MARTINA’S FRENCH WAYS #1: Writing & Little Pleasures in Paris.
Bienvenue to Martina’s French Ways — a new corner of the site where I share the little rituals, objects, and routines that shape my writing life here in Paris.
Many of you have asked: What does a day in your Paris life look like? What inspires you? Where do you write? Do you draft in cafés with a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) beside you? Do you buy notebooks? I answered many questions in my novel If Paris Were My Lover but the questions continue. This new section is for you.
In each post, I’ll bring you with me on morning walks, market finds, creative breakthroughs, and of course, the small, beautiful tools that help me live and write in Paris. Sometimes the tools will be the perfect pen, a novel from a bouquiniste (bookseller), or the watercolors I’ve found on Rue de Rennes. Think of it as a bit of a journal, or recommendations list, or a window into everyday Paris creativity.
A Glimpse of Paris
This May morning brought me into the café 15 minutes before it opened. I slipped in and took my usual seat, where I set out my notebook, computer, glasses, and newspaper before the waiters – who have already greeted me – bring my first coffee.
On My Nightstand
France: The Monocle Handbook (July 2024) – A gift from a Parisian friend of favourite places to stay, eat, shop, and visit across France. (Find it on Amazon here)
A Moveable Feast (Paris est une fête) by Ernest Hemingway – A reread this week. It’s hard not to feel aligned with his love for the city. (Pick up a copy here)
French Lavender Sachet – Little lavender-scented sachets to help me rest and sleep. (Available here)
In My Writer’s Bag
La Mansio Bag – Big enough to hold a computer and notebooks, and versatile as a handbag that converts to a backpack. (Available here)
Chateau de Chambord Pen – A friend gifted me a ball point pen with a gold crown from the United Kingdom and I found one on my visit to the Chambord Castle in the Loire Valley of France. (Get a similar one here)
Lined Spiral Notebook – I use my own lined or graphed notebooks (6″x8′ with 120 pages) with my own photographs on the cover. This cover photograph was taken at the Luxembourg Garden in the 6th arrondissement of Paris on a misty autumn day. (Available here)
Little Pleasures
Wedo Handheld Magnifying Glass – A handy German-made magnifying glass with LED light that I use when having difficulty with fine print. Café diners often ask me where they can purchase one. I found it in a stationery shop in Paris. (Find it on Amazon here)
Paris Details
By the Church of Saint-Sulpice the rental company Les Manèges Sellier installed a carousel for the weekend. It was the “Carousel Palace 1900” eight metres tall and 11 metres wide with 66 seats. The top banners have images of iconic structures around the world – Eiffel Tower, London Bridge, Taj Mahal, and Rome’s Colosseum, etc. I love carousels and Paris has many across the city.
Postcard From Paris
I’ll begin with an old postcard, that I have had for four years, of the infamous La Coupole American Bar & Brasserie in the 14th arrondissement of Paris which opened on 20 December 1927. It shows one of the 33 art deco pillars in the large hall of the brasserie painted by 27 artists, including students of Henri Matisse.
Until Next Time
On my way home, I’ll stop by La Poste to post a letter to a friend in Australia and a postcard to my cousin in Germany. I have articles planned during the May days and an art gallery visit next week.
I expect to post editions of Martina’s French Ways twice a month.
Thank you for being here.
À bientôt,
Martina
