I need to create, to share. Writing is a dialogue with oneself and with others. Stories are a wonderful way of bringing to life what we observe or absorb in our daily lives. This passion has become an essential part of who I am. And writing also grounds me in the present. I feel exactly where I am meant to be.
I used to write a little, for myself and in opinion pieces. I really decided to start writing books in 2019, at a turning point in my life. Since then, writing has become something I cannot live without.
Generally, I begin with themes that interest or concern me, questions to which I am looking for answers. I start researching and interviewing experts in the relevant fields. For example, when writing Inversion, I spoke with scientists working in cybersecurity and climate change. I then explore these subjects in greater depth, noting down whatever inspires me, makes me question things, angers me or excites me. From this material, I develop a few story ideas, which I turn over and examine from every angle. I walk every day, and that helps me enormously. Once I have an idea that feels promising, I explore it in more detail, sketching out fragments of the story and the characters’ personalities. Images then begin to form in my mind, like a film unfolding on a screen. If, after a few weeks, the idea still appeals to me, I commit to it and get to work.
Certain passages may naturally be inspired by my experiences, as in Les licornes aussi renaissent de leurs cendres…, whose story draws on my years as an entrepreneur. That said, my books do not recount events from my life. I prefer to imagine stories from scratch or draw inspiration from the many realities I observe in our societies.
As I mentioned, the story comes to me first, and then I choose the genre that seems most appropriate. I want to retain a great deal of freedom in my work. Writing is an expression of freedom, so why confine myself to a single genre?
Being as accurate as possible is central to my approach. Relying solely on my own interpretation of reality would feel like a form of betrayal towards the reader. I need to explore, learn about and understand the subjects I write about in depth. Of course, I also draw on the knowledge I have acquired over the years. For example, I have been fortunate enough to travel across all the continents, on foot or by public transport, meeting local people or through my professional activities. These journeys have allowed me to encounter worlds of extraordinary human richness and to live through remarkable experiences. I have always wanted to explore different worlds, which has also led me to work in a wide variety of professions. They have been genuine laboratories of experience and provide a source of material from which I continually draw. Since I began writing, I have continued to explore as much as I can, whether by travelling and meeting people—although I have considerably reduced my journeys to lessen my carbon footprint—or by interviewing researchers and others whose experiences enrich my understanding.
My scientific background allows me to explore a wide range of fields of knowledge. In addition, my various professional experiences, spent navigating industrial, technological, political and international environments—sometimes hostile and conflict-ridden—have taught me a great deal about human nature and the problems facing our societies.
My grandparents and uncles were farmers, and they introduced me to the land, livestock and the value of work. Although my studies helped shape the person I have become, my experience of manual work has been just as defining. I have always identified with the people I worked alongside. Since then, I have never forgotten that everything we buy in our daily lives—to feed ourselves, travel or enjoy ourselves—is the product of human hands. I also appreciate the simplicity and authenticity often found in manual trades, close to production and far from the battles of ego or manipulation that can sometimes suffocate certain sectors. That period left me with a lasting taste for exploring different professions and a desire to remain closer to doing things myself than to having others do them for me.
I live in the Luberon, near Aix-en-Provence. I work from home because I need to see my partner and our two children, and to remain close to nature, which restores me. Of course, I also need the energy of the city, but I need to step away from it to stay grounded and connected. So I head into the hills with Lilou, our dog, and contemplate the beauty of the landscape. It allows me to maintain that connection with nature, our point of departure and our ultimate destination.
It is another way of sharing the fruits of my work with my readers. I enjoy the art of interviewing. I enjoy learning from others and challenging my own thinking. I enjoy sharing my reflections, questions and doubts.
Yes, of course. My email address is included at the end of my novels, and I always reply to messages. It is a pleasure to receive feedback, questions and comments from my readers. I also greatly enjoy book signings, which offer a unique opportunity to connect and share with them.
