Fame and small fortunes

Let’s be honest. As excited and proud as I am about Paris, My Sweet, I don’t expect to become rich and famous. The rewards of book publishing are relatively modest, and the John Grishams and J.K. Rowlings of the world are few and far between.

However, that’s not to say you don’t feel like a rock star from time to time. In the month since the book was published, there have been many sweet moments and rewards.

I love that I’m temporarily a “celebrity” in my friends’ eyes; that old classmates and colleagues have resurfaced; and all that cousin pride (whoop whoop!).

I’m honored that I’m being interviewed by a Columbia journalism student, and was invited by a freshman at my alumnae, Babson College, to come speak at the Women’s Leadership Program.

And while I haven’t received any gold necklaces, 4G iPads or SUVs like an all-star student athlete, I have been gifted with my fair share of cookies, macarons, champagne and flowers. It’s been beyond thoughtful and generous.

But the best part about it all has the fan mail. Even before the book, I’d get emails from young women who followed GILP and were inspired by the possibility of one day living in Paris or being a writer. There’s nothing better than receiving a message from a stranger, out of the blue, telling you that you’ve had an impact on their life. This past week, I received a note that actually made me cry. I won’t share all of it, just this bit that put a squeeze on my heart.

I wanted you to know your words matter and affect people. You are an inspiration to many whom you will never know but I needed to say Thank you in such a way that across the thousands of miles that separate us, you were able to ignite a spark in the darkness of my world that has set a fire of passion in my spirit and soul. I will forever be grateful Amy.

Thank you, Mona.

And thank you, everyone. I’m so grateful for this journey. For the two years in Paris, the friends who sustained me throughout it, and the connections and friendships I made through this blog. It’s all been possible, and made beautiful, because of YOU. Merci, mes amis.