When Dawn Bournand approached me and asked if I would like to be part of the “My Paris Story” book, I jumped at the chance. To be part of such an amazing group of people and such an inspiring project was something that grabbed my enthusiasm right away. It also gave me an opportunity to rave about the city I love best to spend time in: Paris. I have loved it since I came here first, as a teenager, a long way from my quiet home in New Zealand, right through till I was there last week with one of my closest friends for a totally magical day. Strolling by the river; sitting captivated by a stunning work of art – but for more of the spirit of Paris herself, the stories in the book are the place to go.
What I want to talk about here is the journey to getting the book into print. I had the privilege, in my role as The Flow Writer, of editing the stories before the book was put together. In fact, with her excellent editing and writing skills, Dawn left me very little to do. Still, it was a privilege to read all the stories and offer whatever advice might be useful – to take the beautiful, heartfelt pieces and add any polish required to dress them up in their Sunday best, ready for the wider public to share.
The most magical part of the project for me has been getting to know the other women involved. Days spent planning, talking, throwing ideas around and enjoying the warmth and hospitality of so many talented women, all around a common theme: finding our dreams in Paris.
All that, and now the book, so beautiful! Thank you, ladies. It is a privilege to know you all.
Jennifer Manson, www.theflowwriter.com