I am an author, a reader, a history-lover, and a musician. And while I don’t always write about music, I always have that question at the back of my mind: What were they listening to? What was Lizzy playing that so entranced Darcy? What was Mary’s concerto that so bored the guests at Netherfield? What… more goodness …
I had begun to reread Pride and Prejudice recently when it struck me just how impressive the first chapter is. At less than 1,000 words, you would expect it to be a mere toe-dip in the ocean of the novel, but it is actually quite masterful. Take that masterful first line: “It is a truth universally… more goodness …
I suppose I should be telling you about my next book, but there are several things up in the air at the moment (most importantly the cover and the release date), so instead, I’m going to talk about my birthday present. Anyone who follows me on Facebook already knows about this, but I’m still tickled and… more goodness …
Some of you might remember a blog I did in December. It was a blurb I created to begin my return to writing. At the time I had no plans to do much of anything with it, but the reception it received, along with the supportive, encouraging comments, convinced me to create a story around… more goodness …
Let’s talk about talking. Not just any kind of talking but talking in Jane Austen’s novels to be precise. There are numerous ways authors use dialogue. The most obvious way is to drive the plot forward. Darcy’s overheard insult to Elizabeth at the Assembly Ball in Pride and Prejudice is an easy example of this.… more goodness …
When Bad Things Come in Pairs: siblings who wreaked havoc in Austen’s novels “Prepare for trouble. And make it double!” While fans of the Pokemon cartoon show might associate this famous line with Team Rocket’s most inept members Jessie and James, this line could easily apply to several of the sibling pairs in Austen’s novels. … more goodness …
While searching for Jane Austen quotes that might apply to my upcoming story, Something to Think Of, I was especially delighted when coming across the following: “No man is offended by another man’s admiration of the woman he loves; it is the woman only who can make it a torment.” Given that Darcy and Bingley… more goodness …
“Haye Park might do,” said she, “if the Gouldings could quit it—or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have her ten miles from me; and as for Pulvis Lodge, the attics are dreadful.” —Mrs. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 50… more goodness …
Although (just like servants) they are often little remarked upon, dogs are everywhere in Jane Austen’s novels. In the Regency, dogs were an essential feature of countryside living: we might as well imagine their incessant barking in the background when we read Austen’s stories, particularly during hunting season or when the men head outside. Most… more goodness …
Like many authors last year, I lowered the prices of some of my books. I don’t think any of us realized that the crisis would last as long as it did, but we were happy to help people stuck at home to entertain themselves without spending as much. Now, a year later, many of us… more goodness …
The Austen Authors are pleased to announce the winners for the Winter Quarterly Giveaway. Congratulations!!!! If your name appears below: (1) contact Regina Jeffers (Giveaway Coordinator) at reginalm@rjeffers.com to claim your prize. READ THROUGH ALL THE NAMES FOR THERE ARE MANY WINNERS!!! Winners names are in RED. (2) If your prize is an eBook, make certain the email address for the prize… more goodness …
Please join us in welcoming wonderful Austenesque author Lona Manning to the blog. Lona discovered a fascinating bit of Old Bailey courtroom drama and requested sharing the case with our fabulous Austen Authors readers. Thanks so much, Lona! This is Lona’s fourth time as a guest, the links to her previous three blogs listed below.… more goodness …
I think Charlotte Lucas is underrated. Do you agree? Readers of Pride and Prejudice tend to overlook Charlotte as a minor character who serves little purpose but in my opinion this is a mistake. Charlotte is a strong character in her own right, and she also serves as a warning and as a plot device.… more goodness …
