I didn't remember that I had already read this, although I did think that here and there he had copied from someone else, only I couldn't think of who. Now I know why those parts were familiar.

Well, on second reading, seven years later, it doesn't make that great an impression. I think this is one of those small books that are thin on information or ideas. If you want to know what he says to do in order to write in Paris, find an apartment/studio, write three times a day. There you have it. He says to write in parks, cafes, churches. And walk a lot. But make no pilgrimages. Maisel is anti-pilgrimage. I don't agree, and I certainly don't want Maisel telling me what to do when I'm in Paris or anywhere else. He can suggest, but don't dictate! I went to Pere Lachaise Cemetery on my last visit as a pilgrimage. I've read all of the Colette books that have been translated into English and I wanted to visit her grave, pay my respects, and thank her for all the hours I've spent enjoying her writing. And the next time I go to Paris I'll visit somewhere else that has meaning for me. So there!

This felt like a formula book. I saw that Maisel has written more than fifty books, so I suspect he has come up with a formula, like what to do to visit and write in Paris -- something that will sell, and he writes a short book, thin on information, and full of .....

Written in 2013:
If you just want a guidebook for visiting Paris, this is a good one. If you like to write and would like to try a writing adventure in an extended visit to Paris, this is the book for you. And if you want to write but find you never really have the time, this is also the book for you. I just finished reading it and will now go through it with a little notebook and pen beside me, because some of the ideas and some of the wonderful quotes are worth saving.
I think it was Carol who recommended this. Thanks! ( )

I have had this book on my shelf for years, waiting for the right time to pick it up. It was given to my husband and me before our first trip to Paris. Neither of us read it then, but I just felt like now was a good time since we have had to cancel our current (and fourth) Paris trip due to COVID-19. Would this short book substitute for a trip to Paris? Actually, it was a fun way to virtually visit one of my favorite places. And to make plans for the next trip. In some ways it's a "how-to write" book without containing writing technique tips. But it's really more of a motivator with Paris as the setting. The writing style is upbeat and humorous. I found myself laughing out loud many times. What I especially liked was the lists of museums, bookstores, cafes, and day trips. So it's also a travel guide with lots of illustrations, fun historical facts, tips about various things to do on a budget and also encouragement to get you to write, if that's what you want to do when visiting the City of Light. ( )

I thought this was just a great book, I'd definately recommend..