A nice place to read or write… bonne lecture! Today we talk about publishing one's blog posts… in book form! Read on!
bonne lecture (bohn-lek-toor) n.f.
: happy reading!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Why on earth would anyone pay for a book that they have read for free, on-line?
Now this is a timely question! Indeed, these days publishers resist blog-to-book projects (they are relying, in part, on the blogger's readers to figure into the targeted audience—and they are betting that such readers, no matter how faithful, will not be interested in buying what they have already read).
The Cyberwriter's Plight Continues…
Certain readers, too, seem to have a bone to pick with bloggers who have the audacity to try to repackage and to resell their work. I often check out the reader comments at Amazon, on blogs that have been made into books (or "blooks"). It is always disheartening to read such a call to arms as: "Don't waste your money! You can read all of these stories for free, on-line!" It sometimes seems as though they (the readers) were against us: the very writers whose stories they enjoy!
Why, I wonder, shouldn't a writer (or blogger if you prefer…) collect their stories and offer them via another, or non-cyber, medium: in paperback form? Are we "bloggers" some sort of second-class "writerzens" because we have first offered our work here for free?
Meantime…
Here are two or three examples of why it isn't, after all, insane, to purchase a book of stories that have already appeared before the eyes of many:
1) It is a reader-writer tradition! The writers of yesteryear saw their works serialized in newspapers or journals… before the stories were collected in book form, to go on to sell as classics! Daudet's Lettres de Mon Moulin comes to mind. Though I would not begin to compare my writing to that of The Masters, I know in my heart there is a place for these classic "stories of French life" to linger, beyond cyberspace…
2) And what about comparing a story to a song?! How many songs are just that, les petites histoires! And yet we listen to the stories over and over. Songwriters would have put down their pencils eons ago, had listeners refused to "revisit" their soulful ballads. Most of us listen to a heartening song dozens of times! And then we end up buying the album.
3) Or take the example of the television series. As I stroll down the aisle at our mega supermarket, I see that French women are clamoring to buy a multi-volume set of Desperate Housewives (this, after they bought the Beverly Hills, 90210 series, when it finally came to France, years ago and Californication, after that). It didn't seem to matter that the viewers had recently seen the episodes… they wanted a copy for their video library!
Though my book "Words in a French Life," a compilation of stories that have appeared on this blog—before being published by Simon & Schuster—received modest sales (to date, it has sold nearly 50,000 copies—not the blockbuster millions-of-copies—but nothing to shake a finger at, either), the publisher was willing to bet that a "Volume Two" would not do so well.
Perhaps. But should this stop me from publishing more books in the series? That is the question. Minus the backing of a big publishing house with a big PR team, I'm going ahead with my dream. And I am betting that a larger audience awaits, in addition to this blog. It may take time to reach these readers, but when I do, I cannot wait to wish them "bonne lecture!" and to thank them for finding me. All this jumping up and down and frantically waving my hands may just get their attention, after all.
And, psst, psst! I'm over here!
***
For those of you who are just now tuning in, today marks Day 8 of a self-imposed "Publish a Book in 21 Days" challenge. Do you think I will make it? With your help I know I will! Here, now, are the next two stories that I'll need your help editing.
LE BETON: My son's mohawk… and career choices…
CROTTE: A Frenchwoman's dirty trick
***
I didn't mean to rant today, just wanted to share some behind-the-scenes issues that pop up in one's writing life: specifically, the frustration in encountering roadblocks to publishing one's stories. The good news is that the publishing world is changing, and there are more and more opportunities for everyone: both readers and writers. And these are exciting times! To leave a comment about this post or this writing project, click here.
The end of another writing day… sometime in 2004
Meantime, my book director (Hi, Mom!) and I are scrambling for an author photo for the back cover. Stay with me now… for I know the proposed picture may be a tad informal (is it the toads on those pajamas pants? or the "toadally cool" quotes, below the bug-eye frogs?) This aside, I hope to sell you on this photo for three reasons: One, it is in theme with the book (in which a desert rat struggles to adapt to a foreign culture—no offence to fellow desert rats… who may or may not wear frog pj's), Two, the writer's eyes are always "looking to" and imagining the next story, and Three, this photo was taken during the period in which the stories in the book were written. My son snapped the image, after he and his sister had won the most recent match of "Tickle to Death a Marathon Writer". They always knew how to keep me grounded, literally, when my sky-high writing goals began to get carried away.
Or do you prefer a more "brushed" image (at least my hair got brushed, in this one). The good thing about a recent photo (this is from June 2011) is that it makes for less embarrassment during book readings (readers actually recognize you!). I once did a meetup in which a reader arrived… only to ask me where I was…. my answer was to offer my hand (here I am!, nice to meet you)! The woman was a little taken aback; she seemed to be looking for someone else… maybe she was, after all… we writers are so oversensitive! During yet another meetup, I had a similar mistaken-identity moment, only in the positive sense: "oh, so you're the word-a-day blogger… I thought you were much older!" Your comments are welcome here, in the comments box.
And then there's the photo from I recently posted, here. Voilà.
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Timely post indeed! I’ve just signed a publishing contract for my blog to book project. I was fortunate enough to find a publisher in my hometown, where we have a long and rich heritage of storytelling. My book is a travel diary that tracks a year in a foreign country with brief vignettes and pictures. Yes, most of it in some form or another can be found on the blog but I agree with your well made points here and find your post quite encouraging. Thank you!
I like the June 2011 photo, more natural & a clearer picture of you & your world.
I am enjoying the planetwide interactivity of this project. Keep rocking!
The black and white. Beautiful, natural, great PJ bottoms.
Dear Kristin, You brave woman, you! Keep healing, writing, and know that there are so many of us out here in cyber-land who are in your cheering section. Sending much support & admiration!
Leisa x
Hi there
Like the second picture esp if you are going to call the book Blossoming in Provence as you look blossomimg!!!!!
Hello…
I like both photos. You are a beautiful and real woman in both…so it makes it hard to choose.
Can you have both? Maybe black & white one for the inside…like say next to the ‘Tickle..’ page/s…to show the ‘you’ during the writing?
Then the color on on the back page/cover for those who may want ‘traditional’ photos?
But really either one you choose will work well.
To address the ‘why would I buy…’ I had not heard of your blog before I bought your book. I bought your book at a used store (someone was clearing all their French-related books from their home library….which was great for me!!!:) I have found your blog now, true, but honestly I am not going to go backwards and read every post. And I do like to re-read my books.
I really enjoy the book. Fun, honest, and speaks to me.
You get this new project published! I will buy it and read it with pleasure. 🙂
You are living your dream. When we live our dreams there will always be people who do not go along with us. That’s ok too. You have the dream and a great support team…
Write and there will people who read.:)
hugs and god job!
Debra
Ernest Hemingway watch out. I LOVE the black & white. I also love the ahem , ‘loungewear’. What respectable writer/artist hasn’t shown up with brilliant ideas who knows when in the morning!
I love the black and white photo – more casual, unposed. Your hair doesn’t look “unbrushed” to me, it looks like you’ve run your hands through it a million times while writing or maybe while reading from that stack of books.
Bobbi, congratulations! Well look for your book. Ive enjoyed my visit to your blog. Meantime, have fun in the exciting publishing stage of it.
Thank you all for your thoughts about the photos! Its all very encouraging and helpful!
Debra, Ill see about including both, then. The black-and-white might be more fitting for the photo inserts section (only black-and-white photos in this book; I do not want the printing costs to lead to a pricey book!)
I would go with the “brushed” look. More professional, and more current. The black & white photo is beautiful and very personal. Best of luck.
Basically what your arguement is, is that writers really don’t need publishers in this day and age.
So, why not use the technology we have to live your dream? Nothing holding you back except self doubt.
You have a unique message and style which has caught the immagination of may, with the potential of reaching many more!
I say, go for it! You’re proof living a dream is worth it…an inspiration and teacher. Thank you!
PS The black and white pic does it for me!
Both photos are gorgeous portraits of you Kristin .However,I’d love to see the coloured more recent version of you on the back cover of your book when I buy it.
Love what you do.It’s always such a joy to find your latest post in my inbox.Thanks.
Je suis d’accord – choisis la photo noir et blanc- Bon courage! Be yourself….it gives US the freedom as well.
They are both great but Jan 2011 is fitting with background. I do love the toad PJs, which leads me to think, I love your photos in general so why not include some in your book?! Include the toad PJs!
I love all the pix of you, I agree with your Mom, the Fedora one is awesome, but too far away for an author pic! My favorite one is the black and white one. I suggest cropping it to a head and torso shot, as no one cares about the clothes, at least I don’t, and your comment about looking away thinking about the next story is right on target! Plus that just-tickled look is wonderful, yaaay Max and Jackie!!
You look gorgeous in all the photos, just like you do in person! Also I agree with Debra’s comment about following your dream, and re-reading books rather than trying to go back and find stories on the computer.Books are tactile and you can read them on the beach…
L’auteur parle de cette vedette entant que vraie femme plutôt que symbole de la femme. The author speaks of this star as a real woman rather than a symbol of womanhood.
I am more of a traditionalist. Go with the more recent color photo for the jacket. But I like the suggestion of including the older B&W photo inside.
The first one! I’m a portrait photographer…If you are ever in Washington DC, or next time I’m in Paris, I’ll take your jacket photo gratis! Love your work. Merci pour tout.
-Catherine
http://www.capitalportrait.com
Hi Kristin,
The photo in the PJs is good as it’s relaxed and unposed. However, I prefer the more recent photo, as your eyes are looking to the camera and therefore you are engaging with the viewer of the image. It’s also perhaps a bit “busy” with all the books in the background to detract the eye, for a cover photo,(unless you were to crop that part of the image).
I love the soft colours in the background of the recent photo, that seem so indicative of southern France, and so alluring to francophiles living elsewhere!
I think the background is a soft selling point to all those people out there, who dream of being able to live that french lifestyle!
I shall dream on too!
PS I so enjoy seeing your emails come through, and read them with pleasure. You’re a very natural writer who is a pleasure to read, but your photography skills shouldn’t be underrated either. Each blog seduces with gorgeous images! Thanks for sharing!
Deborah in (rainy) Melbourne, Australia
Bonjour kristin,je suis ta fidèle lectrice depuis quelque temps. Et je m’amuse beaucoup, en plus d’apprendre toujours des mots utiles, soit en français, ou en anglais. J’achèterais ton livre, surtout s’il y a aussi les photos. Je préfère la photo du pyjama, elle montre un côté intello décontracté.
Two gorgeous pictures……I envision the color photo with the beautiful color of the surroundings and you looking happy and professional and accomplished on the outside….and the pensive writer all serious and talented for the inside!!!!!!!Two sides of a person in one book…..I am looking forward to your next work in print..Susan S
While I love both pictures, the jammy pic strikes more of a chord with me. Love those froggies!
Definitely the black and white. It looks so natural and reflects the perfect image of your relaxed writing style
I love the pj’s, but the other photo is way more professional. You are gorgeous in both, but I prefer the most recent!!!
Hi Kristin,
I like both pictures of you from the bottom of your email. You look beautiful in each. They both personify your personality. The one outdoors is suitable that you are “dressed” by your environs, the subject of many of your stories. The other shows you more at ease, at home, and that is the heart of what your stories embody to me. A down-to-earth author who is comfortable in her own skin, poignant and pensive. I guess it depends on which of the two you are trying to portray for your audience. Or, include both!
Lastly, a friend of mine published a series of emails / blogs to book and had success with it.
Don’t let anyone stand in the way between you and your dream!!!!
Hugs,
Maureen
I like the colour photo. All the lovely associations you have with the b & w photo will not be at all evident to the casual viewer. GORGEOUS!
I think readers do not realize (or appreciate) that blooks are usually edited and revised, and often include content not featured on the original post. Maybe more needs to be made of that as part of one’s marketing.
The “toady” picture seems more like “a writer with spunk” than the “architecturally beautiful” standing near a field one. Just sayin’ – they’re both good, but I’d love to have a cuppa with the first writer and would stand afar and admire the second.
I prefer the second photo, because it places you in France, and your experience in France is what we want to read about. The first photo, though lovely and personal and informal, could have been taken anywhere.
I agree that the second photo with landscape is better for the jacket, especially if you can brighten the face; the stacked books and the lampshade awry are distracting in the casual photo, however funny the shot. I hope you can include lots of photos in your book, they’re a vital part of what makes your blog so marvelous.
I think that your suggestion makes the most sense: use the June 2011 shot (a beautiful view of you in your external Provençal world) for the back cover, and use the more introspective and informal b&w shot inside the book. You look great in both, and that way you can capture a greater range of your personality. Too bad you can’t use more pix, including the priceless fedora shot.
As to the message of this post, you make a compelling case for publishing blog contents. Many of us (and many others, I’m sure) will be happy to own a copy!
Go for the self-published book, Kristin! And I love the black/white photo of you. I look forward to each French Word A Day posting! Blooks? I haven’t succumbed to the e-books yet. Curling up with a good electronic device just doesn’t cut it with me. And I love to putter around in an old book store with dusty treasures just waiting for me to discover them. Books will never go out of style for me!
Kristi – once again you have surprised me with your writing in today’s post. I was so impressed with today’s message, and once again I am bursting with pride when I see you fire off all of your powerful thoughts regarding this project. Most of the time you reside in my mind as my precious little angel(when you were ten years old) sitting at the kitchen table sharing stories of your daily adventures.
I have so many beautiful memories of you…and now in 2011 you are taking the time to preserve more memories for me in a beautiful book that I may keep on my bedside table.
What more could I ever dream of regarding our relationship…I am truly blessed to have you in my life.
Perhaps if I have any energy left over later in the day I will recount to all of you out there a moment in my day which proves what a small world we live in. O.k. I’ll do it now.
Yesterday around noon I found myself breathing in oxygen in strong short gasps and realized I had been on the computer for over six hours as I worked diligently to perform my tasks as DIRECTOR for Kristi’s latest project. I quickly threw the computer off my lap and jumped out of bed in search of fresh air. I am lucky enough to live just five minutes from the entrance to the Marriott Hotel on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. As I climbed the entrance stairs into this wonderful resort I was immediately enveloped in the fresh beach air as it was channeled into the lobby by a very smart architect when he planned this hotel.
I kind of twirled around in the freshness of the moment and my eyes landed on two couples resting on the interior wall which led to the bar. Knowing me, you would know I never pass up a chance to share a smile, with this the conversation begins.
I tell them how I just ran out of my DIRECTOR’S/EDITORS closet in my condo at the Marina to catch some fresh air (looking for sympathy) they immediately asked me what kind of work I did here in Mexico. As I began to explain my daughter’s project on writing a book in 21 days from her blog FRENCH-WORD-A-DAY….one of the women threw her hands up in the air and exclaimed, “You mean Kristi’s blog in France!”
As Mary looked at her companions she reminded them of many of Kristi’s exploits in past stories that she had told them about in the past.
At that special moment we all just shook our heads and realized from that moment on we were no longer strangers.
XOXO
JULES
…seems to be a toss-up between both pics, but I agree with the reasoning of the others – the later pic shows your world more, your daily environs. In your beloved Provence – take that one! Is that the definite title now: “Blossoming in Provence”?
I love your recent photo where you’re in a felt hat, jeans and a jacket.
Debra’s experience is similar to mine. I found your first book in a store of used books and then came to your website.
Thank you for your perspective of the publishing industry today. I have two nonfiction inspirational books that I have written but that I have not put online in any form. I also have my website postings which I have categorized into subject headings, but those are the tips of icebergs, so to speak. I have been careful not to put everything out on line, even before reading what you said about blogs-to-books. I pray that there are more reader/buyers like Sandy Ritter that still prefer to curl up with a paper book.
The PJ pic is too “twee”, as the English say.
Stick with the other one. It’s just better all around.
Kristin,
You are a writer-make no mistake about that. Keep on.
Hi Debra and Mary,
Love your comments this morning.
I am still in love with the photo of Kristi standing in the archway in her new felt hat, quietly inviting us to follow her through the streets of Provence. This photo powerfully represents who Kristi truly is as she fights to find her footing once again after surgery for skin cancer. She has told us all she is moving on with her and this picture proves how beautiful and strong she truly is.
I STILL VOTE FOR THIS PHOTO!!!
XOXO
JULES
Bonjour Kristin, I like the pajama photo with all of the books. It looks more writerly, and although I’m sure I’ve read most of your blogs, I will of course purchase the book version. I love rereading stories! Sophie
moving on with her life
I should edit my posts, but I don’t like to.
Photo # 2 (no pjs) would be perfect for your new book. Bonne chance!
Thank you all for this wonderful feedback on the photos!
Ian, thanks for making the connection between the relaxed writing style being reflected in the photo.
Very excited about all of your support. I hope my Dad is reading! I wonder which photo he will choose?
Hm m m m,
The black and white gives you a struggling artist look while the color photo gives more of living in country home look. Your face is more shadowed in the second. I think I would pick the first though, because it has more artistic quality and draws the eye immediately.
I like the black and white. It seems informal yet literary, with a touch of insouciant glamour. I read “crotte” and I have two comments. One, the accent is missing in the word “défaire”. Two, I always thought that the expression “eyes glazed over” meant bored. I think what you meant is that they were cracking up, or trying hard not to, right? Not bored. Finally, I have bought blog books because I like books, and I like to go back and reread the potings, and also as a gesture of support for the blogger. Blog followers get very fond of their bloggers and think of them as friends, which is certainly the case with your blog.
Thanks, Maureen. (Im reading these comments out of order…) re your remark about the black-and-white photo of :
A down-to-earth author who is comfortable in her own skin, poignant and pensive. I guess it depends on which of the two you are trying to portray for your audience.
I would like the audience, as Ardi says, to feel welcome to sit down and have a cuppa with me..! Now to dream big: I talked to Mom on the phone earlier, and mentioned our book tour… Wouldnt that be a blast? Jules on Tour!
Steven, you are so right about that! A lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into producing such a blook and, ideally, new stories will be added (the icing on the cake!). Though this is a 21-Day challenge, it is a full-time job. It would be more realistic, for those of you with a goal to turn your blog into a book, to add several weeks to this calculation–especially if you are working the author night shift 🙂
Sandy, to be clear, this will be a paperback book. When there is time, I will look into putting it on Kindle.
dear Kristin,
You are breathtakingly beautiful in both – but there is something so “cozy” about the black/white photo on your bed with stacks of books on your nightstand. Boy, do all writers collect books for inspiration or what?
Absolutely love your reasons for publishing a collection of your blog posts – you are right on!! FYI my sister was in the Peace Corps (PC) in French speaking Gabon, Africa a while ago and wrote her story. No one would publish her work (they yawned at PC stories)and she was a bit before the self-publishing boom…until VOILA – the Peace Corps started a publishing house and she was the first book to hit the press: “How to Cook a Crocodile: A Memoir with Recipes” by Bonnie Lee Black. You would like it I think – she is an English prof. at U of N.M.Taos. I hope you don’t think i am plugging, i am just sharing with you to give you more support.
link: http://www.amazon.com/How-Cook-Crocodile-Memoir-Recipes/dp/1935925008/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320852439&sr=1-1
I like the B&W photo for the book. It symbolises all you are, & are doing. Great choice !