Spotlight on NAUGHTY PARIS, with Heather Stimmler-Hall
Kate: Tell us a little about yourself. What's your background? Hobbies? Interests?
 Heather: I was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona. I started taking journalism classes in high school and was the Teen Correspondent for the daily paper, The Phoenix Gazette. I ended up majoring in Political Science at Carleton College in Minnesota because I thought I'd be a White House Correspondent one day, LOL! I first came to Paris for my junior year abroad, and ended up staying after I graduated. I guess you could say that Paris is my hobby; I never get sick of exploring all of the hidden corners, new shops, cafés, pastry shops...
Kate: I don't blame you. I'd like that hobby myself! Heather, how did you come up with the idea for NAUGHTY PARIS?
Heather: I've been writing travel articles and guidebooks to Paris for almost eight years, but they all tend to have the same general information. My own website, SecretsofParis.com used to get a lot of emails from readers looking for information on swingers clubs and ideas for bachelorette parties, and I also had tour clients discreetly asking for this info, so I soon figured out there was a gap in the market, and decided to fill it. :)
Kate: I'm so glad you did. Reading about Paris from the naughty point of view has me eager to visit there again.
 Tell us about researching the book. Any horror days? What was the most fun you had researching the guide?
Heather: Oh, there are too many horrors to recount, but more with the actual publishing (NAUGHTY PARIS is published by my company, Fleur-de-Lire) than with the research of the book itself. Even though I'd been an editor and writer for many years, the sheer amount of work involved in producing a book—coordinating the photographer, designers, printers and distributors—really took up 120% of my time for over two years. But the end result looks very good, if I do say so myself. ;)
As for the fun I had researching, I recruited all of my friends to come out to the fetish parties with me, so that was a lot of fun going to the shops and trying on crazy latex outfits and French Maid uniforms, almost like Halloween without the candy. But as much fun as it is, it's also a lot of work; all travel writers know that it's not really a vacation when you're constantly taking mental notes: prices, hours, dress code, atmosphere, decor, clientele...a lot of researching is fact-checking!
Kate: But what facts to check, LOL. Heather, what's your #1 piece of advice for women traveling to Paris?
Heather: Relax! A flirt is just a flirt (unless you want it to be more), and just because a man says you're sexy and beautiful doesn't mean he's harassing you, LOL! This is a city where women are openly appreciated for the efforts they make to look good. A French woman would be mortified if no one paid any attention to her as she walked down the street!
Kate: So, how does the Parisienne idea of "sexy" different from American "sexy"?
Heather: It's a much more natural "I just got out of bed" look. American women can be so nicely put together, but it looks so "groomed". French women don't look like they tried to impress anyone. They wear little make up, their clothes are usually not flashy, and they age very well, with confidence in their sexiness. This is not a youth culture like it is in the US.
Kate: Hmmm, maybe I should move there in a few years... How about the concept of "Day Use"? Can you explain it to us?
 Heather: Most hotels, particularly larger ones, rent out their rooms during the day only at a reduced rate, known in the industry as "day use" even in France. It is typically touted for people who work for the airlines when they need to shower and sleep during layovers, but everyone knows it's mostly couples enjoying an afternoon tryst. No need to pretend or explain otherwise, Parisian hotel staff are known for discretion.
Kate: Oooh, sounds intriguing. A visit to Paris definitely calls for some new lingerie. What piece of lingerie should no naughty woman traveling to Paris ever go without? How about attitude?
Heather: I think a fabulous pair of thigh high stockings are fun, but whatever you wear, make sure the entire bra/panty ensemble matches! Attitude will get you further than anything, and doesn't cost a cent. Stay open minded and level headed and you'll do just fine.
Kate: Well, I like that bit about attitude. I have plenty of that! Heather, what's the best thing about French men?
Heather: They're totally at ease in seduction, without the least bit of embarrassment at wooing ladies in front of other men...they seem so sincere when they're giving you the lines!
Kate: LOL. What's the worst thing about them?
Heather: They seem so sincere when they're giving you the lines, LOL! Seriously, French men fall madly in love at the drop of a hat, but then they fall out of it just as quickly. Enjoy the ride, don't get hooked.
Kate: Would you say they really deserve their reputations as legendary lovers, then?
Heather: Heh heh. They deserve their reputations completely, the good, bad and ugly!
Kate: What's next for you? Do you plan to write NAUGHTY guides for other international cities?
Heather: I'm currently looking for writers for London, Berlin and New York. I'm going to stick to writing what I know—Paris—and stay on the editorial/publishing side of the next guides.
 Kate: Where can my readers buy NAUGHTY PARIS?
Heather: It's available at all bookstores and online, as well as in specialty shops in Paris listed on my website. There are some signed copies at Borders in Boston, NY, and Philadelphia; the photographer Kirsten Loop sells signed copies in Canada; dedicated copies can be ordered directly from me at www.naughtyparisguide.com.
Kate: Thank you, Heather!
For more information about NAUGHTY PARIS and Heather Stimmler-Hall, please visit Naughty Paris Guide.
For information about photographer Kirsten Loop, please visit Kirsten's website.
© 2008 Kate St. James
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