with visits to places frequented by Sara in our tale. From the renowned Shakespeare And Company, a sanctuary for literature lovers, to the historic Alexander Pope Bridge and the peaceful Luxembourg Gardens, each location proffered a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of our heroine. I began to understand why she dreamt of moving to this city, leaving everything behind in New York City.
Living like a local offered invaluable insights as a traveling writer. As I sat at an outdoor table in one of the many cafes lining the street, a white, fluffy dog, perfectly groomed, pranced up to a leaking hydrant near the café. With uninhibited joy, he rolled on the cool, damp pavement, his immaculate coat soaking up the refreshing moisture. Unfazed by the dog’s antics, the locals carried on, indicating that such scenes were commonplace here.
Another delightful local surprise was a pigeon rescue. Across the street from where I sat, a crowd gathered beneath a shop awning, their attention drawn to an unexpected spectacle. A pigeon, seemingly trapped atop the awning, fluttered helplessly, unable to take flight. A cry echoed in French, a plea for animal rescue to intervene.
Moments later, a man emerged from a nearby door, wielding a ladder as if he were a knight with his lance. He carefully unfolded it, positioning it beside the awning as a makeshift bridge for the distressed bird. As he gently coaxed the pigeon into his grasp, applause erupted from the onlookers. I joined in, caught up in the collective admiration for this small act of kindness.
I incorporated those two events into a chapter in our novel. As an ordinary tourist, you might overlook these moments, as your attention would likely be drawn to the typical tourist attractions. However, Paris is brimming with hidden treasures, many of which aren’t included in tourist guides.
Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of this journey has been writing in Parisian cafes, particularly Cafe Boheme, which has quickly become my favorite haunt. Ah, the joy of ordering brunch—or should I say “brinner”? While the term “brinner” (breakfast for dinner) isn’t widely used in Paris, it’s a key element of Sara’s character in our novel. There’s something magical about sitting in these storied establishments, sipping coffee, and pouring my thoughts onto my computer. The locals’ fascination with nature and animals, the city living, and the cute guy in pink trousers and navy blazers riding a bicycle on his way to work… add a unique layer to my observations, subtly influencing my writing.
In some ways, I feel like a more eccentric version of Gil Pender from Midnight in Paris—if that’s even possible. Each discovery fascinates me. I find myself imagining the echoes of literary legends who once frequented these cafes. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Stein—they all found inspiration within these very walls. It’s impossible not to envision them hunched over their notebooks, lost in their own worlds, just as I am now losing myself in Sara’s world.
Armed with a writing playlist carefully curated by my co-author Mike, I’ve found the rhythm of the city and the melody of the music blending into a symphony of creativity. Each song, each note seems to breathe life into Sara’s character, shaping her experiences, her emotions, and her journey.
Living in Paris, albeit briefly, has given me a unique perspective and a chance to see the world through Sara’s eyes. This experience has not only enriched my understanding of her character but has also allowed me to appreciate the beauty and charm of this incredible city.
As I continue to explore, observe, and write, I realize this isn’t just about writing a novel—it’s about living a life, specifically Sara’s. It’s about understanding her world—her joys, her sorrows, her dreams. And perhaps, in the process, understanding a bit more about myself as a writer.
So, here’s to Paris, to Sara, and to the incredible journey of writing. As I delve deeper into this adventure, I can’t wait to share the magic of this city, and Sara’s story, with you in “Gnight, Sara / ‘Night, Heck”.
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. She writes about her journey as writer in between peotry and short stories. She is the author of two novels –– Four Seasons and The Last Snowfall.
(Twitter/X @justcastellon)
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