Tag Archives: Paris

Happy New Year, or Jet-lagged in Algiers

Happy 2020 Is Over! Or, Happy New Year! Whatever you call it. I need to admit something: I woke up today at 4pm. I am still sitting here, sun starting to set, in total shock. Mostly that my husband let me sleep until 4pm – something I’ve never in my life done. Hadn’t he theContinue reading “Happy New Year, or Jet-lagged in Algiers”

Chill and Arty Marseille

You might be aware of my ongoing love affair with Paris. From the first time I stared down the endlessly beautiful streets in 2015 to my right-in-this-moment Paris visit (my ninth trip here), she just never disappoints. I’m currently in Gray Paree where, for the second time in 30 days, I’m enrolled at a languageContinue reading “Chill and Arty Marseille”

Writing Lessons from Paris

I recently returned from Paris after completing my third residency as part of New York University’s Paris Writers Program. Another year – and two more residencies to go –  and hopefully I’ll have an MFA, and more importantly, a decent draft of my novel. Residencies in Paris are inspiring and exhausting. I love every minuteContinue reading “Writing Lessons from Paris”

Trying to Not Think About Food (With Food Pics!)

This summer is off to a busy start. With house guests, trips, and another residency for NYU’s Paris Writer’s Program, I’ve been neglecting this blog, and I’m sorry. I’m currently in Paris, hearing from famous authors such as Zadie Smith and Lydia Davis and generally pinching myself each day. While I’m trying to be presentContinue reading “Trying to Not Think About Food (With Food Pics!)”

Shamed on the French Metro

I was on the Metro today with several classmates, talking about writing and a lecture we were coming from when a Parisian woman turned to us and said “Do you know that 20 people died?” Our conversation stopped abruptly. I felt too embarrassed to even exhale. I fiddled with my leopard gloves, passing them backContinue reading “Shamed on the French Metro”

Je Suis Charlie

Yesterday morning when I was walking to class in Paris, the city was all police cars and sirens. Oblivious being that I am, I blocked out the noise, figuring perhaps Paris is often loud with sirens. Near Notre Dame, I realized there was a bomb siren going off. This I chalked up to “Oh, mustContinue reading “Je Suis Charlie”

Notes from Paris

I just spent ten intense and inspiring days in Paris as part of a New York University’s MFA creative writing program. I suspect it will take me weeks to process all the thought-provoking lectures and suggestions for my own writing that I received. Until more grand thoughts and plans of action emerge, here’s a quickContinue reading “Notes from Paris”

Higher Learning. With Croissants.

Last week, I woke up to an email that stopped my coffee cup dead in its tracks to my mouth. I applied to graduate school a few weeks before and there was an email from New York University telling me “Congratulations!” I got in. My first thought was “No one applied except for me.” WhileContinue reading “Higher Learning. With Croissants.”