Le Soleil Crepes and Coffee

Writing by Candlelight and a Glass of Wine

Did you know that the tradition of literary gatherings originated in France?

As early as the 17th century, intellectuals, writers, and artists gathered in Parisian cafés to write, read their work, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. These meetings were much more than social events—they were vibrant spaces for philosophical discussions, creative exchange, and the discovery of new literary talent. Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, Jean Cocteau, and Marcel Proust all found meaning and inspiration in these literary salons.

For more than two years, we have been continuing this tradition in the heart of Sofia, in our cozy little French corner—Le Soleil.

How does the evening unfold?

Every Tuesday and Thursday:
18:30 – We gather over a drink for friendly conversation, announcements, and a creative warm-up.
19:00 – We begin writing based on a carefully prepared creative prompt that remains a surprise to everyone until the session begins.

Writing time usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, depending on the number of participants.

At the end of the evening, anyone who wishes is welcome to read their work aloud.

Participation is supported through voluntary donations, with a recommended contribution of €5–10, according to your means. Your support helps us continue growing the Le Soleil Writers' Club and creating more meaningful literary gatherings together.

Please note that purchasing a drink or other refreshments from the venue is required.

Address:
186 Georgi S. Rakovski Street, Sofia

Reservations:
+359 889 309 997

Attendance is possible only with prior registration.

Who are the hosts?

Lyubel Dyakov is the author of two poetry collections, Plots (2018, Fabrika za Knigi Publishing) and Embryo of Sorrow (2021, Biblioteka Bulgaria Publishing). Her second collection is dedicated to her mother, her childhood, and the subject of domestic violence. From every copy sold, Lyubel donates BGN 1.67 to the Fund Supporting Women Survivors of Domestic Violence.

Her poems have appeared in the American literary magazines Poetry Addicted and Ink and Skin, published by The Literary Underground. She received second prize in the Dreams (Musagena Publishing) and This Fairy Tale Called Life literary competitions and was selected among the Top 150 authors worldwide in the international Mili Dueli competition (2023). In 2024, she was selected for publication in Spain through the Alexander Vutimski competition organized by La Tortuga Bulgaria.

Lyubel holds a degree in Psychology and currently works as a Marketing and Donor Services Expert at the BCause Foundation, where she develops creative campaigns for social causes. She recently completed her third book, parts of which were written during Le Soleil's creative writing evenings. Her mission is to inspire people to write and transform their pain into art.

Tsvetelina Todorova is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in bibliotherapy. Through her professional work with children using fairy tales and myths, as well as in her private practice, she explores the healing power of literature. She believes that reading and writing are powerful paths to self-discovery and has a remarkable ability to inspire others to begin that journey themselves.

She owns an impressive private library of more than 800 rare, antique, and collector's books, and reads well over 100 books each year. Her debut book, focusing on the subject of domestic violence, will be published soon.

Why join us?

You will discover unexpected creative potential through inspiring writing challenges.

You will experience how therapeutic writing can be.

You will meet a welcoming community brought together by literature, writing, creativity, and shared values.

You will become part of the Le Soleil Writers' Club community.

You will have the opportunity to publish your work in the Le Soleil Writers' Group.

No previous writing experience is required—only curiosity and a willingness to write.

If Love could speak, it would surely speak French.

If Love could court someone, it would probably recite poetry to you in a charming French café on Rakovska Street.

If Love could drink, it would certainly order a fine glass of French wine.

And if Love could listen, it would lose itself in the gentle sound of a cello.

On this July evening, poems born in Bulgarian will be heard in French for the very first time. The event will also mark the closing evening of the Le Soleil Writers' Atelier season.

By candlelight, with a glass of French wine in hand and accompanied by the tender voice of the cello, we will step into a magical world—a world where language is not a barrier, but a feeling, a resonance, a whisper, a shiver, a longing.

Our special guest for the evening will be Tsvetelina Manova—poet, French language teacher, and translator—who will breathe new life into selected works by reading them in French.

Throughout the evening, poetry by a remarkable group of contemporary Bulgarian authors will be presented, each reading their own work:

Albena Vasileva

Goran Zapryanov

Diana Fartanova

Elisaveta Videva

Zlatina Dimitrova

Iva Spiridonova

Iren Petrova

Katya Dimitrova

Kristina Apostolova

Lyubel Dyakov

Martin Lazarov

Nikola Petrov

Pepi Docheva

The evening will be accompanied by the captivating performance of the exceptionally talented cellist Vagabondcello – Boyan, whose music will become the perfect companion to the words and emotions.

30 July (Thursday)

7:00 PM

Le Soleil Crêpes & Coffee