Joana Starnes and the Best Story Ever Told + Giveaway!

It is such a pleasure to have Joana Starnes, author of From This Day Forward; The Darcy's of Pemberley, visit today. She tells us of her love for Pride and Prejudice and how she started writing. She is also generously giving away two eBooks! Thank you, Joana, and welcome!

Hi, Janet, and many thanks for inviting me, it’s great to be here! 

My first encounter with ‘Pride and Prejudice’ dates many years back. It was the first Jane Austen novel I ever read, the first book I fell in love with, and an enduring favourite ever since. Decades down the line, I still think it’s the best story ever written.

Then, twelve years ago, having given up my medical data management job to be a stay-at-home mum, I found myself with enough time on my hands to be able to watch the six-hour 1995 BBC adaptation several times in quick succession, and was left craving more. As other Austen fans said before me, if the book – or the film – finished, there was no reason why the story should, so I started trawling the internet, discovered the Republic of Pemberley and then the Derbyshire Writers Guild – and the rest is history.

After lurking for years and enjoying many stories there, most of which I was delighted to find at Amazon after a while, I showed up at DWG with my first foray into fan fiction, ‘Steady to his Purpose’, a Pride & Prejudice ~ Sense & Sensibility variation, later hosted on Renee Olstrom’s lovely ‘Mrs Darcy’s Story Site’.

With hindsight, ‘Steady to his Purpose’ is rather a first-time effort and, in its original form, does need a lot of work, so I plan to spend some time revising it before making it available later in the year, in a new version and under the new title of ‘The Second Chance’.

As a matter of fact, ‘From This Day Forward’ started life as a sequel to it, but then I somehow drifted towards writing it as a sequel to the real thing.

I think what I enjoyed most was the opportunity – or the excuse – to immerse myself in Jane Austen’s world, to try to understand her way of life, and that of her characters. To walk through some country-house or another and imagine what it must have looked like when it was alive. When the spits were turning in the kitchen, the copper utensils on display were actually in use, when the halls would teem with servants and the drawing-rooms would glitter with candles and jewels, when age-old traditions were upheld and the ‘great house’ was responsible for the welfare of many.

It has been often said that one of the reasons why Jane Austen’s novels are timeless and enduring is that she didn’t anchor them into the details of her physical world. While this might be true for literary critics, I found I craved the very same details, and that I enjoyed sequels and retellings so much more when they did give hints to authentic events and lifestyles because, somehow, that made them so much more relevant and real. Pamela Aidan’s novels were the first to make me feel this way and then, to my great joy, over the years I found so many others.

I don’t know whether living in England has shaped my writing in any particular way. As I said before, it did help to catch glimpses of Pemberley in many of the places that the National Trust looks after – and I don’t mean just the country-houses openly associated with the 1995 and 2005 adaptations.

For those who have read ‘From This Day Forward’ already or intend to read it, there is a wonderful portrait of Lady Isabel Darcy in the Saloon at Sudbury Hall, as there is the most adorable print room papered in caricatures at Calke Abbey, and a lovely cherry-tree orchard in the walled gardens of Buscot Park. And personally, I don’t think there’s anything more beautiful than the dining room at Attingham Park, with the enormous table set up for a Regency dinner party – except perhaps The Vyne, decorated for Christmas. And if you ever go cycling in Derbyshire, it’s ever so easy to picture Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley galloping over the very same fields but, if you don’t get to travel so far north, Mr Canning’s house is still standing, at No. 50 Berkeley Square in London, and around the corner, on Piccadilly, there is the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour which, not unreasonably, Miss Bingley who lived in the nearby Grosvenor Square might have visited, and the same could be said of the Darcys.

While being able to see all these did help, and made dreaming up the story so much more enjoyable, I don’t think it matters where we sit down to write. After 200 years of alterations and ‘improvements’, we’re bound to find Jane Austen’s England not as much in the real world as in our hearts and our imagination.

To all who read this, my warmest thanks for your interest in ‘From This Day Forward’, and I hope you will enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed my search for the Darcys of Pemberley!


You may find Joana Starnes:
Facebook
Website

Purchase From This Day Forward:
Amazon Paperback and Kindle


Thank you again, Joana, for being my guest. It was so nice to hear of your progression from a love of Jane Austen to a writer of retellings. I have to think that being in England and seeing the beautiful estates and places that the National trust looks after, would inspire one to write most aptly. It would certainly aid in the details which you do so well! Step back in time to Lacock village and you will know you are in Meryton! 

Joana is giving away two eBooks of From This Day Forward, for your eReader. To be entered in the giveaway, please leave a comment. The giveaway is international. Good luck to all. Be sure to include your email address in the comment. To prevent unwanted spam, put your email address with an (at) instead of @.  Winner will be chosen in a random drawing. Giveaway ends at midnight, June 24.

My Share in the Conversation...Pirates and Prejudice

Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise

Fitzwilliam Darcy, tormented and haunted by the indignant words of Elizabeth Bennet’s refusal of his hand, is in the depths of despair. Living in a room near the docks of London, he hasn’t shaved or trimmed his beard in almost two months. Mistaken for an escaped pirate, Darcy is taken into custody and put in a cell. Unless he can convince someone of his true identity, he could be headed for the gallows. This does lead to some tense moments and is the beginning of Darcy’s adventure on the high seas… and what an adventure it is!

Even though he abhors disguise of any sort, Darcy agrees to impersonate the infamous pirate, Lockerly, to aid the police in his capture. True to character Darcy treats his crew fairly and with compassion. He inspires their respect, admiration and willingness to do anything he asks of them. Darcy hopes beyond hope that this impersonation will aid him in forgetting the woman he loves. Little does Darcy know that his wild adventure will take him directly into the path and arms of Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

As fate would have it, Elizabeth Bennet and her father travel to the Isles of Scilly to visit Mr. Bennet’s ailing sister. While there Elizabeth enjoys visiting with her much loved cousin, Melanie, and meeting a new handsome cousin, David Adams. When it is time for the return voyage to England, David travels with Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth, hoping to get to know Elizabeth better. Will he be the man Elizabeth could love or will Captain Smith win her heart? But what is there about Captain Smith that seems so familiar?

Much to my delight Darcy and Lizzy spend a good bit of time in the company of one another. Although they are not thrown together in the beginning, as the necessary events of this delightful story are unfolding, their first meeting is well worth the wait. The dialog is excellent and their chemistry is electric. Mr. Darcy will melt your heart and make you swoon.

This book has it all…adventure, intrigue, pretense, romance, betrayal, love, even Lydia and Wickham and much, much more. The masquerade ball toward the end is exquisite! There was nothing I did not like about Pirates and Prejudice. I have been eagerly anticipating its release since I first learned about it in September 2012. It is outstanding and lived up to my expectations. I will be reading this one again and again! Thank you, Kara Louise for another exceptional book!

5 out of 5 stars

PG Rating for no explicit sex

This was my 12^th book for the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge of 2013

There is still a giveaway associated with this book at my interview with Kara Louise. Be sure and leave a comment at Kara's interview post to be entered. You can also leave a comment here at my review to be entered. If you comment both places, that doubles your chance to win!!! Giveaway ends at midnight, June 18. Good luck to all!

Interview with Kara Louise + Giveaway

I am so excited to have Kara Louise as my guest today. I have long been a fan of her writing and am very thrilled that she has a new book released, Pirates and Prejudice. Kara agreed to answer some of my questions and host a giveaway. Read more about the giveaway after her interview. 

Now please join me in welcoming Kara Louise.

How and when did you become interested in Jane Austen?

My love for all things Jane Austen came with the 1995 film of “Pride and Prejudice” with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I had never before seen any film or movie that moved me in such a way. I watched it countless times and then went out and bought the book. After reading the book, I bought a book with all her works and began to work my way through each of her novels, watching a corresponding film if I could. I still love “Pride and Prejudice” the best, with “Persuasion” being my next favorite.

What drove you to start writing your own books? Did you write other things before writing PnP variations?

When I went online to see what I could find on “Pride and Prejudice,” I was amazed to find a whole community of people who felt the way I did. (Amazing, isn’t it?) I discovered the Republic of Pemberley and the Derbyshire Writer’s Guild. I began reading stories others posted and one day came up with my first story. I had plotted it out to be about 7 chapters, but it ended up being 20. That was my first novel, “Assumed Engagement.”

Years before, I tried to write a novel that I had in my head. I got three pages done and thought to myself, ‘I can never take the time to write a whole novel.’ Of course I also had a young son at the time! Then just before seeing P&P, I had found out some information about our genealogy and began a fictional story based on some of that information. I got a little further – 3 chapters!

Do you have a muse that causes your story to lead you at times or do you use an outline and follow it religiously? What is your writing routine?

I do not use an outline, but now I do make a list of the general direction I want to go. I used to just keep most of it in my head and then would just type away. Now, I might write a whole scene ahead of time if I think of it, or just jot a few notes down if I want to remember. I think one of the hardest things for me is having an idea that I cling to so tenaciously, but if anything changes in the direction of the plot, I have to let it go. I have found usually it’s for the better.

As far as my writing routine, I write better when I’m alone. Occasionally I write with music in the background (like in the other room), but sometimes I just write in the quiet of the day. I have an office where I write, but if the weather is nice, I’ll go outside onto my hammock swing and write. Since winters are cold and summers can get really hot here, I can’t do that as often as I would like. J

Is there any setting that helps inspire you to write?

Since I answered part of this in the question above (my 2 settings), I thought I’d describe my office. I have a bookcase hutch in it that is covered with Jane Austen items. I have each of my books on top, as well as an item that represents each of my books. (For example, I have a pair of ship bookends for “Darcy’s Voyage” (and would also be suitable for “Pirates and Prejudice”), a little English Springer Spaniel Webkinz dog for “Master Under Good Regulation,” a gardenia candle for “Assumed Engagement,” and a large red chess piece for “Only Mr. Darcy Will Do.”) I also have a doll that I think looks like Elizabeth Bennet, although she is dressed in more of a Victorian gown than Regency, a Jane Austen action figure, other Jane Austen books, and a few other special mementoes.

I am assuming from your novels that you prefer to write your stories during Regency times instead of modern settings? If my assumptions are correct, what makes the Regency era more appealing to you? If not, why do you set most of your stories during that time?

I do love the Regency period, although I did write a modern story, “Drive and Determination.” I would someday like to write a sequel to that novel, based on the Darcy character’s sister, Gina. It would be more of a “Persuasion” story. But I love the Regency era, the dress, manners, and even the class system really adds a special charm to stories were the characters fall in love outside that rigid structure. I also think it’s easier to write Jane Austen’s characters in the setting in which she wrote them. While her stories are timeless, to put them in a modern setting truly affects who they are, and a lot of changes have to be made.

I love all of your books and have read several more than once. As I am an animal lover, I was especially fascinated with Master Under Good Regulation.  I am curious as to what inspired your writing of that book?

If I can think back that far, I believe I had been reading Pamela Aiden’s great P&P novels, and in it Darcy has a very faithful dog. I got to thinking about how a dog may have influenced the story. I randomly chose an English Springer Spaniel (we had a cocker spaniel at the time), and I began writing. Reggie became very dear to me, and three years ago, we got our own Reggie, although ours is a female. Unfortunately, our Reggie is not as well behaved as Darcy’s Reggie was.

I am very excited about your new book, Pirates and Prejudice. How did you come up with the idea to have Darcy mistaken for a pirate? I read an earlier excerpt from it and it was intriguing indeed. I can hardly wait to read it. What can you tell us about it without giving anything away?

I had a rough draft of the first chapter for several years. I had seen the stories written about zombies, vampires, etc., and I actually was surprised that no one had done pirates. I didn’t know what I was going to do with the story; I only knew Darcy was going to be mistaken for one when he becomes so despondent after Elizabeth’s refusal that he withdraws to London. In this first chapter, we see him walking the docks, berating himself for how destitute he had allowed himself to become. Just as we think he is about to pull himself together, he is grabbed by some men who believe he is a pirate who recently escaped from the authorities. Because of his resemblance to this pirate, he is asked to impersonate him (complete with dress and talk) to lure him in. Darcy agrees, hoping this will be a way to help forget Elizabeth and get his life back in order. Of course he doesn’t realize the adventure he is about to go on will include an encounter with the woman he is trying to forget!

Is there anything you have learned from writing that has helped you in your life?

I think one thing I had to learn is to accept constructive criticism so that it doesn’t affect me personally and feel attacked. This comes throughout the whole process of writing, beginning with the very first edits all the way to the comments and reviews readers make about the book. It’s difficult to read a scathing review, but I actually like a review that gives some helpful criticism. It has made me think how I might want to politely correct someone.

Is there anything special about yourself or your writing that you would like to share with us?

As I answered the above question about previous writing, I thought I would elaborate on the story I wrote based on our genealogy. I still have it, and occasionally go back to it and work on it a little. In thinking about it, though, I realized it actually has a ‘reverse’ P&P feel, with the heroine marrying beneath her and her family disowning her. Funny thing, she married a sea captain! Maybe that’s why I have a special place in my heart for stories out at sea! (This all took place in Norway.)

Thanks for having me as a guest, Janet! I will be giving away a paperback to anyone in US, or an ebook for an international winner.


Visit Kara Louise at her blog:
delightful diversions from the heart...

Pirates and Prejudice may be found at:
Amazon, Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble, Paperback and Nook

Thank you again, Kara Louise, for being my guest today. It has been an honor! Thank you also for the giveaway to one lucky winner. As was stated above, the giveaway consists of a paperback to anyone in the US, or an ebook for an eReader to an international winner. What do you think sounds exciting about Darcy being a pirate? Please leave your comment to be entered in the giveaway. Be sure to include your email address in the comment. To prevent unwanted spam, put your email address with an (at) instead of @.  Winner will be chosen in a random drawing. Giveaway ends at midnight, June 18.

And the winner is...

Congratulations to:

gailw who left a comment on June 9

and

Joana Starnes who left a comment on June 6

Let me know as soon as possible whether you want the paperback or eBook for your eReader.  Meryton Press is giving away one of each so whoever contacts me first gets their choice! :)
Congratulations, again. I am confident you will enjoy this book!

And the winner is...

Congratulations to:

Jeanna who left a comment on June 2 

Jeanna is the randomly selected winner of one of the books of the trilogy by Cassandra Grafton. Please contact me Jeanna as soon as possible.

My Share in the Conversation...Bluebells in the Mourning

Bluebells in the Mourning by KaraLynne Mackrory

Before Darcy can make that fateful first proposal, Elizabeth gets bad news from Longbourn. Darcy’s offer to escort her home from Hunsford allows him to realize her perception of him and to attempt to change her opinion. His compassion and kindness does not go unnoticed. Gradually Elizabeth begins to see the real man but is not yet ready to forget her first impressions.

The tragedy that has befallen the Bennet family leaves many unanswered questions. Mr. Bennet seeks Darcy’s help to solve them. The answers could jeopardize Darcy’s future but as an honorable and good man, he puts his own concerns aside in search of the truth. He is, after all, a very capable man!

One of the many things I liked about this book was the relationship that developed between Mr. and Mrs. Bennet out of the tragedy they suffered. There are also some insights and plausible explanations for Fanny’s nerves and behavior that I found quite gratifying. Well done, Ms. Mackrory.

In several places I laughed out loud, especially scenes where Colonel Fitzwilliam is baiting Darcy. Unbeknownst to each, Georgiana and the Colonel have suspicions regarding Darcy’s feelings for Elizabeth. The means they use to discover if their suspicions are founded are extremely entertaining.

When the Gardiners and Elizabeth travel to Derbyshire (Chapter 11) Darcy and Lizzy encounter some bluebells during a walk. This chapter is filled with emotion and is truly lovely. I was immersed in the feelings and the scenery. I will leave the rest to the reader's discovery.

A revelation of a Bennet secret, Lydia’s diary, a kiss and much more await the reader of this excellent book and good story! I highly recommend it.

4.5 out of 5 stars

PG Rating for no explicit sex

I was given a paperback by the publisher for a fair and honest review.

This is my 11^th book in the Pride and Prejudice Bicentenary Challenge of 2013.

There is still an active giveaway for this book at the author's post of Men in Boots: Why Regency Men Are Sexy. Leave a comment at that post telling us why you think Regency men are sexy to be entered in that giveaway. The giveaway ends at midnight, June 11.

KaraLynne Mackrory & Men in Boots: Why Regency Men Are Sexy

My guest today is author, KaraLynne Mackrory, and she is talking about what makes Regency men sexy! I have to agree that they are sexy indeed, well, most of them! I find that the conclusions to her research make much sense to this reader! Speaking of reading, Mr. Darcy in KaraLynne's Bluebells in the Mourning is capable and sexy! I liked him very much! 

Michele Reed and Meryton Press have included two giveaways of Bluebells in the Mourning. More details at the bottom of this post! Now please welcome KaraLynne Mackrory!

I conducted a very thorough (I asked myself) survey into why Regency men are so appealing (sexy).  My scientific (and totally unbiased) research led me to the conclusion it all came down to capability.  Regency men are just so darn capable.  They can ride horses, shoot, dance, manage estates, etc all at an age before most men these days have learned to pass Level Whatever of that Xbox game.

Even their clothes seem to exude capability (for making me swoon).  Their cravats and coats are formal in today's standards.  Yet, today when we see a man in a suit we think he must be successful (and even wealthy).  So it is easy to conclude in this modern girl's head that all Regency men were successful and rich (yummy checklist #s 4 & 7).  Their boots speak of instant readiness (to steal my heart) for whatever may come up - be it a horse ride or other manly activity.  A modern man who seems prepared is no less appealing.  A prepared man is a capable man.  Lastly, a Regency gentleman's pants fit (well).  Raise your hand ladies if you see "mature responsible man" flash across your mind when you see that fella walking down the street with pants the size of tents hanging about his ankles.  Anyone?  Anyone?  Exactly.

Regency gentlemen were educated.  They went to Cambridge or Oxford.  Their knowledge of the world (both literally and literarily) was broad.  Similarly, educated men today are considered better catches than the ones who can only name all of the characters in The Simpsons.

Regency men had accents.  I cannot stress the sexiness of this aspect enough.  But how does it relate to him being capable?  For some reason we Americans tend to think a man with a British accent is cultured and educated.  That's why we give people in our movies and sitcoms who play a role with these qualities an accent.  Not always, but often.

Regency men do not make physical overtures (sadly) to ladies before they have an understanding with the lady.  While the stilted physical world of Regency England is not entirely what I would consider ideal (I'm all for kisses) - there is something to be said about a man who apparently appreciates more about a woman than her physical qualities (and demonstrates that).

I hope I have made some sense here.  But if not, forgive me. Scientific research is often messy and hard to understand so it really isn't my fault.  Basically and to conclude, Regency men are so darn appealing (sexy) because they are capable.  Capable of providing stimulating conversation (educated).  Capable of doing manly things (riding horses, shooting, and wearing boots - yummy).  Capable of providing nice things (remember suits = success).  Capable of keeping their hands to themselves unless we wish otherwise (and I do).  Oh and their accents are dreamy.  Ultimately Regency men possess most, if not all, qualities that are generally found attractive in modern men.  Although I am able to do many things for myself, it's nice to have a man on whom I can depend to be capable if I need it (and who wears clothes that fit).  All of the women in my survey agreed that a capable man is a sexy man.

If you ladies are looking for a capable man - check out my new release, Bluebells in the Mourning.  I promise the ultra capable (and sexy) Mr. Darcy will not disappoint.

Thank you for being my guest today, KaraLynne. I did enjoy reading your thorough and scientific research findings. Yes, a capable man is a sexy man and I do love the cravat and tight breeches!

KaraLynne Mackrory's personal information:
Facebook
Twitter

Bluebells in the Mourning may be purchased at the following:
Amazon Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble Paperback and Nook

Meryton Press is giving away one Trade paperback and one eBook for an eReader, both worldwide. Leave a comment telling us why you think Regency men are sexy! Be sure and leave your email address so we can reach you if you are the randomly selected winners. Giveaway ends at midnight, June 11. Thank you Michele Reed and Meryton Press for this awesome giveaway!