But since Catherine Sanderson's online writings, in a blog under the name of La Petite Anglaise, brought her international attention seven months ago she has gone from out-of-work secretary to soon-to-be-published author.
There have even been talks with film producers about the story of how her musings on life as an expat in Paris became an internet sensation.
When asked who would play her in a movie, Ms Sanderson laughs.
"Kate Winslet? She's about my age and has a daughter the same age as mine."
The 34-year-old Yorkshirewoman, who has lived in Paris since graduating from Bath University, is nearing the end of her first book, based on anecdotes and events featured in her blog.
The romantic comedy about the adventures of a dating single mother in Paris stops short of one pivotal situation – when she was sacked by accountancy firm Dixon Wilson, which took exception to her accounts of life in their office.
Her claim for unfair dismissal has been adjourned until the summer and the outcome of the test case will be watched in France, and beyond, for its implications for other bloggers.
Back visiting her parents near York, Ms Sanderson said blogging reminded her of how much she enjoyed writing at school, where her passion for France had been an "irrational" preoccupation since the age of 11.
"The aim was just to be entertaining," she said of her writing – subtitled "slices of my life in Paris" – which she started as online writers such as Belle de Jour were becoming better-known.
"It became more personal and evolved on its own. The first thing I wrote that was quite personal was that my partner did not want to get married. I got so many emails. That pushed me and I was expressing my feelings more, rather than writing funny things about Paris.
"It's trying to express how you feel about your life – you realise things about yourself you didn't know before, which is probably a bit unhealthy. My mum always said I thought about things too much."
She decided on her blog identity – a popular affectionate nickname – in a matter of seconds and pseudonyms for her ex-partner, Mr Frog, and their young daughter, Tadpole, were similarly spontaneous.
Tadpole features frequently in the blog and the little girl's daily routine gives shape to her mother's days as a full-time writer, on course to complete her debut book, which is due for publication next year in eight countries including the UK and United States, but not France as yet.
By then Ms Sanderson's second book, more of a novel than a memoir, should be well under way.
The setting may be Paris but she is adamant there will be no Eiffel Tower or other Gallic clichés on the cover.
And she hopes to escape the lazy tag of "chicklit" which labels many works by young female authors.
Having been unprepared for the levels of media interest when her story became public, Ms Sanderson had to developed a thicker skin. For example, a blogged account of a hangover prompted emails telling her she needed rehab but she said what goes online is only a small part of her
life.
"It doesn't mention the other 30 nights when I've stayed in," she said. "I am honest but people are only seeing little slices."
Another issue is how much potential suitors may have read about her so she is aware of strangers' preconceptions.
"Is it healthy for people to be able to read about me before they get to know me? It's strange meeting new people when so much of me is out there," Ms Sanderson said.
But the online community has been supportive and the blog has led to friendships with other writers and other bloggers, in Paris, the UK and elsewhere.
"I don't regret the blog," she said. "I'm enjoying documenting my daughter growing up – hopefully she won't be too embarrassed later.
"I've been quite conscious of not wanting to upset anybody – my ex was very supportive.
"It's really nice to have the opportunity to write a book – I never dreamed that would happen."
Read her blog online at www.petiteanglaise.com
julie.hemmings@ypn.co.uk