Ride on! I mean, write on… difficulties, barriers, discouragement, and all. More, in today's story column, below. (Picture of our daughter, Jackie)
une embûche (ahm-bewsh)
: pitfall, obstacle; difficulty; piège, or trap set for someone
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc pronounce today's word and the following examples: Download MP3 or Wav file
semer d'embûches = to load/fill with obstacles/challenges
une question pleine d'embûches = a loaded question
A chaque chemin ses embûches, chaque humain un jour trébuche. Each road has its pitfalls, every human, his a day of faltering. —Daniel DesbiensIn Books:
- The Little Paris Kitchen: 120 Simple But Classic French Recipes. Click here.
- Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting. Click here to read the reviews
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
One Page at a Time
A broken barrier is just one of the rewards that have come out of this decision to write my personal narrative. I have come across many obstacles on this writing path, but perhaps the biggest one has to do with my method of churning out a story.
Though the particular writing technique I use also happens to be the secret to my productivity, it is, ironically, the very reason I stay stuck, unable to create more than a vignette, an anecdote, or an essay….
You see, for ten years I have practiced writing before a blog audience. In this very post, the one you are now reading—very likely via email—I taught myself to write. To put it differently, your inbox has been my classroom and you have been the attentive, if accidental, teacher.
My compositions are read le jour J, that is, the very day the story is written, most often in the hours that follow publication. The moment I hit "publish", it's too late to go back. The story is on its way through cyberspace, soon to arrive in your inbox. No way to reach into your Gmail or Yahoo or AOL account and add the needed comma or the missing modifier—not that I know what one of those is. I'm still learning–grammar, punctuation, precision and, lately how to be a relaxed writer. ("Free write!" you say, and I am reminded, among other things, to let loose!)
The growing pressure to say what I have to say by the lurking deadline is just the ticket I need to eke out (BTW, you taught me to spell it eke, and not eek) another story. It is thanks to you, the reader, that I am able to quickly narrow down a topic and set to writing about it. As I write, I edit and fine-tune, aware that the clock is ticking, this story–in whatever state it finds itself–will soon go out to a live audience. Are the words clear enough? Have I said all I meant to say? Will you still like me after this latest installment? Am I supposed to care? How could I not care?!…
This brings me to the "tell-all" memoir I mentioned last week. After reading your emails and letters, I have decided to write the first draft of the book "off blog", in private. And here is where I am confronted with my biggest writing barrier: after writing for an audience, can I write for myself? Won't I fall off the wagon?
Without you, to report to, could I churn out more that a few paragraphs without a "live" deadline? Would a self-imposed deadline be enough? Would I respect it? Would I take it seriously, feel the pressure innately?
All one can do is try. I began trying this week, to break down that barrier that I had put up when I told myself I can only write under these specific conditions–and no other!
And now for the good news…. Alone in my writing nook, I have completed the final two parts of chapter one!
Though I have finished the first draft of chapter 1, all 15 pages, the rest of the narrative looms ahead of me. Last night I had a "will never realize this dream of memoir-writing, what was I thinking" moment. The future is riddled with doubt, and if I focus beyond the current "page", I will never make it.
Or, as my very loving sponsor reminds me, "You will make it, Darling Heart, you will—one day at a time.
Any kind of buzzer could be used to signal a deadline. For today's writing deadline, I'm using these cowbells! Ring-a-ling-ling! Time is up now… this edition is going out…
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Write on — right on! We are cheering you from the sidelines! Writing is hard work, no doubt, but you can do it. I usually set myself a daily goal of 500 words. You’d be surprised by how quickly it adds up! xoxo
Write on — right on! We are cheering you from the sidelines! Writing is hard work, no doubt, but you can do it. I usually set myself a daily goal of 500 words. You’d be surprised by how quickly it adds up! xoxo
Some things take time. Like a Christmas pudding. Like knitting a lace shawl. Like watching children grow into adulthood. Like paintings, musical compositions and books, time often is the most essential factor and learning patience is an asset, not a fault. Take you time! We’ll be still out there, waiting, when you finish!
Some things take time. Like a Christmas pudding. Like knitting a lace shawl. Like watching children grow into adulthood. Like paintings, musical compositions and books, time often is the most essential factor and learning patience is an asset, not a fault. Take you time! We’ll be still out there, waiting, when you finish!
As a “want-to-be” writer myself, I know how hard it is to put your thoughts on paper. But you are doing a marvelous job, Kristi! Just keep doing what you are doing, we love it!
As a “want-to-be” writer myself, I know how hard it is to put your thoughts on paper. But you are doing a marvelous job, Kristi! Just keep doing what you are doing, we love it!
I agree with the above posts. If you start to fall off the wagon, mention it to us your readers, nothing specific about the topic, but of the process. we’ll be here to encourage you. Take your time to say what you need to say.
I agree with the above posts. If you start to fall off the wagon, mention it to us your readers, nothing specific about the topic, but of the process. we’ll be here to encourage you. Take your time to say what you need to say.
I am not a writer but I am an avid reader! I love what you “eke” out to me and all the other folk. Thank you. I believe I have a much easier job as the reader but your special talent will see you through and get the job done.
I am not a writer but I am an avid reader! I love what you “eke” out to me and all the other folk. Thank you. I believe I have a much easier job as the reader but your special talent will see you through and get the job done.
“It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
E.L. Doctorow’s advice on writing
Marchons! You have an adoring readership waiting!
“It’s like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
E.L. Doctorow’s advice on writing
Marchons! You have an adoring readership waiting!
Have you thought about sending out an excerpt from each chapter of your memoir? set a date to do it….that way you’d have the self induced pressure of a soft deadline and we’d have something to look forward to!!!
Have you thought about sending out an excerpt from each chapter of your memoir? set a date to do it….that way you’d have the self induced pressure of a soft deadline and we’d have something to look forward to!!!
I like J.’s quote from E.L. Doctorow, it makes writing in little steps seem easier with the knowledge that you’ll get there if you just keep “driving”. So drive on, Kristin!!
I like J.’s quote from E.L. Doctorow, it makes writing in little steps seem easier with the knowledge that you’ll get there if you just keep “driving”. So drive on, Kristin!!
Congratulations! You have made a significant beginning of you book and that can be the hardest part. I am reading a book about Lincoln and our civil war, so the expression “soldier on” comes to mind. You have the encouragement and best wishes of your many, many readers. Bon week-end.
Several years ago you wrote about living the writing life. That line struck me so deeply that I finally put my writing cap on and started a blog 4 years ago. So it is you who have inspired others, whether you knew it or not. Your memoir will bloom, I am sure. Just keep writing.(Outlines help!) And everyone needs a good editor.
With thanks, Sue
Congratulations! You have made a significant beginning of you book and that can be the hardest part. I am reading a book about Lincoln and our civil war, so the expression “soldier on” comes to mind. You have the encouragement and best wishes of your many, many readers. Bon week-end.
Several years ago you wrote about living the writing life. That line struck me so deeply that I finally put my writing cap on and started a blog 4 years ago. So it is you who have inspired others, whether you knew it or not. Your memoir will bloom, I am sure. Just keep writing.(Outlines help!) And everyone needs a good editor.
With thanks, Sue
P.S. Where did you take the great photo of the cowbells? Are they played with a band or such?
P.S. Where did you take the great photo of the cowbells? Are they played with a band or such?
Have been listening to Ella Fitzgerald on CD and am reminded by her song from South Pacific, Happy Thoughts…”if you don’t have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true.” So having your dream of this book can only come true if you make it come true, but starts with your dream. Have a happy! Very best wishes, Karen
Have been listening to Ella Fitzgerald on CD and am reminded by her song from South Pacific, Happy Thoughts…”if you don’t have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true.” So having your dream of this book can only come true if you make it come true, but starts with your dream. Have a happy! Very best wishes, Karen
We will unconditionally still like you after each installment! Grammar tip: The moment I hit “publish”, “off blog”, and beyond the current “page”, … the commas belong inside the quotation marks. Excellent website for grammar checks is Grammar Girl at grammar.quickanddirtytips.com Write on!
We will unconditionally still like you after each installment! Grammar tip: The moment I hit “publish”, “off blog”, and beyond the current “page”, … the commas belong inside the quotation marks. Excellent website for grammar checks is Grammar Girl at grammar.quickanddirtytips.com Write on!
Thanks, Trina 🙂
Cynthia, the bells photo was taken in Austria, while on a hike.
I am enjoying every note. Thank you for all the good cheer. Happy weekend.
Thanks, Trina 🙂
Cynthia, the bells photo was taken in Austria, while on a hike.
I am enjoying every note. Thank you for all the good cheer. Happy weekend.
I can see the conundrum. These are two different undertakings, though. Maybe they have to be approached differently. I remember having an assignment in my College Writing class. It was to write a memoir. I thought it would be the easiest assignment of all because I had so many little true stories in my life I could tell without having to come up with a fictitious one. In the retelling, though, I hit many walls of unexpected emotion, and even boredom. I decided to shoot some drafts to a male writer friend (who didn’t mind mentoring in the least) and I have to tell you that I felt like I was literally standing naked in front of him many times. But, in the end, it was the best decision. And…. a little embellishment didn’t hurt the story either.
Take yourself back in time, Kristin. Give the old Kristin the gift of the voice you have now. Remember – you have become a wonderful storyteller full of humor and depth.
I can see the conundrum. These are two different undertakings, though. Maybe they have to be approached differently. I remember having an assignment in my College Writing class. It was to write a memoir. I thought it would be the easiest assignment of all because I had so many little true stories in my life I could tell without having to come up with a fictitious one. In the retelling, though, I hit many walls of unexpected emotion, and even boredom. I decided to shoot some drafts to a male writer friend (who didn’t mind mentoring in the least) and I have to tell you that I felt like I was literally standing naked in front of him many times. But, in the end, it was the best decision. And…. a little embellishment didn’t hurt the story either.
Take yourself back in time, Kristin. Give the old Kristin the gift of the voice you have now. Remember – you have become a wonderful storyteller full of humor and depth.
I am excited for you and cheering you on Kristin. I find your self-effacing style and honest way of writing and sharing very appealing as do so many others. Thanks for sharing your struggles and joys with us. Bon continuation.
Beth
I am excited for you and cheering you on Kristin. I find your self-effacing style and honest way of writing and sharing very appealing as do so many others. Thanks for sharing your struggles and joys with us. Bon continuation.
Beth
… Kristin… you have so many talents and gifts… writing being a major one.. listen to your inner voice and soul and you will always do the ‘write thing.’ As someone said so many times before…. ‘one day at a time.’
We will always love you totally unconditionally, day in and day out… Bon courage… Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
… Kristin… you have so many talents and gifts… writing being a major one.. listen to your inner voice and soul and you will always do the ‘write thing.’ As someone said so many times before…. ‘one day at a time.’
We will always love you totally unconditionally, day in and day out… Bon courage… Judi Dunn, Tallahassee, Fl.
As another struggling writer I am truly inspired by your efforts and your honesty. Thanks for sharing these struggles and your progress as well – for you are making progress.
Dan
As another struggling writer I am truly inspired by your efforts and your honesty. Thanks for sharing these struggles and your progress as well – for you are making progress.
Dan
Bonjour chère Kristin,
Every creative effort requires a leap of faith, and every artist goes through the same agonies of self doubt – before, during and after the leap! In a lifetime making art for other people and writing for myself, I constantly question whether I really have anything to give or say. That is part of the process. Art, and especially writing, is not for sissies! But you are brave and you can do it. Vas-y!
Much love,
Johanna
Bonjour chère Kristin,
Every creative effort requires a leap of faith, and every artist goes through the same agonies of self doubt – before, during and after the leap! In a lifetime making art for other people and writing for myself, I constantly question whether I really have anything to give or say. That is part of the process. Art, and especially writing, is not for sissies! But you are brave and you can do it. Vas-y!
Much love,
Johanna
Be a story teller, be a reporter, learn to be a fiction writer.
Maybe you need an assignment that takes you away from yourself. We all love your blog, goodness I have read for years.
Think first of all the others in your memoir.
Be a story teller, be a reporter, learn to be a fiction writer.
Maybe you need an assignment that takes you away from yourself. We all love your blog, goodness I have read for years.
Think first of all the others in your memoir.
Hi Kristin,
You can do it! Have you thought of stopping the blog until you finish your memoir or switching to FWOAW – French Word Once A Week?
Have a nice weekend!
Hi Kristin,
You can do it! Have you thought of stopping the blog until you finish your memoir or switching to FWOAW – French Word Once A Week?
Have a nice weekend!
I was so touched by your soft, gentle way of writing about your “coming out”….truly, I did not realize until the very end of that blog….I, who was born into the disease, then married it, and gave birth to a son who has it. My son has been in recovery for almost 2 years. My Father and his Father are both deceased. For years I have loved reading your blog, and so admired your life and talent. Now I have you on a pedestle, dear Kristin, higher still! Your loveliness and talent is even more enhanced by your brave disclosure. You will write a magnificent book, one that will be loved, and inspire others. Writers block…..pshaw!! It comes and goes. God bless you, always.
I was so touched by your soft, gentle way of writing about your “coming out”….truly, I did not realize until the very end of that blog….I, who was born into the disease, then married it, and gave birth to a son who has it. My son has been in recovery for almost 2 years. My Father and his Father are both deceased. For years I have loved reading your blog, and so admired your life and talent. Now I have you on a pedestle, dear Kristin, higher still! Your loveliness and talent is even more enhanced by your brave disclosure. You will write a magnificent book, one that will be loved, and inspire others. Writers block…..pshaw!! It comes and goes. God bless you, always.
Please keep writing your memoirs! Maybe just sharing your frustrations, like you did today, will be enough to keep you writing on your private track as well. We are all here for you, cheering you on!
Please keep writing your memoirs! Maybe just sharing your frustrations, like you did today, will be enough to keep you writing on your private track as well. We are all here for you, cheering you on!
Yes, we are cheering you on, as Ann Mah said in the first comment (a wonderful writer herself, as you know). I love all the comments so far, and I love hearing your processing. You certainly seem “unstuck” in your blog writing, which is a delight. I can only imagine how difficult memoir writing must be! But we will be here, continuing to cheer you on, and enjoying whatever you decide to share with us from your daily life.
Yes, we are cheering you on, as Ann Mah said in the first comment (a wonderful writer herself, as you know). I love all the comments so far, and I love hearing your processing. You certainly seem “unstuck” in your blog writing, which is a delight. I can only imagine how difficult memoir writing must be! But we will be here, continuing to cheer you on, and enjoying whatever you decide to share with us from your daily life.
Hoorah for you! One of my writing mentors once told me that it’s a good idea to collect a lot of different tools for the “writing-craft toolbox.” You’re certainly doing that. I admire your perseverance in the face of obstacles. Best wishes for your new journey, and remember, you’re exploring new territory. Don’t let the surprising discoveries that you’ll inevitably encounter, unnerve you. Enjoy the adventure.
Hoorah for you! One of my writing mentors once told me that it’s a good idea to collect a lot of different tools for the “writing-craft toolbox.” You’re certainly doing that. I admire your perseverance in the face of obstacles. Best wishes for your new journey, and remember, you’re exploring new territory. Don’t let the surprising discoveries that you’ll inevitably encounter, unnerve you. Enjoy the adventure.