We try to leave the Airbnb as clean as we found it. Then we drag the luggage out, turn out the lights, lock the door, deposit the key in the mailbox, and pull down the metal door shutter like our hostess asked. We see no more of our hostess than our initial visit. But as much as I am enjoying Dinan and the fact that I really AM in FRANCE, I still have a slightly sick feeling about arriving on set. Here’s why:

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 the plot, argue over changes from their book, and basically be underfoot. I get it.

The director and producers have an enormous amount of work to accomplish in an incredibly short amount of time. Made-for-TV movies are often filmed in exactly three weeks. Scenes are planned out of chronological order to maximize locations, costumes, and most importantly…time!

As we drive away, I check my email and am delighted to see that Borga Dorter, one of the producers on site, has sent an email welcoming me to France and is offering to meet me at eleven o’clock a.m. at the Castel Beau in Ploumanac’h where filming has already begun.

After arriving in Ploumanac’h, we check in with our new Airbnb hostess, using Google Translate. The house is spotless. I’m excited because it has a lovely sunroom, where I intend to write my next few days of blogs.