Winners of When They Fall in Love by Mary Simonsen
The winners of the e-books for When They Fall in Love are Karana and Maria. I will be contacting you shortly to get your information. Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway and for leaving comments. I really enjoyed reading about where you would like to meet Mr. Darcy. Paris and the Lake District were high on the list. If you would like another opportunity to win an e-book, please visit Candy Morton’s blog, So Little Time. She will be hosting a giveaway of When They Fall in Love this week. The paperback version will be available the last week of April.
P.S. Karana, would you please contact me at quailcreekpub@hotmail.com. The e-mail address I have for you does not work. Thanks.
Guests: Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift
Today at Austen Authors we are welcoming authors Kathleen Anderson and Susan Jones. Both lovely ladies are professors of English Literature at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, and have written numerous scholarly articles, including several on Jane Austen for the JASNA publication Persuasions: A Jane Austen Journal. Their collaboration on Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift tackles the fiscal woes that we face today and equips modern women with new (and old) ways to live a life of elegant economy. I think we can all learn more about that!
Here is the blurb from Amazon:
Embrace your inner Jane and find a new way of life in thrift!
Jane Austen knew that wealth and grandeur had little to do with happiness, and that fashionable new dresses and reticules to impress Mr. Darcy simply were not the path to fulfillment—especially when one accrues debt in the process. It’s as true today as it was then . . .
Whether you have a fortune or not, you’re well advised to make the most of your income—and save for your future. Now, using the timeless wisdom and example of Jane Austen’s memorable heroines, this book offers everything the modern lady needs to know about: Clever investing, keeping up appearances on a budget, giving and receiving graciously, finding treasures at flea markets and church rummage sales, planning a party that only looks extravagant, and more!
Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift shows how to make your circumstances significantly less reduced, and how to live a life of elegent economy and joyful generosity—whether you’ve as much as Emma Woodhouse or as little as Miss Bates.
Kathleen and Susan are here to share a few insights from their book. Be sure to ask questions of them! They will be popping in to interact. Plus, comments will enter your name into the drawing for one free copy of Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift. Very cool! The deadline for comments to win is Saturday, April 20 at midnight. *US & Canada only, sorry. Links for additional information and purchasing are after the guest post. So take it away ladies!
Spend a Day Like Jane Austen
A guest blog by Drs. Kathleen Anderson and Susan Jones
Authors of Jane Austen’s Guide to Thrift
(Berkley Books, 2013) Continue reading
Guidelines? What guidelines?
When I was first introduced to Jane Austen’s novels, I had no idea that I’d eventually become so enamored with Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet, and Mr. Darcy that I’d someday write my own version of their story. I certainly never dreamed I’d have my writing published.
Publishing… it’s kind of scary, really. Considering a writer can spend any amount of time from a few months to a few years on a project, it’s no wonder so many of us grow so attached to our end-products. Sending a finished manuscript off to an editor can be a very nerve-wracking experience! So much goes into writing a novel, including countless amounts of research, long nights (translation: no sleep), and a huge part of ourselves. Oftentimes editors will ask for changes—sometimes monumental changes—and for an author this can be a very frustrating and, in some cases, even devastating experience.
I’m one of the few who don’t mind changes, though. In fact, I even welcome them. I want my novel to be the best novel it can be, and if the manuscript I submitted requires an obscene amount of editing (which, thankfully my first novel, The Truth About Mr. Darcy, didn’t require), it means it isn’t up to snuff yet and needs some work. (Or, in my case, a thousand or so adjectives deleted from the text. Lol – I kid you not!) Continue reading
Getting the dirt on Jane Austen – Archeologists excavate her childhood home
Okay, many of us dig Mr. Darcy. We have our reasons and are willing to defend those reasons in a duel, if need be. Others may take up the sword for the swoonable Henry Tilney (that includes me). For the rest, Captain Wentworth floats their boat, or, some prefer much older heroes like Mr. Knightley.
One thing we can agree on: we’re all Jane Austen fans, am I right?
And now her childhood digs–her home at Steventon–have been dug up. Will we finally get the dirt on Jane Austen? Is there any to be had?!
Talk about shards of evidence: there hasn’t been much in the news about the archeological excavation in Hampshire, save for a recent article in Jane Austen’s Regency World Magazine, a mention in a BBC online newsfeed, and a few other–pieces–here and there.
I’m paraphrasing the BBC news article when I say that “volunteers” excavated the field in Steventon where the rectory house once stood.
As soon as I read that, I thought: volunteers?! Who among us would’ve loved to have been a volunteer on that project? Or do I just speak for myself? As a second-grader, I wrote an entire report on how I wanted to become an archeologist, and that remained the case until about a year later, when after the Brownie camp out in the rain and mud, I became a Girl Scout drop-out. Once I made the connection that archeologists camped frequently, I gave up on my archeologist dream, too. Continue reading
Winners of The Passions of Dr. Darcy
The deadline has passed, and it is time to announce the winners of my latest novel. I am still having a blast enjoying the giddy enthusiasm of seeing The Passions of Dr. Darcy finally in the hands of readers. The response has been amazing. I shared a number of the delighted words of praise on my website: www.sharonlathan.net and before I announce the winners of the Rafflecopter drawing that was part of my launch celebration here on April 2, I have to share one editorial review.
It comes from The New York Journal of Books, and is by Toni V. Sweeney. I was super stoked to read her lovely review, not only because it was positive (although that is always a perk!) but mainly due to the fact that she completely appreciated the character of Dr. George Darcy, and that the plot was about the journey of his life. It is a long review, and contains spoilers for one who has not read the novel as yet, so I’ll share the direct link – HERE – and my favorite remarks–
“. . . a splendid tale of one man’s determination . . . to be the best in his chosen profession . . . and to find love.”
The passion of the title pertains to love, of course . . . of that George Darcy has for women, but it also relates to his concern for his patients and his integrity in treating them. In this context, Dr. Darcy has three passions: women . . . of India . . . and his love of medicine . . . not necessarily in that order.
Though there’s sex in the story, it’s couched in the vernacular of an Austen novel so it’s more emotionally than graphically descriptive. Nevertheless the narrative is evocative of great passion.
A portion of the story is told through George’s journals, written to various deceased family members. His observations on the development of his nephew Fitzwilliam as an infant, a child, an adolescent, and later the adult man winning Elizabeth Bennet’s heart, bring new facets to that character as originally presented in Jane Austen’s novel.
Anyone who has read Pride and Prejudice will enjoy this story though that isn’t a prerequisite. One doesn’t even have to read the other entries in this series since this could also be a stand-alone.
*sigh Yep, very happy! Don’t delay getting your copy! Click over to my website, or click the image of my gorgeous cover to go directly to Amazon. And now, the main purpose of this post, here are the lucky winners—
The Passions of Dr. Darcy
trade paperback, signed by Sharon
Patricia Finnegan
The Passions of Dr. Darcy
eBook version
Angela Smith
Wendy Norris Roberts
Pride & Prejudice Readers Choice Scene #9
Welcome to the ninth installment of The Bennet Brother, the interactive group writing project from Austen Authors! At the end of this segment, you’ll have a chance to vote on what happens next. There are also extra details on Twitter, where this story has taken on a life of its own. Mr. Edward Bennet (@edwbennet) already has a notable presence and regularly interacts with readers, including this interview with Miss Leatherberry on Leatherbound Reviews:
Interview with Mr. Edward Bennet
Full details on Pride & Prejudice Reader’s Choice can be read by clicking to the page via the menu above or the icon to the left.
Voting for today’s installment will end at 6am tomorrow – Thursday, April 11th. Next week, the story continues with a new addition by Regina Jeffers. The previous eight installments can be read in order on The Writers Block.
And, now, here is Scene #9 by Nina Benneton~~
“And when you are better, Mr. Bennet, I hope you will allow me to escort you myself.”
At Miss Darcy’s artless invitation, Edward laughed.
The pinkness returned to her face.”Forgive my unseemly forwardness, sir.”
Curse his bad manners. He’d done it again, embarrassed her without meaning to. “I would be honored to have you show me the grounds of your home.”
She fidgeted with something at her wrist, then she seemed to stiffen in surprise, as if she’d suddenly recalled something. His gaze dropped, and he noted some kind of small frippery hanging from her wrist.
She half-turned from him, as if she didn’t want him to see it. “As my brother is still indisposed, I had thought perhaps to be hostess in his stead.”
The frippery was a reticule. He couldn’t remember seeing his sisters with reticules when they rode, but then they rarely rode. Longbourne’s horses were needed at the farm more often than available for pleasure ridings. Her fingers, though now no longer clenching, agitatedly worked the pink strings of her reticule.”Miss Darcy, did my laughing offend you in some way?”
“No…not at all, sir,” she replied in a nervous, unconvincing tone.
“I apologize for my clumsy laugh to your offer. It was not directed at you, but rather—” he broke off, realizing what he was about to say could be misconstrued worse.
Her middle finger threaded the pink tassel of her reticule, then she seemed to collect herself. “My offer was to show you and both of your sisters the grounds of Pemberley.” Continue reading
The Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles
Mr. Darcy’s P&P POV (the abridged version)
Greetings, folks. Jack Caldwell here. This is Part 9 of my little work-in-process. For Part 1, go here, Part 2, here, Part 3 here, Part 4 here, Part 5 here, Part 6 here, Part 7 here, Part 8 here.
The completed story will be eventually posted in its entirety at Austen Authors’ The Writers Block and at my own Ramblings of a Cajun in Exile. But you don’t want to wait until then, do you?
Remember, comments are required.
~~~
PART 9
Chapter 34 –
What the hell happened?
I remember walking into the parsonage’s modest parlor. There was Elizabeth, pale but sitting upright. She was not at death’s door. I recall the enormous relief I felt along with annoyance that I had walked out of Aunt Catherine’s tea for no purpose.
Purpose. I remember thinking of my purpose. Suddenly, all became clear. I loved her. I loved Elizabeth. Pride, status, expectations—they were as nothing to me. I must surrender to her. I must have her.
“In vain have I struggled! It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” Yes, I said that. I meant that.
She gave me such an unreadable expression. I thought her overwhelmed by my declaration. My thoughts seemed to tumble out of my mouth. She deserved—she needed to know of my struggles. To comprehend what I had thrown away and rejected for her sake. I had to have her! And then…
Rejection. She rejected me. She did not expect my declaration. She was surprised—shocked—disgusted. Disgusted with me.
I remember feeling stunned then angry. I do not know whether I had ever been that angry before. Not even with Wickham had I been that angry. I offered her my heart, and she spit on it!
She talked of Bingley and Miss Bennet. How did she come to know of that? And why was she so angry? Her sister did not love my friend! There was nothing in her actions that showed anything of it! Continue reading
Launch and Giveaway of When They Fall in Love by Mary Simonsen
Pop the champagne! No, wait. Change that to Chianti!
Welcome to the launch of my latest Pride and Prejudice re-imagining, When They Fall in Love, published in collaboration with White Soup Press. Here is a brief description of the story:
Spring of 1814 – Fitzwilliam Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet at the Hunsford Parsonage, but his offer of marriage is rejected.
Spring of 1821 – A recently widowed Fitzwilliam Darcy has taken up residence with his six-year-old daughter, Alexandra, at a villa in the hills above Florence and invites Charles and Jane Bingley and their daughter to come for a visit. Included in the invitation is Elizabeth Bennet, who has taken on the responsibility of governess for her niece, Cassandra Bingley.
In the intervening years, Elizabeth’s opinion of the Master of Pemberley has altered greatly, but has Darcy’s opinion of Elizabeth changed? After all, he married another and fathered a child. Will they be able to put their troubled history behind them? When They Fall in Love is set against the background of the greatest city of the Renaissance, a perfect place to start over.
To celebrate my unveiling, I asked Miss Jane Austen if she would like to interview me, and the gracious lady, descending from her heavenly perch, agreed.
Jane: First, congratulations on your release of When They Fall in Love. I am sure you are as excited as I was when I first published Sense and Sensibility in 1811.
Mary: I always get butterflies in my stomach when I click the “publish” button, and the book goes live.
Jane: I have no idea what that means, but that is neither here nor there. From the list of your published novels, it is obvious that your particular favorite is Pride and Prejudice. Continue reading
Guests: Pride and Prejudice and Kitties
I am SO excited to welcome our guests today and share this absolutely delightful book with all of you! Pamela Jane and Deborah Guyol have written and presented a truly delightful twist on Pride and Prejudice, and as far as I am aware, a completely unique take. Fortunately I didn’t miss out on the chance to make these discoveries! Months ago Pamela wrote to Abigail and me via the AuAu admin email address, telling us about her then-upcoming book. Now here is where I confess that I am not a huge cat-person, and that cute pictures of animals with funny captions are only entertaining in small portions. Therefore, I wasn’t too thrilled with the vision of a whole book with both!
Then Pamela’s publisher kindly sent me an advanced reader copy. Wow! As soon as I read the opening line, “Netherfield Park has been marked at last!” I was smiling. The second sentence – The news caused much romping at the Bennet household for, as every cat knows, a handsome young tom in possession of his own territory must be in want of a mate. – had me laughing…. And I never stopped. I loved every page, and was sincerely impressed by Pamela and Deborah’s respectful devotion to Jane Austen’s novel.
We are very happy to welcome Pamela and Deborah to Austen Authors. At the end there will be information on the giveaway being offered, and link to purchase and learn more. Now, take it away, ladies!
Follies and Nonsense… Do Divert Me
Authors Pamela Jane and Deborah Guyol discuss their new book,
Pride and Prejudice and Kitties:
A Cat-Lover’s Romp Through Jane Austen’s Classic
(Skyhorse Publishing, April 2013)
In Pride and Prejudice and Kitties, by Jane Austen, Pamela Jane, (children’s book author) and Deborah Guyol (lawyer, writer, photographer), we acknowledge the universal truth that Jane Austen’s classic novel works perfectly with cats. Continue reading
Presentation at Court
Regency court dress for married women and men
One of the major rites of passage for young men and women of the haute ton was their presentation at court. It was not required that they be presented before their coming out season started and young people of the gentry often had neither the desire nor the money to prepare for a presentation. Presentation at court was required, however to attend any social events put on by the royal court.
Who could be presented at court? To be presented at court you must be the son or daughter of a gentleman and you need to have someone who had been presented to sponsor you, vouching for your background and social class. A sponsor could only sponsor two people at one time, so if you had three daughters you wanted to have presented at once you would need two sponsors. A woman could also be presented if she married a man who was of a high enough class to qualify for presentation. Presentations were done only on certain specified days during the Season, and were called Levees for young men and Drawing Rooms for y0ung women. There were often impecunious women of the peerage who would present young women for pay, allowing them an entré into the parties and balls of the Season, as well as preparing them for presentation.
The presentation of young men was simpler than that of young women as their court clothes were quite similar to their ordinary evening dress wear, with the addition of a dress sword. In the Regency they would be presented to the Prince Regent Continue reading
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