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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I read as often as I can hold a book. I love your writing. You are born with “it”, you know? Your words flow into me so smoothly, giving pleasure, sending me into dreaming, wishing and hoping right along with you. Please, know this. It’s because of your clever and loveable essence that we feel such a love for you, no matter what may be off in your punctuation, spelling, syntax, etc. NOW, there’s one teeny comma I often see that should not be there and I hope you don’t mind my saying this. A comma is rarely needed before “and” when you are simply giving a list. That Grammar Girl site says that we do not need to punctuate as if we are speaking. Here is a correct example, “Joe is big, strong and rich.” A small detail, I know, but true. You go girl!!! Keep writing, please!
(I think I understand what Elizabeth just wrote. The stuff of your blog is such fun, it’s hard to know of your suffering. And, many of us have lots of suffering as well.)
I read as often as I can hold a book. I love your writing. You are born with “it”, you know? Your words flow into me so smoothly, giving pleasure, sending me into dreaming, wishing and hoping right along with you. Please, know this. It’s because of your clever and loveable essence that we feel such a love for you, no matter what may be off in your punctuation, spelling, syntax, etc. NOW, there’s one teeny comma I often see that should not be there and I hope you don’t mind my saying this. A comma is rarely needed before “and” when you are simply giving a list. That Grammar Girl site says that we do not need to punctuate as if we are speaking. Here is a correct example, “Joe is big, strong and rich.” A small detail, I know, but true. You go girl!!! Keep writing, please!
(I think I understand what Elizabeth just wrote. The stuff of your blog is such fun, it’s hard to know of your suffering. And, many of us have lots of suffering as well.)
I am impressed with your bravery.
I am impressed with your bravery.
I love this approach to “accomplishments”!
The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.
Arnold J. Toynbee (British historian, the author of twelve-volume analysis of the rise and fall of civilizations.)
I love this approach to “accomplishments”!
The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play.
Arnold J. Toynbee (British historian, the author of twelve-volume analysis of the rise and fall of civilizations.)
I thought you were very courageous to tell the story of your sobriety.It was very touching and I’m sure took great bravery on your part to write. I really respect and appreciate you for it. Thanks.
Letia loletia12@comcast.net
I thought you were very courageous to tell the story of your sobriety.It was very touching and I’m sure took great bravery on your part to write. I really respect and appreciate you for it. Thanks.
Letia loletia12@comcast.net
Kristin, You are inspiring me to go back to my own first draft of a memoir of my years as a florist which I began about 17 years ago and stuffed away somewhere. I love the word of the day as well, as creating obstacles is exactly what the storyteller does for their hero.
Forge onward and upward! We’re all behind you and with you.
Kristin, You are inspiring me to go back to my own first draft of a memoir of my years as a florist which I began about 17 years ago and stuffed away somewhere. I love the word of the day as well, as creating obstacles is exactly what the storyteller does for their hero.
Forge onward and upward! We’re all behind you and with you.
Not even ‘one day at a time,’ really, Kristi. One word at a time … that’s how writing breathes its way into the world, and yours is so alive!
Not even ‘one day at a time,’ really, Kristi. One word at a time … that’s how writing breathes its way into the world, and yours is so alive!
Bon courage! You have a whole lot of cheerleaders…all rooting for you!
Bon courage! You have a whole lot of cheerleaders…all rooting for you!
Someone said (and I have no idea who) that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. So keeping that in mind remember that some days will be easier than others to put on paper the thoughts in your head. Just let it come at it’s own speed. You don’t need to impose a deadline on yourself….for the blog, fine, for your story, no. It does not matter if it takes three months or over a year. This is something you need to do just for yourself first and then make the decisions as to what you will do with it. Grammer? commas, etc. ,reread and and do your own editing, and if it goes to print, that is what proof readers and editors are for. So take the time and enjoy doing this. Don’t make it a punishment upon yourself.
I send you thoughts of chocolate covered strawberries….hugs, Joie
Someone said (and I have no idea who) that “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. So keeping that in mind remember that some days will be easier than others to put on paper the thoughts in your head. Just let it come at it’s own speed. You don’t need to impose a deadline on yourself….for the blog, fine, for your story, no. It does not matter if it takes three months or over a year. This is something you need to do just for yourself first and then make the decisions as to what you will do with it. Grammer? commas, etc. ,reread and and do your own editing, and if it goes to print, that is what proof readers and editors are for. So take the time and enjoy doing this. Don’t make it a punishment upon yourself.
I send you thoughts of chocolate covered strawberries….hugs, Joie
As someone who is about to start a blog related to my job, I think of your blog….I hope I write it with as much honesty and straightforwardness. Good luck with the novel-you have had more practice than you think and it will manifest itself as you write “in private”. Best of luck!
As someone who is about to start a blog related to my job, I think of your blog….I hope I write it with as much honesty and straightforwardness. Good luck with the novel-you have had more practice than you think and it will manifest itself as you write “in private”. Best of luck!
Dear Kristi, It seems to me you have come a long way.You dare to tread where few go.Keep writing Kristi. I applaud your bravery, honesty and ability to find the humor in life and write about it in such a way,that my early morning belly laughs wake my dogs up! All the best to you!
Dear Kristi, It seems to me you have come a long way.You dare to tread where few go.Keep writing Kristi. I applaud your bravery, honesty and ability to find the humor in life and write about it in such a way,that my early morning belly laughs wake my dogs up! All the best to you!
Of course you must write “off blog” or it would be free for everyone to read and you wouldn’t need a publisher!
Of course you must write “off blog” or it would be free for everyone to read and you wouldn’t need a publisher!
Bravo, Kristin! You have made the right decision. It is now your time to contemplate, explore and evaluate what you want your book to be.
You have a big family of cyberspace supporters who are already big fans. But it is important for you to be spontaneous in thought, expression and style. Your editing team will help pull it together. “Too many cooks spoil the broth”… and we are all sure you will ‘cook’ up an entertaining yet heart-warming autobiography.
I have travelled this path with my travel tales to my friends and whilst I have had great support, I have been also too needy in what I was being told and this can stifle the ‘voice’ that is uniquely yours!
There is much to share in your life and with your playful and honest style, we shall all look forward to the final product!
Bon courage and enjoy the moments (or more!)
Bravo, Kristin! You have made the right decision. It is now your time to contemplate, explore and evaluate what you want your book to be.
You have a big family of cyberspace supporters who are already big fans. But it is important for you to be spontaneous in thought, expression and style. Your editing team will help pull it together. “Too many cooks spoil the broth”… and we are all sure you will ‘cook’ up an entertaining yet heart-warming autobiography.
I have travelled this path with my travel tales to my friends and whilst I have had great support, I have been also too needy in what I was being told and this can stifle the ‘voice’ that is uniquely yours!
There is much to share in your life and with your playful and honest style, we shall all look forward to the final product!
Bon courage and enjoy the moments (or more!)
I write American English, where we all think practise, with an s, is a British variation of the spelling of practice.
I looked it up just now, to find that is the case, for the verb. What was new to realize was that the Brits use practice for the noun use.
The US and the UK, two nations divided by a common language 😉
I write American English, where we all think practise, with an s, is a British variation of the spelling of practice.
I looked it up just now, to find that is the case, for the verb. What was new to realize was that the Brits use practice for the noun use.
The US and the UK, two nations divided by a common language 😉
I have loved all the quotations in these responses! And I have all confidence in you, Kristin. The focus and persistence that have kept you writing this creative blog so many years will certainly see you through.
My husband corresponded a couple of years ago with a writer who signed all his emails with the word ONWARD. I couldn’t help wondering if that word was his personal mantra, encouraging him to “keep at” whatever he was writing.
You are so very, very talented, Kristin, and we are all looking forward to your memoir.
I have loved all the quotations in these responses! And I have all confidence in you, Kristin. The focus and persistence that have kept you writing this creative blog so many years will certainly see you through.
My husband corresponded a couple of years ago with a writer who signed all his emails with the word ONWARD. I couldn’t help wondering if that word was his personal mantra, encouraging him to “keep at” whatever he was writing.
You are so very, very talented, Kristin, and we are all looking forward to your memoir.
Kristen, I have not read your other peoples comments, some are so profound and intellegent they intimidate me. I would just like to say, You are being very corageous and as a nurse I think you are doing a wonderful job of controlling your life. Keep up the good work, I congratulate you.
Kristen, I have not read your other peoples comments, some are so profound and intellegent they intimidate me. I would just like to say, You are being very corageous and as a nurse I think you are doing a wonderful job of controlling your life. Keep up the good work, I congratulate you.
I am looking forward to your memoir; you have much talent. Do not stop. Vivian
I am looking forward to your memoir; you have much talent. Do not stop. Vivian
Maybe our English language word “ambush” is derived from the French “embuche”. None of your readers will ambush you so go ahead and write it all down. Deborah
Maybe our English language word “ambush” is derived from the French “embuche”. None of your readers will ambush you so go ahead and write it all down. Deborah
Just a quick comment to agree with Sarah LaBelle, practise being a British form of practice. If you use an American publisher, the American spelling would be employed.
And another comment regarding Tonya’s comment. The comma to which she referred is often called the Oxford comma. Most book publishers, if not all, will use it. But most newspapers and magazines will delete it. Ardent supporters on either side. I always use it to avoid any confusion.
BUT you don’t need to worry about either as you write. Your publisher will use the style it prefers. And your blog readers will understand what you mean, even if we are compelled to add our two cents :).
Just a quick comment to agree with Sarah LaBelle, practise being a British form of practice. If you use an American publisher, the American spelling would be employed.
And another comment regarding Tonya’s comment. The comma to which she referred is often called the Oxford comma. Most book publishers, if not all, will use it. But most newspapers and magazines will delete it. Ardent supporters on either side. I always use it to avoid any confusion.
BUT you don’t need to worry about either as you write. Your publisher will use the style it prefers. And your blog readers will understand what you mean, even if we are compelled to add our two cents :).
I just turned 22 years clean and sober. I’m concerned that at 10 years you think you want to break your anonymity and write a tell all. My experience with sharing the fact of my sobriety has not led me to encourage anyone to break their anonymity for all of the reasons given by the AA program itself. I wish you happy sobriety one breath at a time, one swallow at a time. And, a continuing relationship with your patient husband. And, to understand, through your Higher Power, what the next right thing to do is for you.
I just turned 22 years clean and sober. I’m concerned that at 10 years you think you want to break your anonymity and write a tell all. My experience with sharing the fact of my sobriety has not led me to encourage anyone to break their anonymity for all of the reasons given by the AA program itself. I wish you happy sobriety one breath at a time, one swallow at a time. And, a continuing relationship with your patient husband. And, to understand, through your Higher Power, what the next right thing to do is for you.
How interesting! The last comment has made me ponder upon the “Secret” subject and how important (or not) it is in our life. And this is what I have found:
The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.
Buddha
The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life controls you.
Tony Robbins (motivational coach)
The very word ‘secrecy’ is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings.
John F. Kennedy
The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.
Maximilien Robespierre
.. and here is more by various authors:
“Lies and secrets, Tessa, they are like a cancer in the soul. They eat away what is good and leave only destruction behind.”
“I feel bare. I didn’t realize I wore my secrets as armor until they were gone and now everyone sees me as I really am.”
“What you didn’t tell someone was just as debilitating as what you did.”
“I know a secret, and secrets breed paranoia.”
How interesting! The last comment has made me ponder upon the “Secret” subject and how important (or not) it is in our life. And this is what I have found:
The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.
Buddha
The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you’re in control of your life. If you don’t, life controls you.
Tony Robbins (motivational coach)
The very word ‘secrecy’ is repugnant in a free and open society; and we are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret societies, to secret oaths, and to secret proceedings.
John F. Kennedy
The secret of freedom lies in educating people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant.
Maximilien Robespierre
.. and here is more by various authors:
“Lies and secrets, Tessa, they are like a cancer in the soul. They eat away what is good and leave only destruction behind.”
“I feel bare. I didn’t realize I wore my secrets as armor until they were gone and now everyone sees me as I really am.”
“What you didn’t tell someone was just as debilitating as what you did.”
“I know a secret, and secrets breed paranoia.”
Oh, and here’s one more I re-e-eally like:
“The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep”
Edgar Watson Howe quotes (American Editor, Novelist and Essayist, He was known as the Sage of Potato Hill, 1853-1937)
Oh, and here’s one more I re-e-eally like:
“The man who can keep a secret may be wise, but he is not half as wise as the man with no secrets to keep”
Edgar Watson Howe quotes (American Editor, Novelist and Essayist, He was known as the Sage of Potato Hill, 1853-1937)
I’m responding right after reading your post, and haven’t read the other comments first, as I usually do; I wanted to send a few words before bed (after midnight here), and maybe more later.
The main point for now: drop the idea of a deadline. Yes, there are deadlines for the regular blog if you want them, such as three times a week, or whatever interval you pick. There was a time when you said you might not write on a set schedule, and we all agreed that “whenever” you were willing to send us something, we would be happy to receive it. But your other writing shouldn’t feel rushed.
I recall when you aimed to write a book in 3 weeks, and apparently succeeded. Personally, I didn’t like the idea. Hurrying not only tends to generate errors, in spite of readers’ proofing; it may lead to different content or other features that might have been better without the haste. What was the reason? To see if you could? You don’t need to be like Flaubert, who agonized over every word to the point it took days to write a paragraph. But you don’t need to feel as if you are racing the clock (a feeling that really bothers me when I’m in a rush situation).
Specifically for the memoir, there should be no time pressure, no sense that you must complete any number of pages or stages by X date. This may be a cathartic exercise, or a reminiscence, or a number of things; what it should not be is some thing cranked out just because the clock is ticking. At the beginning of a new activity, we are often energized; we can hardly wait to get started, and to move ahead, and can often cover a good bit of ground initially. But later, we will need to be more discriminating. We can’t include every detail, or the narrative would be too long. If includes everything, it becomes hard to separate the wheat from the chaff and find the most significant elements. I urge you to move at a steady pace, to the extent feasible, perhaps speeding up or slowing down as both your life (appointments, maybe fatigue, etc.) and your inclination (how you wish to address some sections) may dictate.
It will not matter if the memoir takes a long time. What matters is that it serves its purpose – not all of which we know, but you do. You may discover more facets to it as you work on it. You may be eager to share it with select people, if not all your blog fans. But they, and you, will get more from it if you move at an optimum pace (the actual pace could vary here and there), rather than some randomly chosen, artificial deadline.
My two cents – and maybe too many words – but I do believe that this endeavor deserves focus and however much time it takes to give it your best effort. You hear of writers who create characters who “run away with the story.” You are the main character, with your family as supporting cast. There is quite a story to tell, and as you work on it, you will find a rhythm and an approach that works best.
I’m responding right after reading your post, and haven’t read the other comments first, as I usually do; I wanted to send a few words before bed (after midnight here), and maybe more later.
The main point for now: drop the idea of a deadline. Yes, there are deadlines for the regular blog if you want them, such as three times a week, or whatever interval you pick. There was a time when you said you might not write on a set schedule, and we all agreed that “whenever” you were willing to send us something, we would be happy to receive it. But your other writing shouldn’t feel rushed.
I recall when you aimed to write a book in 3 weeks, and apparently succeeded. Personally, I didn’t like the idea. Hurrying not only tends to generate errors, in spite of readers’ proofing; it may lead to different content or other features that might have been better without the haste. What was the reason? To see if you could? You don’t need to be like Flaubert, who agonized over every word to the point it took days to write a paragraph. But you don’t need to feel as if you are racing the clock (a feeling that really bothers me when I’m in a rush situation).
Specifically for the memoir, there should be no time pressure, no sense that you must complete any number of pages or stages by X date. This may be a cathartic exercise, or a reminiscence, or a number of things; what it should not be is some thing cranked out just because the clock is ticking. At the beginning of a new activity, we are often energized; we can hardly wait to get started, and to move ahead, and can often cover a good bit of ground initially. But later, we will need to be more discriminating. We can’t include every detail, or the narrative would be too long. If includes everything, it becomes hard to separate the wheat from the chaff and find the most significant elements. I urge you to move at a steady pace, to the extent feasible, perhaps speeding up or slowing down as both your life (appointments, maybe fatigue, etc.) and your inclination (how you wish to address some sections) may dictate.
It will not matter if the memoir takes a long time. What matters is that it serves its purpose – not all of which we know, but you do. You may discover more facets to it as you work on it. You may be eager to share it with select people, if not all your blog fans. But they, and you, will get more from it if you move at an optimum pace (the actual pace could vary here and there), rather than some randomly chosen, artificial deadline.
My two cents – and maybe too many words – but I do believe that this endeavor deserves focus and however much time it takes to give it your best effort. You hear of writers who create characters who “run away with the story.” You are the main character, with your family as supporting cast. There is quite a story to tell, and as you work on it, you will find a rhythm and an approach that works best.
Write on, dear Kristi!
Hope to send you one more private Email.
Comme toujours, Fred
Write on, dear Kristi!
Hope to send you one more private Email.
Comme toujours, Fred
Kristin,
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and how many I have shared with my French students. My seniors in high school are getting anxious about choosing a path to college, putting themselves on the line and waiting for acceptance letters. I will show them this post to show them that life’s journey is full of crossroads and to be courageous in following their path. You are “toujours” inspiring! I wish you the best with your new book!
Kristin,
I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoy your posts and how many I have shared with my French students. My seniors in high school are getting anxious about choosing a path to college, putting themselves on the line and waiting for acceptance letters. I will show them this post to show them that life’s journey is full of crossroads and to be courageous in following their path. You are “toujours” inspiring! I wish you the best with your new book!
did not know ce mot.
obviously the source of our word, ambush.
Love and God’s blessings upon you.
s
did not know ce mot.
obviously the source of our word, ambush.
Love and God’s blessings upon you.
s