Friday, June 12, 2015

One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories...J Dawn King

A little over a year ago, debut author, J Dawn King, visited my blog as a guest. She had been a regular visitor as a reader but was now my guest as a first time author. What 'joy' it was to have her visit! :) She debuted with a huge splash and had the giveaway of all giveaways on my blog. Now she is back with a new release, One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories, and she has a pretty fabulous giveaway this time too. Be sure to check out the details. 

The neatest thing that I must share with you is that her very first guest post was at More Agreeably Engaged. I was quite honored to have her stop by this blog. Well, the next honor came last week when her daughter, Jennifer Joy, was my guest. It was also her first guest appearance on a blog. So, what do you think of that? Pretty special, huh. Both Mother and Daughter sharing several firsts, publishing their first books a year apart and doing their first guest post also about a year apart and on MAE, to name a couple of those firsts. Both ladies are working steadily on more books and that is excellent news!

Okay, now back to J Dawn King, today's guest. I am very honored to have you stop by again, Joy. You are an inspiration to me. You are always so positive and upbeat no matter what life throws your way and that is something to which we should all aspire. Thank you for the example you set and for keeping on, keeping on, with such a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you too, for keeping those stories coming!

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Thank you so much Janet for hosting me on your blog. It’s my one year anniversary from my last visit (almost).

Joy, congratulations on the release of your new book “One Love – Two Hearts – Three Stories”. What made you do an anthology? I thought you were writing “Finding Their Way”, your Bingley/Jane story.

Somehow, I knew you were going to ask me this. To answer the first part I have to lay 100% blame on Meryton Press. I was arm-wrestling Bingley in an effort to help him get his story straight when I heard about their short story anthology contest. They required a complete romance in 15,000 words or under. My first thought was, “that’s going to be really nice”. Then, as Bingley kept stubbornly trying to wrestle control of his future from my manuscript, my mind kept coming up with ideas for short stories. Thus, Ramsgate was born.

That’s the third story in your anthology. How did you come up with that particular tale and is it under 15,000 words?

I love writing Lizzy Bennet as a heroine. So, I pondered how Darcy would be affected if a young, single woman befriended Georgiana and provided shelter to her when she realized how vile Wickham was. I am a bit of a Pollyanna, so I wanted Georgiana’s heart to remain unbroken. It was a real pleasure to write. Yes, events flow quickly, but what can you do in 15,000 words?

The first story is called “The Library”. Did you get that idea while you pondered entering Meryton Press’s contest?

No, I actually had that one in mind from the first time I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. My parents always propounded the importance of talking things out so it drove me nuts when Darcy and Lizzy were in the library for a half an hour without saying a word. By then, Darcy was struggling with his attraction to Elizabeth. What if he realized at that point that it was too late? His heart was hers? It was a story that just begged to be told. Yes, in just under 15,000 words (or maybe a little over. Or maybe a lot over, actually).

You mentioned that communication was important in your home. In what way?

I have a sister less than a year older than me and one less than a year younger. (Yes, I’m the meat in the sandwich; the cream in the Oreo.) We shared the same room and constantly (at least, I’m sure my Mom thought it was constantly), during our teenage years, fought over clothes, boyfriends, and just about everything else. I don’t remember any specific disagreements with Kelli and Rita, but I do remember Mom saying repeatedly, “you girls fight it out amongst yourselves.” Thus, Kelli, Rita, and I are all talkers. We learned to settle differences by verbally addressing issues.

Since I first read Pride and Prejudice and found out there were five sisters that were fairly close in age, I easily imagined their mother yelling the same.

Your second story, "Married!", is full-length. Did you get that idea while considering the Meryton Press contest too?

I did. I had planned for eight chapters that would finish the story within the guidelines. I love reading where Darcy and Elizabeth are forced to marry because of circumstances. They are both honorable so it would not be for immoral reasons. It was such a fun story to write that I just had to keep going. It’s about four times the length of the other stories. I have to tell you, Janet, I LOVE this Darcy.

What was your biggest challenge in writing "Married!"?

The issue of slavery. It was such an abhorrent means of padding someone’s pockets. It was not originally planned to be part of the story – it just suddenly appeared. I worried that I was not as severe as I needed to be and I did not want to offend. My inclination was to get on my soap box and expound on the evils of slavery. However, that wasn’t the purpose of the story. But, I sure wanted to.

What was your biggest surprise in writing three stories?

This is an easy question to answer. I posted “The Library” and “Married!” on three on-line forums. By far the most commented on aspect of both these stories was the footman in “The Library”. Some of the reviewers proclaimed him “my favorite supporting character in all Jane Austen fan fiction”. The sheer number of people that fell in love with that man was shocking. Who knew?

What was your favorite part to write?

My favorite was when Darcy defended Elizabeth against Mr. Collins in “Married!”.  I was shocked that he was moved to violence so quickly. Other favorites was Darcy’s treatment of Caroline Bingley in “The Library” and Elizabeth’s introduction to her in “Married!”. I also loved, loved, loved writing different pairings for “Ramsgate”. I had no clue until I typed the epilogue how it was going to turn out. Sigh and swoon!

Did you enter the short story contest at Meryton Press?

I did. And, then I didn’t. I submitted “The Library” and “Ramsgate” and then thought how much better “Married!” would be if I could bundle them all together. All three stories have both Darcy and Elizabeth with similar characters and outcomes. They fall in love rather quickly in each story. Looking back, I realize that my first book, “A Father’s Sins”, has exactly the same thing happen. My newest? Nope! My latest has a Darcy that needs to learn that he doesn’t always know what is best for others and Lizzy definitely needs to learn she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is. Quite a departure for me. I’m still a Pollyanna, so the angst meter probably won’t go beyond a 6 on a scale of 1-10. It is deliciously fun writing it.

Will you be writing more short stories in the future?
 
Well, Meryton Press has announced another short story contest. If I am in any way as inspired as I was for this last contest I just might. Right now, I’m typing a full-length novel called “Compromise!”. Yes, it’s another forced marriage scenario and the one I mention in your last question. This time, Lizzy compromises Darcy. I’m having a lot of fun with it, but….yes, I know, Janet. I need to finish Bingley.



And, how is Mr. Bingley?

He’s unhappy. The poor man has been waiting for a year for his happily-ever-after and I keep putting him off. He’s getting jealous and irritated that Darcy keeps getting in my way. (Joy bows her head in shame.) Tomorrow! I’ll start typing on Bingley tomorrow.





Thank you, again, for hosting me on your blog, Janet. I have a couple of giveaways you might want to share.

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About the Author:


As an avid reader, Joy Dawn King did not read Jane Austen until she was 55 years old. It was love at first read. While living in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador in 2014, she wrote her debut novel, A Father’s Sins: A Pride and Prejudice Variation. Joy is currently living back in the US, in the beautiful state of Oregon, with her husband, John, and is finishing the revisions for her Bingley/Jane story called Finding Their Way.

You can connect with Joy via her website, Goodreads, Facebook page or Twitter.

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Book blurb:

One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories: A Pride & Prejudice Anthology: The Library, Married!, Ramsgate
This is a collection of two novella length stories and one full-length novel. 

The Library - (voted #1 at Jaffrecs.com for March 2015) 

What happens when Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are alone in the library at Netherfield Park and they decide to talk instead of ignore each other? In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the half hour passes without either our hero or our heroine speaking one word to each other. This sweet variation has them breaking their silence. What follows is a conversation filled with confrontation, clarification, and love. 

Married! (voted top 5 at Jaffrecs.com for April 2015)

Fitzwilliam Darcy needs a wife! Elizabeth Bennet needs a husband! 

What results when two strong-minded, kind-hearted strangers unite in this most sacred state? Will love grow? In this full-length novel, Darcy and Elizabeth are faced with frustrations and blossoming feelings of tenderness. Our favorite couple finally reach their happily ever after. Or, do they? 

Ramsgate 

When Miss Georgiana Darcy stumbles upon her beloved George Wickham willingly wrapped in a passionate embrace with someone else, the elopement is off. Running to her new friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, she involves her in a plan to get help from her brother, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and bring Wickham to justice. 

In this novella length story, does Darcy marry Elizabeth? Does Colonel Fitzwilliam find the woman of his dreams? And, what happens to the nefarious Mr. Wickham? Enjoy this alternate path to our favorite couple’s happily ever after.

This book is available to buy in print and kindle formats - Amazon US - Amazon UK

Joy, I am thrilled that you have released your latest book, One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories. (although I am feeling a bit sad for poor Mr. Bingley. He HAS been waiting for quite some time now! I am eagerly waiting with him for his happily ever after! :) I feel confident though, that it will have been worth the wait. Hang tight, Bingley. Your day will come. Now back to this latest release, I did so love hearing how each story came to be. Thanks for telling us. It was fascinating how your characters did their own thing in "Ramsgate" and kept you guessing until the end. It was also fun to read about you and your sisters. 

It has been my pleasure to have you stop by again, Joy. You are always such a 'joy' (I know, I know) to work with and I have been looking forward, with anticipation, for your visit today. The last time you were my guest, it truly was a monumental event! I wish you much success with all your writings and am happy to hear of other plot bunnies running around in your head. That is a plus for all us readers. Keep those books coming.


Giveaway time!

Joy has very kindly offered a giveaway of one eBook and one signed print copy of her newest release, ONE LOVE – TWO HEARTS – THREE STORIES. This giveaway is open internationally. Just leave a comment below to enter the giveaway, ensuring that you leave a way for me to contact you (email, twitter details etc.) and please state if you'd only like to enter for one format or both. I will draw the print copy winner first. The closing date to enter the giveaway is 18 June 2015.

In addition, as a welcome to Joy’s website, if you go to jdawnking.com and leave a comment, follow her, or sign up for her newsletter, you will be entered for a HUGE giveaway of Jane Austen memorabilia which will be drawn on 31 July 2015. Again, this giveaway is open internationally. Good luck to all.

49 comments:

  1. Janet and Joy, I would really like to win this book. Pretty please, pick me?

    GinnaSaisQuoi at verizon dot net

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Ginna. I hope you get to read it soon. It was so much fun to write.

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  2. Hi ladies! Joy, obviously, I don't want to enter the giveaway, as I had the privilege of beta reading two of the three stories, and read the third online.

    I just wanted to stop by and say what lovely stories all three of them are. For anyone who hasn't read the online ones and sadly isn't fortunate enough to win a giveaway, I just want to say that this book is a must for your Wish List!

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    1. Anji, I couldn't have completed this project without you. Your expertise in all things British and the Regency is a real asset. Thanks so much for stopping by. By commenting here you get another entry in the JA memorabilia drawing.

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    2. Thank you for those kind words, Joy. I don't claim to be an expert on the Regency but I am learning more and more as time goes by. I guess, though, as a Brit I can kind of claim to be something of an expert on that!

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    3. Because of you I now know not to use foyer, sidewalks, and baby teeth in my stories. Though, I did let some foyer's slip by in this book. Glad you are Brit! If you ever need some American-isms, I would love to return the favor..

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    4. It should be entrance hall. Who knew?

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  3. Joy, I love your comment about poor Bingles waiting and waiting for his turn at happiness. And Janet is so right, you always seem so cheerful and positive. Not a moody-pants like me lol.

    I have this book and am reading it now, so please don't enter me for the giveaway. I'm excited to get to "Ramsgate" because it's the 1 that I had not previously read online. I should've just read that one first!

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    1. Monica, you? You a moody-pants? Say it isn't so!!! Thanks so much for the kind words.

      I'm particularly excited to find our what you think about my three stories. Which is your favorite? What were your highlights? What did you think when Darcy popped Collins on the jaw. Boy, did I like writing that. In the original Pride and Prejudice I wanted Lizzy to tag him one when he wouldn't take "no" for an answer - Collins, not Darcy. I guess they both were told "no", weren't they?

      Thanks so much for stopping by. Like Anji and Ginna, this will give you another entry in the big drawing. Squee!!! I'm so excited to see who wins.

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  4. Fun interview, ladies! I was chuckling nearly the whole time. I always enjoy learning how a story comes to life. I'd feel sorry for poor Bingley, but I know that waiting a little longer will probably make his story even better. :) As to the short story contest, it will be fun to see what you do with holidays as the theme. Appreciated all your enthusiasm and support with the release of the last story.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity, Joy!
    sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com

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    1. Oh, Sophia, I am so very, very proud of you. To be chosen to be part of that group is really a privilege and an honor, wasn't it? My book should be here the first part of next week and I'm particularly excited to read your story. You were a hoot and a half at the launch party. How you did that for two hours was beyond me.

      I'll be sure to put your name in the drawing again for this comment. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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  5. I had a good time reading this with my lunch. It was so funny!

    Thanks for the chance to win your book!

    tgruy at netscape dot net

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    1. You are most welcome. I'm tickled you enjoyed the interview. I wanted to do a long post about the importance of saying the words "I Love You" out loud to the people you care about, but Janet beat me about the head and chest until I answered her questions. (My Mother would want to whip me for the whopper I just typed. Chuckle!)

      Actually, I knew Janet would ask me about Bingley. Why? She did the amazing artwork on the cover. I love that Bingley and Jane. They are exactly as I imagine them to be. They will get their story out there. I promise.

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    2. Yes, Joy, your might might but then, it was all done in fun! I enjoyed this 'interview' immensely! lol Plus, I only beat about the head and chest with a 'wet noodle'. (am I showing my age with that saying?)

      I'm happy you are pleased with Bingley and Jane.

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  6. You forgot to mention that your book is currently #1 in two different categories and has been for quite some time now. Go Mom!

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    1. Thanks for bragging on me, Jennifer. Coming from you it feel so good.

      Now, why are you on here typing? You need to finish Colonel Fitzwilliam. Last I heard he was goofing off and being a royal pain to a young lady I've grown to care about. Shame on that stubborn, stubborn man!!!

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    2. Thanks for letting us know, Jennifer. That is wonderful news and such a compliment to your work, Joy! Congratulations!

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  7. Interesting interview! I'm not surprised Darcy is getting his story told before Bingley -- he's used to getting his own way :). Don't enter me in the giveaway, since I read and enjoyed the stories already. I particularly loved how Elizabeth got involved with Georgiana in Ramsgate -- it led to such fascinating complications!

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    1. Thank you, Victoria. I am such a fan-girl of yours.

      Why - that's exactly why I haven't been able to polish up Bingley's story. Of course you are perfectly correct. (Are you reading this, Janet?) I'm currently smacking myself in the forehead because I hadn't yet figured that out. Like Colonel Fitzwilliam says at Hunsford, him and Bingley are at Darcy's disposal. Duh!!!

      Thanks so much for stopping by.

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    2. Yes, Joy, I did read that! lol You are a hoot! Thanks for clearing this up for us, Victoria. Perfect reasoning! That has to be the cause for the delay, Joy. It's been Darcy all along.

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  8. Please enter me in the drawing. I'd love to read the book!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    Pam
    Pamh5230 at yahoo dot com

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    1. Pamela, I'm tickled you stopped by. I sure do hope you get an opportunity to read 1L2H3S (MonicaP came up with this abbreviation. Cool, isn't it?) Best wishes in the giveaway and thanks for stopping by.

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  9. Wonderful interview. Please enter me in the giveaway. Great stories. Jen Red. jenred88@yahoo.com

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    1. Jennifer, I'm glad you came by. Janet sure came up with some thought-provoking questions. At least, I had to provoke my thoughts to come up with these answers. I'll make sure you are entered in both drawings.

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    2. You did some provoking, all right! Good answers!

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  10. Two hearts :)

    I think all the three stories are great but I would say that the library one will be my favourite!

    and what about Mr Bingley? what are you going to do to him? ^^

    I would like to enter the giveaway, thank you.
    ana (dot) mr (dot) 1986 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. I'm happy you stopped by, Ana. You are in the giveaway!

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    2. Gracias, Ana, por escrito. Espero que te dan la oportunidad de leer mi libro. ¿Quién es tu favorito Sr. Darcy? Colin Firth?

      Pido disculpas por mi mal español. No he estado practicando. I need help from my daughter, Jennifer.

      Mr. Bingley? Sigh!!! I'm working on it.

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  11. Two hearts :)

    I think all the three stories are great but I would say that the library one will be my favourite!
    and what about Mr Bingley? what are you going to do to him? ^^

    I would like to enter the giveaway, thank you.
    ana (dot) mr (dot) 1986 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  12. Poor Mr. Bingley and once again he is being directed and overshadowed by Mr. Darcy. The anthology sounds wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway. I would like to be entered for both the ebook and hard copy.
    evamedmonds(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. My thoughts too, Eva. But then, I guess we ALL do dearly love to read about Mr. Darcy! 'sigh'

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    2. Consider yourself entered.

      That's the crux of the problem with Bingley's story. Darcy and Elizabeth have such an interesting tale that it's hard. Plus, Darcy is so used to telling Bingley what to do, that his "voice" keeps popping up instead of mine. I try to explain to Fitzwilliam that I AM THE AUTHOR, but he wants to give me advice as well. What's a woman to do?

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  13. Lovely to see another book from you, Joy! The stories sound like fun.

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    1. Jan, they were very fun to write. I'm working on another one that is just as enjoyable. I've discovered that I like fluff and apparently some like to read the same. It's my own niche in the Jane Austen fan fiction world.

      Are you working on your next story? I'm hoping a sequel to The Journey. My younger sister read it this week and here's what she emailed me.

      "I just finished reading "The Journey", and I absolutely loved it. I can see why it is your favorite... This one, it's beautiful how she ended it as a journal to her children. I loved how Henry met Morgan in his travels to New Orleans and fell in love with his daughter. It was so nice to watch Elizabeth mature into a graceful woman, and I even liked that for just a moment in time, she and Caroline Bingley were able to come to a brief understanding that they were survivors of a traumatic event, and shared a few minutes of peace. It is just a really well written story, and I thank you for sharing it with me."

      Now, if that doesn't encourage you to write a sequel, I'd be surprised. Thanks so much for stopping by, Jan.

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    2. Oh my, Joy, thank you for such an encouraging comment! And thank your sister for her so very generous comments. I am working on the sequel to "The Journey," but it's really going slow. I love that you've discovered your niche in JAFF is fluff. What fun, indeed! Keep writing!

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  14. Awww, poor Bingley. He needs to stand up for himself!
    I would love to read your book, thanks for the giveaway.

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    1. You are absolutely, positively correct about Bingley. He is such an easily led young gentleman. Sigh! What's an author to do? I'm really putting him through some grown-up lessons and, happily, he's deciding to learn from them. That sister of his!!! Caroline Bingley is a pill.

      I hope you get a chance to read One Love - Two Hearts - Three Stories. Thanks for stopping by.

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  15. Joy...Thank you for sharing my comments with Jan Hahn!!! You, dear sister of mine, have become my favorite author...and I mean that quite sincerely. I am very grateful to you and JJ, for introducing me to the world of Fitzwilliam Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, as I have become a admirer of their stories. I am now on the 4th book that you loaned to me, and even though I have an approaching medical course that I should be studying for, I find that I can't put these books down!!!! (Oh well, after 30 years in Respiratory Therapy, I should know that stuff already, right?) And trust me...I will return these books to you...but I will need to borrow some more!!! Thank you for sharing your talent with the world, Joy....you are a beautiful writer!!! And a lovelier person!!!! Rita
    p.s. No need to enter the drawing.

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  16. Thanks for doing this wonderful interview, Joy. And congrats on your second published book. I hope you concentrate on finishing up Bingley's book because he is been waiting so long for his story to be told.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I am chuckling!!! Yes, Bingley needs his story told. He's become such a responsible man. The journey on how he got to that point does need told. I'm working on it. I am.

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  17. I'd prefer to win the paperback but you can enter me for both editions. I'm sure Bingley's story will be interesting.

    catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com

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  18. Thanks, Michelle. You are entered. Charles Bingley - what can I say? His inability to stick with a decision is driving me crazy, though I adore him. He's such a pleasant fellow.

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  19. Such a wonderful interview! I am enjoying your blog tour. Congratulations! Thank you for the giveaway. I would love to be considered for either ebook or pb.
    Cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net

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    1. It's good to have you stop by, Becky. There is a tremendous amount of nervous fluttering involved in getting a new book out. I definitely become a Mrs. Bennet type. I appreciate your support.

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  20. I'm so behind, sorry! What a terrific interview, ladies! I think it is awesome how you were inspired to write short stories because of the MP contest! :) All the stories sound fascinating and love how you took some creative twists with them - this footman sounds interesting! I've met a memorable valet or lady's maid before, but I don't think any footman has been a stand out! Congrats on your new release! LOL! Poor Bingley, I guess we can say the long wait serves him right for walking away from Jane and listening to others! Beautiful cover by the way - yellow is so striking!

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    1. I appreciate your comments, Meredith. To say I enjoyed writing these would be an understatement. I'd finish typing a chapter and before I knew it, I'd have to sit down and type some more. That contest was pure inspiration to me.

      You are right about Bingley. It's consequences for him. Thanks so much for stopping by.

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