What is the best thing that I love about my work?

Feeling as if I am living other peoples’ lives. When I am writing a book, I travel far away, discover fascinating places, meet weird people. When I write, I sometimes cry, I sometimes laugh. It is strange how we can be moved by our own imagination.

What is my idea of happiness?

To be close to the ones I love.

What is my greatest fear?

Not to be able to be close to them anymore.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I am not self- confident. But years passing by, I am realizing that many of us lack confidence. Some people hide it better than others. It’s not my case.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Nancy Huston. She is at the same time a great writer, a wonderful speaker and a marvelous dancer. And she writes in French as well as in English.
And Sylvain Tesson, a well-known French writer and an incredible globetrotter, who sees beauty in everything in nature. He has an incredible wonder capacity. Beauty gives him energy.

What is my greatest extravagance?

To have published my first novel at the age of 60. (But like every woman my age, I feel like being 40.)

On what occasion would I lie?

To protect my children.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

When the manuscript is finished, you have to make the necessary amendments. You can read it 5, 10, 20 times, you always find something to correct. It is a never ending process, like a very deep well.

When and where was I the happiest in my work?

When I lock up the characters of my book in my suitcase, leave my family, and went by myself in a hotel to write all day long. And discover what’s happening to my characters.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

To be blue-eyed. 
And to have a sense of humor. The power of making others laugh.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

The next book I’m going to write.

Where would I must to live?

Paris is my city, the place where I was born and always lived. I love its beauty, its elegance, its magnetic attraction. Jules Renard said: “Just add three letters to Paris, and you have paradise.”

What is my most treasured possession?

To be free, or at least to believe I am.

What is my most marked characteristic?

To love everything related to childhood.

What is my most inspiring location in my city?

The Seine river. And the bridges over it.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?

Marco Polo for dinner, and La Palette for a drink. (Both in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.)

What authors influenced my life and how?

The French writer Colette who said: ” What a wonderful life I have had; I only wish I had realized it sooner.” The American author Paul Auster who underlined: ” We are constantly shaped by the forces of coincidences.” And last but not least, Milan Kundera, the Czech writer who summed up everything in the title of one of his book:

“The Unbearable Lightness of Being .”

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

It’s a Wonderful Life. By Louis Amstrong.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction? 

Anna Karenine.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Jane Goodall who, for many decades, has spoken out for those who cannot speak for themselves, the animals of the world.
And Mona Chasserio, a lady who created an association in Senegal, La Maison Rose,to take care of young girls who have been raped and are pregnant. Mona gives them resilience, force, and knowing how to smile again. These girls are my heroines. 
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Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?hi

Into the Wild. By Sean Penn.

What do the words “you are the storyteller of your life” to me?

I have always followed the old saying that “today is the first day of the rest of your life.” If you decide, you can really shape it, transform it, model it. It’s up to you.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My husband. 24/7.

Which people or companies would I like to work with?

BLOOM. An association for protecting the ocean, the climat and the fishermen. Its founder Claire Nouvian is depicted as Commandant Cousteau’s heir.

BLISS. Clémentine Galey has produced an incredible series of podcasts on all things, positive or not, related to maternity.

MOTEUR. An association created by Caroline Sénéclause. Its goal is to help kids from difficult urban areas to gain confidence in themselves. They are asked to make a 90-second film on a person that once gave them a chance. The winners are celebrated every year at the Cannes Film Festival.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

My next book which is taking place in 2057. You can’t predict how the world will be. Just imagine. I will try to stay optimistic, which could be not so easy.

Where can you see me or my work?

You can buy my books in bookstores. Or on Amazon.  REGARDE LE VENT and AYA. (Publisher: Albin Michel)
And concerning my sculptures, in my next exhibition that will take place end of 2024. Meanwhile, If you want to discover my work, you are welcomed to visit my site ( marievirginiedru.fr )

What does the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

There is always a great new person to meet, a great new book to read and a great new wine to taste.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their stories?

My daughter Noémie Saglio. A succesful scriptwriter and film director.

Nicolas Henry. A celebrated photographer, whose work is often exhibited on Paris monuments.

Annie Samuelson and Sophie Cavalié : two members of a group of sculptors, called « Les sardines »

Maguitte de Tavernost. A young photographer with an incredible eye.

Lillia Hassaine. A young and already well-known French writer. Very talented.

How can you contact me

By email : marievirginied@icloud.com