I don’t think it will come as much of a surprise to you if I admit that I’m struggling to find the will to blog at the moment. The infrequency of my posts testifies to that, and if some of my more forthright commenters are to be believed, the posts I have written of late haven’t been of the standard to which my readers had been previously accustomed.
So, yes, I admit it, motivation levels are at rock bottom. I’m not sure why I feel no burning desire to document Tadpole’s funny comments, or the ups and downs of married life with The Boy, at the moment. I don’t know whether this ‘blog fatigue’ is a temporary state of affairs, or a symptom of impending blog burn-out. I’ve certainly noticed a number of my friends in blogging going into semi blog-retirement recently, so it would seem my malaise is very much dans l’air du temps.
One possible explanation for my blog fatigue is that now ‘petite’ is on the bookshelves and I’m working on a novel, I’ve moved on, in a sense, away from the cathartic but patently unhealthy navel-gazing I indulged in before. Another theory is that as writing is my bread and butter just now, blogging doesn’t hold the same attraction. I’m no longer trapped in an office doing an administrative job which taxes only a tiny portion of my brain.
This isn’t a ‘farewell to blogging’ post, however. I fully expect things to improve around here before 2008 draws to a close (my book II deadline), and in the meantime I shall continue to post sporadically whenever the fancy takes me.
And since I receive an awful lot of emails with questions from book and blog readers, I thought I’d use today’s non-post as an opportunity to open up the blog for a Q&A session, similar to this one. Feel free to post your questions below, and I’ll answer the first fifty in my next post.
One last thing: I have a question of my own. Can anyone translate the tagline from the Finnish edition of petite (in stores in Finland in 2 weeks time) “Parississa. Rakastunut. Pulassa.” ?
You can find the marathon response session here.
about
books
press
fbk
petite anglaise 
You’ve been blogging for much longer than I have and with posts which have been brilliantly and intensely personal. You are certainly entitled to a touch of fatigue. Those of us who subscribe by RSS will always be delighted when we are alerted that there’s something new to read, even if it a pleasure less frequent than hitherto.
Comment by Macthomson — September 5, 2008 @ 10:24 am
I’ll start:
Did you get your fraud case sorted out ?
Comment by walken — September 5, 2008 @ 10:29 am
Hi Petite!
Could you please comment on why you felt drawn to France and French culture. What have you gained by it?
Comment by Forest Green — September 5, 2008 @ 10:45 am
I’ve only just discovered your blog in the last couple of weeks, completely by chance as I was googling things to do in Belleville/Le Marais. I am now, like many, completely addicted and have devoured your whole archive of blogs, mostly during stolen moments at my work desk.
I’d like to ask you whether you feel vulnerable when you write – in the light of unfair dissmissal, press/media coverage of your blog – have these experiences consciously affected the honesty of your writing? And if so in what way?
I’m just intrigued about how it personally feels to lay your life, although initally anonymous, open for all to read. Warts and all.
Comment by Amy — September 5, 2008 @ 11:05 am
You’ve been through some hectic times recently: getting married (stressful, no matter how enjoyable), being the victim of fraud and moving house; all in the space of a few months. It’s understandable that you might not want/ need to blog so often. Take all the time you need; maybe another short break would be a good idea? Lovely photos from the island, looks like a perfect destination.
Really hope you’re back with us long before the end of 2008, though! :)
Comment by happyforyou — September 5, 2008 @ 11:19 am
When it becomes a chore, just stop.
As for questions, here’s one that’s been preying on my mind lately: “Who put the bop in the bop-she-bop-she-bop?”
Comment by Stuart — September 5, 2008 @ 11:22 am
How long does it take (after learning French) to think in French? And also do you still make simple mistakes with the language?
Comment by miscellaneousletters — September 5, 2008 @ 11:32 am
My mother always told me that if I didn’t have anything nice to say I shouldn’t stay quiet! You lay very personal feelings out for other people to share and this is very brave!Some ‘forthright commentators’ should remember this! Enjoy a rest, you have had a lot on your plate this year….
Comment by Rois — September 5, 2008 @ 11:39 am
Could you recommend me some hot new French music, as I haven’t heard anything since the last Sebastien Tellier album?
Comment by mike — September 5, 2008 @ 11:42 am
As you’ve said, you don’t blog as much as you did in the past but I’m curious to know what was the aveage time in a day or week that you would spend blogging during your “peak” blogging period? Thank you for commenting back to my run-on sentence.
Comment by Karena — September 5, 2008 @ 11:43 am
This reads strangely like a pre-breakup speech :)
No question here, so commenter #51 can take my spot.
Comment by Perakath — September 5, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Oh goody!
What’s your most memorable experience in a Paris resto?
Comment by Mu Foo — September 5, 2008 @ 12:12 pm
Hi Petite,
Here’s a question for you:
Is it possible to get a decent cup of tea in Paris?
(As a Yorkshire lass who recently moved to Australia, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that the range of decent tea-bags on sale here has improved considerably since my last visit 6 years ago – whilst I’m all for cultural integration, I still need a good cuppa every now and then!)
Comment by Crazy Armadillo — September 5, 2008 @ 12:24 pm
Hello Petite,
Could you please describe a recent moment where you were SOOOO happy to be living in Paris. I miss those!!
Comment by IRememberParisFondly — September 5, 2008 @ 12:28 pm
You stumbled into blog fame and into published fame. Ever wish you hadn’t become “famous”? Ever try to remember what it’s like not to have a LOT of people know who you are? Or ever miss being able to blend away again? Or maybe that hasn’t even been an issue? Many a question… same theme though!
Comment by L.C.T. — September 5, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
This blog should be for your enjoyment and if you don’t feel like posting that often, that’s fine. It shouldn’t become a chore.
My question is, do you have some tips on juggling a household, work, a child and a relationship and still making it work?
Comment by Marjolein — September 5, 2008 @ 12:38 pm
What book are you currently reading?
Comment by H — September 5, 2008 @ 12:42 pm
Thanks for opening my eyes to new (to me) parts of Paris. Visited Belleville for the first time in 15 years.
Just curious but what is Mr Frog up to these days?
Take care
Comment by Julia — September 5, 2008 @ 12:43 pm
What was the hardest thing about moving to France?
Would you recommend moving to other Francophiles?
Comment by Eleni — September 5, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
Does your book contract require you to keep on blogging? I imagine the publishers wouldn’t want to lose it as a marketing tool.
Comment by Clare — September 5, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Excellent. If may be so bold as to ask 2 questions:
1. How is Mr. Frog nowadays?
2. Do you know of a decent estate agent in Paris (for renting)?
Comment by Timide — September 5, 2008 @ 1:05 pm
Why do French service stations still have the option of standing up loos? On a recent trip to France I was amazed (and horrified) to discover this. Surely no-one actually chooses to do their stuff standing up? Sorry to lower the tone and all that. Ahem.
Comment by Ems — September 5, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
Petite – ignore the people who are mean (clearly just jealous as they are desperate for a book deal too.
A few questions: How are the book sales, and how is book 2 going? Is it harder to write your second??
Comment by aconfusedtakethatfan — September 5, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
I have a question: Please list your something old, something new something borrowed and something blue for your wedding day :)
Comment by Kasey — September 5, 2008 @ 1:31 pm
I’ll translate the Finnish:
in Paris. In love. In trouble.
No more complicated than that! :-)
Comment by Johanna — September 5, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
The tagline, translated straight from Finnish to English, is “In Paris. In love. In trouble.” Sounds familiar enough? ;)
Comment by Tanya — September 5, 2008 @ 1:42 pm
Erm – In Paris, In Love, In Trouble!!!
Seems the Finnish tagline is the same as the UK one!!
Question –
Is anything about ‘Married Life’ different from ‘Un-Married Life’?
Comment by Sheppitsgal — September 5, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
“Dans l’air du temps”… yes, exactly. Blogging should be an entertainment. When it becomes a duty, you better stops.
As everything, blog evolves, new appetite comes, and your readers will always be happy to meet you either online, in bookshelves, in news, in a library (Shakespeare ;-) or somewhere else…
Comment by Vonric — September 5, 2008 @ 2:00 pm
I’ve been to Finland twice and am pretty sure it’s, “In Paris. In love.” so I’d presume that ‘Pulassa’ is “In Trouble” and the tagline from the English language has been translated directly. I am sure the Finns will love the opportunity to read about your antics!
I am looking forward to the publication of your second book. I guess my question would be, when will it be on our shelves, please? (Or rather, on Amazon).
Comment by Hollinda — September 5, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
I’ve read your memoir recently and I can’t wait for book II !
Did you use to write (diary, fiction…) before the blog ?
Had you considered being a writer as a child or as a teenager ?
Comment by Elisa — September 5, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
It’s summer that’s the problem. It’s just not the blogging season.
Georges Brassens. Discuss.
Comment by JonnyB — September 5, 2008 @ 2:19 pm
I’m a long time reader of your blog and I loved your book. One thing I’ve been wondering since you were dooced and the subsequent publicity – what was the reaction of your biological parents? Did they find your blog? As I recall, you did write some posts about your ambivalent feelings towards them and I’ve often wondered if they read it or contacted you.
Comment by Sharon — September 5, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
Hello Petite!
Any idea if there are plans to translate your work into Russian? (I want to share this book with my mother who speaks Russian.)
I lived in Paris in 2006 as a student and your blog brings back so many memories of my time there. I miss my Parisian life very much! Trying to find a job there as a U.S citizen was impossible–thus I returned to the states reluctantly.
Best Wishes!
Comment by vy — September 5, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
I’ve been reading you for perhaps two years now, enjoying every post, and I also very much enjoyed the book. I’m sure part of what keeps the writing fresh and engaging is that you’re not writing unless you want to. So concentrate your energies on your family and on that novel and blog only when you want to — RSS can let us know when that is.
Comment by materfamilias — September 5, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Did you invite both of your parents (I mean both families) to your wedding?
(I haven’t felt much desire to blog either, ever since … the summer began. I loved your holiday photos, BTW.)
Comment by alcessa — September 5, 2008 @ 3:10 pm
maybe too personal…but do you still have a good relationship with mr frog even though you have moved on?
a petite follower from the very beginning!
Comment by anne — September 5, 2008 @ 3:36 pm
What’s your favourite place in the world apart from Paris?
And then, another… perhaps more rhetorical: When will you be coming to South Africa? :-)
Comment by redsaid — September 5, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
“….the ups and downs of married life with The Boy, at the moment.”
Already?
Does that qualify as a question?
Comment by rocket — September 5, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
Are you in love?
Really truly, madly, deeply in love…With writing.
Would it hurt you if you couldn’t write? Express your thoughts, feelings, ideas and emotions via the written word. How would you feel if you lost this ability, what would you do?
Don’t end up as the good ship ‘comfortably numb’, passion-less and run aground on the rocks called ‘life has no meaning’. Give yourself a good talking to Petite Anglaise.
Oh, and your’s isn’t the only ‘rock bottom’ I’ve seen in Paris. ‘I think’ Rodin has a monopoly on that. ;-)
Comment by Steve... — September 5, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
My question (since there’s still room) — What are the places (museums, restaurants, etc.) in Paris you take new visitors that they shouldn’t miss (should I ever get there)?
Comment by Janet Tryson — September 5, 2008 @ 3:59 pm
Have you taken on The Boy’s surname?
Comment by corinna — September 5, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
Would you and Manuel always want to live in Paris, or move elsewhere in France or even to another country altogether?
Comment by Hannah — September 5, 2008 @ 4:27 pm
Did you or Mr. Frog ever regret breaking up and want to reunite?
Comment by kate — September 5, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
As a font you might know why some people don’t like marmite ESPECIALLY on celery – a nutritious and delicious snack.
[It’s OK to flag – don’t worry about it. Just living life is enough – you don’t have to record it if you don’t want to …. tsk]
Comment by Daddy Papersurfer — September 5, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
Could you tell us a little about your writing process? How long did it take to finish the memoir and what is your writing schedule like?
Comment by Jennifer B — September 5, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
Maybe being pregnant again will get the blogging going. How long do you and your hubbie want to be married before you start trying? (I know it’s very personal but my husband of 1.5 years and I are having this conversation right now, so I’m curious how others in the same situation are thinking.)
Comment by Leslie — September 5, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
I take your waning need to blog as good news. It means you are happier and less frustrated with your new life than with the old ones. Great !
Of course, like many others, I have been missing reading you on a regular basis. But you never where in this for your readers’ sake. Nor should you be.
Question: Do you think writing is definitely your chosen career, and can you picture yourself doing something else in the future ?
All the best
Comment by ontario frog — September 5, 2008 @ 5:01 pm
Hi Petite
I know others have already asked this, but how is Mr Frog these days? And do/ did you ever feel nostalgic about your time together or ever consider getting back together?
A very nosey question, I know … but I would love to know the answer!
Candi
Comment by Candi — September 5, 2008 @ 5:38 pm
Dear Petite,
Yeah, you’re tired of the blogging. It could be so great if you were the blogger who, in spite of their book deal, stood by their loyal readers who propelled them to the top, by continuing to blog on a regular basis. At some point this tac would get more admiration/recognition than the tiresome, blase, “I don’t think I feel like this anymore”. How about some good, old-fashioned stick-to-it-tivness? Buck up, Petite. Get up a few minutes earlier,reach a little deeper, keep going on the blog. It could be a little respite from the book-writing pressure. It would be so great if you were the blogger who DIDN’T quit and as years went by and your life evolved, it became even more interesting, rather than less, like the bloggers who whimp out. A book or two could come out of that. Up your ambition! Take your vitamins, start eating right, drink a little less, and the energy level goes up more than you can imagine. Be all that you can be and more. Don’t be one of those tiresome people who slack off once they’ve reached a certain level. You’re better than that and I think you can do the blog, the book, your family life and even lots more! Take this great opportunity you’ve been given and run with it to the end.
Comment by Sheila K. — September 5, 2008 @ 5:53 pm
Don’t apologize for not blogging often. Blogging is voluntary and not obligatory. You post when you have something to say. Nothing wrong with that.
Comment by donna lee — September 5, 2008 @ 5:54 pm
Petite,
I, too, am one of the francophiles littering the world. I wonder if you hadn’t of had Tadpole, do you think you would still be living in France? I would like to know if (and to what extent) you have regrets about leaving England to live as a foriegner? Best regards.
Comment by Lizounette — September 5, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
Eh. It’s still summer, as well. All of blog-land seems to come to a near dead halt during summer!
Comment by Isobel — September 5, 2008 @ 6:39 pm
Interesting that you happened to post this just now. Since the summer and getting caught up (1) in planning my wedding (2) getting married and (3) settling back into life in Paris as “les jeunes mariés” (a phrase that makes me giggle considering we’re 47 and 54), I too have been blogging less frequently. There are a lot of things I supposed I could blog about but certain topics are off limits now (i.e. too much personal information about my husband’s kids, for one thing). In a way it’s reassuring to know I’m not the only one who has lost a bit of momentum following some major life changes.
I guess we could say that we’re now busy LIVING our lives rather than writing about living our lives.
Here’s a question that comes to mind, though:
“Do you find yourself moderating/censoring your blog material more often now that you’re married?”
Comment by The Bold Soul — September 5, 2008 @ 7:01 pm
Good for you! It seems that you are living life rather than blogging about it.
Comment by Patrick — September 5, 2008 @ 7:17 pm
I recently bought Petite Anglaise after randomly selecting it from a shelf in a bookstore in Canada and now I’m addicted. After finishing it, I read all your archives, its like the book that didnt really end! I hope your will to blog picks up soon, but I agree with some others on here, only post when you truly want to. Keep enjoying life and I look forward to the new book and future posts!
Comment by Canadian Fan — September 5, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
what is the new book about?
Comment by pchenge — September 5, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
Have people changed towards you since you have become a household name and appeared on telly? Are you getting looked up more on Facebook etc?
Comment by Flighty — September 5, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
Thanks to Perakath for kindly giving his/her question to commenter number 51 :-)
Petite, I wondered what advice you might give to expat bloggers who are interested in writing and publishing a book about their experience in their new home. Thanks!
Comment by Monna — September 5, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
I read #49 and thought, “This MUST be tongue-in-cheek.” Then I read it again and realized: good grief, the woman is serious. Just what you needed, right, a dose of self-righteousness and a good old headmistressy talking to!
Comment by Passante — September 5, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Random literary question: Madame Bovary or Les Misérables? (Having noticed that the French make a lot more references to literature etc. in day to day life than Brits are wont to do, I’m trying to catch up so as not to appear ‘uncultured’ [‘quoi, tu connais pas xxx? Mais c’est pas possible, ça!] – the resulting mix of Simone de Beauvoir, Asterix and Maupassant is peculiar, to say the least!).
Hope Paris is not as stiflingly hot as Grenoble or as rainy as Cumbria.
Comment by Catherijn — September 5, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
#50 donna lee, you’re not keeping up. That little line of rhetoric has been regurgitated enough already.
Comment by Sheila K. — September 5, 2008 @ 8:31 pm
Do you still listen to New Order?
Comment by chevak — September 5, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Oh no, I feel like I’ve turned up at the party too late and everyone’s left already.
A late starter; have only just caught up on where your first book left off! Don’t give up on your new followers totally. I’m sure I’m not the only reader (‘fan’ sounds weird given the context)who’s discovered you via your book rather than your blog.
I’m guessing you no longer feel the urge to blog now your personal life is so much happier, which is great, but a little can go a long way… (especially with the second book due soon).
Comment by Smalls — September 5, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
Sheila K–
How (and why) does one go through life so spiteful?
Comment by Kathryn (Sanders!) Romero — September 5, 2008 @ 9:30 pm
To #59 Yes, I was serious. When someone older and with more experience in the world says something with love to someone younger that they care about, that maybe they might just take even a tiny bit from, that isn’t self-rightous. It was said with love and respect to someone who has done a lot and who is capable of going on and doing lots more. And will!!
Comment by Sheila K. — September 5, 2008 @ 9:38 pm
Sheila K (#49/61): Drink more. Take fewer vitamins. We are BEGGING you.
Comment by Meg — September 5, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
not sure if you already have 50 or not… anyway:
What is your favourite shop in La Marais?
Comment by Nick — September 5, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
I’ve been savouring your blogposts in the past years, I feel like I know you very well now, as a very old friend. I am a big fan of Paris, and your posts give an insight of ‘normal people’ living in that great city… Please keep on, albeit once a month, once every three months, whatever… RSS rules!
Comment by Frank — September 5, 2008 @ 10:48 pm
How many times must a truth be regurgitated before people listen to it?
Comment by Merry — September 6, 2008 @ 2:13 am
Oh goodie… don’t you worry about the blogging! Life is to be lived and blogging that thing we do when the mood takes us. :-)
Comment by Ariel — September 6, 2008 @ 2:58 am
When you broke up with Mr. Frog did you do so in French or English?
Every time your book is published in another language/country do you get more money?
Comment by Zoe — September 6, 2008 @ 4:51 am
I’ve just read the book… the next book isn’t a sequel then?
What is Tadpole’s current favourite book? (my froglet, Alicia is 4 end of November and Gruffalo and Mr Men came from you… so far)
Comment by Wendy J — September 6, 2008 @ 8:18 am
It does seem like you should stop the blog and keep the website for updates on what you’re working on and stuff like that. I think and you probably think so too, that you’ve come as far as one can in a blog’s life and it’s getting a bit uncomfortable for you. The defensiveness of a few of the arguments in the comments box over the last few months says it’s time to hang up your bloggers hat and focus on writing a good second book. Best of luck.
Comment by timetofinish — September 6, 2008 @ 10:56 am
Sheesh. I take a day off the Internet and look what I miss – an opportunity to ask you a question! Bummer.
Comment by librarianlisa — September 6, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Transation:
Parississa. Rakastunut. Pulassa =In Paris. In love. In trouble…
Comment by Meg — September 6, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Life moves on. If blogging doesn’t do it for you any more, it’s a shame for us, but it’s your time to spend as you will. Megnut (one of the founders at blogger) gave up blogging a while back, so there’s strong precedent. Mind you, there’s loads of us enjoy gazing at your navel. Metaphorically…
Comment by Baz — September 6, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
Hi Petite,
you started the blog when you were in a very different place and in many ways, it has taken you where you wanted to go.
you’ve moved on. the blog was your launchpad, it would be a pity if it became an obligation. follow your instincts.
looking forward to reading the next book.
vivi
Comment by Vivi — September 6, 2008 @ 8:10 pm
and one last thing : people like sheila k. should realise that nothing lasts forever. life is about change – a true fan should be supportive of that …
Comment by Vivi — September 6, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
I know what you mean about the blog fatigue. But as far as I’m concerned, it never lasts…
My question is: do you sometimes regret your pre-blog life?
Comment by Bibil — September 6, 2008 @ 9:16 pm
I know I’m WAY beyond your 50th… just want you to know that when I read your blog the first time you were ending the relationship with Mr. Frog. I remember thinking… “this can’t be in real time.” Yet it was.
So now, past the required 50 questions I just want you to know that I enjoy little glimpses into your life in Paris. I hope to visit Belleville again, AND I have loved hearing tadpole’s voice now and then.
If I can past a post 50th question it would be, what is your favorite neighborhood bistro or restaurant?
Comment by Danna — September 6, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
Meg:
It’s only an older person trying to tell a younger person how great it could be to carry out the gifts and advantages that they have been given to the highest degree they can reach. I’ve seen people personally who are very talented who only go to a certain level and then just rest on their laurels and that newly acquired little pile of cash when they are still very young and still have so much they could offer the world. I suppose most people do not have the desire, foresight, or energy to to reach that higher level. Petite may or may not. It was just a “bug in the ear” I was attempting,for someone I felt that I liked and who seems to have so much going for her.
Comment by Sheila K. — September 7, 2008 @ 1:47 am
meg (#66) too funny.
Sheila K, you are reDONKulous. Go lay down.
Comment by Joy — September 7, 2008 @ 2:54 am
Hi Petite!
Just wanted to say I can’t wait for the new book. Say hi to Paris for me. I miss it terribly!
A bientot!
Comment by Betsy — September 7, 2008 @ 3:16 am
Please name your 3 favorite authors.
Comment by Iza — September 7, 2008 @ 3:56 am
@65 I don’t the advice of “buck up and get on with it” helps produce interesting blog posts. At least it wouldn’t in me. There is no obligation to blog! No contract with readers. People blog to keep in touch and disseminate news or to talk about something that is bothering them at the moment, that perhaps needs a wider audience than their personal circle.
Sometimes living life is simply enough without writing it all down. I think most bloggers go through cycles when there isn’t a lot they want to blog about. And then something new happens.
Comment by varske — September 7, 2008 @ 9:08 am
Well Petite, most people here seem to be quite ok with the situation of less posts from you. I think you should feel pleased that it is a sure indication that people so thoroughly enjoy your writing, that whislt they understand, they will nevertheless, miss the previous frequency. Wish people dropped by my blog or at least bothered to comment on occasions, its here if anyone wants some reading,being as other blogs have shut down over the summer, not mine!! Anyway, all the best to you. Blog when you want for goodness sake, it’s your blog as i’ve said before. Good luck, be happy, see you soon, hopefully. Scribble
Comment by scribble — September 7, 2008 @ 4:47 pm
Darlin’, that’s the beauty of the medium: it is at our desire, when, where and why. I do not agree that it is “patently unhealthy navel-gazing”. Rather I am sure it is bottom-up information revolution bound by community of shared ideas. You may have moved on, but this is still the best way to immediately connect with your audience, even your mainstream publishing audience. It is not either/or, but all of the above. We’ll see you when we see you. You get to choose. Ain’t it grand?
Comment by Sophmom — September 7, 2008 @ 5:12 pm
Looking forward to your second book. Will miss you here, but take it easy and enjoy life!
Comment by Judith Marie — September 7, 2008 @ 6:06 pm
dear sweet woman
you
take your time
Comment by pablo — September 7, 2008 @ 9:56 pm
Hi Petite! I know there have already been 50 comments but…I was just wondering, do you still ever do expat and/or blogger meetings in Paris? I am both and just thought it sounded fun. Thanks for writing!
Comment by Casey — September 7, 2008 @ 10:04 pm
Here’s mine:
Why as a self-confessed francophile do you say that Sicily is your favourite place that you’ve been to? What was it about the place that captured you?
Comment by Hazy — September 8, 2008 @ 12:33 am
How did you find living / sharing a house with the french at the beginning? How do you find them now towards you? Did they treat you just the same as a french person when looking for work?
Comment by Anna Wilkinson — September 8, 2008 @ 12:35 am
oh… and also… How do you find the men there compared to English men? (honestly:))
Comment by Anna Wilkinson — September 8, 2008 @ 12:41 am
You have another creative outlet the pays better ;-)))
Hope you hang in here even if it is a rare post :-))))
==Alaska
Comment by ==Alaska — September 8, 2008 @ 1:58 am
Hi,
I really enjoy reading your blog, so please don’t stop writing.
The translation of the tagline in Finnish is :In Paris. In love. In trouble.
Comment by Baimasb — September 8, 2008 @ 8:34 am
All done!
Answers are here.
Comment by petite — September 8, 2008 @ 12:40 pm
Hello again, and many thanks for taking the time to reply to my last post.
I’m of the opinion that it’s your blog and your life, and I wholeheartedly agree with those who feel the lack of posts about your life means you are out in the real world LIVING it. Which is surely a better way to have things than being locked up at home thinking there must be more…?
More power to you and f*ck the begrudgers as we say where I come from.
Comment by Ch'tirlandaise — September 8, 2008 @ 2:42 pm
Aw, crap! I was hoping to ask:
Where do you find your best inspirations for writing come from, and by that I mean a physical place? Do you write better in your own home, or on the laptop somewhere out and about. Does “people watching” provide you with ideas?
If you could fit this into the list, it would be appreciated.
Comment by Dave of the Lake — September 8, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
For what it’s worth I enjoyed reading your Q&A’s. Really thoughtful and well written answers.
Comment by Jamila — September 8, 2008 @ 3:55 pm
OK, I just read your 50 answers and #50 I would have to completely agree! Too funny. You made my day. Now, back to work…
Comment by Juli — September 8, 2008 @ 5:51 pm
Thanks for posting your Q & A. Unlike you, I DID daydream about being a writer as a child and having something published. I wrote a book last year during NaNoWriMo (www.nanowrimo.org) and plan to write another this November, but the whole needing-a-thick-skin bit has me nervous. I’m still very protective of my writing and cringed when my boyfriend confessed he had read some of it. I worry that others will find it wanting, and I don’t respond well to criticism, so I think that’s kept me from going any farther…
Comment by librarianlisa — September 8, 2008 @ 6:50 pm
your new Q&A is great and judging by all the comments you get to whatever you post in you blog, you really should feel safe with all you huge fan base and keep your blogging at a pace that suits your new life, people will stick around
by the way, I love your suggestion for a walk for those who are visiting Paris for the first time, it is in fact my favourite walk in Paris
and the shops you mention, I feel like booking a ticket to Paris right away, just to go peek in those shops, the only one I would add is Ventilo
Comment by Fatou — September 8, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
Answer to #50, priceless ending. Oops.
Thanks, PA.
Comment by ang04 — September 9, 2008 @ 4:16 am
Hi my name is Ania A Shapiro and I’ve been a huge fan of yours since time started… hehehehehe. Anywayz, I was really wondering what advice you’d be willing to lend to us newbies who are interested in blogging with success — and who may like to become internet famous like yourself. I view the internet and blogigng realms as those where we anonymous faces can get the attention we mightn’t be getting enough of in real life. So I’m wondering if u could recommend any books or sites to me to start me off? Congrats on the blog and your success.
– Ania
Comment by Ania A Shapiro — September 9, 2008 @ 6:24 am
I loved your answers. Re: no 50 – Italians too!
Comment by Cath — September 9, 2008 @ 9:38 am
So, the new book will be about the same, familiar subject, ‘yourself’. Quelle surprise!
Comment by gonzales — September 9, 2008 @ 12:16 pm
Which excites you more:
Parisian Parks in the Sun or Parisian Streets in the Rain?
Comment by Andrew — September 9, 2008 @ 1:25 pm
@gonzales at no.106
why, you think she should write about you instead??
I think people have the right to write about whatever they wish and we have the right to read it or not, it’s a free world (well at least in this respect it is)
Comment by Fatou — September 9, 2008 @ 3:05 pm
Too much information!! Too much information!!
A chacun son goût mais on n’a pas besoin de savoir…
Comment by Anon — September 9, 2008 @ 5:05 pm
If this really is swansong (and I kind of hope it isn’t), thank you for some amazing posts.
Comment by Claire — September 9, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
I just found your blog this summer by an article in my newspaper about your book, and now you have bloggers fatigue :(
Comment by Alan — September 9, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
About French Music:
Dominique A
Katherine
Air
NTM
Cocorosie
Pascal Comelade
Mathieu Boogaerts
Serge Gainsbourg
Les Tetes Raides
Rita Mitsouko
Jacques brel (ok not french)
Daft Punk
The Teenagers (They’re french)
And so much more!
Comment by M — September 9, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
Hi, I’m a 17 year old american girl I went to France for two weeks in August. It was the first time in France for me, not to mention first time in a different continent, first time in a foreign speaking country, and first time flying over an ocean. I loved Marseilles and I loved Paris so much.
When i came home, i felt really depressed and actually would start crying when i looked out the window in my bedroom and the sleepy deserted streets in my town. I still feel like it took a part of me and I need to go back. Do you think this feeling will eventually fade? It has been a month since i was there.
Comment by Katie ann — September 9, 2008 @ 11:44 pm
petite: i think if you keep your name you are not a Mrs but a Ms
before you were a Miss or Ms you are now a married Ms Sanderson
Mrs Sanderson IS your mother!!!
Comment by kara — September 9, 2008 @ 11:56 pm
@114 – Ah. I see. I meant in French. Ms doesn’t exist in France, and I am officially Madame Sanderson here now.
Comment by petite — September 10, 2008 @ 8:08 am
Happy birthday for yesterday, Petite! (you share the same birthday as my husband’s and a very good friend of mine, so it’s easy to remember!) Did you do anything special?
Comment by Lotus Flower — September 10, 2008 @ 10:37 am
So intriguing to read. We’re both from York, spent a year teaching in Rouen and have a big Francophile thing going on… I have two fairly large tétards and now live in Brussels, but it is a little odd! Must be something in that Yorkshire water that makes francophiles as well as good tea.
Comment by Jaywalker — September 10, 2008 @ 11:42 am
Hi Petite!:)
“Parississa. Rakastunut. Pulassa.”
In Paris. In love. In trouble;) Direct translation of English:)
Absolutely LOVED the book! Keep up the good work!:)
Comment by Marie — September 11, 2008 @ 2:07 am
I ask this with the UTMOST respect, if that’s possible concerning the subject matter. Is the fixation with anal sex by French men in the giving of? or the receiving of? I too have loved a French man, and somehow I was unlucky enough to miss this trait! It matters little really which the answer is? I find both equally sexy somehow. Best Happy Newlywed wishes petite. Including the anal ones! (regrets ahead of time to petites mum for commenting on the topic. You truly have raised a lovely person mum)
Comment by beaunejewels — September 13, 2008 @ 4:28 am
Hi Petite, I live in the USA and I just want to say that I’ve read your book, and absolutely LOVE IT!!!
I really admire you, and as a new mom myself I have a lot o fun with Tadpole’s adventures…Besides, I sometimes feel related to all the ups and downs of your relationships!!!
Don’t stop writing the blog, please….I need to check on your life….LOL
Comment by Priscila — September 13, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
@113 Katie Ann, you sound so woeful, cheer up. I’m sure when you get back into your studies or work (whichever you do) you’ll feel better. I went to Africa when I was your age, fell in love with a gorgeous Rhodesian army guy and DID NOT want to leave. I felt very lost for a while too and Africa holds a very special place in my heart. You are bound to visit France again, in the meantime, cherish the memories and cheer up :)) Scribble
Comment by scribble — September 13, 2008 @ 10:32 pm
There’s another blog that I dip into occasionally – http://www.wifeinthenorth.com – and you should have a look at her postings for September. Her book came out around the same time as yours did and she seems to be suffering from the same things as you. I appreciate your less frequent postings – they seem more of a treat when you have waited a bit for them!
Comment by petitebête — September 17, 2008 @ 3:20 pm
Hi!
I don’t know if you would read this!^^
You asked if anyone could translate the tagline from the Finnish editoion of petite.
I can!^^ I don’t speak Finnish but I know someone who does!
Parississa. Rakastunut. Pulassa.
means
À Paris. Dans l’amour. En difficulté
I’m just 13 years old and i know that my english isn’t good but my french isn’t good, too!^^
Salut!
Comment by Alisa — September 19, 2008 @ 2:37 pm
Salut!
Je habite à Munich en Allemagne!
Votre livre est très très cool!
J’aime beaucoup votre blog est les histores de Tapdole et de vous!
S’il vous plaît ne stop ecrire jamais votre blog!
Bsx
Comment by Alisa — September 19, 2008 @ 2:43 pm
Codswallop, both the tiresome entry and the litany of ensuing comments!
Comment by Trevor — September 23, 2008 @ 7:02 pm
Katy Ann i could show you the bowls of Paris
Comment by Trevor — September 23, 2008 @ 7:09 pm
@49
‘Drink a little less’….???!!!
The cheek involved….that tickled my funny bone.
Comment by Dublingirl — September 27, 2008 @ 12:44 am
could have done without the last Q&A !!
Comment by John from Florida — October 1, 2008 @ 12:28 am