Does one need to hit the road to sell books on French life? Not when your MOM is busy pounding the pavement! Read on… (photo taken in Briançon). Note: the next word goes out in the new year. Meilleurs Voeux! Bonne Année!
le baratin (bara-tehn)
sweet talk, smooth talk
baratiner = to sweet-talk somebody, to chat someone up
baratineur, baratineuse = smooth talker
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce these French words (above and below): Download MP3 or Wav File
Pour vendre des livres il faut avoir l'art de baratiner!
To sell books, one must know the art of sweet talk!
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
The Pick-Up Artist
You know what they say about a good salesman: He or she could vendre de la glace aux esquimaux! This is especially true of my dear mom, Jules, who is busy selling my book on French life to lovers of Spanish! For the past ten days, Jules has made it her mission to convert the tourists who flock to her little neighborhood along the Bay of Banderos, in Mexico.
Dressed in her trademark linen poncho (her latest one, in white, was a Christmas gift from her husband John), a red turtleneck (to match her red Converse tennis shoes), white pants and her trusty fedora, Mom sets out to beat the previous day's sales record.
Like any saleswoman worth her salt, Mom knows that one of the best ways to market a product is to get out there and pound the pavement! In Mom's charismatic presence, travelers are forgetting for a moment that they are in Puerto Vallarta… when they begin to perceive the hum of the accordion as Mom dances up and down the boardwalk at the marina, picking up yet another potential bookbuyer with her sweet baratin. "Bonjour, Monsieur!…."
Every salesman has a challenge to overcome. In this case, that would be the absence of a tangible product to peddle! This doesn't discourage Mom one bit and, minus an actual copy of Blossoming in Provence, Jules manages to sell the goods "sight unseen", via verbal promissory notes extracted from the innocent tourists. "You will buy my daughter's book when you get home, won't you?! Merci, Madame!…"
Having worn a trail along the docks, Mom heads to The Coffee Cup, where more unsuspecting travelers are having their first cuppa, unaware of the lively scene about to take place.
This is when Jules fires up the computer (The Coffee Cup has three or four of them, reserved for customers), and logs on to Amazon.com.
"Oh, Kristi!" Mom slaps her hands to her heart. "You are at number 31 in Hot New Releases!"
A few of the customers look over, in curiosity. For the sake of drama, Mom grabs onto the sleeve of the customer beside her. "Look! That's my daughter," Mom exclaims, pointing to the screen. "This is the book she published in 21 days–and now it is topping the bestseller charts!" (Like any saleswoman worth her salt, a little bit of exaggeration–or what, in all due respect, we might call "artist's license"–is par for the course!)
And so it is that my dear mom has spent the past ten days–betting that the Hispanophiles who visit Puerto Vallarta are really Francophiles in waiting. Win or lose, she is certainly selling books in the process!
Thanks, Mom!
Le Coin Commentaires
To respond to this post, please click here.
See a photo of Mom, her husband John, and me in Puerto Vallarta. Click here and don't miss the story!
If you haven't yet… please click here to purchase your copy of Blossoming in Provence. Many thanks for your support–and for giving my dear mom a day off work today :-)
French Expression:
vendre de la glace aux esquimaux = to sell snow to Eskimos
le baratin = smooth talk
Bonjour, Monsieur! = Hello, sir!
Bonjour, Madame = Hello, Ma'am
An interesting sculpture in front of the town hall, in Jonquières (Vaucluse)
Dreaming of coming to France in 2012? Check out these posts for some fun ideas on what to do once you get here:
- What to do in Paris?
- What to do in the Loire Valley?
- What to do in Aix-en-Provence?
- What to do in Lyon?
- What to do in the Luberon?
And check out Where to Rent a Car in France?
Exercises in French Phonics bestseller on French pronunciation and how to pronouce French words correctly! (click here)
Discover more from French Word-A-Day
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Ron and I had SUCH a good laugh over this post. Jules, you are a Designer Original. I’ve got a mother who’s a bit wild and crazy too, but Jules, you get the prize! Big Mexican bisous to you.
It’s hard to be the first to post from Kauai .. but sitting up late posting a new listing has made it happen! You go, “Jules the Mama Machine!”
Ah, I happily capitulate to second position .. but Jules, you really are #1 .. what a great Mom!
Hope Jules gets a copy of the book soon! That will help her sales, sans doute.
Great images!
PS Fantastic Citröen with the drawing the little prince on his asteroid, on the rear of the car.
This is a perfect example of why we all love Jules so much. I can just picture her at the computer in the coffee shop. Too wonderful! I imagine her with a turned-off cell phone to her ear, carrying on a faux conversation with Kristin about how great the book is and how so many people love it.
Sarah is right, though — she needs to have copies on hand for people who are willing to plunk down cash on the barrelhead. I mean, who could say no to Jules?
P.S. re: the 2CV
I want that car!
Will you make it available as a Kindle edition? Like a lot of folks I know, I got an ereader for Christmas.
Lynn, Somehow that doesnt surprise me that your mom is wild and free, like mine — you and I are the conservative daughters!
Suzanne, yes — I plan to convert the book into e-book form, for Kindle and for other electronic readers.
HI KRISTI,
CAN YOU CALL ME NOW HONEY
XOXO
MOM
Go, Mama go! Jules you are the best! I want that 2CV, too, and everyone is tres welcomed to go for a ride!
Inspired today to COVET this beauty of a voiture! Looked up French trans for to covet: convoite, hence,
Je convoite le 2CV, MAIS (beware): “Tous les convoiter, tous les perde.”
Ramblin’ through the dictionery again…
My two copies arrived yesterday! My own copy is now on the bedside stand, bookmarked and awaiting my return. The other was given to my daughter, who immediately wanted to know how I came to know the author. Ah, how do you explain how you have come to know someone so well when you have never met? She will begin to understand as her copy becomes bookmarked. God bless you Kristin … and dear Jules.
What a treasure of a mom you have!
I will miss your Friday posting, but wish you and all the other readers/commenters a Bonne Année as well from the Land of Enchantment!
Cannot listen to the pronunciation–the link says there is a QuickTime component needed and takes me to a page with 11, yes eleven, Quick Time components with no indication which one is the essential for listening to the MP3 on the site. My first big let-down from Word-a-Day (always could listen before). Quel dommage!
Catherine, have you tried the Wav link instead? Does anyone reading have any technical insight into this? Merci davance!
Jules is certainly a Jewel.
Since I bought 2 copies of BIP, I feel that I have a right to be a BIT of a nitpicker! I have hung on to the grammar lessons I learned many, many, many decades ago (but I’m afraid that I am losing the good fight).
“See a photo of Mom, her husband, John, and I in PV.” should read: “See a photo of……me in PV.”
Happy New Year to you and yours (including my fellow posters).
Allen
Salut Kristin et Jules la vendeuse extraordinaire,
My BIP arrived yesterday! Sharron and I are sharing. Today, Sharron has to go to the quilt shop where she teaches and works part time so I’ll have the book all to myself. . . Yeah!
Good luck with the sales. I’ll tout it on my next blog posting.
À bientôt
We all need some one like Jules to cheer us on. No. 31??!! Fantastic. Bravo. Happy New Year. Mary
Hi Kristin,your mom is unique! What a mother wouldn’t do for their kids, I love her. One little correction: Is spelled “Puerto Vallarta”, not “Puerta”. On the other one I think you meant “Accordion” not “accordian”, and the last one I think it is “promissory” not “promissary” sorry, I’m such a big speller and you always encourage people to make corrections to your posts. I don’t miss any of your posts and I love your blog, will be buying the book pretty soon, I already have the first one.
Greetings from SLC Utah and wish you the best for 2012
Hi Kristin – I tried to download you new book on Kindle Canada but no success. Can you tell me when it will be available?
Ido and Allen, many thanks for the corrections — always welcome and so helpful!
Herm, thank you for mentioning my book on your blog!
Cornelia, I havent yet made the Kindle version. I will work on that. Thanks for your interest.
Kristin, I bought your first book a few years ago, and added it to my large bookcase of those who’ve written books about their new lives abroad- mostly in France, but a good sprinkling of Italy, Portugal, Spain and Mexico (even Ireland, now that I think about it). I subscribed for French-word-a-day earlier this year, and have read with both enjoyment and concern about your life over the last year. I actually ended up in Sablet this summer, for our annual trip to France, as a result of an ad posted on your site, and realized later, in the word-a-day “aube” that you must live quite close by. I now look forward to your postings, and wish you the very best success with the new book, your health, your family’s business, and continued happiness with your life in France.
CR
Kristin,
Two days before le jour de Noël I had no Christmas present for Mary Lou, my brother’s significant other. Disaster! My copy of BIP arrived just in time to resolve the crisis. As she unwrapped the beautiful book, I told her a little about your family. She was delighted! My other problem was soon resolved as a second copy of your book arrived from Amazon in today’s mail.
I must say releasing “Blossoming” just before the holidays was brilliant. Cheers!
Hi, Kristin! Your book arrived yesterday and I can’t wait to dig in! But I will wait until Saturday morning and take it to the new little French chocolate/pastry shop in my neighborhood and sip some lovely hot chocolate, munch a croissant and be transported.
Jules, you are a rock star. I’m sure you are an absolutely irresistable saleswoman!
Here’s to joy, peace and health in the New Year and may it be filled to overflowing with love and belly laughs!
Thank you, Dave! I hope Mary Lou enjoys the book… and may even eventually sign up and join us over here!
Thanks, Gwyn–and for some clever and helpful marketing, too!
Off to call my rock star mom… though I suspect shes still out, pounding the pavement.
Jules is every ounce a jewel!!!
Wonderful blog today, dear Kristin, and so wonderful to hear about dear Jules. We feel like we know her just as know you!
You two share such a gift!
Waiting for my BIP’s to arrive!
Blessings to you and your dear family at the New Year and always
Love
Natalia
XO
What a fun, delightful read again this morning Kristin. Sharing it with my husband and smiling… as we plot and ponder our own plans for adventures in France in the new year.
Jules is the ultimate saleswoman to be sure. May I please borrow her, should I ever complete my own book?:)Que bueno Jules, carry on with your many talents and gifts.
Wishing you all a truly fulfilling, exciting and wonderful New Year. Cheers!
I agree with all the other post, Jules is a Jewel! I am picturing her in the cafe just going on an on about the book.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!
I finished BIP the other day. Actually read it in one sitting because as usual the stories were so fun and wonderful I couldn’t put it down. Will revisit it again and again as I have done with your other books Kristin. You bring your reader right along with the story. xoxo
All I can say is that “Jules rocks!”. It brings such a smile to my face.
I have read my copy from”cover to cover” and now I’m perusing the vocabulary pages again and rereading my favorites!
Jules, you are treasure. We would all know you instantly if we should be so lucky as to pass you on the street or spie you in your coffee shop!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL ….and many thanks for so much enjoyment while reading FWAD this past year.
Yes Kindle version is needed for all the book clubs I know use Kindle. Always carry my BIP with me to promote. Hugs
Jules’s antics always make me smile – we all need a mother like her from time to time. My copy arrived today and I will dig in very shortly. Bonne Annee to you, your family and FWAD readers.
Hi Kristin! Blossoming in Provence is at this moment #22 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in Biographies!! Really fantastique!!!
–le petit prince on that car is adorable!
Your mom is a gift.
Bonne année~Jen
I need a mother like that to sell my artwork. Would she consider a part-time job?
Love your blog!
I think you are a terrific writer. I’m sure you must receive grammar corrections and, as a one-time 4th grade teacher, here’s my contribution:
“See a photo of Mom, her husband John, and I in Puerta Vallarta.” “I” should be “me”
Bonne année!
Your mother is so beautiful; it’s obvious where your good looks come from! (I think everyone in your family must be good-looking from those I’ve seen!)
Just ordered Blossoms in Provence today. Love the cover. My house has a red tile roof so I think we’ll just get some blue shutters like that & have a little bit of Provençe here in the high desert of so. Calif. Did you know that in Savannah, GA that shade of blue is called “haint’ (as in “ghost”) blue & shutters there are often painted this color to keep the haints away?!
Love your blog. The pronunciation aides are especially appreciated. Chief Grape has a beautiful voice.
Linda, Im enjoying your paintings at
http://paintbrushtravels.com — wait till Mom sees them!
Jennifer, thank you so much for checking the sales rank. I was fast asleep and would have never known! (It sure wasnt that high when I awoke this morning!)
Barbara, loved learning haint for blue and for ghosts! Will hope to work that into a story at some point 🙂
Lauren, thanks — corrections are always helpful.
Betty, I really appreciate your carrying around the book — excellent PR. Merci beaucoup!
Hi Kristin:
I just ordered 2 copies of BIP and can’t wait to receive them! I will attempt to “like” BIP on my facebook page. Wishing you continued success. And I agree w/ Barbara, Chief Grape does have a beautiful voice. Even my husband looked up from his reading and smiled when he heard it!
I wanted you to know that I also ordered your new book last night on Amazon when I was ordering a children’s book and suddenly remembered yours – can’t wait for it to come.
My copy arrived yesterday, and I’ve decided to read it before bed, as a way to relax. It’s the next best thing to actually being in Provence. Someday I hope to visit.
When I was reading “Tapenade,” it occurred to me that the next (surely there will be a next) book is developed, you might include one or more recipes as another attractive feature, in addition to the photos. Some I recognized translated very well from color to black-and-white.
I have an American friend who knows French; she studied it as a sociologist specializing in Africa. Maybe I can interest her in the French French” stories in “BIP.”
Bonne Annee!
Hi Marianne,
I always look forward to your comments, you are such a precious friend here in ‘Le Coin Commentaires.’ One book at a time is all it takes for us to keep Kristi visible in this BIG WORLD.
I am worn out from repeating my sales pitch to all of the tourists visiting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the holidays. Today I am staying in – working on my BUBBLE MAP. Kristi taught me this little trick years ago. Kristi can explain the process in one of her next blogs.
XOXO
JULES
WHERE IS EVERYBODY_–=-+_)(*&&^”{PO%$#!@@#$%
YES MY NEW KEYBOARD IS IN SPANISH AND I CAN’T FIND THE KEY FOR THE QUESTION MARK.
YES!!!! SANTA BROUGHT ME A NEW COMPUTER…..NOW YOU WILL NEVER GET ME OUT OF THE COMMENTS BOX….
XOXO
JULES
Whohoo — lookout! Mom is back in the comments box–big time!
I just said good-bye to the last of my Christmas visitors; sending my sister and her family back to their Seattle home. Time to stop in and relax a while, catch up on the smiles with the warm and loving family here at FWAD.
My copy of Blossoming in Provence arrived this week. I haven’t yet had the time to look at it, but the cover is lovely. My treat for the day will be to drift off for a few enchanting hours in my new, cushy chair by the fire with a cuppa and my dear, beautiful friend’s latest book. Such a treasure you are Kristi! You, too, Jules! So grateful you are a part of my life.
Wishing for us all a joyous and blessed 2012!
Hi – my copy of the book just arrived. It looks great and the b&w pix are beautiful. It came on quite a journey – ordered it from Amazon.ca in Canada, the order was processed in Los Angeles, filled by the Book Depository in Gloucester UK and arrived here on Vancouver Island 9 days later (including the days the post office was closed for the holidays). Fantastic!
Mother daughter teams can’t be beat 🙂 I was a little late reading your post, but am so glad I made it 🙂 Happy New Year to Jules and JOhn and to you and your family!
OXOX,
Missy
Coucou Kristin:
Ta mère is an exceptional PR person for your BIP book. And please to correct me if I am wrong, to call her a “baratineuse” might not be appropriate. For from what I understand, c’est quelqu’un qui parle beaucoup pour se vanter, boasting about something that is not true. I have not read your BIP book because I am still away from home. But I believe you, sweet thing, tell things how they are, in the other book that I’ve read 🙂
Meilleurs voeux de Santé, Bonheur et Réussite pour toute ta famille, à l’occasion de la Nouvelle Année !
HAPPY NEW YEAR!