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Tuesday, March 13, 2012

How I Became a Darcyholic: All It Took Was One Man and a Boy Wizard

Guest Post and Give Away By Linda Wells
Hi, Darcyholics!  I am very happy to welcome Linda Wells to Darcyholic Diversions today.  Linda was a guide and a mentor for me when I prepared to publish my first book. So, I have been privileged to know her for a number of years now. She is very prolific as an author, as a number of you are well aware.  She and her 'Darcy of Choice' Matthew MacFadyen are here to visit with us today.  Please welcome her with your comments!

Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
March 16--Mary Simonsen
March 17--Jennifer Hickling (michchick)
March 20--Jan Hahn (release of The Journey)
March 23--Jeane Alvarez (P&P2005 blog)
March 27--Lucy S.
March 30--Elizabeth Kantor
April 3--Bonnie Carlson
April 6--China Fuentes-Montero
April 10--Matt Duffy
April 13--Regina Jeffers
April 17--Elizabeth Ashton
April 20--Susan Mason-Milks
April 24--Lynne Robson
April 27--Veronica (Dark Jane Austen Book Club)
May 1--Jane Vivash and Matthew MacFadyen
May 4--Susan Adriani
And Many more to come!
&*&*&*&*&*&

Comments on Linda's post will be entered into her give away. 1 complete set of the ebooks to a non US reader and 1 complete set of either the ebooks or Volume 1 of the paperback to a US reader.  As well you will have a chance to win in the monthly drawings as well.  Entries will be based on comments on blog posts; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, Joining this site as a member!, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, Friend me on Facebook, clicking 'like’ on Barbara Tiller Cole, Author's Facebook page, Join Darcyholic Diversions Facebook Page or following BarbTCole on Twitter.



How I Became a Darcyholic:  All it Took Was One Man and a Boy Wizard

Let me take you back to those glorious days of yesteryear (cue stirring music), ahh, those lovely days when cable television was delivered through a cable, and not a set top box.  When mere mortals could somehow, mysteriously, and quite happily .  .  . get HBO for free.  Ahhhhh.  Add in repeats of Pride and Prejudice and a gloriously handsome Matthew MacFadyen, and yes, you have it, an addiction was born. 
I didn’t have any idea who Matthew was, not being English and not knowing about MI-5 (aka Spooks), but that man whispering, “Please” to the woman I considered incredibly short-sighted in the rain did something wonderful to this stay-at-home mom.  I recorded Pride and Prejudice (on video tape) and watched that proposal over and over and over.  I found clips on youtube and mourned when HBO stopped showing the movie.  Devastation.  But the kernel had been planted.  Pride and Prejudice + Matthew Macfadyen = (come on, you know the answer) Harry Potter!  Pardon?  You don’t get the connection?  Okay, well, follow along. 
I had not read a book for pleasure since I got married, at least twelve years.  Not that my husband prevented me, we had a baby three months after our wedding (yes, do the math) and he was born with severe developmental delays.  So reading was not something I had time to do.  At about the time that I was falling in lust with Mr. Darcy, I had also bought my nephew a copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and decided to read it, just to find out what the big deal was.  Well, I remembered why I loved to read, why I loved a good story, and I suddenly could not get enough.  So I found The Leakey Cauldron, I listened to Pottercast, and . . . here it is, I found Harry Potter Fan Fiction. 
By this time I had, of course, devoured Pride and Prejudice and kept a copy in my purse (still do!).  One day the thought occurred to me, “Hey, if there is HP fan fiction, what about P&P?”  I looked on Amazon, and found a couple of wonderful books, but it was when I searched the internet that the JAFF world opened up to me.  I joined every site that I could. I had a notebook with stories listed, where they were, what chapter I was on, little details so I could have some clue of what was going on when I finally, happily, saw a new post . . . and then after a year or so of reading, the one site that I visited the most disappeared.  Not being one to do anything but read the stories, I had completely missed that the web address was changing, and for two horrible months, I was lost.  I searched desperately for the story I was reading (which, by the way, remains unfinished to this day) to no avail.  During those two months of sadness, the dark time, I started to think of my own story.  And when at last I was reunited with my favorite JAFF site, I felt that I should try to contribute.  It was then that I fully appreciated what I had lost.  
My husband had no clue what I was doing with these notebooks I would carry around everywhere.  He would ask me why I was staring off into space; really he wanted to know what was wrong with me.  Well, I was writing a story in my head.  Finally, after reading the instructions a million times, I got brave and with a shaking finger, posted my WIP.  No beta, no editing, no help (and it showed), but I did it.  And people liked it, and encouraged me, and cheered me on.  My betas were my readers, their comments were my guides, and through this incredible experience, I not only learned how to write a bit, but I have made friends who I would not give up for anything.  That is how I became a Darcyholic, and why I will never be cured. 
IF you are interested in reading the result of my musings and love of all things Darcy, particularly if he’s a blue-eyed bear of a man named Matthew, then I hope that you might enjoy my newest story, Imperative.   
Volume 1

Fitzwilliam Darcy is a man with a great many secrets to keep, one involves his sister, and the other involves his heart.  The problem is, he cannot just keep the secrets.  They demand attention, and action, and in hopeless times, a good man does not always think things through, even when he is desperately trying to do the right thing for the two most important women in his life.  




Volume 2

In the second volume of this variation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Fitzwilliam Darcy has survived threats to his mind and body, exposure of his deepest secrets, and endless challenges from his family.  He could never have come so far without Elizabeth Bennet by his side.  She has accepted and excelled in the position she has taken, and is the reason why he is so clearly the Master of Pemberley.  Now he must finish the task he began the day they took their vows.  He must safeguard his sister while protecting his estate, his family, and their future.   Hope is their byword, love is the key.
This story contains scenes of a mature nature between a happily married couple.  The entire story is 1500 pages. Available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. 





I have no blog since I have not idea what to write on one, but I am always happy to hear from people on my author page at (See Link Above). I am also on Facebook, and welcome emails to lindawellsbooknut@gmail.com





70 comments:

  1. Harry Potter! Well, I went the opposite route - I found Jane Austen fanfic first (thanks to the 1995 PP mini-series motivating me to find more), and then started reading Harry Potter fic (Snape-Hermione stories) when my favorite JA authors weren't fast enough to update their stories.

    I relate to the "staring in space" look while writing stories in the head. It's like we're here yet living in an alternate universe at the same time.

    Barb, I just 'liked' your Author's Facebook page; I thought I already had. Eeps! Linda, I already found your FB page, and am waiting for your next story. <3

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    1. I distinctly remember sitting by the pool one day. Bill and Rick were inside throwing balls at each other when Bill stopped and looked out into the yard and back at me. "What are you staring at?" LOL Anyway, are you prodding me already, June? I'm writing, I promise. Actually, I just finished revising Perfect Fit today.

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    2. Revising Perfect Fit? wha?? Can it get better? Is it going to be re-released under same/new title?

      Aren't you supposed to be starting a new wip? did I miss something?

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    3. I have avoided doing this for a long time and I just finally had the time to read it through. All I did was fix the errors and revise sentences. Reading it, I was itching to add, add, add, but I resisted. In any case, it is finished. The kindle file has been replaced and in a few weeks, Amazon will make it replacable for free for anyone who has already bought it. I know that CE and Fate are replacable now through the "manage my kindle" page. As for the paper version, it will be replaced with the typo-free version.

      Yes, I'm writing, Jan. Believe it or not, I've been working on Imperative all of this time. Except now I am being told where the typos are (happily not too many). LOL It never ends.

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  2. I was so opposite of most of the folk who come to Jane Austen through the movies. I was given the complete set of novels for my eighth birthday and had read them all at least twice by the time I was 16. I read Harry Potter from the get go right alongside my young teens and we followed the series into their adulthood.
    It was Jane Austen fanfiction that I only discovered as of two years ago when I devoured all the current Linda Wells P&P books. Yep, I'm a huge fan and so excited to see the release of these two of which I was unaware.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
    GFC: Sophia Rose
    FB Darcyholic and B. Cole: Sally Michele Shaw
    Friended Linda Wells on FB: Sally Michele Shaw

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    1. It's neat though how Harry and Jane seem to work together, I see a lot of JA in JK's work. I'm afraid that I was caught up in Sherlock Holmes and Tolkein at the age of 8, though.

      I'm so glad to meet you, and I'm glad to have caught you unaware with a new story! Thank you!

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  3. Linda,

    I am about to finish Imperative - volume 1 thanks to two very insistent Brazilian girls (already told you the story) who told me to stop everything and read your book. I was not disappointed. I am in love with your Darcy & with your Elizabeth. I love sweet Samuel - a wonderful creation together with his parents, I might add. The judge is such a strong & interesting character, Michael Gambon took over that role in my head with his thunderous voice (since you are also a Potterhead I thought you would like to know). I will try not to start volume 2 because I want to get other things accomplished as well but I am not sure I will be able to. One thing is for certain. I am happy to know your books are in my Kindle waiting for me. As for Darcy, my man is Colin from 1995 but I don't mind one bit when those blue eyes pop in front of me!!!!

    I would love to have your book in print. Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Ah yes, the insistent Brazilians! I've had a nice time getting to know one of them and I'm glad for her prodding since now I know you, too. I'm so glad that you love this couple, they are so much fun to play with. And Samuel is essentially Darcy without the pressures he bears. Michael Gambon as JD? Hmm. I can go for the voice! And he's worked with MM! There you go! I look forward to hearing your thoughts after you are finished with the whole thing. Thank you!

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    2. I told you it was not my choice...lol. I know Mr. Gambon is not very darcyesque in his looks but he was the one popping up. I've never written a novel nor have I tried but I believe that sometimes the characters do not give you much choice, do they? I heard they have a life of their own. I would love to be able to recreate that world. I also love the word duels between Lady Cat & Lizzy. I love the Matlock visit at Christmas...ahhh let me stop and go back to the book...hahaha.

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    3. Oh absolutely, my characters drive the story, I have very little to do with it. A lot of times I feel like I'm just a taking notes while sitting in a corner and observing them, and then when the scene is finished, I will read it over and be surprised at what they say!

      It sounds like you're having a really nice time with it, Rita, are you sure you're going to stop after the first book? LOL

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    4. Rita - DON"T STOP!! Volume 2 is dynamite!! You will LOVE IT! Trust me in this.

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  4. Nicely.Done Linda! and well illustrated :))
    Thank you ~ i'll do as many opps as possible to win :)

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    1. Thanks, Faith! I have soooo many Matthew pictures! The picture of the couple at the top is from a valentine postcard my granpa sent my grandma in 1911.

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  5. i've happily joined Barbara's site which i assume is meant by 'joining this site' ?

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  6. Hi Linda!

    Wow! I relate a lot to your story. I discovered how much I enjoyed reading when I first read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. It took me a few more years to find Jane Austen, but once I read P&P, I knew I was lost. The mini-series and the film only made it worse. Discovering JAFF increased my addiction. I regret nothing! :)

    I also keep a copy of P&P in purse, it's like a safety blanket.

    As I told you before, I absolutely love your books and I'm in love with your "Matthew Darcy", that gorgeous man with the soft blue eyes.

    Hugs,
    Deborah Simionato

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    1. I had just forgotten about reading for pleasure. I was voracious in school and in collge, life just got in the way for a while. My copy of P&P in my purse is dogearred and has notes all over it, and sits right next to my kindle. It's irreplacable.

      Thank you so much, Deborah! I love my Matthew Darcy, too!

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  7. Ok don't hate me but I have yet to read any HP and I never think of Darcy as Matthew McFadyen. But I love your Darcyholic story and look forward to reading your books. Right now, I have limited myself to reading from only 2 online JAFF sites because if I didn't, I'd never get any sleep. I do keep an alphabetized typed list of published JAFF that I've read/want to read. Gets longer every day! :)

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    1. I am an equal opportunity Darcy lover. To each her own! I just like MM's interpretation of the character, it fits in with my own. If you ever do read HP, see if you can spot the P&P influence in the story. I know that my jaw dropped when I saw it. My JAFF reading has gone way down since I started writing, so I don't sleep for typing reasons! I hope that whenever you do read one of my stories that you enjoy yourself!

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  8. i've also joined the darcyholics :))FB page...

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  9. Ok don't hate me but I have yet to read any HP and I never think of Darcy as Matthew McFadyen. But I love your Darcyholic story and look forward to reading your books. Right now, I have limited myself to reading from only 2 online JAFF sites because if I didn't, I'd never get any sleep. I do keep an alphabetized typed list of published JAFF that I've read/want to read. Gets longer every day! :)

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  10. i've been glad to like your author's page on FB!

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  11. The books sound great--I'd love to read them!!

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  12. here's my tweet of the post
    https://twitter.com/#!/_eHope/status/179719089151950848

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  13. Love the post! I've been an Austen fan since I was very young. Loved the novels and have a very worn copy plus a couple newer ones. =D Never got into the Potter thing though. Thanks for the giveaway! Your novels are on my list of books I want to get so that's exciting!
    thx4praying@aol.com

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    1. It was pure curiosity that got me into Potter, and since I came in halfway, there were several books to read, which probably fanned the flames. I remember reading Austen in school, but I've discovered that some things you learn to appreciate more when you get a little older. I'm very glad to be on your reading list! Thank you, Stephanie!

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  14. I belong to Darcyholic Diversions on FB Stephanie Littlejohn

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  15. I, too, didn't read Jane Austen until I saw the movies, I've never read Harry Potter and I love Matthew, he's my Mr. Darcy! I have all of your books, Linda, except these new ones and I would love to win them! Thanks for the chance to win, but if I don't I'll find a way to get them! ;) I have my fingers crossed though!

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    1. Hi Candy! It's so nice hearing everyone's story of finding JA and of course, their particular Darcy (Yay, Matthew!). Thank you for telling me how much you enjoy the books, I truly appreciate it! I hope that you enjoy reading this new one! Please let me know when you do.

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  16. I sent Linda a friends request on facebook!

    Barbara, I you follow on twitter, fb, your blog, I think everywhere! :)

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  17. You know, dear heart, that as much as you love Matthew...I love my Firthman...but it simply means we both love Darcy! Thank you so much for hours and hours of wonderful reading. Your stories always make me come back to read them again and again.

    Congratulation on "Imperative", what a beautiful story. As you know, I already have both books so through your words I can enjoy a wonderful Darcy any time I open the cover!
    BTW...I also have all the Harry Potter books and have read every one. I was one of those nuts waiting in line at midnight when the books came out to get my copy of each edition! LOL!

    Hugs and big thanks, Linda! I'm anxiously waiting for the next one!
    -Sandy

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    1. Oh, like there is any question who your man is, Sandy. LOL Thank you for the comments as I post, your questions and analysis is invaluable, especially when I'm desperately churning out chapters to keep the posting schedule going!

      I never did the midnight book releases for Potter, but I do have my poster from Borders for Deathly Hallows on the wall!

      The next story is underway, and yes, it has changed once again! What else is new? Thanks, Sandy!

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  18. I tweeted!
    https://twitter.com/#!/CandyM037/status/179727518323056641

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  19. Linda,
    You know that you say that you inspiration for Darcy is MM, but as a CF fan. I still love, love your stories. Skip over the blue eyes, your Darcys are the men that a woman can truly dream about. I love how even after reading 1500 pages or 3 books of your Darcy that I want more. Whether he is young and maturing like in Memories or requesting Lizzy's trust like in Imperativeor learning to smile in Chance. I have loved all your Darcys

    I loved reading about how you came to the process of writing. I am so glad that you started writing that story in the notebooks. I have been one to benefictaries.

    Thank you

    Linda

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    1. Oh, Linda, I'm glad that you can suspend the blue eyes for the sake of the story! LOL I love my Darcys to be men with the capacity to grow. I'm thrilled that you want more when you get through all of those pages. I do want to continue both Memory Darcy and Imperative Darcy, and I will. CE Darcy is special since he was my first, and the reason why I was staring off into space. I'm so glad that you have enjoyed meeting them all.

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  20. Hi Linda,

    I have always loved Pride & Prejudice and of course Darcy most of all. I, too, love Matthew in that role and often envision him walking across the meadow through the morning fog. I usually rewind to that scene a few times.

    While I was introduced to JAFF because of my first Sharon Latham book, I would credit you for introducing me to JAFF online which now a daily presence in my life. Thank you again for feeding my thirst for all that is Darcy.

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    1. Yes, that meadow scene is a heart-stopper, isn't it? I can see it now . . .

      I'm glad to be given credit for your online JAFF experiences! Beyond the stories, it's a wonderful community of friends, from all over the world. I'm so glad that you found such a happy addiction!

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  21. I tweeted! mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/179737028450197504

    I follow DD blog and @barbtcole on twitter

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  22. That's me as well. I love both Jane Austen novels and Harry Potter books and many years ago when I had an idea for my very first story that demanded to be written I learned the great power of fanfiction (as a reader and then, much later, as a writer). Though, in my case, it was HP fics. I admit I never had the guts to tackle P&P ones :-))

    faridamestek@yahoo.com

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    1. Oooh, you write HP fics? I haven't read any for years, but there is just so much there to play with! Whatever you tackle, it's fun to put down on paper the what-if thoughts that wander through your mind as you read.

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  23. I'm not an HP fan... I was JA all down the line...although I'm currently really enjoying some of the offshoots of Twilight FF;)
    Great story... I love that you fell for P&P with Matthew's help! He is so adorable :)

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    1. Oh, if it wasn't for Matthew, I never would have met you! LOL We share our Matthew love!!

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  24. Hello Linda! I can't believe I missed this yesterday. Hope I'm not too late to comment. My introduction to JA was the movie Becoming Jane several years ago. Watching that one movie on satellite TV made a huge impression on me. Intrigued by JA, I searched for more information about her life and work. I actually asked for printed copies of her books for Christmas that year and my DH thought I would enjoy a Kindle. I downloaded and started reading P&P. I had forgotten just how much I enjoy reading fiction!!! From there, I sought out BPD's (British Period Dramas), including P&P 2005. Oh my... If I wasn't hooked before, I was then! Still, the possibility of the existence of JAFF sites hadn't crossed my mind until just recently. And, again, I've discovered another fascinating world. Still loving the discovery of JA, JAFFs and BPDs!

    Oh, and Linda, just had to let you know that I finished Chance Encounter in record time! Could not put it down! :) Thank you for the lovely P&P "what if" story. I really did enjoy it and I'm looking forward to reading your other books.

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  25. Hi Bleu Tulips! I don't think anyone is ever too late to leave a comment, I still get comments on my posted stories years after they are finished and I love reading them. Boy, you really took an interesting path to JAFF. And Matthew Darcy helped to hook you, too? Good man! It's fascinating how so many people can take the same story and make such diverse and wonderful variations upon it. I'm glad that you are enjoying the discovery.

    I'm so pleased that you gobbled up CE! That was my first stab at writing. I've learned a lot since then. I hope that you'll get to try another someday,and if you do, let me know! Thank you!

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  26. I have not actually finished read the Harry series yet. I know...I must soon! I have been hearing the buzz about both these books via blogs so I would also love to read them. Thanks for the giveaway and I've doe all the extras above.

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. Hi Margaret! Deathly Hallows is the best of the Harry books, you can really see JK's growth as a writer when you get to that one.

      Buzz for my books? How neat is that? LOL I hope that you do get to read them, one way or another! Thanks!

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  27. Loved the post Linda. I was the reverse, found P&P FF before HPFF. I felt pretty foolish for years of not realizing there was a whole online JAFF world and tons of wonderful stories and talented authors out there (not just the published ones). And I still can't get enough of reading about D&E falling in love over and over again and started being a beta to feed my minor obsession.


    I'll have you know Chance Encounters was the first e-book I ever bought, and that was before I had a kindle and read it on my computer for hours on end, and since had to devour all your others in the MRR. I got way behind on the postings of Imperative on AHA around chapter 70, but I only have a few chapters left :)

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    1. If it hadn't been for the Leakey Cauldron, I never would have known there was such a thing as any fanfiction, regardless of the subject matter. I love thinking of new ways for D&E to fall in love! I think that it's great that you became a beta! I'm lost without mine.

      Oh my, CE was your first! Thanks for spending so much time reading in the MRR. Those versions are the originals as posted, mistakes and all. What I have in the kindle versions is . . . well, improved. Including Imperative!

      I should have you know that all of my kindle books have been revised, both for text and putting in the Table of Contents. In fact, today I republished Perfect Fit. Amazon should be informing everyone who purchased the books that the revised versions are available to replace your original for free. Hopefully soon!

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  28. Oh I loved Harry Potter, who knew he could be so helpful!! For me it was Twilight. My daughter insisted I read the book and then I was hooked. After I was done I wanted to know the stories that Jane Austen wrote. Here I am a 40something and have never read Austen. They inspired a Bella and I was intrigued. I started with S&S, then P&P and the rest is history! Now I a Darcyholic. hehehe:) BTY love your other books. "Chance Encounters" was the 1st book of yours I read. Loved it and have read all of you books. Keep writing and I'll keep enjoying them. I'm almost done with "Imperative vol 1" on my kindle and would love to win a hard copy. Also I want to tell you when I'm reading your stories I see Matthew as Darcy everytime. I can't believe I was right!!! You see my favorite Darcy is Colin and whenever posible I try to put his face in the stories but some stories just don't work and I love Matthew also and he is perfect for your stories. I can see and feel him through out the story. Just thought I let you know that you capture him perrrfectly!!! :)))

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    1. Ohhh, so you are a Twilight girl? I have the first book but have yet to crack it open. I'm glad that it got you to Austen!

      I'm so pleased that you enjoy my other stories, thanks! I thought about leaving JAFF after finishing Memory, but Imperative came along. My brother is after me to write historical fiction and sent me a whole bunch of things to prod me to try. We'll see.

      I Love, love that despite your Colin preference that you can see Matthew when you read my Darcys. And I love even more that you let him remain as the person in your mind rather than cross out those blue eyes for brown. My husband actually tolerates having a picture of him sitting out for inspirational purposes! Thanks, Charlene, you posted, congratulations!

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    2. I just finished vol 1. Loved it. Will write a review tomorrow. I've already starting vol 2. Please , please , I ardently want you to keep writing!!!! Thanks

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    3. Yay, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it! I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. Thank you!
      Today is writing day, away we go . . .

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  29. Hey Linda:

    I realized that I had yet to comment myself. First, thanks for your post. I always learn something new about people when they post here. My story didn't directly include Harry Potter, but he came along close to the same time. It was surgery, girl friend bringing me her VHS tapes of the 1995 P&P which I almost wore out during recovery and never returned to her, and then the FIRST movie I saw after that was Bridget Jones. Double doses of Colin as at least a version of Mr. Darcy and I was off to the races. I actually didn't read the first two Harry books until after the first movie came out. But then I was in LINE at midnight for the third one, and fourth and fifth. I was buying them ahead of time online for #6 and #7 however!

    Thanks for sharing your journey, and your stories with us!

    Barbara

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    1. I was glad for the invitation to post, Barb, thank you!
      Your CF love is well known to me, who knew that Harry was just as fascinating?
      So, I have to ask, have you bought your kind girlfriend a replacement for her precious P&P?

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  30. Loved your post and the story about your notebooks. I can certainly identify with that. One has to do something to keep up with all the books and keep a short summary of each. I am attempting to write reviews for all that I have read and I am behind! It will take me a bit to catch up as I have not stopped reading!

    Your books sound fascinating! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity. I love the covers, by the way. They are unusual. I had read about your books somewhere else and thought they would be good.

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    1. Thank you, jt! I kept the notebooks because I have a terrible memory, and at that time, I had maybe 20 stories I was trying to follow at a time.

      Thank you on behalf of all of the authors you have read for writing reviews. It is very appreciated.

      My covers are my . . . well, when I get stuck writing I go and look for cover photos. I've looked for pictures of Regency-type people or paintings to use, but in the end, I like just picking out some important element from the story. I hope that when you get a chance to read one of the stories that you enjoy it!

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  31. Hi Linda! I love finding a new blog with a new chance to win Imperative. I still have it budgettd for April, so there is time for me to - yay! - maybe win Vol 1.

    BUT ... I need to address something I read earlier in these comments... maybe you slipped it in as a warning, maybe unconsciously, but ...
    family loyalty aside .. "My brother is after me to write historical fiction and sent me a whole bunch of things to prod me to try. We'll see" is NOT acceptable. Unless, of course, the historical fiction involves Pemberley! Tell your brother that 'the angry horde' will beat a path to his door if you cease to write stories of ODC!!!
    Me, I'm still waiting for something of yours to read Sunday brunch time!

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    1. Who knows, maybe this time it will be yours!
      Soooo, you have a problem with Bob wanting me to write something else? I'm really curious to try, but I know that I have some sequels to do!

      I'm finally about caught up with my neglected life and am starting to write again, so Sunday brunch time you'll be reading . . . oh, sometime. One day it will just appear!

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  32. I loved Imperative and have placed it on my summer reading list. But then, I've read all of your stories and enjoyed them all. Thanks for sharing your story here. JAFF is richer because you write for us.

    Gayle / S.C.Mema

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    1. Oh, thank you, Gayle. You can't know how much I looked forward to your comments and was so happy whenever I saw them!

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  33. Linda what a great story....I am also a fan of Matthew McFadyen's Darcy, he compares to no one. When I first discovered that Imperative had been released, I was at a point that I often find myself, waiting for the next P&P fan fic to be released. I was searching Amazon one morning, which I do very often always eager to find a new P&P fan fic, and there it was, Imperative Vol I and II....I was so excited - I had two books to read and immediately purchased them both. I have read all of your books and think you are an incredible writer. My only disappointment when I read your books is when I am finished. I want more! So, because of that, I have read them several times!! When I get in my very sad state of what to read next, my friends have encouraged me to write my own fan fic. Finally, last August, I did. I have never considered myself a writer, but with lots of encouragement from my family and friends, I actually finished a book. It is currently in the process of being self published....and I swear I have never been more excited. You are an inspiration to me and I cannot thank you enough for your wonderful books. I anxiously await your next book!

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    1. Hi Ami! My goodness, what do I respond to first? Well, excellent choice of Darcy!
      Thank you, I'm delighted that you were so happy to find the new story up for sale when you needed it, and I love that you want to read them over again. That is a truly wonderful compliment! I am so glad that you decided to write your own story. It's really exciting when that box arrives on your doorstep with your book inside. How I inspired you is beyond me, but I'm glad that whatever I did encouraged you to try. I hope that you have a great deal of success with your masterpiece! My next book is being written right now, hopefully someday in your wandering through Amazon, it will magically appear. Thank you, again!

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  34. GAH! I always seem to be late to the party reading these posts! I just love getting to know my favorite authors better! Linda, you have long been a favorite!

    Hugs,
    Gail
    gailwarner@verizon.net

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    1. You're not late! The contest is still on, after all! Thank you so much, Gail! I'm so proud to be a favorite of yours, amazed, too!

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  35. Congrats on taking the leap and writing your own P&P-themed stories and thank you for contributing to my enthusiasm to read Austenesque books. I think it is through all the Austen-inspired books in bookstores that I begin to restart my reading journey. Not to mention Matthew's P&P got me to watch and enjoy all 10 seasons of Spooks. It is easily one of my favourite tv shows ever.

    I'm a member of this blog, I friend Barbara on FB, like Barb's author FB page and Join DD FB group. If that is not enough, I even posted it on my blog. I am trying for the eBook versions since I'm a non-US resident.

    evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com

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