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Monday, August 20, 2012

KaraLynne Mackrory: Mr. Darcy Was a Feminist

Welcome KaraLynne Mackrory (Another of the 27 Authors Participating in the Upcoming Decatur Book Festival) to Darcyholic Diversions...
12 Days to Go till Decatur Book Festival!)
Hi, Darcyholics!  Today, we have KaraLynne Mackrory with us.  I will get to know her in person in a little less than 12 days at the Decatur Book Festival.  But I am very happy to have a chance to get to know her better today.  I am happy to welcome her back to Darcyholic Diversions today!

The information on Decatur Book Festival was updated recently, so visit the link again and find out all the details as well as where YOU can stay as we are so excited to have 27--yes TWENTY-SEVEN Austen Inspired Authors participating with us!  Here is the link! It included information about a large hotel room block you can take advantage of if you would like to be with us!  If you are planning on attending and are not one of our authors, please send me an email to barbaratillercole@gmail.com so I can send you information out our social events during the festival weekend.


I am also announcing initial plans for a Darcyholic Holiday eBook Festival.  More Information to come, but send me an email at barbaratillercole@gmail.com if you are an author and would like to participate!!

Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
August 21--Sally Smith O'Rourke
August 24--Pamela Aidan
August 26--Reposting Decatur Book Festival Author Links!
August 28--Jack Caldwell
August 31--Decatur Book Festival Eve!
September 2--Live from the Decatur Book Festival
September 4--Fun Stories from the DBF
September 7--Jack Caldwell's Experiences at the DBF
September 11--Karen Cox's Experiences at the DBF
September 14--Mary Simonsen
September 18--Amber G.
September 21--Moira B.
November 2--Amy Patterson
November 13--Karen Doornebos
And Many more to come!
&*&*&*&*&*&
KaraLynne is giving away one copy of her book, Falling For Mr. Darcy, available to all including International. Comments count as entries, but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, joining this site as a member via Google Friend Connect (GFC) (See the left hand column on the blog to join!), sharing this on Facebook or your blog, Friend Barbara Tiller Cole on Facebook, clicking 'like’ on Barbara Tiller Cole, Author's Facebook page, Join Darcyholic Diversions Facebook Page or following BarbTCole on Twitter.

Mr. Darcy was a Feminist.

One the greatest things about Jane Austen’s era, to me, is the whole concept of gentlemanly honor.  This honor was wrapped up in the way they treated others, specifically women.  They were expected to be honest, polite, respectful and courteous.  They assisted women up and down from their seats in carriages and sofas.  They did not seat themselves if a lady was without one.  Their ability to call themselves ‘honorable’ was nearly hinged entirely on this behavior.  Jane Austen wrote many male characters in her books that demonstrated various degrees of this gentlemanly honor.  Some, like Willoughby or Wickham, could behave as gentlemen in public but did not always allow that behavior to honor their private conduct.  Others, like Edmund Bertram or Mr. Darcy, always acted honorably with ladies. 
                  Today, the expected behavior between men and women has changed.  Women have come a long way towards equal treatment in many ways with regards to men.  We can vote, own property, have retribution against abuses leveled against us, and prevent pregnancy if we want.  Sadly, in my opinion, with all these wonderful feminine advances, we have lost a touch of the gallant behavior from the men.  The custom to treat a woman with delicacy has almost been lost.  Now, I may be old fashioned (or Jane Austen fashioned) and I am certainly not delicate but I will be the first to say that I love it when a man treats me with chivalry – opening doors, offering an arm, etc.  I do not think these behaviors lesson my value as a woman because I am being treated thus.  In fact, it only intensifies my value as a woman.  Let them revere me, I am only made more worthy because of it.
                  I first became introduced to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in my 10th grade English class.  I was surrounded by hormonal, pubescent burp machines commonly known as a species called “teenage boys.”  It seemed only natural that I would find the gallant and reserved Mr. Darcy attractive.  Even when he was acting all prideful and aloof in the beginning of the book, I found him far more attractive then the Belch Brothers sitting in the desks next to me.   There was no contest between “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you” and “Uhh, [scratch unmentionable] your hot.” (Naturally, I believe even spoken, they would have used the wrong ‘your.’)
                  Thus started a love affair for me with the world of Pride and Prejudice and Jane Austen.  As happens to many in their lives, I did for some time, lose sight of those wished-for characteristics in a gentleman.  It wasn’t until many years later when my own Mr. Darcy walked into my life that I remembered how I wanted to (nay, MUST) be treated as a lady.  My husband courted me, wooed me and won me with his gentlemanly ways.  No big surprise, after only ten years of marriage, we are still blissfully happy.  When we married, I gave him an old leather-bound edition of Pride and Prejudice I bought online from England. 
                 Through the years I also read the other classics from Jane Austen, loving every one, except Sense and Sensibility (naturally).  Only a few years ago I discovered the delightful world of Jane Austen Fan Fiction.  I’ve read pretty much every book out there Austen related.  Enter – my own creation in the genre – Falling For Mr. Darcy.  The creation of this book was started as a feel good, giggle fest with friends.  I wrote the first chapter based off of a dream I had and the rest for the sole delight of me and my friends.  It is amazing to have it published and I am thrilled to have the chance to share my own fanciful mind with the talents already out there. 
                  Now allow me to return to my title, Mr. Darcy was a Feminist.  I feel that the truest form of feminism is this gentlemanly conduct towards women.  Mr. Darcy had his faults (his pompous behind –however adorably clad in clingy pants – and initial pride) but no man is perfect.  However, if their intentions are honorable and their behavior is gentlemanly, I think we as ladies can forgive them whatever faults they may have (as long as they wear those breeches) and welcome them as feminist in today’s world.    

About me:
KaraLynne is an amazing mother who never makes mistakes, never gets upset with her children and never ever has a dirty house. Ever. She always has her dishes done and the floors spotless and dinner is always prepared and ready on time. Her kids are always clean, polite, respectful and loving, especially to each other. She never gets irritated with her husband when he doesn’t turn his socks right side out for the laundry and they always agree on everything. She delights in nothing else but to serve her family and never wants or needs time for herself. She takes great care to shower every day and put make up on so that she is always beautiful and presentable. She never wears her pajamas all day or for days in a row and she is the epitome of womanhood. Most of all, she has a great sense of humor and loves to write.

Falling for Mr. Darcy, coming Spring 2012, is KaraLynne’s first venture in to the world of book authorship.  Although, admittedly a Darcy addict, she enjoys many things, such as: Mr. Knightly, Edmund Bertram, Captain Wentworth, Mr. Tilney and John Thornton.  She is happily married to her own Mr. Darcy and together they share the insanity inducing responsibility of raising three children.

Falling For Mr. Darcy
In this Regency adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved Pride and Prejudice, the simple truth is proven that sometimes a gentleman never knows his heart until a lady comes along to introduce it to him.  When Mr. Darcy encounters Elizabeth Bennet injured after a fall, his concern for her welfare cracks the shell of his carefully guarded heart and a charming man emerges.   Elizabeth sees an appealing side of him she never believed possible from the stoic, proud master of Pemberley.  They find the simple gentlemanly act of assisting her home will test both Mr. Darcy’s resolve to keep his heart safe and Elizabeth’s conviction that this is the last man on earth she might have ever been prevailed upon to marry.  Soon, falling for Mr. Darcy becomes a real possibility.

37 comments:

  1. Woot, KaraLynne! It will be great to see you in Decatur, so soon after getting to meet you in Cleveland this past June. Very happy that your books is doing so well!

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    1. Hey Lucy...! I sent you a facebook message to send me your address via email so Abigail can get your book to you! But since you are so prompt in replying here to KaraLynne, I am hoping that maybe this will work? barbaratillercole@gmail.com Drop me an email real soon! :D

      Barbara

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  2. "loving every one, except Sense and Sensibility (naturally)."

    Okay, you have me curious.... why is S&S your least favorite JA novel?

    I must congratulate you on your housewifely perfection. XD

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    1. I just never got into the book. I thought it was...forgive me JA for the blasphemy... almost boring. I do like S & S just not as much as the others.

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  3. I am also interested as to what you don't like about S&S.

    Do you think you would write another Austen-inspired book? There seems to be masses of Pride & Prejudice ones (and it's always been my favourite Austen book), less Persuasion ones and only a handful of the others. If you did write another one, would it be a P&P one again?

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    1. I have written a second book it is another variation if P & P and is under consideration for publication. Crossing my fingers.

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  4. My first love was actually Sense and Sensibility. My cousin and would quote it to each other incessantly. When Mr Darcy came into my life many years later things were made right in the world. S&S can't hold a candle to my P&P.

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  5. LOVED this post! The title made me read it!! Can't wait to meet you in Decatur KaraLynne. Oh, and beautiful little ones you have :-)

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  6. *swoon* Falling for Mr. Darcy sounds wonderful!

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  7. Love the pic of you and your DH at Pemberley - so romantic! You are going to have so much fun in Georgia and I wish I could be there. Congratulations on all of your success (and all of the other joys in your life) - it couldn't happen to a nicer person!

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  8. Love your pictures, KaraLynne! And your post - of course, Mr. Darcy was a feminist - he took Elizabeth's criticisms to heart and learned from his mistakes, while keeping all the good qualities he had.
    See you in Decatur :)

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  9. I agree that modern men have lost a sense of gallantry towards women. And it is what our world would need with the increase of violence against the weaker sex.

    Love your family photo btw. The kids look cute and happy.

    GFC follower: Lúthien84
    Share on my blog: http://forloveofausten.blogspot.com/2012/08/austenesque-book-giveaways-for-20-26.html
    Friend Barbara on FB: Sylvia Claire Chan
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  10. Very interesting! Mr. Darcy the feminist who knew lol! I adore this cover. The more I see it the more I want to read it, so I hope I win!

    Did all the extras.

    Margaret
    singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  11. I agree, KaraLynne, that feminism has lost sight of what was initially sought for by women: having self-respect and being treated with respect by others. I think those are qualities that we yearn to have in our relationships and society, and that is why Jane Austen's heroes and heroines come alive for us today and serve as a gauge to make sure that we are not neglecting to recognize and nurture those parts of us that are inherently human and unchanging through the ages.

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  12. Fabulous post, KaraLynne! I couldn't agree with you more.

    I already have your book, as you know, and I LOVED it! So, no need to enter me in the giveaway.

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  13. First I have to say that I loved your book and I would dearly love to win a copy of my own!

    Secondly, I agree that there is a decided lack of manners and respect now, not just toward women, but toward other people in general. I love to see a man open a door or give up his seat for a lady, or pull out her chair. It doesn't offend me or make me feel "weaker" or unable to do it myself, it's just nice and respectful. The other day I was at a restaurant and a man was eating there with (I'm assuming) his mom and when she got up to go to the restroom, he stood up as well, and I was pleasantly astounded! Lol

    Have fun in Decatur! I'm seriously bummed that I'm unable to go.

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    1. Oh that was really sweet of that man! It almost makes me cry to think of. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/jaffobsession/status/237655016423452672

    Also I follow Barbara and KaraLynne on twitter.

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  15. Women truly have forgotten what makes a woman valuable. I totally agree with you that the more we put value in the fact that we are women and SHOULD be treated differently. Back then being treated honerably was how we were shown respect. Now I wonder where respect is given when women insist on being treated just like a man.
    Great book by the way! I loved every moment! Can't wait to see more from you!

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  16. Wonderful post! I love your insite. It is fun to look at our favorite hero from yet another angle! I have had my eye on your book. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  17. Interesting post and fascinating cover of the book. I would love to win and read it:) Thank you for the giveaway!
    I fully share your sentiments with regard to losing a touch of the gallant behavior from the men. It is a real pity that they are fogetting the ways of gentlemanly honor. But then again we are also starting to behave less and less like damsels in distress:) I wonder what triggered what: their fogetting how to act like proper gentlemen or our fogetting to act like delicate ladies:)))

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    1. I've wondered the same thing and definitely don't put all the change blame on the men.

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  18. Thank you for an interesting post! also for making it open to all. Much appreciated.

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  19. Very nice post, KaraLynne! *sigh* Manners, respect, and courtesy are in a decline in our society. As a teacher, I see students come to school not knowing they are suppose to say please and thank you! I think one of things readers love of about Jane Austen and Austenesque fiction is the courtesy, kindness, and decency everyone treated each other with (well not everyone, there are some snarky and ill-mannered characters like Lady C and Caroline!

    So happy to hear you have a great Mr. Darcy in your life and looks like you have such a beautiful family too!

    I am very interested in reading this book! Thank you for the giveaway! I follow this blog and follow both Barabara and KaraLynne on twitter!

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  20. I tweeted this post

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  21. I follow on twitter

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  22. I like Darcyholics Diversions facebook page

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  23. I like authors page on facebook

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  24. I am friends on facebook

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  25. I love your post! good luck at the book festival

    i am curious, why not Sense and Sensability? ("naturally")

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  26. Love your sense of humour, KaraLynne! and welcome to this delish diversion!

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  27. I want to read this! I follow on GFC

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  28. That was an interesting and different post.

    I thought the part about not staying in your pajamas all day (or for days in a row) and the other stuff about you was hilarious.

    I have done all the Facebook stuff (joined Darcyholic Diversions, etc.) and followed Barb on Twitter.

    spookycat72(at)gmail(dot)com
    GFC - Michelle Fidler
    Twitter - MichelleFidler1

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  29. Teenage boys in general definitely can't hold a candle to Darcy. Fun reading your post.

    Your book looks like an interesting variation and I look forward to reading it.

    Thanks!
    Sophia
    sophiarose1816@gmail.com

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