A Launch and a Life Change on Jane Austen’s Birthday

Today I’m celebrating Jane Austen’s birthday in a big way.  It’s the launch of my latest Austen-inspired novel, Mr. Darcy’s Letter, the latest of my variations on Pride & Prejudice.  The twist in this variation takes place when Mr. Darcy tries to give Elizabeth Bennet his letter of explanation after she refuses his disastrous proposal.  In Pride & Prejudice, she takes the letter and it sets the direction of the remainder of the book, but according to the etiquette of the time, if anyone ever discovered that she had received a letter from a single gentleman, she could be ruined… or forced to marry the man she detests.  But what if she had followed the rules and refused to take it?  In this all-new Pride & Prejudice variation, Elizabeth takes the safe course and refuses to read Mr. Darcy’s letter. Returning home unaware of Wickham’s true nature, Elizabeth confesses everything to him, putting both Mr. Darcy and herself in grave danger from Wickham’s schemes.

I’m also celebrating with lots of giveaways for my readers.  Want to read Mr. Darcy’s Letter?  I’ll be giving away a signed copy to a randomly selected reader who comments on this post.  I’m also celebrating on my Pemberley Variations blog where I’m giving away a copy of my October release, Mr. Darcy’s Undoing, as part of the Jane Austen Birthday Soiree.  Don’t feel like taking a chance?  As a special birthday treat for all readers, I’m also going to post my short story “Intermezzo” here on Austen Authors.  It’s a personal favorite of mine, and I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

But none of that is the big news in my life.  As if releasing a new novel isn’t enough and taking part in a giant birthday party for Jane Austen isn’t enough, today is the first day of my new life is a full-time writer.  I’ve spent many years practicing medicine and writing novels on the side, and I’ve decided it’s time to let my creative side take the lead.  It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking, but I’m looking forward to finally having the time to put all the ideas filling my head on paper.  Here’s some of the already half-written books that you’ll be seeing in the future:

  • The Interrupted Proposal: An all new Pemberley Variation set during some extreme weather in Kent
  • Uncharted Waters: The long-awaited third book in my Woods Hole series of contemporary novels set on Cape Cod, this book will tell the story of Ryan Boulton, the younger brother of Cassie Boulton from The Man Who Loved Pride & Prejudice and Morning Light.
  • Castles in the Sand: Book 4 in the Woods Hole series, but I’m not giving away who it involves yet!

So stick around – there’s plenty more to come!  Meantime, please leave a comment before December 23 for your chance to win a copy of Mr. Darcy’s Letter, and then go on to the next post to enjoy “Intermezzo!”

Abigail Reynolds

Abigail Reynolds is the author of 9 Regency-set variations on Pride & Prejudice and 2 modern novels set on Cape Cod.

85 Responses to A Launch and a Life Change on Jane Austen’s Birthday

  • Congratulations, Abigail! Way to go! And what a perfect day to begin a new adventure! In honor of Jane Austen’s birthday, please visit my web site for the link to a very special birthday card for Jane. http://www.austen-whatif-stories.com

  • Major congratulations, Abigail, on so many wonderful milestones! Isn’t it lovely to have a new book, and a new full-time career path, all begin on Jane Austen’s Birthday!

    *cheering and confetti* :-)

  • Sophia Rose says:

    Huzzah for the full time writer! Way to go Abigail! And your big news is our big news as we will be the ones to benefit. Love your ‘what ifs’ and Woods Hole series.

    Yeah! And thanks for the generous giveaways for Jane Austen’s birthday. Maybe some of her old magic will be channeled for you too.

  • Marilyn Brant says:

    Abigail,
    I’m SO thrilled for you!! What a way to mark an important and incredibly exciting milestone in your life! Congrats on Mr. Darcy’s Letter and all the good writerly things ahead…but extra-special congrats on making time for your creative side to flourish. All of us readers will have more literary treats from you in the near future ;) .
    ~Marilyn xox

    More Jane Austen birthday fun today at:
    http://marilynbrant.blogspot.com

  • Oloore says:

    Please accept my warmest congratulations on becoming full-time writer! Even when combining your medicine practice and writing you have let us enjoy so many wonderful moments when reading your books. So now when you have the possibility to dedicate your time and inspiration fully to writing novel, I’m sure that even more delightful adventures of our beloved heroes are awaiting for us :grin: I presume that that you specifically chose this particular day to celebrate it as the birth of your full-time writing career :grin:
    And congratulation on the launch of new variation! On amazon there is possibility to have a taste of the first two chapters from Mr.Darcy’s letter, and it is so intriguing! How will Elizabeth be able to get rid of her prejudice towards Darcy when she refused to read his letter? How will she come to understand Wickham’s wickedness? How will Darcy conquer her affections? I’m looking forward to finding that out! By the way when reading the beginning of Mr.Darcy’s letter I made a small discovery. I always thought that I like everything about Elizabeth, but when reading her conversation with Wickham after refusing Darcy’s letter (and her disclosing to Wickham the fact of Darcy’s proposal), I was so astonished to discover that she irritates me :shock: So I like Elizabeth who comes to understand Darcy’s value, Wickham’s faults and mistakes of her prejudice, and I don’t quite like Elizabeth who persists on remaining prejudiced!
    So I thank you for helping me to realize this about my preferences. And I thank you for sharing with us your new plans on new books. We are surely looking forward to them already :grin:

  • Laurel Ann says:

    Beautiful cover Abigail. I wish you all the best with your new novel and career. Change can be very uplifting, so make the most of your new venture. Happy holidays to you and your family.

  • Mystica says:

    A beautiful cover. Thank you for sharing with all of us.

  • ColleenL says:

    Congrats on another new novel and the major career change! I can see the good and the bad with hanging up the stethoscope. My best wishes to you on the new venture! And thanks for the giveaway.

  • blodeuedd says:

    I wish you the best :) And I like the turn of events in this book. I do wonder what you make Wickham do

  • You’re courageous and an inspiration! Very best wishes in your new flights.

  • Patricia says:

    I’d love to read your stories when they are finished!
    Happy birthday Jane!

  • Liz says:

    Best wishes for success of Mr. Darcy’s Letter and your new, full time career.

  • Congratulations for taking the plunge and becoming a full-time writer!! What wonderful news. And of course, congratulations for Mr. Darcy’s Letter!

    Also celebrating Jane Austen’s Birthday with a poll — what aspect of Jane Austen do you enjoy most? Visit my blog to vote

  • Aqilah says:

    i would love to read this. love all your work!

  • Elaine says:

    You must be so excited! Congratulations on this big step – I wish you continued success in your writing career.

  • Deborah says:

    Wow! Congratulations! I’m very happy for you and looking forward to reading more from you.

  • Mayme bolt says:

    Congrats!!!! I love reading your books and I can’t wait for your next one!!!

  • stephanie carrico says:

    Firstly Happy Birthday to Miss Jane Austen
    Congratulations to you!
    Have loved all your books and look forward
    to reading this one too.

  • charlotte says:

    Congratulations on becomming a full time writer and what a day to celebrate Jane Austins Birthday as well :) x

  • Nicole Barton says:

    I do not know how you find the time. I am looking forward to reading Mr. Darcy’s Letter and all your future novels. I graduated from college last night, so I do not have to feel guilty about putting off school work to read your wonderful books anymore. :smile: But, I really did not feel all that guilty. Hoping to win a copy, I have student loans to think about now. O, and Happy Birthday to Jane Austen!

  • Nicole says:

    I’m so excited about your new book. I just downloaded the sample this week, and would really love to win a copy!

    Your variations are among my favorites!

  • As one of my favorite people (if it wasn’t for you, I don’t know if I would be a published author), I am excited about your latest release and wish you much success with your future novels. (BTW-I’m not in the running for Mr. Darcy’s Letter, as I plan on buying it.)

  • Congrats on switching to writing full time! I look forward to reading your short story and will cross my fingers that I am selected to win your newest book.

  • Abigail, this is a wonderful day for you, and quite a milestone! Because I’m a selfish creature (well, not really, lol) I’m very excited that you’re going to be devoting the bulk of your time to your writing. The more you write, the more opportunities your readers have to improve their minds by extensive reading, myself included. Your books have long been favorites of mine, and I’m sure that your titles to come will be, too.

    Congratulations on so much – I’m celebrating the excitement at home, and raising a glass of white hot-chocolate in your honor! Happy, happy writing!

    Best,
    Susan

  • Sharon says:

    Looking forward to reading your latest book!

  • Abigail, what a wonderful day to begin a new adventure!!! I am so proud of you for making your own way in this crazy publishing world. I am anxious to read the newest of your creations.

  • Linda says:

    I’m curious to read what terrible things Wickham will do to Elizabeth and Darcy. Sounds like a great theme for a Pemberley Variation.

  • Danielle says:

    I would love to win a copy of this book!

    Congratulations and best of luck on your ne adventure as a full time writer!

  • Patricia Finnegan says:

    so excited to hear the news Abigal!

    Happy Birthday Jane!

  • Isabella says:

    Hi Abigail. I love your books!! I’m Italian and unfortunatly yours fantastic stories are not translated in my language, but fortunatly I know English and so I can read your beautiful variations. My congratulations for your work!
    I wish you luck and joy.
    Remember that you have a big fan also in Italy!!!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

    Isabella

  • Pingback: Happy Birthday, Jane Austen! | Abigail Reynolds

  • Lisa Wagner says:

    Oh, what an intriguing premise for a story! I would love to find out what happens!

    Happy Jane’s Birthday! I’d be thrilled to be chosen to win!

  • Congratulations, Abigail! What a wonderful day to have your book launch!

    The cover is absolutely gorgeous!!

  • SandyH says:

    Congratulations!! How exciting to be able to start writing full time. You being able to write full time will be wonderful to all of us that enjoy reading your books. I read Mr Darcy’s Letter and LOVED it, as I love all your books.

  • Kathryn (@SeldomKate) says:

    Abigail: Your writing and your story lines are brilliant, so we may all need shades to read what you come up with when devoting yourself full time to your passion. Best wishes on your “new” career, and thank you for sharing your stories with us! I am looking forward to reading “Mr. Darcy’s Letter.”

    Happy Birthday Miss Jane Austen!

  • Julie Freeman says:

    Congratulations Abigail!! I love all your books and short stories from Austen Interlude. I can’t wait for Mr. Darcy’s Letter!

  • Mary Simonsen says:

    Congratulations on your launch and the first day of the rest of your life.

  • Rita Watts says:

    Wow, what an interesting fact and turn of events. I can’t wait to read it!!!

  • Susan Kaye says:

    Congratulation on going full time. You’ll know you’re really full time when you find you wish you had the excuse of a job instead of just playing solitaire while avoiding writing. But, you’ll have plenty of time to clean up any run on sentences you create. ;-)

    Congratulations on the new book. Here’s to many more.

  • Monica P says:

    Congrats, Abigail! I am so looking forward to reading Mr Darcy’s Letter and the continuation of the Woods Hole series – I really liked Ryan in Morning Light and I think everyone wants him to succeed and be happy.

  • Lia Freitas says:

    Happy Birthday, Jane Austen!!

  • Adelaide says:

    To J.A.!! We love you!

  • Jane Odiwe says:

    Congratulations, Abigail-I hope you have many years of writing fun!

  • SO, SO happy for you dear friend! A little jealous, sure, but mostly beaming with happiness! I can’t imagine how awesome the Abigail Reynolds novels will now be with you attending even more time to them. Wow! It will be phenomenal!

    Best of luck and most of all: HAVE FUN!!

  • Jakki L says:

    Congrats, Abigail! Ooh, and you are working on the 3rd and 4th book in the Woods Hole Quartette?! I am anxious to see what happens to Ryan Boulton!
    A book release is a great way to celebrate JA’s b-day! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  • BeckyC says:

    Abigail, I am very excited about all your new material coming out. I selfishly urge you to hurry…. I look forward to reading Darcy’s Letter.

    Congratulations on all your success!!

  • Bonnie Wilson Carlson says:

    What a fitting day on which to start your new life, Abigail! I hope it bodes well for you, because that bodes well for all of us who love your books. Best of luck and keep them coming! :mrgreen:

  • Margaret says:

    Happy Birthday Jane! Congratulations Abigail! Thank you for sharing with us and for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

  • Debra says:

    Love your books Abigail, congrats. Happy Birthday Jane!!!!

  • Monica says:

    Elizabeth didn’t read Darcy’s letter? I have to know what happened next! :wink:

  • marilyn ritter says:

    Congrats on your decision to become a full-time writer and on the new book! A splendid way to celebrate Jane’s birthday.
    Thank you for the giveaway.

  • heatherly says:

    looking forward to more from your pen

  • Kara Louise says:

    Happy birthday Jane and congratulations Abigail on your launch and new path. Wishing you the best!

  • Tara says:

    Dearest Abigail,

    I could not be more excited and happy for you. I have Mr. Darcy’s Letter on my Kindle and I am locking myself away from the world this weekend to read it! :wink: Your books are JAFF classics and I look forward to adding your future works to my library. Your books are going to need their own shelf soon!!! Congratulations and best wishes always!

    Love, Tara

  • Congrats Abigail! That is some exciting news to announce today! I wish you all the best! And to hear that there are three new novels on the way sounds fantastic!! You are such a prolific writer!

  • Lisa S says:

    Congratulations Abigail!! I wish you so much success on your new career path. I hope you sell a ton of books. Three more novels. Ain’t life grand?

  • Thank so much to all of you who have taken the time to comment. Your encouragement means more to me than you can imagine! So much is happening today that I feel like it’s my birthday. I wish I could send you all free copies!

  • Sue says:

    Dear Abigail,

    Congratulations on your full time career change. Love your books, what a accomplishment you have done being a physican and then to change to writer. What a delight and hopefully a very rewarding change. Keep the ink flowing, for all your fans enjoy your books so much. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

  • Cyn209 says:

    i would love to read Mr Darcy’s Letter!! already added to my Wish List!!

    good luck & congrats to Abigail!!!!!

  • Elli says:

    “I have been a selfish being all my life” and that’s why I’m thrilled that you have decided to become a full-time writer. As you are my favourite Austen-inspired author I can never get enough of your work. Thank you for abandoning your patients to help the P&P variation addicts. May the muse be always with you. Congratulations and all the best wishes!

  • melanie says:

    Congratulations, Abigail!!

    And yes, I would love to win a copy of the book…

  • Kelli H. says:

    Congratulations Abigail! Thanks for the giveaway! Happy Birthday Jane!!

  • araminta18 says:

    Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Wow! Abigail,

    Big news! Love it that you announce it on Jane’s birthday.
    I can’t wait to read Mr. Darcy’s Letters. And all your future efforts.
    More treats for us readers! Yeah!

    Nina

  • Claire says:

    Happy Birthday to Jane and congratulations on the great events of your life, and I want to know what will happen to Lizzy and Dary with this turn of the situation. My e-mail address is tiernarebeldia@gmail.com

  • Stephanie L says:

    woo hooo!!! Congrats Lady Abigail!! So very cool that you can do that! I, like several others before me, are thrilled that you will be full time at giving us more gems to read. Happy birthday to Jane and we get the presents!! :grin: Looking forward to the new books!!

  • Congratulations, Abigail! I can’t wait to read your new book! And all of your upcoming novels sound fantastic. :)

  • Joanna says:

    I can’t wait to see how Mr Darcy and Lizzy escape from Mr Wickham’s clutches and how Mr Wickham gets his just deserts.

  • Heather M says:

    Congratulations on the book launch! I can’t wait to read this latest what-if. Thanks also for sharing Intermezzo with us.

  • Felicia says:

    Best wishes to you! I wish you continued success! Happy Birthday, Jane!

    Felicia

  • Abigail:

    Congratulations! I know you have been anticipating this hopeful change for awhile now. I look forward to hearing and reading more from you as your life change allows you more time to entertain us by extensive writing!

    Thanks for the extra post as well!

    Barbara Tiller Cole

  • Jenny Vi says:

    Always been a big fan of your work, I can’t wait to read your new books! Your P&P variations/inspirations have been some of my favourite stories. :mrgreen:

  • Chelsea B. says:

    Happy birthday Jane Austen! Congratulations Abigail! I can’t wait to read all you have in store for us!

  • LilMissMolly says:

    Here’s wishing you a very Happy Birthday, with many more glorious decades to come!
    lvsgund at gmail.com

  • Pam says:

    Congratulations, Abigail! I love your P&P stories and have read them many times over the past several years. I’m thrilled to know that your creative side has won out and look forward to reaping the rewards of your labor! :grin:

  • Margay says:

    Congratulations! That is a fun, exciting, frightening step to take in pursuit of your creative dreams – and us lucky readers get to reap the rewards of it!

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

  • Katrin W says:

    Wow, what a big change in life. Full-time author. COngratulations! Wonderful news!
    I´m looking forward to reading Mr.Darcys letter! I have never thoght about the etiquet about recieving a letter from an unmaried man, very interesting how your continued the plot!

  • Lúthien84 says:

    A heartiest congratulations to you, Abigail for your new release and joining the full-time writing community. I can’t wait to read your latest two releases, By Force of Instinct and Mr Darcy’s Letter. I hope I get to read your future releases as I enjoyed both your Pemberley Variation series and Woods Hole series.

  • Congratulations on your new writing life! May it be wonderful. :) Thanks for your post and the giveaway opportunity!

  • rainakochan says:

    mrs abigail reynolds you have made my day :) ))
    i ‘m going to rush to read what you have written :) “intermezzo”
    thank you and merry christmas

    jandia4junpyo@yahoo.fr

  • Karana A says:

    Wow. What a big step. Physician to fanfiction writer. I for one am glad, as we will hopefully get more stories. Can’t wait to read Mr. Darcy’s letters.

  • JoanneMM says:

    Possibly the most exciting post yet!! Launch party, birthday party, full time writer?? :grin: so happy for you and congratulations!
    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity too!! My email is
    tinkerbellbabe24 at verizon dot net

  • Gayle Mills says:

    Whoa! Big life changes ahead. I’m so glad you’re in the position to be able to devote yourself to what you love most.

    Can’t wait to read your future offerings.

    Intermezzo is one of my favorites. I’m glad other readers will be able to enjoy it here.

    Gayle
    scmema at yahoo dot com

  • IdentitySeeker says:

    Congratulations on beginning your new life as a full-time writer! Following your heart is never easy, but it’s always worth it. I wish you all the best in your writing career and hope to read many, many books penned by you. I’m intrigued to know what happens once Elizabeth refuses Darcy’s letter and spills her guts to Wickham. Look forward to reading you book:)

    Sarah

    sarah.setar@gmail.com

  • Jan Ashe says:

    woo-hoo! a great year coming up for us all – you’ll be publishing more and we’ll have more Abigail reynolds to read! whether it is another ‘what-if’ or more Woods Hole, I look forward to them.
    You have given us all a lovely gift for JA’s birthday!

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