Fern Michaels, author of more than 70 novels, is in Natchez this week to see for herself what the setting of her next book is like.

The bestselling author’s next book, &uot;Charming Lily,&uot; which will be out next year, is set in Natchez.

&uot;The book is not about Natchez, but it takes place in Natchez,&uot; Michaels said.

Michaels said she has already written the book, but needed to visit Natchez so she could add details specific to the area. This is Michaels’ first trip to Natchez.

Prior to this week, she had only learned about Natchez by the Internet and travel books so she needed to make this trip.

&uot;You’ve got to see it yourself,&uot; Michaels said. &uot;You’ve got to walk it. (You’ve got) to look at it.&uot;

Michaels said she thought Natchez was a beautiful place and reminded her of her home in Charleston, S.C.

&uot;It’s just a very nice small town or city where you all seem to know everybody,&uot; Michaels said. &uot;I like the familiarity of it.&uot;

And the main character in &uot;Charming Lily&uot; wants to settle in Natchez for those very reasons, she said.

The book is set in modern times and tells the story of Lily and her struggles in marrying the man she loves.

&uot;I like to write about women who have problems whatever they might be and they grow and mature into the person they’re supposed to be against all odds,&uot; Michaels said.

Michaels will sign copies of her books from 1 to 2 p.m. today at Cover to Cover Books, in downtown Natchez.