Category: author business

French License how-to

Published by JoeStartAuthor on November 20, 2017

My book French License isn’t a how-to. It’s a humorous memoir about an expat trying to cope abroad. Half the book is about other funny things that happened along the way.

However, going through the experience the hard way has made me a bit more knowledgeable than the average California bear. So, I’ve been asked to give presentations to fellow expats who are just as stuck as I was, and looking desperately for solutions. Do I exaggerate ? A few stats about the process:

‘Code’ written test has a lower pass rate than the NY bar exam

Costs more than 2 new iPhones

Takes longer than the Voyager 1 trip to Saturn

A good dozen people attended my presentation « Getting your French Driver’s License » last night at the American Library in Paris. There were horror stories, and a glimpse of hope from some who were approaching the grail.

I’m happy to share the PDF of the presentation for those who couldn’t make it. Simply add your e-mail below, and let me know you’d like a copy.

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my journey

Published by JoeStartAuthor on November 13, 2017

There was a good turnout on a chilly Friday night in Paris to hear my story about my story “French License.” How I got the book in the right format, to distribute on marketplaces. How I secured a professionally designed cover. How I chose print-on-demand services. How I knocked on the doors of dozens of independent bookstores to get hard copies on shelves. What I did to promote, and what’s coming next in the process of marketing and selling the book. There was also a hint of projects under works which should see the day soon.

It was great to hear all the questions, and learn where other writers are at in their author journey. At some points it was like a really cool brainstorming session on what other things I could do to build interest.

Warm appreciation to Paris Creative Writers and their fearless leader Gray for sponsoring. Thanks to the Louvre Anticafé for hosting.

For future events, please visit this page: http://startgoingplaces.com/about-2/appearances/

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Tales of Brave Ulysses

Published by JoeStartAuthor on November 2, 2017

Wonderful reading event last night with drinks and conversation at the Librairie Ulysse! I counted about 20 folks at one point. It settled down to a solid dozen for both readings. I read chapter 32, and my actress wife read chapter 5, both en français for the very first time. Thanks to Aurore for the ‘theatralisation’ of the readings, making them more akin to a performance. This must have influenced the public, which bought a couple copies of French License!

We brought mulled wine, expecting a chilly evening. Rain showers were even predicted at one point. Never fear, it was mild and dry outside, with clear skies exposing a near-full moon. A wonderful night to be out, walking the bridges between the Ile Saint-Louis and the Ile de la Cité, and the bright moon floating above Notre-Dame.

Huge thanks to Catherine and Dominique for welcoming us to the Librairie Ulysse! People were enjoying themselves so much, the duo delayed closing time for two hours past the schedule! We finally pulled ourselves away from good conversation at 11 p.m.

For future events, please visit this page: http://startgoingplaces.com/about-2/appearances/

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now at Daunt books

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 20, 2017

The Daily Telegraph calls it ‘the most beautiful bookshop in London – designed for travellers who like reading.’ There’s carved wood everywhere in this Edwardian treasure, and isn’t that just what you want in a bookstore? The feel is marvellous walking over inlaid boards, calling you with their squeaks to your next destination. The continent perhaps? Maybe France? Are you in the mood for a humorous take on living abroad? You’re in luck, because French License is now available at Daunt Books!

Daunt Books

83 Marylebone High Street
London

Baker Street tube
Open every day of the week until 7:30 PM except for Sunday at 6 PM

+44 20 7224 2295
www.dauntbooks.co.uk

other London locations:

Holland Park Hampstead

Cheapside Chelsea Belsize Park

Three independent book shops outside London:

Owl Bookshop The Marlow Bookshop

Hart’s Books

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now at So. Ken books

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 19, 2017

There’s a pretty little postcard of a book shop in Chelsea. Wouldn’t you know it, they specialise in art, notably the Visual Arts, Architecture and Photography. Stands to reason with the Victoria and Albert Museum a short walk away.

The History section is also vast. The ancient battles between Britain and France are not forgotten, but forgiven. In fact, this area is so welcoming to the French that you’d think it was part of France. Nearby are a crêperie, a French high school, the French consul and cultural attaché, the Institut français, and a bookstore carrying titles in French exclusively, Librairie Française La Page. They are the ones who suggested I present my book French License to So. Ken, who now carries it on their shelves!

So, if you’re in the neighborhood, and interested in travel and a good laugh, ask the good people here about French License.

South Kensington Books

22 Thurloe Street
London SW7
United Kingdom

Tube station: South Kensington (where else?)

Mon – Fri: 10.00 – 20.00
Sat: 11.00 – 19.00
Sun: 12.00 – 19.00

http://www.kensingtonbooks.co.uk/about-us.html

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now at Belgravia Books

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 16, 2017

London can be loud. Even in the parks the constant hum of busses and taxis circling remind that you’re not alone. Side streets are often more peaceful, where you can do your thing without distraction.

Conveniently close to Victoria station, but miles from the hustle and bustle, is an oasis called Belgravia Books. This is a place which invites you to stay a while. Translated thrillers fresh off the foreign presses await you. Essays make you think and travel tomes take you away. You can tell the purveyors know about every one of their wares. Notes and recommendations are next to many titles. Posts on their blog help you make your list before going there.

Maybe you fancy a comical tale of cross-cultural confusion? If so, why not tick French License in your basket? They now carry it at this book store!

Belgravia Books and Gallic Books

59 Ebury Street, London SW1W 0NZ

Victoria tube

+44 207 259 9336

Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 6pm
Saturday: 11am – 6pm
link

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now at The European Bookshop

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 13, 2017

Regardless of Brexit, there are a multitude of people in the UK who wish to improve their communication with the Continent. A great place for them to start is The European Bookshop. They cater to a curious, well-travelled or expat clientèle.

French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Russian and Italian books abound. Whether their objective is language learning, seeking cross-cultural perspectives, travel tales or a hearty laugh, folks find it at The European Bookshop.

Now that they also carry French License , you can read about my intercontinental calamity here! Grab one, and don’t forget to say merci, or gracias, or danke, or obrigado, or grazie, or…

The European Bookshop

123 Gloucester Road
London SW7 4TE

Monday to Friday 9:30 – 18:30
Saturday 10:00 – 18:30
Sunday 12:00 – 17:00

tube South Kensington

http://www.europeanbookshop.com

www.esb.co.uk

https://www.eurobooks.co.uk

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now at Warwick Books

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 4, 2017

Global and local. Wide and deep. That’s what you get at Warwick Books. The owners, Pauline and Mog are both well-travelled, and rooted to their community. Their book shop is a reflection of their eclectic tastes, and tight connection to local authors, events, and of course, their regular clientele.

Situated on the main town square in the quaint village of Warwick, the shop beckons you to enter. Non-fiction and history are my go-to genres, and I found much here to satisfy my curiosity. There are many surprises, and books I hadn’t seen elsewhere. And now there’s the familiar, in the travel section, alongside Stephen Clarke and Bill Bryson: French License. Won’t you come down and pick out your next cherished read?

Warwick Books

24 Market Place, Warwick, Warwickshire CV34 4SL

+44 1926 499 939

www.warwickbooks.net

Mon to Sat 9am – 5pm

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now at Kenilworth Books

Published by JoeStartAuthor on October 3, 2017

There are independent book shops in the Midlands with character, run by some real gems. Kenilworth Books is one, in a quaint little village just south of Coventry. Judy greeted me there with a smile and gladly welcomed French License to her shelves.

In addition to travel writing, guides, maps and books on local history, there’s an expansive children’s section. Find what you didn’t know you were looking for at the book store!

Kenilworth Books

12 Talisman Square, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1JB

http://kenilworthbooks.co.uk/contact/

+44 1926 855 784

Open 9:00am – 5:30pm Monday – Saturday

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now at Mystery Ink Bookstore

Published by JoeStartAuthor on September 26, 2017

Are you intrigued by intrigue? Did that Californian expat ever finally get his French License after 10 years? Find out at the Mystery Ink Bookstore!

8907 Warner Avenue, #135
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
+17149604000

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