After wanting to write about a part of France which many Americans have never heard of, writer Lisa McClendon chose a quaint location in the Dordogne. Lisa’s research took her to the picturesque Bastide village, using Monpazier as her home base and staying in the Hotel Edward.

While most writers believe the research is the hard part, Lisa disagrees, believing it is the writing which can trip you up: “Readers sometimes are concerned about the poor author trudging through piles of mouldy books, but as a writer I can tell you research is the fun part. Writing the book is hard work. Researching a lovely village in southwest France where they serve truffle omelettes and wine the colour of blood? Let me check my calendar!”

Blackbird Fly is the name of her story based in a fictional village called Malcouziac. The plot involves an American woman whose husband dies unexpectedly, which is just the beginning of her troubles. She inherits a stone cottage in the Dordogne from him, something he had never mentioned while he was alive. His wife, Merle Bennett decides on a fresh start by revamping the cottage and moving to the Dordogne. She soon finds out why she had never known about this cottage in this location, it turns out there are a lot of reasons, all of which she has to face.

Situated at the heart of South-west France, this land-locked location is home to spectacular sites and monuments which provide endless opportunities for cultural discovery. The local way of life, prehistoric remains, famous castles, charming villages and stunning scenery all show in this novel. It is a well kept secret, untouched by the contamination of high commercialism, the author truly brings out the features of the Dordogne.

Related posts:

1. French holidays house exchange is on the increase
2. Recent Daily Mail article on the Dordogne or is it Dordogne-shire