Expat Focus talks to Kim Defforge about her latest book, "Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera", a practical concise travel guide without the usual touristy fluff.
Kim, please tell us a little bit about yourself
I lived several years in the city of Nice on the French Riviera, before moving to Cagnes-sur-Mer, a smaller city situated about 7 miles west of Nice. In the U.S., I was a teacher of French and a lover of all things French, and now, enjoy the language, culture, and joie de vivre on a daily basis as an expat.You recently published “Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera", what is the book about?
It’s a practical and very concise travel guide full of information and features, such as my personal picks & tips, without having to sort through all the usual touristy fluff.
What were the challenges you experienced in writing your latest book?
The challenge was to include comprehensive topics and up-to-date information in our ever-changing world. Since I am an expat, it helped me to focus on unique information that tourists might like to be aware of, such as local scams, jellyfish alerts, and monthly cultural events.
What inspired you to write “Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire: Travel Focus on the French Riviera”?
Since there is so much to do and see, my goal was to help tourists better navigate the area and have quick access to needed information. Some of my expat friends living in Nice have even benefited from the book’s information that they were unaware of.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
To create an intriguing title and to find just the right cover image that convey the book’s content, but that’s also the fun, creative side. I actually chose two different cover images for the e-book and paperback versions of “Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire.”
Did you self-publish or follow a more traditional publishing route?
I have self-published all my books, in order to retain more rights over my work, offer my books at a lower price, and to market them myself – it has definitely been a challenging learning curve. To help new authors, I wrote a book in which I explain my step-by-step process.
What type of audience do you feel your book would appeal to?
“Sun, Sea & Savoir-Faire” would appeal to anyone visiting the Nice area, as a way to have instant access to information without having to lug around a cumbersome guidebook, as well as expats new to this area.
Where can people buy your book?
My book is available on most Amazon sites as both an ebook and paperback.
What do you do when you are not writing?
I enjoy reading, watching movies, and volunteer teaching of ballroom and latin dancing.
What are your plans for the future?
I am planning to adapt my first book into a screenplay, as well as travel more and discover unknown places in France.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring expat writers?
Take a passionate interest in your subject matter, so that your voice and emotion will come through in your writing – find your niche.
Have you published any other books?
To date, Kim has written two other books and is currently working on a Riviera travel focus for families traveling with children; it should be published within the next few months.
“Solitary Desire – One Woman’s Journey to France” – A true story of twists and turns that weave an emotional tapestry and the author’s courage to follow her life dream. Inspirational & engaging!
“How to Write Your First Book” – A personal step-by-step guide on formatting, editing, publishing, & more. Follow the author’s footsteps to help you achieve your writing success!
As a lifelong Francophile in the U.S., and now living on the French Riviera, I enjoy the “Sun, Sea, & Savoir-faire” of French culture and all that the area has to offer. As a writer and author, I share news, information, & amusing stories about living on the French Riviera on my blog, “24/7 in France”. I also am co-founder of France Finesse, hosting special-themed, travel packages on the French Riviera.