Truly, one of the most remarkable things about writing, and putting it out there for the whole world to read, is when you find out that your words have reached someone around the world. A couple months ago, my book Bonjour 40, about my Paris adventures, went on a blog tour. Over thirty blog writers reviewed the book or interviewed me about it. One of them, called The Eclectic Reader is written by Sheree (Teddyree) of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. What happened from that review is remarkable.

Not long after she featured Bonjour 40 on her blog, Sheree’s sister and her family headed to Paris. Loading her sister up with notes and where-to information gleaned from Bonjour 40, Sheree also got in touch with me to let me know they were going. I got in touch with Dorothée (and her dog, Bandit), who ran the crab shack near the apartment where I stayed in Paris, so they could watch out for Sheree’s family. What happened? Yes, they all met.

Dorothée wrote to say, “They came by and had a drink this afternoon. I knew as soon as they stepped in asked about the crab shack they knew you!” Sheree sent photos of their visit, which allowed me to relive my time with Dorothée and Bandit, too.

More importantly, I realized my book helped make a 10,200 mile trek from Brisbane to Paris more personal for someone who lives about 9,500 miles away from me. And the world turns smaller because of words.

Bandit gives Dorothée a hug at the bar at Le Panier de Crabes during the visit with Sheree's sister. If you'd like to connect with Bandit, he has his own Facebook page. Search for "Le Nain."
Another photo taken during the Australian tour by Sheree's sister. The infamous, writer-haven Shakespeare and Company bookstore. An entire chapter is dedicated to it in Bonjour 40.

 

4 Comments on Virginia Writer Helps Australians Find Bandit in Paris Crab Shack

  2. Well, good reads travel well through word of mouth. And your blog has been a lovely refreshing read. I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘Bonjour 40’. I too love Paris and have written a series of seven blog posts on it, called ‘A week in Paris’. Maybe you might enjoy reliving your time in Paris through the eyes of yet ANOTHER Brisbanite. Yes, I am also from Brisbane, Australia. Maybe I can hook up with Sheree on Twitter?

    Thanks Karen for sharing your writing. I love your blogs.

    Cheers,
    Noelle

  4. It’s just so awesome isn’t it Karen; I can’t tell you how taken I was with your book Bonjour 40 and your time in Paris … I couldn’t tell enough people about it LOL and I can’t wait to go myself. And my sister’s time in Paris made so much more personal and memorable due to the sharing of Bonjour 40; life is sweet 🙂

    PS Noelle, squeal another Brissie blogger!! Im off to find you on twitter but if I can’t, you can get me @teddyree

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