When I moved to France in 1993, I arrived with an A-level in French but I had never actually spoken the language. I knew the grammar, the structures, the rules, but holding a real conversation with a real French person, in real life, was something entirely different. And I struggled.

With daily use and very few people around to guide me, I simply had to get on with it. Little by little, my confidence grew. My vocabulary expanded. I made mistakes, learned from them, and kept going. Today, I’m proud to say I speak French fluently.

I see that same struggle in others: the hesitation, the self-doubt, the frustration. And it’s exactly this recognition, this shared experience, that inspired me to help others learn French.

Grammar books and dictionaries don’t intimidate me, but I know they can feel overwhelming to many learners. That’s why I created bite-sized lessons based on real-life situations. My French Fantastique series includes a little bit of everything: short grammar explanations, practical vocabulary for everyday life, conversation examples, cultural insights, and plenty of useful extras. The books are designed to be dipped into for just a few minutes at a time with no need to start from the beginning or master everything at once. Light, simple illustrations help break up the text so nothing feels heavy or intimidating.

From the very start of this (rather mammoth!) project, I decided to focus on beginners. Why? Because being a beginner is the hardest part. It’s the stage where the hurdles feel the highest and the progress feels the slowest. If I can support learners through this crucial phase, then I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.

I often draw on my books during the private French lessons I teach, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch students go from not being able to say a single word to holding a basic conversation with me.

Recently, one of my students (you know who you are!), who began shy, nervous, but wonderfully determined, had their long-awaited lightbulb moment. Watching their confidence blossom has been a joy, and I know it will transform their experience of living in France.

All books available on Amazon (and if you do buy one, and enjoy it, please leave an honest review on Amazon, thank you).