I’m in a state of giddy delight caused by excitement, sleep deprivation and a little too much “Heavenly Hash” ice cream this week, but I’ll tell you why: I JUST FINISHED WRITING MY NEW BOOK!!!! (Okay, everyone, dance around the room with me for a minute and, then, because you’ve burned off all sorts of calories, have a couple spoonfuls of your favorite dessert. I insist!! )

This was not an easy book to write. In fact, it took me two full years to draft it…and I know the work isn’t even close to being done yet.

My agent is reading the manuscript right now and there will be — I’m sure — some revisions in my future. But, I’ve had several critique partners read some or all of this novel so far and share their feedback already. I’ve talked with experts in the field when I was trying to write a scene involving something I didn’t have a background in. And I’ve gone over and over these 100,000 words myself, and I think (hope…pray…) that the pacing is appropriate for the narrative, the characters are three dimensional, the plot isn’t completely implausible and the setting rings fairly true.

We’ll see what happens, though. There are so many unknowns in publishing. I’ve got a different story that will be out later this year but, at this point, I’m unable to hazard any guesses about when this new novel will be available. I have no idea. And, while I will say that the main character is a true Austen fan (naturally!!), I’m even a little hesitant to talk about the plot specifics for fear some of them may change before this editing process is over…

But, I couldn’t ask for a more fun-loving and supportive bunch of readers to share this personal milestone with, and I just really wanted to celebrate with you all today! (*Throwing confetti in the air!*)

So, I’m turning on some music and getting ready to dance, dance, dance some more. To quote Pride and Prejudice: “There is nothing like dancing after all…one of the first refinements of polished societies.” Although, we all know Mr. Darcy retorted that “every savage can dance…”

Well, I fully intend to be one of them! Who’s joining me?

What are some of your favorite dancing songs? Being an ’80s girl at heart, I still love Billy Idol’s “Dancing with Myself” and the Whitney Houston classic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” and, ohh, Van Halen’s “Dance the Night Away,” too. And, really, just about anything by Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, The Nylons and Bon Jovi. If you have one or two or seven songs that you like to groove to as well (any speed, any style, any era), I’d love to know what they are. Let the dance party begin!

Also, just a quick shout out to let everyone know that the Austenesque Extravaganza will be coming up in September. Really looking forward to all the fun ahead there! Visit this link for more details!!

Wishing you all a wonderful, toe-tapping weekend ;) .

Marilyn Brant used to be in a performing dance group when she was in college and toured Europe with her troupe for a summer when she was 19. She only remembers a handful of the dance steps now, but she definitely recalls eating gelato and/or pastries every day for six weeks and meeting lots of cute European guys. (*swoon*) A girl has to have her priorities.

Marilyn Brant

Marilyn Brant is a National Bestselling Author of Contemporary Women's Fiction and Romantic Comedy. She's published seven novels including ACCORDING TO JANE, which was a #1 Kindle Bestseller, won RWA's Golden Heart Award and was named one of Buzzle.com's "100 Best Romance Novels of All Time." She also wrote PRIDE, PREJUDICE AND THE PERFECT MATCH, which was a Top 100 bestselling book on Amazon in the "Humor" category.

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