I have been living in Paris for nine years, writing this site for six and contributing to newspapers and magazines for over three. At some point, the prospect of taking the knowledge I have built up over the years a step further certainly crossed my mind. But in what form? I knew I would only pursue a book project if an idea emerged organically and if it felt right. An idea that I would be excited to research and write.

Well over year ago, after a marathon catch-up in Paris with my dear friend Nichole during which we discussed some of the changes in Paris I’ve observed over these last nine years, that idea crystallized.

But I sat on it. I wasn’t ready. So I let it germinate for months.

Until Rebecca Plotnick, a photographer who splits her time between Chicago and Paris, unwittingly presented me with a challenge. It was during our first in-person rendez-vous and we were getting to know one another. She asked if I had ever considered writing a book – a memoir, a guide, whatever – to which I politely replied “Yes but I don’t have an idea. It’s not the right time”. She smiled kindly but I sensed she wasn’t about to stop there. Cutting the pause in the conversation were words that would set a new plan in motion. “Why not make it a goal? To sell a book idea by the time you’re thirty?” Turning thirty looms large as the impetus for many people to stop inventing excuses for delaying their passion projects. It begs us to ‘just go for it!’ because there really is no use in waiting.

My thirtieth birthday, 6 days away, was the end zone for my book concept, whether I realized it or not.

I sent my proposal out into the world at the end of January and met my editor in New York city just last week. Although I hadn’t planned it as such, I reached my goal before thirty. And that feels, well, like a basket of superlatives waiting to explode. Special! Fulfilling! Exciting! Bananas! Un truc de fou!

So now I am working on a book that I am ecstatic to write and share with the world! The fantastic team at Abrams Books will bring it to life (for early 2017) as will Charissa Fay, the talented New York based photographer who travel to Paris in the fall to capture the best of the city today. I can hardly wait to hit the streets and start shooting with her!

WHAT’S NEXT?
Well, I will share more details as soon as I can (could I be any more vague?) but I wanted to thank you, dear readers, for following me on this journey. For reading, commenting, sharing, and above all, loving Paris.

Down the road, I will be offering book exclusives and goodies to my monthly newsletter subscribers so don’t miss out, sign up today and share with a friend.

For behind-the-scenes photos and highlights from the process and forthcoming photo shoot, be sure to follow me and Charissa on Instagram: @LostNCheeseland , @Charissa_Fay.

 

Thank you for all your continued support, it means the world to me! xoxo