Bonne Année! Have a New Year's goal? Mine is to be more concise in my writing. I'll practice today by getting straight to the point (er… just after today's word and our sponsor's message!):
aller droit au but (ah-lay-dwat-oh-bewt)
: to get straight to the point
Audio File: listen to Jean-Marc: Download MP3 or Wav file
En écriture, comme en conversation, il faut aller droit au but.
In writing, as in conversation, one must go straight to the point.
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
Good news to start off the new year: A long-lost book project will soon see the light of day! After resurrecting an old manuscript, and dusting off the thick layer of doubt covering it, I spent last fall editing the volume.
I need your help now to choose a cover for this next collection of short stories titled "First French Essais." To guide you in picking the right cover, here's a brief description of the book:
As the title suggests, this memoir is made up of the "first" stories that appeared in this blog. And the French word "essais" in the title hints at "first attempts" at writing and at French life. This meaningful "writing/French life" combination is kicked up a notch in the subtitle, which reads: "Trying out Writing, Marriage, and France." (Not to be nonchalant about marriage! No, marriage is not something to try out! That's not at all what I mean to imply…)
As you can see I need your help! First things first: the book cover. Let's focus on that (we can work on the marriage later. (Whoops, there I go again! That's not what I meant to imply!)
* * *
Vote Here!
To vote on a book cover pictured at the top of this post, simply leave a message here in the comments box. There are 6 contestants–see their numbers to the bottom right of each photo. Let me know which is the most attractive! Click here to jot down your choice. Many thanks in advance!
Special thanks to the book angels over at TLC Graphics who designed this round of covers! Thanks Tamara Dever, for the covers, and thank you, Erin Stark, for creating another easy-on-the-eyes interior. I love your work! (Speaking of work, I've given you extra, Erin, as this book will be filled will full color photos and captions designed to grow the readers vocabulary even more!)
Once again, Bonne Année! May you continue to grow like this French beauty: branching out and unfurling, tickling the surface of the earth with your traveling feet.
New to this blog? Download the ebook or paperback and learn much more than French vocabulary–get to know the heart of this foreign culture. Click here.
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4 is strong favorite for me because easiest to read, attractive, balanced.
4 is strong favorite for me because easiest to read, attractive, balanced.
#1 is by far the prettiest but it’s not obvious that the words on the wall are the title….so I’d go with #2. I definitely do NOT like the last two. The fancy font in the beige makes those look like books of fairy tales or something, but not something that would be “fun” to read.
#1 is by far the prettiest but it’s not obvious that the words on the wall are the title….so I’d go with #2. I definitely do NOT like the last two. The fancy font in the beige makes those look like books of fairy tales or something, but not something that would be “fun” to read.
Kristine, Definitely #1, gives me the feeling of France, the bike, the flowers, the building. Looks like a picture I’d like to take. I just found you and will continue checking for your word a day. Bonne Annee, Susan
Kristine, Definitely #1, gives me the feeling of France, the bike, the flowers, the building. Looks like a picture I’d like to take. I just found you and will continue checking for your word a day. Bonne Annee, Susan
My vote is for top left! Définitivement!
My vote is for top left! Définitivement!
I like number one.
I like number one.
I’d vote for #2 or #1 🙂
I’d vote for #2 or #1 🙂
I like #1
I like #1
I like #2 top (center one). I think it ties in nicely with the cover of BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE. Diana
I like #2 top (center one). I think it ties in nicely with the cover of BLOSSOMING IN PROVENCE. Diana
I like #1. It is quintessentially French! George Lucas
I like #1. It is quintessentially French! George Lucas
4 Your name is clear, “French” is clear, and your content clues are almost clear. It is very important to be able to read your name. If “French” catches the eye immediately, that word is the most significant information to snag a potential reader. Your name is second to attract the reader, but just a few seconds of time behind the viewer grabbing onto “French.” If the reader has studied French, the reader will know what essais means. If not, I am not sure that the Trying…phrase will help; it might hurt. In America, when you are trying [out] something, you are allowing yourself to dabble in what is ahead, or you will see if “it” works for you–and if not, you’ll choose something else. There is hesitancy in trying out something. You are right, Kristin–do be concerned that “trying out marriage” will be misinterpreted. Please change the word “trying.” I offer “First Steps in Writing & Marriage in France.” Yes, use the ampersand “&.” Again, 4 is the best-looking cover. Make the text and style changes.
Bonne Chance!
4 Your name is clear, “French” is clear, and your content clues are almost clear. It is very important to be able to read your name. If “French” catches the eye immediately, that word is the most significant information to snag a potential reader. Your name is second to attract the reader, but just a few seconds of time behind the viewer grabbing onto “French.” If the reader has studied French, the reader will know what essais means. If not, I am not sure that the Trying…phrase will help; it might hurt. In America, when you are trying [out] something, you are allowing yourself to dabble in what is ahead, or you will see if “it” works for you–and if not, you’ll choose something else. There is hesitancy in trying out something. You are right, Kristin–do be concerned that “trying out marriage” will be misinterpreted. Please change the word “trying.” I offer “First Steps in Writing & Marriage in France.” Yes, use the ampersand “&.” Again, 4 is the best-looking cover. Make the text and style changes.
Bonne Chance!
I vote for #1
I vote for #1
I asked my son, 22 years old, which of the covers would catch his eye as a gift for me. He selected #2, which was also my choice. However, we both agree with Christine L. And Angela who mentioned comment about seeing the face – or more of- the old man.
If #1 is chosen, I would like to see your name in another color.
Looking forward to the book!
I asked my son, 22 years old, which of the covers would catch his eye as a gift for me. He selected #2, which was also my choice. However, we both agree with Christine L. And Angela who mentioned comment about seeing the face – or more of- the old man.
If #1 is chosen, I would like to see your name in another color.
Looking forward to the book!
Number One photo lures me in! I have just parked my bike, lifted your book from my basket and will enter your stories as I enter the building. Warm, welcoming, almost fragrant…an invitation to join you!
Number One photo lures me in! I have just parked my bike, lifted your book from my basket and will enter your stories as I enter the building. Warm, welcoming, almost fragrant…an invitation to join you!
#1 please – it just feels the most appropriate.
#1 please – it just feels the most appropriate.
Sans doubte, je preferrais #1.
Sans doubte, je preferrais #1.
Hi Kristin,
I really like #1. The cover makes me think of the beauty of the buildings in France, the joy of riding bikes, especially in small villages and flowers always seem to be everywhere and they are so beautiful. And your name could be in a darker print so it would show up better.
Hi Kristin,
I really like #1. The cover makes me think of the beauty of the buildings in France, the joy of riding bikes, especially in small villages and flowers always seem to be everywhere and they are so beautiful. And your name could be in a darker print so it would show up better.
My visual eye likes #4 it is the easiest to read instantly ,it on a plain
color of the sky with all the type readable. The others are distracting to your title of the book, u tend to look at the photos before reading title of the book.
My visual eye likes #4 it is the easiest to read instantly ,it on a plain
color of the sky with all the type readable. The others are distracting to your title of the book, u tend to look at the photos before reading title of the book.
Hello Kristin,
Bonne Annee from Washington D.C.! I have loved following your blog for several years now. Number 4 is the one that jumps out for me. Number 3 is too busy. Thank you so much for your heartfelt insights. Keep them coming! Love, Shana
Hello Kristin,
Bonne Annee from Washington D.C.! I have loved following your blog for several years now. Number 4 is the one that jumps out for me. Number 3 is too busy. Thank you so much for your heartfelt insights. Keep them coming! Love, Shana
Kristin, although I, too, prefer the clarity of Choice One (on the top left), a better choice would be number Two on the top line, the center one. The others seem too cluttered, and, in addition, the subtitle is REALLY important! I love it! At 85 years old, dear Kristen, and 58 years of marriage, it is still a “try out”!
Kristin, although I, too, prefer the clarity of Choice One (on the top left), a better choice would be number Two on the top line, the center one. The others seem too cluttered, and, in addition, the subtitle is REALLY important! I love it! At 85 years old, dear Kristen, and 58 years of marriage, it is still a “try out”!
Seems like I’m going with the majority in choosing #1 or #2. They’re charming.
Gloria
Seems like I’m going with the majority in choosing #1 or #2. They’re charming.
Gloria
Ils sont tous sympathiques, mais numéro 1 pour moi.
Ils sont tous sympathiques, mais numéro 1 pour moi.
1
1
Hi Kristin,
Happy New Year!
Scrolling down the comments it seems that #2 and #1 are a close tie. I think # 2 has all the right elements but #1 is eye catching. However, #4 has a nice balance too. Hmmm… tough decision.
~M.
Hi Kristin,
Happy New Year!
Scrolling down the comments it seems that #2 and #1 are a close tie. I think # 2 has all the right elements but #1 is eye catching. However, #4 has a nice balance too. Hmmm… tough decision.
~M.
I like the first one with the bike. I think it is you.
I like the first one with the bike. I think it is you.
#3 appeals to me most because it reflects your subtitle – and is also attractive
#3 appeals to me most because it reflects your subtitle – and is also attractive