Hello, Friends! I'm so excited to be part of the Letter from Ramsgate Blog Tour! This stop has a fun twist! Suzan Lauder is interviewing me! Please, feel free to join the conversation by adding your opinions to the questions in the comments!
Oh, and details for the giveaway are at the bottom of this post!
Oh, and details for the giveaway are at the bottom of this post!
Suzan Lauder: I’m honoured to participate in this special guest post on So Little Time…, with blogger/reviewer Candy Morton, as a prelude to an excerpt from my newest Pride and Prejudice variation, Letter from Ramsgate. I hope you’re ready, Candy!
Candy Morton: As ready as I'll ever be!
Candy Morton: As ready as I'll ever be!
SL: So Candy, are you an angst lover when you read Austen-inspired fan fiction novels or do you prefer sweet, straightforward romances?
CM: I used to prefer sweet, straightforward romances, but I've grown into a mid-angst person. There are still some scenarios that are difficult for me to read.
SL: What areas of conflict do you find most difficult to read? (Go wide on this one: certain types of violence? splitting D&E seemingly irreparably?)
CM: Rape. That is very difficult to read. Let’s see, I can't imagine Darcy being abusive, but that would hard. (I probably wouldn't read that scenario.) Another would be when either Darcy or Elizabeth marries someone else. I also don't like if either has a child with someone else.
SL: You know, if someone had asked me the same question, I’d have answered the same way. I love angst, but those are difficult scenarios to read. What’s a tolerable level of angst in a story for you?
CM: Mid-level angst. There needs to be some action or conflict. Elizabeth and Darcy have to rely on each other, maybe in a dangerous situation or a forced marriage scenario. In both cases, after spending so much time together, misunderstandings are resolved, and they realize how much they love each other!
SL: What's worse in a Pride and Prejudice variation: an alternate love interest for Darcy or for Elizabeth?
CM: Oh, my! That's almost equal for me!
SL: Do you think it's more or less tolerable if the alternate love interest is a likeable character?
CM: I don't believe that it matters. I have a book sitting on my shelf that has Darcy with Jane, and I love Jane, but I can't bring myself to read it! Even though, I know Darcy will end up with Elizabeth. (I'm assuming they end up together! Lol!)
SL: Does it matter if the variation has pulled out the worst traits of the character romantically tied to them (that is, Darcy or Elizabeth)?
CM: I'm not sure. To me, Darcy always needs to be a loyal, honest person; he may slip a little (be human), and Elizabeth needs to be witty, smart, honest, but not conforming to the silly whims of society.
SL: Can you tolerate the anxiety if you know there's going to be a happy ending for Our Dear Couple? How much does it matter?
CM: Yes, I could tolerate it, but if it's too angsty for me, I try to rush through it. A happy ending for Elizabeth and Darcy matters a great deal. I don't think I could read a variation if they don't end up together. Elizabeth and Darcy happily together is a must.
SL: Well, fortunately, you get that happy ending with Letter from Ramsgate, but **spoiler alert** you may find yourself in a bit of a rush for a few chapters. Don’t worry, though. I think you’ll be pleased with how things start and end even if I’ve put some dramatic tension in the middle.
CM: Thanks for the warning! Now I have a question. What’s the setting for today’s excerpt?
SL: Today’s excerpt comes from a longer scene later in the novel. Elizabeth is attending a London soirée with new character Lady Edwina, and they’re in conversation with several other young women, including Miss Smart. Elizabeth has not seen Mr. Darcy for three months—not since Mr. Wickham and Lydia eloped together.
~~~
Miss Smart tapped her fan against Elizabeth’s arm, drawing
her attention to a couple who had just entered the room.
“My word—look who has arrived!” She pointed her fan in the direction of a tall, sandy-haired man leaning heavily on a cane and the blonde beauty on his arm. “The Earl of Westhaven and his sister, Lady Amelia. I heard he was back in England. Now that he has shown himself as a fixture at a public function, he is bound to be considered the catch of the Season. A pity about his injury, but I doubt it will hold back any interest in matrimony!”
“He was injured?”
“Yes, he was involved in a skirmish in the East Indies. Many were killed, and he lost part of a foot. It is quite the romantic tale. My word, look at everyone rush to make their acquaintance. Westhaven is high in their interest, and no doubt, anyone who wishes attention this Season will cling to his circle.”
“His sister is quite beautiful. I am sure she will have her share of suitors as well.”
Elizabeth froze and strained to hide her dismay over this revelation as she observed the captivating brother and sister. Their comfortable smiles and relaxed manners were welcomed by all who approached them, and nothing but agreeable countenances could be seen in their presence. Lady Amelia was exquisite with golden tresses tied in a turban embroidered with gold threads and trimmed with roses and herbs.
“The flowers must be from a hothouse,” said Miss Smart.
Lady Amelia’s face filled with delight. She released her brother’s arm and stepped towards a tall man with broad shoulders and curly dark hair who had just come in. His back was towards her as he bowed to his host and hostess. When he turned towards the room, Lady Amelia claimed his arm with familiar enthusiasm. The instant her hand rested upon Mr. Darcy’s arm, his eyes connected with Elizabeth’s.
The recognition that flashed in his eyes was unmistakable. His eyes almost consumed her, and hot embarrassment spread across her face and down her neck. Though she wore her best ball gown, it now seemed like a plain rag compared to that of the lady on his arm.
~~~
Letter from Ramsgate by Suzan Lauder
Book Blurb:
Sir, I am not known to you. I fear you may have concerns regarding some intelligence that recently came to me from your sister...
...a simple letter shatters illusions and turns the world upside down!
On holiday in Ramsgate, Elizabeth Bennet befriends shy, romantic Georgiana Darcy, who shares an adoring description of an ideal elder brother. When Georgiana discloses a secret infatuation with her brother’s “close friend” Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth’s altered perception of both men affects her actions and alliances.
The secret within an anonymous letter from Ramsgate ties Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth together but also separates them. A second missive unlocks the disguise, but Mr. Darcy realizes his true passions too late to assist Elizabeth in her darkest hour. Will the shocking disclosure of a forgotten letter transform his understanding of her heart and lead them to embrace their future?
Letter from Ramsgate is a Pride and Prejudice variation suitable for most audiences (youth and up).
Book Blurb:
Sir, I am not known to you. I fear you may have concerns regarding some intelligence that recently came to me from your sister...
...a simple letter shatters illusions and turns the world upside down!
On holiday in Ramsgate, Elizabeth Bennet befriends shy, romantic Georgiana Darcy, who shares an adoring description of an ideal elder brother. When Georgiana discloses a secret infatuation with her brother’s “close friend” Mr. Wickham, Elizabeth’s altered perception of both men affects her actions and alliances.
The secret within an anonymous letter from Ramsgate ties Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth together but also separates them. A second missive unlocks the disguise, but Mr. Darcy realizes his true passions too late to assist Elizabeth in her darkest hour. Will the shocking disclosure of a forgotten letter transform his understanding of her heart and lead them to embrace their future?
Letter from Ramsgate is a Pride and Prejudice variation suitable for most audiences (youth and up).
Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads.
Meet the Author: Suzan Lauder
A love for Jane Austen’s novels and Regency and
Austenesque romance novels inspired Suzan Lauder to write her own variations, which led her to a passion for Regency-era history and costuming, as well as social media book marketing. She cherishes the many friends she’s made as a result of these interests.
Suzan is a member of JASNA, VIRA, RWA (PAN and Beau Monde chapters), and is a registered professional engineer. She enjoys independent travel, design, Pilates, yoga, cycling, sustainability, upcycling, architecture, beta editing, and blogging. Most of the time, a Vancouver Island penthouse loft condominium with a view of the Salish Sea is home. For a few months each winter, Mr. Suze and their two rescue cats accompany her to their tiny Spanish colonial casita in Centro Historico of an industrial city in Mexico.
Letter from Ramsgate is Lauder’s second published novel and comes on the heels of her successful upcycled costuming blog series, the Thrift Shop Regency Costume Experiment. Her latest venture is blogging about her learning experiences while editing Letter from Ramsgate. Suzan’s first novel, Alias Thomas Bennet, is an Austen-inspired Regency romance with a mystery twist. She also contributed a short modern romance, Delivery Boy, to the holiday anthology Then Comes Winter. All Lauder’s published fiction is based on Pride and Prejudice and is available from Meryton Press.
Connect with Suzan Lauder
Blog Tour Schedule:
10/17 Guest Post, Excerpt, GA; My Jane Austen Book Club
10/18 Excerpt, GA; Margie’s Must Reads
10/19 Vignette, GA; Just Jane 1813
10/20 Review; From Pemberley to Milton
10/21 Vignette, GA; Babblings of a Bookworm
10/22 Excerpt, GA; Liz’s Reading Life
10/23 Guest Post or Vignette, GA; From Pemberley to Milton
10/24 Review; Tomorrow is Another Day
10/25 Guest Post, Excerpt, GA; So little time…
10/26 Vignette, GA; Austenesque Reviews
10/27 Review, Excerpt; Half Agony, Half Hope
10/28 Review; Diary of an Eccentric
10/29 Guest Post; A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide to Life
10/30 Guest Post or Vignette, GA; More Agreeably Engaged
* * * GIVEAWAY * * *
It's giveaway time! Meryton Press is generously giving away EIGHT copies of Letter from Ramsgate! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!
Good luck!
Terms and Conditions:
Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once a day and daily commenting on a blog post that has a giveaway attached for the tour. (Review posts are not part of the giveaways). Entrants must provide the name of the blog where they commented (which will be verified). If an entrant does not do so, that entry will be disqualified.
Tweet and comment once daily to earn extra entries.
A winner may win ONLY 1 (ONE) copy of Letter from Ramsgate by Suzan Lauder. Each winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter and paperback or ebook format will randomly be selected for each winner as well.
**NOTE: Paperback copies are ONLY available for continental US winners! Ebook copies are available for ALL winners, including international winners! If more international winners are randomly chosen than the 4 allotted ebooks, then that will decrease the number of paperbacks. 8 books will be given away to 8 different winners.**
Many thanks to Janet Talyor @ More Agreeably Engaged for organizing this blog tour! And to Meryton Press, for its generous giveaway!
My special thanks to Suzan for making this a unique post for me! It was a pleasure to work with you on this! And congratulations on the release of Letter from Ramsgate! Btw, I love the cover!
So, dear friends, how much angst do YOU prefer? Please, join in on the conversation!
I love stories where Elizabeth has a rival for Darcy. It always makes the winning all the more delicious haha
ReplyDeleteHi, Laurie May! I can take a rival, but only if they are not engaged already - that's as good as married! Lol!
DeleteHahaha. I mis-read and thought you said "whining." That's what it sounds like from the readers when authors post angst over at AHA! I agree with Candy--pre-marriage only.
DeleteFun interview, ladies!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sophia Rose!
DeleteIt was fun to do! Thanks for the comment!
DeleteThe two most difficult scenarios for me to read are Mary marrying Collins (it should be the Colonel), and Elizabeth marrying the Colonel.
ReplyDeleteHi, Vesper! Hmmm, that's interesting. Mary and the Colonel.... I can't think of a story off the top of my head where that's happened, but I'm sure there is, though. I wouldn't wish Collins on anyone! Lol! And yes, I agree with you on Elizabeth and the Colonel! :)
DeleteI have read two with E and the Colonel (one is unpublished) and I found them more painful than painful. That means the author wrote them well! I love angst, but like Candy, I can only tolerate so much. No one should be stuck with Collins!
Deletea great read is Victoria Kincaid - when mary met the colonel, also a couple of fanfictions,which I have loved when those 2 marry
DeleteI have a fairly high tolerance for angst, as long as it isn't one situation after another. I have read a couple of JAFF where it felt like I was reading the perils of Pauline. That I didn't like. Fun interview.
ReplyDeleteLol, Lynn! I agree! I've read a story like that too, and I just couldn't. I skimmed a great deal until I got to the end. Thanks!
DeleteLynn, to me, that means the author is writing angst for angst's sake and it doesn't drive the story forward. They should save those other scenes for a different story and complete their story arc. I've read some that do the same with sex. I tend to skim sex easier than angst. Yeah, the interview was great fun!
DeleteI loved that switcharoo interview! I totally agree on all your answers. And excellent excerpt. Hoping to finish the novel tonight!
ReplyDeleteCandy is not a great deal different than me, except I can no longer enjoy a story that doesn't have conflict of some sort, so super-sweet JAFF bores me. I'm just one reader, though. Lots prefer their stories sweet. Thing is, when I asked myself what angst I liked to read but I found painful, I had one answer, so I wrote it in! Eep! I hope you enjoy the novel, Christina. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteReaders may notice that they can enter for commenting on a blog post again. That's because my fantastic blog tour organizer, Janet Taylor, figured out how to trick Rafflecopter and change it from the original settings that seemed like they were supposed to be daily but were for once in the tour. Because some of you missed opportunities, you can continue to enter until Nov. 3. Just list a different blog tour stop that you already commented on each day for the entry to be valid. Thanks so much for stopping by this and all the stops, thanks to Janet for the fix, and thanks to Candy for being a good sport when I suggested the backwards interview. She's lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzan! It was a wonderful suggestion! I enjoyed being the interviewee! And I love hearing how others feel about angsty stories, too!
DeleteLoved this interview, ladies. That was a neat way to do it. Thank you for making it fun. The excerpt was excellent too, although I must admit to feeling some angst here, Suzan! lol I agree with your answers, Candy. We feel much the same. I can tolerate much angst as long as I know there will be a happily ever after. Otherwise, I don't want to read it.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to see that the Rafflecopter form autocorrected itself here. I must give Jakki credit for the help she gave me with the Rafflecopter glitch. She told me how to get around the problem and I thank her very much!
Thank you, Suzan, for your confidence and glowing words. You made my night! :)
Jakki's great, too. What a team!
DeleteHi, Janet! It was a fun post! I'm so glad Suzan suggested doing a reverse interview!
DeleteGlad to see the problem you had with Rafflecopter was resolved! Yay, for Jakki! It's so good she could help you out.
Wow, I absolutely loved this interview!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's curious, I'm clearly an angst type of girl. Angst books are always my favourite, but even for me angst has its limits, and like you Candy, I do not tolerate rape scenarios, and I hate it when Darcy or Elizabeth marry someone else. It's even worse when they have kids from someone else isn't it?
Luckily in Letter From Ramsgate the angst is just the perfect type of angst: misunderstandings between ODC :)
Thanks for sharing this ladies, I really enjoyed this post :)
Misunderstandings is much easier than another spouse, that's for sure! Thanks for the comment, Rita!
DeleteThanks, Rita! I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like it when E or D has kids with someone else! Lol!
DeleteGood to know 'Letter from Ramsgate' has the perfect amount of angst in it for you! Sounds like it will be for me, too! :)
Just realised I hadn't posted a comment on this stop of the tour!
ReplyDeleteI like some angst in my stories as it makes the resolution so much more satisfying, I believe.
When it comes to what I son't like in my JAFF stories, there's not much really but, and it's a BIG one; any suggestion or description of sexual assault on any of the female characters. I once read a sample from Amazon which implied that Elizabeth had been assaulted by Wickham. Darcy discovered her afterwards, took her back to Longbourn and was prepared to marry her if the worst happened. I can't remember the title or author but I couldn't go any further with that one.
I don't mind plots where either of them have been married before, or even have children from that marriage (Maria Grace and Pam Dixon have written books on that score) but the marriage has to be over when the books starts. Again, I read a sample or excerpts(s) where Elizabeth actually married Wickham in the book and Darcy saw the awful situation they were living in. Again I can't remember title or author but I couldn't bring myself to read that one either.
Hi, Anji! I think I've read both of the books you mentioned. The first I can't recall the name of either, but the second I believe is 'Stronger Even Than Pride' by Gail McEwen where Elizabeth is married to Wickham. I didn't think I could read it, but I made myself, and I ended up liking it! -- hmmm, I might have to pull that book off my shelf where there is an arrangement between Darcy and Jane! Yikes! Do I dare! Lol!
DeleteI think you're right about "Stronger Even Than Pride" Candy. I think it was on a blog tour when it was published that I read some excerpts and decided I probably couldn't read it. Maybe I ahould think again after what you say. Darcy and Jane? Sounds interesting if somewhat improbable. I'll have to look back on my Kindle records to see if I can find the other one I mentioned. Don't know if it records samples downloaded but then deleted.
DeleteHi! I enjoyed reading the interview and the excerpt. I put Letter from Ramsgate on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteHi, Raquel! I'm glad you enjoy the interview! I hope you get a chance to read 'Letter from Ramsgate' soon! :)
DeleteI enjoyed the interview, Suzan. You made excellent points about JAFF stories. Looking forward to the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Kate. I'm just one reader, but I've been reading a long time. Plus I'm one who loves a bit of angst with her sugar, but I can tolerate only so much. It's lots compared to some, but even I have limits. Hahaha!
Delete