Who: Isabel Abedi
Where: Hamburg, Germany
What: Isabel Abedi trained as an advertising copywriter. In the evenings she started writing stories for children and dreamed of being able to live off her own writing one day. This dream has come true: today Isabel Abedi is a passionate writer of children’s and juvenile literature. Her books have been translated into several languages and have been decorated with awards. Isabel Abedi lives with two daughters and her husband Eduardo, a Brazilian musician, in Hamburg, Germany.
In Her Words:
What do you consider most valuable about your time at La Muse?
Being surrounded by this magical nature: the silence of the mountains, the whispering waters, the songs of all those birds in the air. My morning walks before writing have become one of my favorite rituals here. Also I love the atmosphere in the house, the living library, the charm of the rooms – La Muse gives me the comfort of creating alone without feeling lonesome. I have met inspiring and wonderful Musers here and last but not least: Kerry and John – the most wonderful hosts that keep the spirit of this place so unique and make us Musers feel like a very special family.
Tell us, in a sentence or two, about the project you were focused on while at La Muse.
In my first writing retreat (March/April 2015) I focused on the main part of my new novel and after a week of creating here I knew: I want to come back. So in my second writing retreat (June/July 2015 – in which my husband Eduardo, a musician from Brazil will join me) I am aiming to finish the first draft of the novel.
What advice would you give future residents?
1st: Dive into the website of La Muse, not only look at the pictures but also read the About, the guidelines, the FAQ and testimonials of other Musers. It is the best preparation of what to expect – and also of what might be expected of you. No worries: you can be your very own self here and have all the freedom to focus on your project, but the other Musers are here for the same reason – so respect for each others creative space is crucial at La Muse. 2nd: Make use of the ride-package, it is the best way to get around, do your shopping and also a great way to spend social time with John, Kerry and the other Musers.
Finally, Isabel Abedi, your three French words to describe La Muse?
Refugé poétique, baume au cœur