"Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Undone" by Sue Barr Blog Tour ~ Interview & Giveaway!

Hello, my friends! I hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving or a great weekend! Today I have an interesting interview with Sue Barr as she discusses her new book, Fitzwilliam Darcy Undone! 

What would Pride & Prejudice be like if Darcy and Elizabeth had a touch of magic in their lives?

What first inspired you to the story, and what do you personally love about the voice, style, and legacy of Miss Austen?

 

There is a LOT of back story to this book. The genesis began in 2012 when I wrote erotica under a pen name for a publishing house. I began an epic naughty trilogy called The Miatharan Chronicles: Craven Desires / Dark Desires / Forbidden Desires. When I left the publishing house in 2014 and got all the rights of my books back, I switched genres and began self-publishing. The Desire manuscripts languished on my hard drive. Then, on A Happy Assembly (a Jane Austen Fan Fiction site), one of the playground themes was magic. Lightbulb moment. Could I adapt one of the scenes into a Pride & Prejudice variation? I did, and it was quite successful with clamours for more from those devoted, lovely readers. I added a few more scenes over the year, and finally, after much virtual pleading from a few writer friends, Melanie Rachel being one of the ring leaders, I put hands on the keyboard and began to seriously adapt the vignette into Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Undone.

 

How does this relate to the style and legacy of Miss Austen? Well… I don’t think she’d approve of some aspects of Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Undone, my style is my own. I love her wit and her complete understanding of human nature and how things worked in ‘her time’. For the first half of the book, I stayed as close to canon as possible in order to retain her theme. Of course, once the magic came out full-blown the story took on a totally different direction. That’s where my voice definitely became stronger than hers. 

 

What did you intuit about Darcy, his nature, that made you want to tell this particular story?

 

I’d always wondered how Darcy would behave if he met Elizabeth and circumstances allowed him to show his passion. I wanted her to get under his skin in a way he could not control because we all know he is about control and decorum. With the advent of magic and soul marks (fated destiny), it was easy to write his passionate nature. At first, lust drove his actions, then certain physical manifestations caused him to really look at Elizabeth in a different light. Of course, he fell in love with her but once again, societal expectations (this time with a magical bent) threatened to keep them apart. Maybe the tag line of this book should read, "He wanted her but couldn’t have her".

 

Did you have a favourite scene in the novel? And if so, what was it about it that drew you in as deeply as it had? 

 

I have several and all for different reasons. I had fun writing the scene where Lizzy’s magic is revealed to Darcy in a fun and unique way and the following sensual scene. However, my secret favourite is Lizzy and her mother. We see a different side to Mrs. Bennet that surprises everyone. It’s a sliding fastball through the strike zone that the batter (ie: reader) never sees coming. It gave me great joy to drop in that unexpected nugget of fun.

 

What extra research did you do to prep for this novel? How did you approach getting into the head and heart of Darcy?

 

My research was done years before and centered on the Tuath de Naan. In order to write about magic I needed to understand the reason for it. When I began to convert some of the Craven scenes into Darcy Undone, I already had an inherent knowledge of how the magic worked in my story. As for the head and heart of Darcy, well, I’ve read a LOT of JAFF and over time I’ve developed my own sense of who he is. To me, Darcy is akin to a dormant volcano. Forbidding. Strong. A ton of hot lava flowing beneath that calm surface, and when it wakes up… Whoa Mama! I adore hot alpha males, and he is one of my top three.

 

Were there any secondary characters or non-canon characters that you particularly enjoyed writing?

 

Anyone who’s read my JAFF books knows I love to redeem secondary characters, and I started with one of the most hated - Caroline Bingley. Although I do think she’s redeemable, in this story I portrayed her in an extremely vile manner. Miss Bingley spouts opinions that will, frankly, shock some readers, but I wanted her to become undone in her own twisted way.

Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Undone

by Sue Barr

Book Blurb: 

She’s the outcast in her family…   

Elizabeth knows she’s different from the rest of her family. She has visions and strange dreams and sees things others do not. With the advent of the odious Mr. Darcy and his friends from Netherfield Park, as well as the amiable Mr. Wickham of the _____shire Militia, her powers seem to increase and her greatest fear is that she won’t be able to contain them and will be discovered.   

He has eight hundred years of tradition to uphold…   

No Darcy has married a non-magical woman since arriving on the shores of England with William the Conqueror in 1066. However, his kind – Miatharans – are dwindling in numbers. Miatharan magic only flows through aristocratic bloodlines, so his strange obsession with Miss Elizabeth Bennet is puzzling as she is not of noble blood. Just a country squire’s beautiful daughter who has him slowly becoming undone. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Undone is available in Kindle Unlimited (Amazon) until Dec 12 when it will be released to other major digital retailers.

 

Buy: Amazon US • Amazon UK • Amazon CA

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

About the Author

‘The prairie dust is in my blood but no longer on my shoes.’

 

Although it’s been over forty-two years since Sue called Saskatchewan home, her roots to that straight-lined province and childhood friends run deep. The only thing strong enough to entice her to pack up and leave was love. When a handsome Air Force pilot met this small-town girl, he swept her off her feet and they embarked on a fantastic adventure which found them settled in beautiful Southwestern Ontario when hubby retired from the military and began his second career as an airline pilot.

 

Sue started writing in 2009 and sold her first manuscript in 2010. Always a reader of Regency romance, she discovered Jane Austen Fan Fiction in 2014 and almost immediately wanted to know – Whatever happened to Caroline Bingley after her brother and Mr. Darcy became engaged to a Bennet sister? From that question, her first JAFF book was launched.

 

In her spare time, Sue cans and preserves her own food, cooks almost everything from scratch and grows herbs to dehydrate. Her latest venture is to create her own spice seasonings, experiment with artisan breads and make her own homemade vanilla. Hubby has no complaints other than his jeans keep shrinking. At least that’s what he claims…. Her sons, their wives and all seven grandchildren don’t mind this slight obsession either.

Connect with Sue Barr

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Amazon Author Page

Blog Tour Schedule

Nov. 17 - Austenesque Reviews

Nov. 18 - Diary of an Eccentric

Nov. 19 - From Pemberley to Milton

Nov. 20 - Interests of a Jane Austen Girl

Nov. 23 - Babblings of a Bookworm

Nov. 25 - My Vices & Weaknesses

Nov. 27 - My Jane Austen Book Club

Nov. 30 - So Little Time...

Dec. 2 - More Agreeably Engaged

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Sue Barr will give away an ebook of this latest novel to 3 random winners for the entire blog tour. Follow the tour and join in the comments to be entered to win. Sue will choose the random winners and announce the winners on social media on December 5.

Many thanks to Chistina Boyd and Sue Barr for having me on this blog tour! 

***

I hope you enjoyed the interview with Sue! If you have any questions for her, please feel free to comment below! And remember, those comments enter you in the giveaway! Thanks! 

Murder at Northanger Abbey Blog Tour ~ Interview with Shannon Winslow

Hello there, my friends! I hope this finds you well! Today, the lovely Shannon Winslow is visiting with us! I've asked her a couple of questions about her new book, Murder at Northanger Abbey. I hope you enjoy this interview! 

1. What inspired you to write a sequel to Northanger Abbey?

Almost from the beginning, I’ve had a goal of writing at least one novel related to each of Austen’s six, since I love them all. I have four Pride and Prejudice novels so far, a Persuasion novel (The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen), and I consider Leap of Hope my Mansfield Park book. I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do for Emma or Sense and Sensibility, but it seemed like a slightly spooky murder mystery would be the perfect sequel for Northanger Abbey.

Personally, I adore Northanger Abbey. It reminds me of some of Austen’s hilarious juvenile works, which makes perfect sense when you remember that she wrote it mostly in her early 20s, before any of her other novels. It’s playful, fun, and packed with early examples of Austen’s patented ironic wit. I laugh out loud every time I read it! Plus, I’m a Henry Tilney fan. What woman doesn’t like a sexy man who can also make you laugh? And so I was eager to carry on Catherine and Henry’s story with something in the same tongue-in-cheek style.

2. Is this your first mystery, and how did you enjoy writing it?

Yes, my first, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! It seems like I seek out a new challenge with each book, but I really had no idea in the beginning if I was capable of writing a mystery. Halfway through, when, believe it or not, I hadn’t yet decided ‘who done it,’ I still wasn’t sure I could! (You see, in some respects, Murder at Northanger Abbey is like Gosford Park: lots of people in the house and everybody has a motive.) Then, after a few more twists and turns, the pieces fell into place, and I knew what must have happened. Well… sort of. Just for fun, I did write an alternative ending, which is included in the book. Readers can take their pick!

Oh, fun!

3. Who was your favorite character to write in this story?

Oh, I can’t pick just one person, unless a married couple counts as one. Despite the fact that this is a mystery, MNA is first and foremost a story about Henry and Catherine – their romance carried into married life (in PG fashion). Catherine is Catherine still. Although she likes to believe she has outgrown some of the girlish fancies that got her into so much trouble, she’s still very young, naïve, and impulsive, yet pure at heart. Henry is honorable, always teasing and joking, and surprisingly passionate. I enjoyed the challenge of remaining true to the essence of their established characters while envisioning how they and their relationship would grow and evolve under the stresses and strains of unusual circumstances.

In the runner-up position, again it’s a tie. The baddies are always fun to write, and here I had both father and son – General and Captain Tilney – who continue to say shocking things and behave badly!

4. Tell me about a new secondary character you added to the story that you just adore.

I would have to go with Mr. Thomas Cogsgrove. He’s the barrister brought in to defend the family member wrongfully accused of the murder. Writing the courtroom scene – something else I’d never done before – I really admire the way Cogsgrove walks the difficult line between contradictory imperatives (to abide by his client’s wishes and yet bring out the necessary truth), and the way he skillfully outmaneuvered the prosecutor and his witnesses. If I ever found myself accused of a crime, I would hope to find a lawyer as smart as Mr. Cogsgrove!

5. Are you working on anything new at the moment or have an idea for a new story?

One reviewer liked MNA so well that she urged me to write more mysteries! So now I have that to consider, possibly for my Emma or my S&S book? But first I’m headed back to the world of Pride and Prejudice. I have just a start (a couple of chapters) of something from Darcy’s point of view this time. All my P&P novels agree with canon and with each other, so it won’t be a “variation” so much as an augmentation, expanding on the existing story. It’s starting out in the period before Darcy meets Elizabeth and will carry into the P&P timeline at least a ways. How far, I’m not sure at this point. It may even end up growing into a new series! In any case, I always have more ideas than I have time to write!

Awesome! I'm looking forward to more! 

Murder at Northanger Abbey

by Shannon Winslow

Sequel to Jane Austen’s Spoof on the Gothic Novel 

Newly married to her beloved Henry, Catherine’s eyes are now open to the grownup pleasures of wedded life. Yet she still hasn’t quite given up her girlhood fascination with all things Gothic. When she first visited Northanger Abbey, she only imagined dreadful events had occurred there. This time the horror is all too real. There’s been a murder, and Henry has fallen under suspicion. Catherine is determined to clear her husband’s name, but at the same time, she’s afraid for her own safety, since there’s a very good chance the real murderer is still in the house. 

This delightful sequel reprises the mischievous spirit of Austen’s original spoof on the Gothic novel, while giving Catherine a genuine murder mystery to unravel.

 

Buy: Amazon US • Amazon UK • Barnes and Noble

Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon US. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Shannon Winslow

Twitter • Facebook • Website 

Thank you so much, Shannon, for visiting here today and answering my questions! Congratulations on the release of Murder at Northanger Abbey!

So, friends, what do you think? Please leave Shannon any questions or comments below! We would love to hear from you! 

The Bride of Northanger Blog Tour! ~ Interview with Diana Birchall

Hello, my friends! I'm so excited to be part of The Bride of Northanger Blog Tour! I got a chance to read the book (which I loved) and ask Diana Birchall a few questions! I hope you enjoy!

1.  When did you read your first Austen novel, and which was it? What were your first impressions?

It was Pride and Prejudice, which I read at a time long before any adaptations (except the 1940 Laurence Olivier/Greer Garson film).  Austen was not so widely read in those days – of course she was known as a classic author, but she was more the property of the English literature specialists, not so universally popular as she is today.  I had a literary aunt who liked her, but because Austen just wasn’t in the spotlight, I read Pride and Prejudice at 20, a decade after reading Jane Eyre. The title seemed to me rather pompous and dull. Of course, I was immediately surprised and smitten!  This was the most delicious book I’d ever read, and the minute I was finished I started it all over again.

2.  What began your path to writing Jane Austen Fan Fiction?

Winning a contest in the JASNA journal Persuasions in 1984. I wrote a little dialogue imitating the chatter of Miss Bates in Emma. It was so exciting to win, but I also realized that I simply adored writing this kind of pastiche and vowed to do more. So, I did. My method was to focus on Austen’s writing, her exquisite style and balance, psychological acuity, and above all her wit. I suppose it was a kind of attempt to take her apart and see what made her tick. Delving into the secrets of her art, could only lead to a better understanding of her work, and incidentally improve my own writing. Hundreds of stories, and several novels and plays followed, and I am still pastiche-ing away, to my own great pleasure and enlightenment!

3.  I truly enjoyed reading The Bride of Northanger. What inspired you to write a sequel to Northanger Abbey?

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it!  I came to Northanger Abbey rather late, having already written sequels to Pride and Prejudice and Emma, as well as writing a play about Mansfield Park, and episodes in an alternate version of Persuasion. I still have not attacked Sense and Sensibility!  I always loved Northanger Abbey, for its fresh charm and youthful spirit, as well as the Gothic satire and Austen’s comments on novels. Most of all though I was interested in the central couple, Catherine Morland and Henry Tilney, and wanted to see how that slightly oddly assorted pairing – he so clever, she so young and naïve – would play out in marriage. 

4. After reading the story, I had a question. Was it customary at the time to pronounce the death of a high-ranking person as dying of natural causes even under suspicion circumstances because murder would not be respectable?

The English custom was to have a Coroner preside over an Inquest to examine a case of suspicious death, but there were many reasons why the local people would lean towards a “cover-up” in the case in my novel.  Such things happened then, as they still do today!

5.  I loved the "curse" on the Tilney family! Can you tell us more about that? 

If you look at the history of Netley Abbey, which Jane Austen visited when she lived in Southampton as a young woman, you’ll find many parallels with Northanger Abbey. It seems very likely that Netley was her model and inspiration. An ancient Cistercian Abbey, founded in the 13th century, it was taken over during the time of Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. The monks were turned out, and the property given to a wealthy landowner. The monks were said to have put a curse on the place, in retribution for people taking away stones for building projects, and there were legends of ghosts and a White Lady haunting the place. Jane Austen lived a couple of centuries after the dissolution, but she had a strong sense of history, and of course saw all kinds of ruins and religious houses around her landscape, often in the hands of cruel and greedy landowners like her own General Tilney. There was plenty to inspire her, and plenty for me to use in my own Gothic fancies!

6.  I couldn't go to the Jane Austen Society of North America’s AGM in Williamsburg, Virginia this year, but I saw some pictures of you there. Tell us one of the highlights of the weekend for you!

It was really a wonderful AGM! Williamsburg is well worth a visit, though I especially loved the side trips to fascinating Jamestown and the beautiful, historically rich plantations on the James River, troubling though they were because of their slave history. One of the highlights for me was the talk I gave on a panel called “The Company of Clever, Well Informed People,” about the 40-year history of JASNA. The other great thrill was signing my books at the Book Emporium. Only conference speakers could sign, and I qualified!  So many friends, old and new, came up and were so kind about my new book, that I was really, literally over the moon with joy.  I’ve written about the AGM on the Austen Variations blog, with pictures:

https://austenvariations.com/jane-austen-in-williamsburg-report-from-the-jasna-agm-part-1/

https://austenvariations.com/ane-austen-in-williamsburg-report-from-the-jasna-agm-part-2/

7.  What do like to do when you are not writing?

Read, and play with my three fat cats. Two of my favorite activities, hiking and ballet, are somewhat limited as I’ve been having trouble with my knees, but although I’ve hung up my pointe shoes, I can still walk in the mountains, and dearly love it. I’ve taken many trips to England over the years, and never ever get tired of seeing Jane Austen’s country and walking where she walked.

8.  Do you have another book that you would like to write? If so, can you share anything about it? 

Oh, yes, lots!  Next up is a Little Women sequel, but I’d also like to put together my Lady Catherine de Bourgh stories in a single volume and collect a book of plays.  And then there’s that Sense and Sensibility sequel…

The Bride of Northanger
by Diana Birchall

BOOK DESCRIPTION: 

A happier heroine than Catherine Morland does not exist in England, for she is about to marry her beloved, the handsome, witty Henry Tilney. The night before the wedding, Henry reluctantly tells Catherine and her horrified parents a secret he has dreaded to share - that there is a terrible curse on his family and their home, Northanger Abbey. Henry is a clergyman, educated and rational, and after her year’s engagement Catherine is no longer the silly young girl who delighted in reading “horrid novels”; she has improved in both reading and rationality. This sensible young couple cannot believe curses are real...until a murder at the Abbey triggers events as horrid and Gothic as Jane Austen ever parodied - events that shake the young Tilneys’ certainties, but never their love for each other...

Buy: Amazon (paid link) • Barnes & Noble • Publisher Page
Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

EARLY PRAISE

“Diana Birchall once again proves herself the worthiest of Austenesque fiction writers, with keen powers of observation, discernment, judgment, fire, genius, and wit on every page.” — Devoney Looser, author of The Making of Jane Austen

“No one captures Jane Austen's vibrant style, sense of humor, intelligence, and voice better than Diana Birchall. I flew through this charming novel, which makes a delightfully spooky and most welcome sequel to Northanger Abbey.” — Syrie James, author of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen


“One of the most enjoyable returns to Austen to be found. Not to be missed.” — Susan Franzblau, author and film director

About the Author

Diana Birchall worked for many years at Warner Bros studios as a story analyst, reading novels to see if they would make movies. Reading manuscripts went side by side with a restorative and sanity-preserving life in Jane Austen studies and resulted in her writing Austenesque fiction both as homage and attempted investigation of the secrets of Jane Austen's style. She is the author of In Defense of Mrs. Elton, Mrs. Elton in America, Mrs. Darcy's Dilemma, and the new The Bride of Northanger. She has written hundreds of Austenesque short stories and plays, as well as a biography of her novelist grandmother, and has lectured on her books and staged play readings at places as diverse as Hollywood, Brooklyn, Montreal, Chawton House Library, Alaska, and Yale. Visit Diana at her Austen Variations author page, follow her on Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.

Connect with Diana Birchall

Austen Variations Author Page • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads

Social Media hashtags 

#BrideofNorthanger, #JaneAusten, #HistoricalFicton, #GothicMystery, #Austenesque #Janeite #BlogTour

THE BRIDE OF NORTHANGER BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

October 28 My Jane Austen Book Club (Interview)

October 28 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

October 28 vvb32 Reads (Spotlight)

October 29 A Covent Garden Gilflurt’s Guide of Life (Guest Blog)

October 29 From Pemberley to Milton (Excerpt)

October 30 Drunk Austen (Interview)

October 30 Silver Petticoat Review (Excerpt)

October 31 Jane Austen’s World (Review)

November 01 So Little Time… (Interview)

November 01 Laura's Reviews (Review)

November 04 English Historical Fiction Authors (Guest Blog)

November 04 Confessions of a Book Addict (Spotlight)

November 05 More Agreeably Engaged (Review)

November 05 Vesper’s Place (Review)

November 06 Jane Austen in Vermont (Interview)

November 06 Diary of an Eccentric (Interview)

November 07 All Things Austen (Spotlight)

November 07 A Bookish Way of Life (Review)

November 07 Let Them Read Books (Excerpt)  

November 08 Babblings of a Bookworm (Review)

November 08 vvb32 Reads (Review)

November 11 My Jane Austen Book Club (Review)

November 11 Reading the Past (Spotlight)

November 12 Jane Austen’s World (Interview)

November 12 The Calico Critic (Excerpt)

November 13 The Book Rat (Review) 

November 13 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

November 14 Fangs, Wands, & Fairy Dust (Review)

November 14 The Fiction Addiction (Review)

November 15 My Love for Jane Austen (Spotlight)

November 15 Scuffed Slippers and Wormy Books (Review)

Diana, thank you so much for visiting us here and for answering my questions! It was fascinating to learn about Netley Abbey. I had no idea! I also enjoyed looking at your AGM pictures! Thank you for sharing! My son's wedding was the next weekend, so I wasn't able to attend this year. I would have loved to go to Virginia to see all the historic sites, and I love Northanger Abbey!

Many thanks to Laurel Ann Nattress @ Austenprose for organizing and including me in this blog tour! 

As I said above, I've had the privilege to read The Bride of Northanger, and I loved it! I felt it was written just as Jane would have wanted. The gothic feel and mystery make for a delightful read, especially this time of year! I would highly recommend it! 

I hope you enjoyed my little interview with Diana! Please, leave any comments or questions you might have below! 

Author Interview with Kara Louise and GIVEAWAY of her new book!

I’ve had the honor to meet Kara in person a couple of times. The last time we were together (having lunch at D'Arcy's, I might add!), I remember her mentioning a book she was writing with pirates in it....I’m happy to say she did!

Today, it is my privilege to have Kara Louise on my blog. One of my favorite Pride and Prejudice variations is Kara's book Darcy's Voyage! She has recently released her new book Pirates and Prejudice. I was thrilled to read it and will have my review posted on Thursday!

**Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win a copy of Pirates and Prejudice!**

Without further ado, please enjoy my interview with Kara Louise:



1. I love that you have written Darcy as a pirate, even if he is just impersonating one! What inspired you to write him as a one?

I actually came up with the very first chapter years ago. I don't know if it was after seeing one of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, or even perhaps Disney's Swiss Family Robinson. I put it aside because I didn't know where I was going with it. Last fall I pulled it out and decided to tackle it again. I knew I wasn't going to have Darcy as a real pirate, but I thought having him impersonate one and then end up battling real ones while rescuing Lizzy might have a strong appeal.

2. In the story, Darcy finds it uncomfortable to wear pirate clothing, speak like a pirate - to be un-gentleman like. Did he give you any trouble putting him in that role? Does he warm up to the role?

What I thought was interesting was having to 'retrain' him so that he would behave less like a gentleman, all the while having the constant reminder of Elizabeth's words that he had behaved in such an ungentleman-like manner in his proposal. His manners and speech were so ingrained in him, that he often slipped back to his refined ways, especially when he reacts to something out of surprise or anger. It was fun to write, and as the readers will see, after the adventure is over, he will occasionally revert to his pirate language, but only for Elizabeth to hear.

3. If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as Mr. Darcy?

Can I cheat and say Colin Firth 20 years ago? To me he is the ultimate Mr. Darcy and the one I envisioned as I wrote this. OK, if I can't cheat and put him in a movie because of his age, let me see...Jude Law? He's a little younger, but I guess he's still too old. How about Michael Fassbender? I think he would be great, but although he's younger, he's still a little too old. Ok, I guess I'll have to settle for Henry Cavill. Seems perfect in every way.

4. Besides Pirates and Prejudice, which one of your books is your favorite?

I think Darcy's Voyage, which was originally titled Pemberley's Promise, has a special place in my heart. It was the response I received to that story from so many people that prompted me to look into publishing. It was one of the first I self-published, and then was one of the two picked up by Sourcebooks. I also have a special place in my heart for Master Under Good Regulation. I wrote that book with a copy of Pride and Prejudice open next to me so I could make sure I got everything right. For those who are not familiar with it, it is the story of Pride and Prejudice told through the eyes of Mr. Darcy's dog, an English Springer Spaniel named Reggie. And now that we have our own Reggie, it makes it even more special!

5. Every writer seems to have a different writing process. Some prefer to outline their whole story. Others like to fly by the seat of their pants. Background noise. Perfectly quiet, with no interruptions. What is your writing process?

I don't like a lot of noise, but will occasionally have music playing in the other room. I love music from the 60s and 70s, as well as music from my parents' era. I love some of the good ol' musicals or Frank Sinatra. I also love Mantovanni and his stringed orchestra, plus some classical music. When I'm writing, I don't want anything too wild. I play music from my downloaded iTunes and select 'shuffle' on 'My Favorites' and just let 'em play! As for how I write the story, I don't outline, but I have a general idea of where the story is going. Sometimes I surprise myself as much as anyone else by the direction the story goes. For example, in Pirates and Prejudice, I had no idea Elizabeth was going to hit Darcy in the head with a rock when she saw him coming, thinking he was another pirate. I also prefer to be alone in the house, but that doesn't always happen. Now that I'm retired, though, I have plenty of time at home to get writing done!

6. What's up next for you? Do you have another story in mind?

I have one non-Austen story that I've written 10 chapters for, but I need to go back and readdress some things to make it more compelling. I also have a few chapters written of an Austen sequel/backstory (not Pride and Prejudice) based on a minor character. Because of the way I want to tell it, I'm trying to figure out the best way to do it. And, there is also a modern sequel to Drive and Determination, following Gina in a Persuasion based story. As I take some time off from writing now that P&P is published, I'll mull these stories over and decide which one has the greatest appeal, both for me to write, and for readers to read!

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Thanks to everyone for stopping by, and thanks to Candy for hosting me. I hope you will all have a chance to read Pirates and Prejudice. I am offering a paperback copy of Pirates and Prejudice to US readers, or an e-book to International readers. To be eligible for the drawing, fill out the Rafflecopter below. 

Good luck!

Thank you, Kara, for being here today and for your generous giveaway! 

**Please, come back on Thursday to read my review of Pirates and Prejudice!**

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remember, to enter the giveaway you must enter the Rafflecopter above! 

Any thoughts? We'd love to hear from you!

Author Interview: Mary Lydon Simonsen and GIVEAWAY

I'm super excited to have Mary Lydon Simonsen on my blog today! It is such an honor! Last Thursday I posted my review of Mary's new book Darcy Goes to War and I thought it would be fun to ask her a few questions about her new book. Don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter below!  

Thank you, Candy, for having me back at So Little Time… It’s always a pleasure. You have asked me to answer a few questions.

I know you have written a few books set in the World War I and World War II eras, like Searching for Pemberley and Mr. Darcy’s Angel of Mercy, what is it about these periods that you find fascinating?

When I was in high school, I found a picture of my grandfather, William Mahady, born in 1888, sitting in front of a pup tent. Although he was married and had two children, he had been drafted to fight in World War I. He was on a ship on its way to France when the armistice was signed. Because of that picture, I started to read about The Great War, as it was then known, which led me to World War II. To understand the reason for these two epic wars, you must read the history of both.

Since writing the first two, how much research did you have to put into Darcy Goes to War?

In addition to stories told to me by my parents, uncles, and aunts, who were all young adults during World War II, I have done a ton of research on both wars. I particularly enjoy reading British authors. They have a different slant on things, and their research is impeccable. I have a whole bookcase dedicated entirely to the two wars. Through my brother-in-law, I also have the German side of the story. He was born in Germany two days after the German surrender. His mother first had to escape the Russians, and then the whole family fled from East Germany to West Germany to escape the Communists before coming to America in the early 1950s. One of our favorite topics of conversation is the history of World War II.

How hard was it to drop Elizabeth and Darcy into this period?

It wasn’t hard at all. Both Elizabeth and Darcy are solid characters, who always do the right thing. Their temperaments would have been well suited for the ordeal the British faced between 1939 and 1945 as well as the post-war years. In Pride and Prejudice, Darcy races off to London to save Lydia from Wickham. In Darcy Goes to War, he climbs into his bomber to save England from Germany.

Why did you decide to have Darcy's parent still living in this story?

Because Jane Austen had so little to say about Darcy’s parents, I have always wondered what Old Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy were like. I once started a story about Lady Anne, but it’s on the “did not finish” shelf. Because of lengthening life spans, I thought that Darcy’s parents would still be alive in 1944. Through them, I was able to illuminate the devastating effect a second war had on those who had lived through the first conflagration.

What's up next for you?

I am doing a final edit on my second mystery in the Patrick Shea series, A Killing in Kensington. My first novel, Three’s A Crowd, featured Detective Sergeant Shea, who wants to be on a murder investigation team at Scotland Yard. In A Killing in Kensington, he gets his wish and investigates his first high-profile murder. It will be released in early October. 

On the Jane Austen front, I am working on two novels. The first is a sequel to Mr. Darcy’s Bite, in which Darcy is a werewolf. The story takes place in the first year of Darcy and Elizabeth’s marriage. The hook: Is it possible that someone knows of Darcy’s secret and is trying to expose him? The second has Darcy and Elizabeth meeting in Italy several years after his failed proposal at Hunsford. I’m still working on it.                                                                        

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway of an e-book of Darcy Goes to War. To enter, enter the Rafflecopter and leave a glowing comment on my post. It’s that easy. Last day to enter is September 20th.

Thank you, Mary! It was a pleasure having you here today!

Connect with Mary:
Twitter: @MarySimonsen
Facebook
Blog: Austen Inspired Fan Fiction
Austen Authors

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Be sure to enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win! Then leave a comment! 

For more chances to win head over to Leatherbound Reviews and Darcyholic Diversions!

Getting to know Karen Aminadra ~ An Interview

Today, I am welcoming Karen Aminadra to my blog! She has a new book out, Charlotte ~ Pride & Prejudice Continues, you can read my review of her book here. 

1. Tell us a little bit about your self. (I love that you grew up in Hertfordshire!)

Yes that is great, but I didn't realise the significance of it until later.  I read a wonderful article where this man had used triangulation to pin point Longbourn, Meryton and Lucas Lodge using P&P, because Jane stated exactly how far it was to Gracechurch Street in London.  I was amazed to find that I lived 5 miles or less from Longbourn or Redbourn as it's called, and used to go shopping and worked once in Meryton itself! (Or Harpenden).  It really gave me a deeper understanding and knowledge of the places in P&P.  However, it's sad that the house Jane named Netherfield no longer exists and is a golf course.

I was born in London but grew up in Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire and loved it there.  It is so close to London, which is great when you are growing up and also near to the Ashridge National Trust Estate which is teeming with wildlife. I used to love picnicking there and watching the deer, just as Jane might have done too.

I now live in Wootton, Northamptonshire with my husband. This place also has a Jane Austen connection.  In Northanger Abbey, Henry Tilney mentions the Militia stationed at Northampton, well that's my village, and the Officer's Quarters are still standing as well as Wootton Hall (the Estate House) which is now, believe it or not, the Police Station.

2. I'm always interested in hearing about an author's writing process. How do you go about writing a story? Do you outline the story first or do you let the story evolve as you are writing it?

A little bit of both really.  I begin with an idea and I meditate on it, dwell on it and chew it over and over until it becomes a story line.  Then I'll think more deeply about the characters and that's when they wake up and want to demand my attention.  That's also when I have to start writing to keep up with their constant chatter. 

I usually know where I want to go in a book and how I want to get there, but more often than not, a character will clear their throat and demand that I listen to what they have to say. Just like Mrs Abbot in Charlotte, she was determined to do what she could for her friend and the whole card party scene wrote itself, I sat back and watched them get on with it!

3. Why did you choose to write about Charlotte?

Charlotte always intrigued me.  I completely understand why she married Mr Collins but I always questioned her motives.  I have rarely seen a human being who could live without affection, whether it be from a pet, a friend or a spouse, we all need to be loved.  After a conversation with a friend about Charlotte, I realised there was a story there.  Charlotte came from a loving family and went into Kent, with a husband that, let's be honest, makes most women's skin crawl and also she had to deal with being ordered about by Lady Catherine... how would you have felt? or dealt with it?

4. I have to ask, Mr. Collins, did you start out wanting to make him a likable person?

Ha ha no. Actually no.  My attention was on Charlotte and how on earth she would survive marriage to him.  But in the course of all her trials and tribulations I was forced to sit back and ask him how he was feeling. Then little by little he changed.  I certainly didn't do it on purpose and I admit to toying with the idea of killing him off.  I knew that Jane would have wanted me to at least try and make their marriage work, and in the process Mr Collins evolved and matured and I proudly admit (even if you can't admit it yourself Candy ha ha) that I LOVE Mr Collins now!

5. What are you currently working on?

My latest project is a book I started about ten years ago and just couldn't finish.  It begins in 1911 and then goes into 1912 in Suffolk, England.

Baronet Sir George Bancroft and his family are in financial ruin but they are rescued by his distant cousin Gregory Rogers.  However all is not as it appears and nothing returns to normal once Gregory arrives. He has the money, he now has Bancroft Hall and one by one all obstacles to his gaining the Baronetcy are being removed...his eye and interest then turns to young 18 year old Jane. She must also be removed or controlled, but will his affection for her stand in the way?

It's not been easy to write and I admit I had a hard time killing off my first character.

Thank you so much, Karen, for agreeing to this interview! It's been so fun getting to know you!

You can purchase a copy of Charlotte ~ P&P Continues at amazon

You can find Karen at www.karenaminadra.com

Follow Karen on Twitter  @kaminadra

Comments are always welcome!