Medieval Monpazier
A writer in search of inspiration
Sometimes there is just the need to take a couple of days. Away from the usual existence and an opportunity to explore new places. A well-deserved break for my wife Paula and a chance to recharge the batteries, empty my mind of all the mundane chores of life and to think about a new project for the winter.
We chose to have a lazy lunch in the small town of Belves, perched on a hill on the edge of the Dordogne region of France (about an hour from our home). Then to spend the weekend in the nearby medieval town of Monpazier. Two days to soak up the atmosphere and character of the place and several hours spent in search of inspiration.
Monpazier was one of the last Bastide towns, built by Edward 1st to create his line of defensive Bastide strongholds. It was built in 1284 in a grid pattern, defended by high walls with towers at each corner and a moat that required a bridge over it when entering the stronghold. I will develop my knowledge of the Bastide towns, but I was given a basic education by the excellent Bastidium museum within Monpazier. Plenty of interactive games to keep children amused if you are looking for something to do. Monpazier, along with Chateau de Beynac, appear in the Ridley Scott film, The Last Duel, which can currently be found on Disney+.
Back at the hotel pool and it was another afternoon of reading the latest Richard Osman (checking out the competition) for Paula and research for me. As it turned out, quite a rewarding afternoon of free thought and scribbling fresh ideas. Maybe that is what I needed. One or two projects are in development, but nothing was really engaging me. After several hours of doodling and scratching my sun burnt head, I had my plenty of new ideas. The weekend away gave me fresh inspiration and without the distraction of everyday tasks, a chance for my brain to find the new direction I was looking for.
At home and we are still ploughing through the manuscript for my fourth novel, ‘Frenzy’. It’s slow going, but we are still confident of publication for Christmas. As for the new ideas? For me, the break seemed to work and I have a notebook now bursting with possibilities. I am desperate to get started on the best bit…. The writing!
You can find out more about me on my Facebook page, Guy Robin Author. All my published novels are available on Amazon as paperback or Kindle versions and free if you subscribe to Kindle unlimited.
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