Friday, January 20, 2017

Special Announcement!

This is my first post for 2017! Can you believe it? I can hardly believe it myself. Here it is, already January 20th and I'm just now wishing all of you a very Happy New Year! In a later post, I will tell you what I've been doing the first part of January but many of you already know! lol 

Now, on to the reason for this post!

Today, on many blogs, simultaneously, there is a very exciting announcement being made about an upcoming release! I think you will love it. As you read more about it, you will see why! So rather than me going on about it, I will get right to the interview with Christina Boyd. (Don't forget to check out the giveaway, too! It's awesome!)

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“The Darcy Monologues” Announcement!



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Interview with Christina Boyd

There are many well-known names behind today’s exciting announcement in the JAFF community and the one person at the center of it all is here today to share this news with us; the lovely Austenesque editor, Christina Boyd.

Christina, there’s a buzz going around the JAFF community that you are heading a new project and it’s a pleasure to have you visit so many Austenesque blogs today to share your big news!

Can you share with us what you’ve been working on behind-the-scenes?

Thank you for hosting and shining your light on this project. I am excited and not a little proud to announce “The Darcy Monologues”—a short story anthology with sixteen of my very favorite Austenesque writers. I doubt anyone will be surprised by my list—authors I’ve either enjoyed working with and admire their work or authors I have simply fan-girl’d over for years: Susan Adriani, Sara Angelini, Karen M. Cox, J. Marie Croft, Jan Hahn, Jenetta James, Lory Lilian, Judy-Lynne, KaraLynne Mackrory, Beau North, Ruth Phillips Oakland, Natalie Richards, Sophia Rose, Melanie Stanford, Joana Starnes, and Caitlin Williams.

Wow, that is an exciting line-up of talent!

“The Darcy Monologues” sounds like such a fitting title for this anthology. Would you share with us how it was selected as the title, especially with so many authors involved in this project?

This project is collection of stories all told from Fitzwilliam’s point-of-view—set in Regency, contemporary, as well as other eras. Because the stories are strictly from his eyes, I felt it imperative we find a title that clearly illustrated the book would be more than one tale but all from his point-of-view. In an e-mail from “The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy” author, Sara Angelini, she mentioned how she had long wanted to write a story titled “The Darcy Monologues” or something like… So, in presenting the idea to the group, other ideas were thrown about. After a quick Google search, we learned there was a short story on Derbyshire Writer’s Guild by Judy-Lynne with the same title. She had written a short story described as six “extemporaneous rants” expressed by Fitzwilliam Darcy. Not one to be a copycat, we moved on to other names. But as time passed, nothing resonated with me as much so I felt incumbent to ask Judy-Lynne if she would be offended if we used the same title. Unfortunately, she is rarely on the fanfiction sites anymore and everyone I asked claimed they did not know how to get in touch with her. Finally! Finally, I connected with her through “A Happy Assembly” and asked her about the title use, she accepted, and I asked her if she was still writing and would she be interested in writing a short for the anthology. She said she wasn’t writing but agreed to the challenge. And that’s my story and I’m sticking with it.

How does this project differ from anything you’ve worked on before?

I’ve worked on two other anthologies, published in 2015 by Meryton Press: “Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer” and “Then Comes Winter.” Both were set-up as writing contests with a panel of judges reading and selecting the submissions. This project, I am self-publishing and have assembled my own dream team.

At this point, what can you share about your experiences working with so many talented Austenesque writers?

I feel lucky! Blessed. Not only that these talented writers have all graciously committed to this project—some having not written anything Austenesque in years—but have over a short period of time become so dear to me on a personal level.

What can readers expect from this anthology?

The authors have all committed to write a short piece from Darcy’s point-of-view, between 5000-15,000 words, and must have romance—but no scenes that I wouldn’t be able to share with my teenage daughter or eighty-year-old mother-in-law. Even with that last tenet, I am amazed how these writers can turn up the heat in a room. Have your fans handy—and even a few tissues!

It seems like we just can’t get enough of Mr. Darcy! What’s his appeal, Christina, 200 years later?

“Pride and Prejudice” is told in the third-person narrative, limited omniscient, from Elizabeth Bennet’s point-of-view. In my fiction, I have always had a weakness for the rich, powerful, noble, and handsome man who changes his ways for love, and a woman worthy of his efforts. I’ve long dreamt of putting together a collection of stories all from my favorite Austen hero’s eyes. Yes, “Pride and Prejudice” has been told before from Darcy’s point-of-view by the talented Pamela Aidan, Stanley Hurd, Amanda Grange, Janet Aylmer, and Mary Street, to name a few—but with all the amazing “Pride and Prejudice” re-imaginings out there, I wanted to read alternate stories in his own words.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today about The Darcy Monologues?

The anthology is scheduled for release May 22, 2017 and we have a few promotions planned in the coming weeks as we finish the editing process to spit and polish the collection.

Before we part, Christina, I hear you have some rather thrilling news to share with us on a personal level, which was just announced early this week. Care to divulge the details here too?

Well… I can barely believe it myself but…I won—I WON, the Omaze “Champagne Toast with Henry Cavill on the London Eye" experience! (Fundraiser to benefit the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.) You read that right. I won. I’m flying to London to meet my all-time favorite book boyfriend, the very talented British actor, Henry Cavill. I have never been to England, except layovers in Heathrow—which doesn’t count—so I feel like the French teacher who has never been to France. And here I get to go, stay in a luxury hotel, explore London, and have a champagne toast with Henry Cavill. Pinch me! And yes, if he is willing, I do hope to have him sign some swag for “The Darcy Monologue” giveaways—after all, he is my book boyfriend.

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I love the video of Christina finding out she won. If you get a chance, click the link below to take a look for yourself.
Christina's Winner Reveal Video

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Biography

Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is an editor, a contributor to Austenprose, and a ceramicist under her own banner, Stir Crazy Mama’s Artworks. A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Christina lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B, two busy teenagers, and a retriever named BiBi. Visiting Jane Austen’s England remains on her bucket list.

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We are giving away some really fun prizes to three lucky winners! One winner will receive a stash of gifts to enjoy with his/her own significant other. These treats include assorted British food and beverage snacks and a Mr. Darcy quote mug.
(This prize is open to a winner with a U.S. mailing address only)



Another winner will receive two stories form the anthology; a Regency story and a contemporary or alternate era short story. The winner will choose his/her prize stories based on the authors in this anthology. These stories will be distributed to the winner on March 15, 2017.

 Our third prize winner will receive a walk-on role in one of the stories in this anthology. That’s right…This winner will have a piece of the action in one of our stories, which means having a character in one of these stories in the anthology named after her/him.
 This is something every JAFF reader dreams about, isn’t it?

These giveaways are open for entries from Friday, January 20 until midnight, ET, on Saturday, January 28, 2017.

The winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Isn't this great?! I can hardly wait. This anthology has a fantastic group of authors. Take a look at that line-up!  Wow! It will be such fun to get my hands on this one! Yes, I'm going for the paperback when it is released and probably the eBook too! :)


On another note, Christina, congratulations on winning the trip to London to share a Champagne Toast with Henry Cavill on the London Eye. Sigh!  How neat! I'm thrilled for you and can hardly wait to hear all about it when you get back. I do hope you get to visit more of England, too.

Thank you, Dear Readers, for stopping by today. Keep a watch out for The Darcy Monologues. There will be a blog tour later so we will have lots of opportunities to hear more about this anthology! Yay!
Once again, Happy New Year!

41 comments:

  1. Thank you for supporting this project Janet - I'm so excited to read other people's stories!

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    1. It's my pleasure, Jenetta. I'm so excited about this book and can't wait to read all the stories.

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  2. I cant wait to read other people's stories too! Some of the best of the best in this group! YAY

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    1. I can't either, KaraLynne. This one is filled with excellent authors.

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  3. Thanks for the announcement!
    I love the video of Christina winning too- I was half crying/half laughing right along with her.

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    1. You're welcome!

      Wasn't that a great video! I loved her reaction.

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  4. Thank you, Janet, for your support with this announcement! I hope you and your readers love this anthology!!

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    1. Thank you, Claudine, for setting it all up. Great job, as usual. I think we will love the anthology. I can't wait.

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  5. Hip Hip Huzzah for Christina's great idea and her trip to London! Over the moon to be part of this fabulous project! Thanks for sharing the announcement, Janet!!

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    1. This will be a fantastic book. There are so many excellent authors, how could it be anything else. Looking forward to reading yours! :)

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  6. Janet, thanks so much for helping to get the word out about this fantastic project Christina dreamed up. I'm excited to be among such talented company. (And Christina, behave yourself with Henry, and know we're all ridiculously envious!)

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    1. You are all in very good company with each other. I'm betting this will be a huge success.

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    2. I'll do my best not to embarrass me/us!

      This new anthology project--I so very proud of it!

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  7. First post of the year? Well aren't we the lucky folks. Thanks, Janet! Can't wait to see our Darcy Monologues in the wild. :)

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    1. Yes, my very first post is for you guys! I've been too busy with shipping to post; then I had to collapse for a few days! lol I can't wait to see them either, Sophia. I'm sure each of your stories is wonderful.

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  8. Thank you for being a part of this, Janet!!! I'm so looking forward to the release! And good luck to all the contestants. :)

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    1. I wouldn't have missed it! I hate to rush the months but am anxiously awaiting this release.

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  9. I love love love that we are your first post of 2017! Thank you for your excitement. Can't wait for you tinted "The Darcy Monologues" -- and of course to meet my own MrDarcy, Henry Cavill! Dreams do come true!

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    1. Yes, you are! This is perfect for a first post, isn't it! I'm so excited for the release AND for your dream come true! Congratulations!

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  10. Doesn't this project sound exciting? I'm thrilled to be a part of it and can't wait to read the entire book. Thank you, Janet, for letting us be your first post in 2017!

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    1. Yes, it does. I'm so happy you are a part of it too. Can't wait to read your story and all the rest. You all are perfect for my first post of 2017.

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  11. This is the best kind of announcement, Janet. It sure stirs up anticipation, doesn't it? Counting down to May 22nd.

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    1. Isn't it a fun annoucement? I could hardly wait for today. I'm counting down too.

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  12. Yes,dreams do apparently come true!!!
    Am delighted for Christine,a trip to London and a rare opportunity to meet 'n' greet her book boyfriend,Mr H.Cavill!!! Wow!!!

    Am looking forward to reading this one! Sounds exciting! Best of luck with it!

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    1. Isn't it wonderful! She better take lots of pictures and tell us all about this trip and meeting the handsome Henry Cavill! Swoon.

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  13. So many wonderful names on that list, Christina, and two or three I haven't come across before, so I'll definitely have to check them out. Many congratulations on pulling it all together and self-publishing too.

    I'll be looking forward to May and the blog tour with great anticipation!

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    1. I love that list of names. You know there are going to be many good stories. Won't we have fun reading them?

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    2. You can find Judy-Lynne's stories at DWG. The rest are all published. Thanks for your interest!

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  14. Thanks so much for helping host the announcement of The Darcy Monologues, Janet! I'm excited about reading the other authors' stories, which I know will be amazing, and sharing this unique project with readers :) Good luck everyone on the giveaway.

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    1. I wouldn't have missed it, Karen. This is such exciting news. Congratulations to all of you.

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  15. Very Exciting! May is still too far away. Looking forward to reading these tales. Thanks for the interview. Jen Red

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    1. Isn't it. Wish it was sooner. Thanks for stopping by, Jen.

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  16. A belated Happy New Year, Janet.
    It’s certainly been a good year for Christina so far, hasn’t it?
    I’ll be amongst those agreeably engaged when a certain publication becomes available in May. I can’t wait to read The Darcy Monologues! … except for one story that I’ve already read umpteen times. ;-)

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    1. Thank you and Happy New Year to you too.

      Ooh, my! It has been a good start for Christina.

      I bet you have read one of them 'just a few times'! lol Now I want to read it too.

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  17. I cannot wait to read everyone's stories! It has been wonderful being a part of a project with such an amazing group of ladies. Thanks for spreading the word, Janet!

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    1. It will be such fun to read all the stories. I love reading from Darcy's point of view so this should be good! You all are an amazing group. Glad you stopped by.

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  18. So many talented authors writing from Darcy's POV. What a great idea. :) I enjoyed both summer and winter anthologies, and am looking forward to this one.
    Congratulations Christina on your luck, a toast with Henry Cavill. Wow.

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  19. I really really love the idea of this book. Who wouldn't want to read a whole book based on Darcy?? With such a wonderful group of authors it is bound to be terrific. So now I just have to wait patiently until May 22nd. ������ alright forget the patiently bit! Thanks for sharing Janet ��

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  20. Janet, I have a query for you. I've logged into the Rafflecopter form here (and elsewhere) a couple of times since I made my comment on the day of the announcement. Should I be able to Tweet and note that I've made a blog post comment every day? I filled it all in on the form on Claudine's blog, which is where I made my first comment but it's now greyed out everywhere else. I'll ask Claudine as well.

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  21. Btw. My mistake. Must excuse me as the details were a bit jumbled last week in all my excitement and haste. Judy-Lynne's stories are at http://pemberley.com

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  22. Yay, so excited to hear about this project! A book all about Darcy's POV from so many talented authors? Sign me up!

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