Some call writing an "art". I call writing "close to my heart". (Photo of previous books; the one—top, center—is my most recent. Another, fictional book—about a French pear—does not appear here….)
Chers Amis et Amies,
After three years of sitting on the French fence, I have finally fallen off… and published a book!
It did take prayer—and a push—after beaucoup de "bambivalence" (bambivalence—so as to go with "beaucoup"… beaucoup bambivalence, to accomplish this. See how complicated I can make things when "a lot of ambivalence" might've done the trick?).
Speaking of tricks, the next hurdle (after that French fence hurdle) will be to sell my book. Without the assurance and the support of une grande maison d'édition, I am on my own this time. And that can be both an exciting and a frightening thing, with oodles and French poodles of self-doubt involved.
This is where gumption must come in, in great Gallic gallons. So I'm putting her out there today, this latest book baby of mine—and I am counting on you to help me! You will help me, won't you? If I have been any help to you, if you have learned a French word… or two… then this is the time to come to my rescue (I guess that sounded a bit manipulative and pushy, non? Mea culpa, I'm so sorry, but I do not have a pricey promotions rep to sell this book for me!).
In a French nutshell, or en un mot—make that in 5 points, here are reasons why you will want to my book, illico presto!:
French Word-A-Day: Summer 2009 Stories….
- Makes an educational and fun gift! Perfect for a Francophile, an Armchair Traveler, a Parent, a Dog lover… or a Publishing house looking for a new book series (the second book is almost done… and the third has just begun…)!
- Talk about a vocabulary resource! There are hundreds of French words, in context, to help you lock on to the language…
- Full page photos almost every time you turn a page!
- Bonus (good through Dec. 1st): with your book purchase, you will get one membership to Cinéma Vérité: good for yourself… or for a friend (another great gift idea!). Forward me your sales receipt and let me know which email address to sign up for the CV site.)
- Recipes from French family and friends.
Note: In keeping with the subject (memoir) of my previously published books, these are the collected story archives from posts that appeared in the newsletter/web editions of French Word-A-Day. The format is similar to the Simon & Schuster edition, wherein:
Today, right now, is the time to order. Purchase a copy of French Word-A-Day: Summer 2009 Stories for yourself or for a friend or family member. And thank you so much for your fidélité, for pushing me off the French fence, and for helping me to find my way back to book publishing. I could not have written these stories without you!
Click here to preview the first 15 pages of my book and to order!
Amicalement,
Kristin
Questions or comments about this latest book? Go ahead and fire 'em off here (in the comments box only, merci beaucoup). I look forward to answering!
Thank you all for your support, which I am holding on to at this moment… just like the little "feet" and the last leaves on this vine climber.
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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a new book! merveilleux!
a little glitch? When I tried to write CELEBRATE, as described above and buy your book, the site said I couldn’t use the code because I wasn’t the author. 🙁
I got the same error as Carol…
Carol, thank you for trying to buy my book and for the “glitch” report. Yikes! I saw the 20 percent discount, I realize now, on my personal sign-in page (over at the publisher’s site), that the discount is only available to authors.
I am terribly sorry about this.
The 20% discount is applied toward product totals of more than $39.95, £21.95, €31.95, or AUD $49.95 for Blurb books made by you. The code did not work for one copy of the book as it was not more than $39.95……
Yay! I just bought my copy. I can see it now…in the queue, waiting for some kind worker to put it into its mailing envelope, print the address label and send it winging its way to Iowa! I can hardly wait! Congratulations on taking a giant leap and doing this.
Kristin…I just looked at the photo again and I see the book in the middle…I don’t have that one. Is it available for purchase as well??
Meredith, Thank you for your help. So sorry, to all of you who tried to order with the discount. I will mention this in tomorrow newsletter. Thanks again for your help and support.
I’m just catching up today on the past several FWAD emails after a crazy month. I was so happy to hear that little bell announcing todays email. You are full of surprises and CELEBRATE is the perfect word for today!!
French: fêter or célébrer
Je célèbre votre victoire!
Congratulations, dear Kristin. I’m anxious to see how this type of publishing works out for you.
Can you autograph one? I’ll pay extra! Or does this open a can of escargots?
Karen
32 degrees (heading to 50 degrees) in Towson, Maryland (brrrrr)
Hi Kristi
Congratulations on the new book, which I have just ordered. I am so thrilled, both for you and for me, that I don’t care about the 20%
Thanks again for all the pleasure you create for us, your readers.
Happy Xmas in advance.
George
Happily, one of your books is on the way to Minneapolis, MN. It looks beautiful. Glad you took the plunge and published.
Kristi,
Your new book is on it’s way to Copenhagen.
Regarding the discount, I hope for a bottle of Jean-Marc’s wine next summer, for instance ‘Cuvée Lunatique’… :).
I just ordered 5! Perfect Christmas presents, and one for myself of course 🙂 It looks beautiful. Congratulations! Wishing you great success and a happy Christmas season. Caresse to Smokey.
Thank you, mille mercis, for your enthusiasm and books order.
Michelle, A thousand thanks more! A caresse is on its way to Smokey, just now 🙂
Back again – I’d like 2nd Evelyn’s request for information on ordering your book “Wish, Prune, Pray”. How did that get by us?
I saw a preview on Sunday,and it is really stunning. Five copies are now on their way to friends in Canada and one to France. Thanks again Kristin and Jean Marc,for the visit and wine tasting. You gave such a wonderful welcome to me and my family. bisous, Peggy
Peggy, Merci, mon amie for another Wowie-Zowie 5-book order! Jean-Marc and I had such a relaxing visit with you and your family, on Sunday. I have never met such well-behaved and darling little girls — all four 🙂 Your son-in-law is cool, too!
Karen & Evelyn, Glad you asked about “Wish, Prune, Pray”, which was yet another incarnation of the stories that appear in this site. I will republish that book, soon (under the French Word-A-Day collected stories title) and, this time, with photos à gogo!
Congratulations, Kristin! I just ordered two copies … glitch and all. I can’t wait for them to arrive … one as a gift and one to enjoy over the holidays.
Kristin,
I just ordered 2 of your new books. But, the word CELEBRATE didn’t work to get the discount for today because that code only works if you have authored the book, according to the reply.
Also, how do I now connect with Cinéma Vérité? Will that be automatic? Since I ordered 2 copies of your book, can I sign a friend up for Cinéma Vérité too?
My order number was: 806850.
Joyeux Noël, Andi
Chère Suzanne, thank you!
And Andi, merci, too! Yes, send along your friends email and I will send the invite. Same goes for everyone who purchases a book today — don’t miss this Cinema Verite bonus! Just send along, as Andi has, your receipt and the email address (and person’s name) to sign up for the photo site.
Thanks for another book. I have been waiting. Just ordered and can’t wait to receive it.
Kristin,
I just ordered your new book as a x-mas gift for my dear mother. She has been fighting cancer for the past two years and I just wanted to let you know that your blog and previous book has been a great source of joy to her! She and I are both francophiles and have enjoyed taking French classes together in the past and even a memorable family trip to Provence. We both always read your blog and then discuss it on the phone with each other. Thank you for bringing daily french life to life for us!
Kind regards, Lisa
Even without the discount, I’ve ordered two copies. I’m sure it’s worth it!
Bravo Chere Kristin! I’ve ordered my books and can’t wait to see them. Booksmart is great. I make photo books of my grandsons every year and have used this site. Congratulations and meilleurs voeux! Bisous!
Hi Kristen,
Very exciting. I would love to purchase your book. It is my birthday today so Happy Birthday to me, Ha Ha! But I must be missing something as I can’t figure out how? mary rossi
Kristi – you never cease to amaze me…!!!
What a great surprise to wake up and find that my beautiful daughter is still inspired to create more and more joy to bring into our lives. You are wonderful.
XOXO
MOM
I just ordered your book. I don’t care about the discount either, but I am excited about the bonus Cinema Verite!!!!
All my best to you.
Marianne Giordano
Dear Mom, What more could a daughter ask for—thank such lovely words from her Mom on this “new departure” of a day.
Speaking of moms, to Lisa in Naples, you note touches so many of us. Sending prayers and positive thoughts (and hugs) to you and your mom.
And, to Mary Rossi: Joyeux Anniversaire!!!! Re how to order the book: try this link:
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1032545
One hardbound is bound for Tallahasse and I can hardly wait 🙂
Best wishes always,
Diane
Oh, Kristin, mil congratulations to you! I work in publishing and am so excited that you’ve gone off on your own to create this wonderful book. The preview is lovely. Just put it on my Christmas list, as well. 🙂 Many continued blessings to you and your family!
Congratulations indeed, Kristin!!:) Just last evening my husband and I were talking and I was wondering out loud when your new book would publish. Low and behold, I woke up with your special announcement. YAY!!:)
BUT Have tried three times this morning to make a purchase but keep getting “Internal Server Error”. Would I be able to please purchase a signed copy through you directly if I can’t get it to work?
This is so exciting! And by the looks of your responses, your money was wasted on a highly paid publicist the last round!! Go get ’em.:)
Just ordered two copies and am happy to support your enterprising spirit.
SNOW overnight but melting as I type in Crystal Beach, Ontario.
A postscriptKristin: I would love to see the circulars “France” or “France Today” utilize your talent in writing a column on life in a vineyard. You could do for grapes what Carol Drinkwater does for olives!
HALLOOOO!! Publishers of “France” and “France Today” can you hear your readers?
Just ordered your book, Kristin! Looking forward to reading it with a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of wine! Also will enjoy your beautiful photographs on Cinema Verite (my order number is 807021). You really ought to (in addition to everything else you do!) plan an exhibition of your photos.
Congratulations Kristin, two copies on its way to Phoenix. So excited for you. See you soon.
Kristin…
Trying to buy your book but ran into the same problem with the promo code… What if I buy the book at the normal price, will you be able to remedy it at your end or shall I wait? What about the discount good for only today…. will it be extended?
Without even previewing the book, I ordered a copy immediately. I know I’ll enjoy it, and the photos will be an added bonus. In addition to learning or perfecting our French, we have a chance to keep up with French culture.
My order number is 807125. I will look forward to receiving the Cinema Verite.
I, too, am most interested in your previous books. I have the Words in a French Life published in the past 2-3 years (the one with the yellow cover). Possibly it includes some sections from earlier books. But the latter probably also include some material not in the yellow FWAD book. I’m especially interested in “Wish, Prune, Pray.” It is possible to order any/all of the other books?
Kristin, a place you could investigate is called Author House. I don’t know a lot about it, but it’s a way to have books published without going through a “major” publisher. I used it recently to order a book written by people who fun a shelter for animals. It’s at http://www.authorhouse.com. Among other things, they offer a free publishing guide. You might want to consult with them to see if they can help you find a wider audience. Also, I don’t know if writing to French departments at colleges and universities might help.
Best of luck on this new venture. I’m eagerly awaiting my copy.
Bonjour Kristine! I am so excited for you….and for me!! I just ordered two books. One for my French teacher and one for myself. Just in time for Christmas! You so inspire me because it is my dream as well to live in the country [hopefully in Provence] and write memoir. I have enjoyed following your stories. Congratulations on your new book. I will be looking for the next one soon 🙂 Terri
Just so you know, I just tried to order your new book and you the promotional code you mentioned, but it does not work – says it cannot be used if you’re not the author or not for that book.
I still look forward to reading the book – think I’ll ask for it for Christmas!
Merci –
Julie
I just bought the book too. My order number is 807320 – I am excited to read it and to see Cinema Verite! thank you and good luck with your book.
Jeanne in OH
I love your photography and stories from France, and I will proudly display your beautiful book on my coffee table. I look forward to seeing more of your photos on Cinema Verite. My order number is 806893. Thanks Kristine and best wishes!
Kristin, I discovered your first book before I discovered your blog (sometimes doing things backwards does work out!). Now I’m thrilled to the blog has sent me to blurb to buy your second book. Wishing you the best of luck and do you require the order number for Cinema Verite? I’m 807510
PS Blurb is great for putting photographs into book form.
Kristin,
A new book by you is worth full price! Bill and I look forward to it. Congrats on just doing it. Happy holidays to you and all the family! We just returned from Phoenix so–alas–do not anticipate being there for Christmas. Let me know if you might be coming NM direction.
Cheryl
Congratulations!!
This will be my second Kristin Espinasse book and I can’t wait to receive it! Well done.
And what beautiful words from your Mama, Jules. I always look for her notes and I am never disappointed! You two have a special bond and we, your FWD readers, are blessed to witness it.
Again, congrats and blessings galore!
P.S. Cold (finally) and a bit of rain on the way!
I understand now what happened to the 20% discount – but I don’t mind. But, do we still get a free year of your pictures?? I have bought your book and sent it to a friend in CA. Mille Merci, Ali
Burgundy, France, not nice here – too rainy and cold.
Kristin: Have you thought about a book of photos, or primarily photos? Yours have gotten so consistently good that a separate volume of them would surely be welcomed (I know it would be by me).
Congratulations Kristin!
I am so glad you have this book, now I can throw away all the xerox copies of your blog. I ordered the softcover only because I like light books. This is my gift a moi!
Have a great trip!
xox
I have just ordered your book and look forward to receiving it here in beautiful Victoria on the west coast of Canada where the temperature today is 9C and sunny – after several weeks of rain! My receipt number is 807826. Thanks so much.
Kristin,
I tried, at great length, to order the book. The message I received was that Blurb would not honor the Celebrate discount, so I cancelled the order. Do you know what the problem may have been?
Ali – bien sûr! The CV bonus is good through Dec 1st–today! (to all of you who have not yet purchased book, keep this in mind).
Ann, thanks for your receipt number. I’ll send the CV info next.
Michael, I would love to do an all photo book. Merci for your interest
Mona, great to have your message, which will hopefully motivate others to buy the book instead of printing out all the internet pages. Thank you!
Sandra, I am sorry about the discount problem. I misunderstood (having viewed in on my account, I thought it was good for all accounts. In fact the 20 percent discount is for authors only.
If you still want to buy the book, here’s the address to do so.
http://www.blurb.com/my/book/detail/1032545