The Filming of Moriah's Lighthouse! An Author’s Journey...

"The night that everything was signed and finalized, I fall asleep counting my blessings. My heart could hardly contain all the happiness. My book is going to be a Hallmark movie! I’m going to get to go to France! I…

"Therefore, packing clothes for a trip to France really is a challenge. I have no delusions of impressing anyone, but I would at least like to blend in. So, I’ve been poring over blogs on What to Wear in France!"

"Derek and I make it to the airport in record time. All that worry and sleeplessness for nothing! Four hours later, we’re on American Airlines leaving Chicago, headed across the Atlantic to Europe."

"It’s Sunday morning and suddenly I’m a new person. We go in search of breakfast. It is a gorgeous day. We find a tiny crepes place on a narrow, steep, street that is run by two sisters. One speaks halting…

"Authors do not usually spend time on the set of a movie. This is partially because the director and producers would prefer not to have to deal with the chance of someone feeling like they have the right to second-guess…

"I’m even more impressed when the director says “cut” and Rachelle, pleased with their performances, throws her hands in the air and shouts, “I LOVE MY JOB!” before the crew hustles her back into the lightkeeper’s house where it is…

"This is no small thing. Most writers—even successful ones—have to fight “imposter syndrome.” In the back of our minds is a niggling voice that tells us we don’t have any idea what we’re doing and someday our readers will figure…

"That’s the first I realize that editing is going on all day every day. The movie needs to be finished and finalized soon because there is yet a lot of work to be done, and the premiere will be in…

"Again, I mention how uncanny it is to see him because he looks exactly like the character I envisioned while writing the book. Serge is a lovely man who jokes about how nice it is to get to meet his…

"We awaken to miserable-acting weather. One minute it wants to rain, the next minute it clears up. We go to Castel Beau where much of the crew are staying and have breakfast in its huge dining room. We are limited…

"And then at the end of one of the final takes of this scene—just because she enjoys making people laugh—Rachelle surprises us by falling to her knees dramatically and screaming “WHY!!” It breaks the tension that everyone has been feeling…

"If I could choose one place to live in Europe, this town would be it. I wonder what it would be like to live here and just write and write. I’m certain it would inspire all sorts of wonderful stories.…

"The scenes today will mostly be filmed within the courtyard in the middle of the town. I wish there was a way I could sit beside those who view this movie and tell them that this is REALLY how this…

"Today is our last day on the set. More outdoor scenes. We say good-bye to the friends we’ve made on set. I get to connect for a few more minutes with Agnes before we film a short interview with Luke.…