Grahame Elliott
Welcome to My Blog
Greetings from the Loire Valley! I’m delighted to share my journey as a novelist, playwright, and writing mentor with you. Here, you’ll find insights into my creative process, updates on my books and plays, and reflections on the writing life. You’ll also learn about the writers’ groups and retreats I’ve established, where passionate storytellers gather to hone their craft.
Détilly Creative Writers (DCW) & Paris Creative Writers (PCW)
As a long-time advocate for literary communities, I founded Détilly Creative Writers (DCW) and Paris Creative Writers (PCW) to support and inspire writers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re just beginning your writing journey or have years of experience, these groups offer a nurturing environment to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and develop your unique voice. Click on the links below to explore how you can be part of these dynamic writing communities.
Meet Ramsès – My Muse & Companion
No blog would be complete without a tribute to Ramsès, my giant white Irish Wolfhound. Born in October 2020 near Rouen, France, Ramsès has become a local celebrity in the Loire Valley. Though he has no formal education, he’s an expert in companionship and has a knack for helping smaller dogs adjust to his towering presence. A natural in front of the camera, Ramsès has excelled in photoshoots and dog shows, winning top prizes in Paris and earning a feature in Passion Calendar. Most recently, La Nouvelle République published an article celebrating his growing fame.
Despite missing an opportunity to appear in Luc Besson’s film Dogman due to a photoshoot in Paris, Ramsès continues to charm everyone he meets. His presence adds immeasurable joy to my life and serves as a constant source of inspiration.
Stay tuned for more updates on my writing, events, and of course, Ramsès’s latest adventures!
My Story
I believe we have a lot to learn from dogs—well-behaved dogs, that is. When Ramsès joined my family at Château de Détilly in the Loire Valley, my life changed in a very positive way. He truly became my muse and has appeared in two of my novels, Gray Day in Paris and Fabulous Ramses. I'll tell you more about that later. In my other novels, Death Canyonand Jack's Promises, there are also dogs.
Ramsès is our welcoming committee at Château de Détilly, which we run as a bed and breakfast and writers' retreat. My first dog was a black chihuahua called José. Apart from living a dog-centred life in what is probably the most historical part of France, my days are largely filled with maintaining the expansive rose garden that was installed in the 1990s—and writing, of course. During the cold months, our writers' workshops take place inside the château in the grande salon, and during the warm months, in a variety of places such as the orangerie (pool house), by the pool in the garden, or on the terraces.
A child at heart, I enjoy reading and writing adventure stories that take me to worlds one can only dream of. Having lived in North Queensland by the Barrier Reef, I'll read anything about tropical islands, beaches, and pirates. Robinson Crusoeand Treasure Island are two of my favorite classics, and I can't remember how many times I've watched Swiss Family Robinson. Other novels I've enjoyed reading recently are The Island of the Day Before by Umberto Eco and The Friendby Sigrid Nunez.
Stay tuned for more updates on my writing, events, and of course, Ramsès’s latest adventures!
Contact
I'm always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect.
+33.6.86.67.52.57