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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Jack Caldwell – a guy who writes Jane Austen-themed Historical Fiction. Really. (as interviewed by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esq.)


Today’s Guest Blog Post and Give-Away by Jack Caldwell
Hi, Darcyholics!  Today’s Guest post brings with it a male view of Darcyholism.  I am happy to have Jack Caldwell with us today. 



Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:

February 3--Jan Hahn
February 7--Abigail Reynolds

February 10--Ola Wegner
February 14--Sandy Cook! Celebrating Mr. Darcy and Valentine’s Day

February 17--Nancy Kelley

February 21--Janet Taylor

February 24--Nina Benneton

And Many more to come!



Jack is giving away a copy of each of Pemberley Ranch, US and Canada only.  Entries will be based on comments on the blog post; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, clicking 'like' on Barbara Tiller Cole, Author's Facebook page, or following BarbTCole on Twitter; you can also follow Jack on Twitter or Facebook or his blog on her blog. Please note any of these things that you do in your blog post for extra entries.
And Now...I present...Jack Caldwell!
Jack Caldwell – a guy who writes Jane Austen-themed Historical Fiction. Really(as interviewed by Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esq.)
MR. FITZWILLIAM DARCY –Good day, everyone. The lovely hostess of this web site has requested a favor of me. Of course, I have no idea what a “web site” is, but that is neither here nor there. I have been asked most prettily, and as I have no objection to the exercise, I have complied.
I have been asked to interview Mr. Jack Caldwell, the author of two Jane Austen themed novels: PEMBERLEY RANCH and THE THREE COLONELS. As you may know, Mr. Caldwell has been fond of interviewing characters from Miss Jane Austen’s novels and publishing these so-called Austen Interviews in his Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles at another web site. Without further ado—Mr. Jack Caldwell.
JACK CALDWELL – Thanks, Mr. Darcy. I’m glad to be here. We’re kinda casual on this side of the pond, so what do I call you? Darcy, Fitz, or Will?
FD – Mr. Darcy will do, thank you very much. Mr. Caldwell, I have a series of questions from the mistress of Darcyholic Diversions, but I would like to begin with two of my own. Firstly—what is a Cajun Cheesehead?
JC – I’m a native of the State of Louisiana in the United States of America. We’re known as Cajuns. Upon moving several years ago to the State of Wisconsin, also in the US, I became a Cheesehead, as they refer to fans of the local American professional football team, the Green Bay Packers. You see, they tend to wear these large, yellow foam cheese hats to the games—
FD – It sounds very fashionable, I am sure. By the way, I know where both Louisiana and Wisconsin are.
JC – Sorry ‘bout that.
FD – Yes. Secondly—why have you not interviewed either my wife or me for your Cajun Cheesehead Chronicles?
JC – You think I’m dumb?
FD – I beg your pardon?
JC – Mr. Darcy, there’s no way I could get away with interviewing either you or Lizzy—
FD – Sir! She is Mrs. Darcy to you!
JC – Oops. As I was saying, the fans have definite ideas about you and your wife. As powerful as I claim my author’s imagination to be, I can’t overcome the readers’ pride in their prejudiced opinions about their favorite couple in all of literature —Mr. and Mrs. Darcy.
FD – Pride in their prejudiced opinions? I suppose you believe yourself clever.
JC – I do, actually.
FD – You think that if it gives you comfort. As to the questions at hand: When did you first discover Jane Austen Fan Fiction?
JC – It was over a dozen years ago. You see, I discovered Jane Austen after I finished college. In 1981 I saw the PBS broadcast of the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. I had already decided to read the classics that I had not in school, and I started with The Collected Works of Jane Austen because of that broadcast.
FD – Am I to understand you have read all of Miss Jane Austen’s works?
JC – Her major works, yes, several times. In 1995, I saw both the A&E production of Pride and Prejudice and the film adaptation of Persuasion, and they reignited my interest in Austen. In 2000, I began looking around the Internet for sequels to P&P when I stumbled across JAFF. Abigail Reynolds was one of the first authors I read—this was before she was published. I’ve been hooked ever since.
FD – When did you begin your own writing?
JC – For about five years, I read hundreds of stories. Many were good, and some were excellent. But to be honest, there were some that were, to be kind, not well written. I complained to my wife, the lovely Barbara, about it. She then asked, “Well, can you do better?” That was a challenge I couldn’t resist. In 2005, I wrote my first JAFF story, and the rest is history.
FD – So you are saying it is Mrs. Jack Caldwell who is to blame for your writing?
JC – ‘Fraid so.
FD – We have solved that mystery.
JC – It was Abigail who convinced me to send one of my stories to Sourcebooks. That was PEMBERLEY RANCH, which came out in December of 2010.
FD – Is that the story in which you move me to Texas and make me a … what is it called? A cowboy?
JC – Yep.
FD – And you have my Elizabeth riding a horse?
JC – Yep. A paint named Turner.
FD – You must know that Elizabeth does not ride horses of any type.
JC – Beth does.
FD – (*sigh*) I see there is no arguing with you.
JC – You must be used to that by now with all us authors out there.
FD – Too true. Let me refer back to my list of questions.  Ah … You are man writing Austen-themed novels, a genre dominated by women. That is very rare. Why Austen?
JC – Two reasons. First, my real love is historical fiction. History is the great story of humanity. I use my work to explain how we got where we are. Why our civilization turned out this way. And how we’re not so very different from people in our distant past.
FD – Yes. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
JC – You’ve read George Santayana? But Reason in Common Sense didn’t come out until 1905!
FD – My friend, Colonel Brandon, explained that one can move about in space and time. I believe you are the one who taught him.
JC – Me and my big author’s imagination.
FD – Your second reason, sir?
JC – I like Austen. Her characters are real, and their personalities transcend the Regency. They’re timeless. Besides, Austen writes really good men. What I mean is, she gets us. The male characters act like men, not the way women think men ought to act. So, Austen is a good hook to hang my stories. The reader enjoys the plot while I sneak in a history lesson or two.
FD – I cannot approve of that. Disguise of any sort is my abhorrence.
JC – Excuse me, but how is that different from Shakespeare?
FD – You compare yourself to the Bard of Avon?
JC – Of course not, except that we’re using the same device. What better way to honor the greats than to imitate their greatness? That’s how we learn and grow.
FD – I see your point. I understand you have a second novel.
JC – Yeah. THE THREE COLONELS will be released by Sourcebooks Landmark on March 1, 2012.
FD – Do I appear in this novel?
JC – Sure. It’s a sequel to Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. Both you and Lizzy—um, Mrs. Darcy are in it (and happily married, I may add), as well as Colonel and Mrs. Brandon, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Anne de Bourgh, and Caroline Bingley. There are other Austen characters, as well as original ones like Colonel Sir John Buford.
FD – Must you have Miss Bingley in this story? She can be so tiresome.
JC – Don’t worry, she won’t be bugging you. Trust me.
FD – I will hold you to that, sir. Let me see… Do you have anything else to promote?
JC – Sure. My web site is Ramblings of a Cajun Cheesehead – I have previews of my stories and free stuff, too. I post regularly at Austen Authors blog – Austen Authors-- I’m also on Facebook (/Jack-Caldwell-author) and Twitter (@JCaldwell25).
FD – “Facebook.” “Twitter.” Such silly names.
JC – Can’t disagree with you.
FD – By the way, I have noticed there are no pictures of me in this posting.
JC – Yeah, because I don’t know what you really look like. Laurence Olivier? David Rintoul? Colin Firth? Matthew Macfadyen? Which one resembles you the best?
FD – I cannot say. I look just like myself.
JC – You know, some fangirls can get into fisticuffs over Colin and Matthew.
FD – Really? Women are far more violent today.
JC – This coming from Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s nephew.
FD – I take your point. Thank you for your time, Mr. Caldwell.
JC – Anytime. So, you’re going home to Pemberley now?
FD – Directly.
JC – How are you getting there?
FD – Just like this. (SOUND OF MR. DARCY RISING FROM HIS CHAIR) I stand, click my heels together and say, “There’s no place like Pemberley!”
(SOUND OF A MAGICAL EXPLOSION)
JC – Wow, it worked!
(SOUND OF A MAGICAL EXPLOSION)
LADY CATHERINE DE BOURGH – Where is he? Where is my nephew? I must have my share of the conversation!
JC – Damn that shifting in space and time!

About the Author - Jack Caldwell is an author, amateur historian, professional economic developer, playwright, and like many Cajuns, a darn good cook. Born and raised in the Bayou County of Louisiana, Jack and his wife, Barbara, are Hurricane Katrina victims, and now make the upper Midwest their home. Always a history buff, Jack found and fell in love with Jane Austen in his twenties, struck by her innate understanding of the human condition.
Jack uses his work to share his knowledge of history. Through his characters, he hopes the reader gains a better understanding of what went on before, developing an appreciation for our ancestors' trials and tribulations. A devout convert to Roman Catholicism, Jack is married with three grown sons.



Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Worst P&P Crossovers of all time?


What Might Be The Worst Pride and Prejudice
Crossover Idea of All Time?



I was having a discussion with a JAFF friend today, we found ourselves chatting about crossover story ideas. As the writer of a crossover, I hope that IT will never end up on a list such as the one below (for newcomers to my blog, information about my story Fitzwilliam Ebenezer Darcy is available under the tab for my author links).  Actually, the conversation was inspired by a couple new plot bunnies I have hatching in my petting zoo.  They were at least inspired by crossover ideas. 

After that discussion, I found much humor in attempting to create a listing of the WORST Pride and Prejudice crossover ideas of all time.  After you finish reading the list below, please comment on any other ideas for BAD Austen crossovers you might have in the comment section!  (Best idea wins a post here at Darcyholic Diversions!)  Got an idea?  I would LOVE to hear it!

  1. Darcy--The Godfather:    Elizabeth Bennet is horrified when she wakes up with a horse’s head in her bed. Don Darcy is now determined that Luca Wickham will soon sleep with the fishes.
  2. Indiana Darcy and the Temple at Rosings:  After Darcy’s proposal in the rain is rejected at Rosings, he tells Elizabeth, “That is OK, my dear, but will you help me dig for the Wickham treasure under this temple?  It will forever vindicate me. And I know how you like mud on your skirts.”
  3. Star Wars 7:  Fitzwilliam Skywalker seeks the assistance of Colonel ‘Han Solo’ Fitzwilliam to over throw Darth Wickham and save the beautiful Princess Elizabeth.
  4. Darcy’s Silence of the Lambs:  Clarice Elizabeth Bennet Starling seeks the assistance of Hannibal Wickham to catch Buffalo Bill, Lady Catherine’s evil dual identity.  Will Darcy reach her in time to save her?
  5.  The Wizard of Pemberley:  Dorothy Elizabeth Bennet meets the Wicked Witch of Rosings when her house lands on her evil twin sister after a tornado.  Will she get to the Emerald City of Pemberley and find The Wizard of Darcy and be able to return home?
  6. Forest Collins Gump:  Just when we thought there could never be a sequel, Mr. Collins hits his head and falls into a comma. Waking up with amnesia, his first words are ‘Life is Like a Box of Chocolate, You never know what you are going to get.’ 
  7. Darcy’s Shawkshank Redemption:  Andy DuDarcy is wrongly imprisoned for killing his first wife Caroline, not that he isn’t happy that she is dead.
  8. Good Will Darcy:  Will Darcy, working incognito as a janitor at MIT, has a gift for mathmatics. Psychologist, Mr. Bennet. assists him in resolving his past and meeting the love of his life Elizabeth.
  9. Lady Catherine’s ‘Chuckie’:  Lady Catherine has a doll that she can control to do her bidding.  While Chuckie kill Elizabeth before Darcy can save her?
  10.  Pemberley is Gone With The Wind:  Scarlett Elizabeth Bennet has vowed that, as God is her witness they will never be hungry again.  Will Rhett Darcy say, ‘Frankly, Scarlett I don’t give a damn," in this version as well?  Or can they ever find a happy ending?
  11. Mr. Bennet’s Field of Dreams:  If Mr. Bennet builds a replica of Pemberley in his back yard, Elizabeth and Darcy will be allowed to return.
(The above Video is NOT the WORST idea for a P&P Crossover, just an example of a crossover.)

Wendi’s Give-Away Winner



Announcing TWO Winners for Wendi Sotis’s post!  Monica and Jakki! 
Congratulations to you both!


Friday, January 27, 2012

I, Rebecca, Became a Darcyholic at Target!


Today's Guest Post and Give-Away is From 
Rebecca Thumann



Hi, Darcyholics.  It is your chief addict, Barbara Tiller Cole!  I am honored to have a guest post from Becky today.  

Unless otherwise stated, all of the give-aways winners here at Darcyholic Diversions will be selected one week from posting.  So I will be drawing for Wendi Sotis's Giveaway shortly after uploading this post.  You still have through Tuesday midnight to enter Robin Helm's give-away, by commenting on her guest post.  As well, you have till Monday midnight to comment on my post--The contest is for a Guest Blog Post for the BEST answer to:  'You Might be a Darcyholic...If...'

NOTE--Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:


January 31--Jack Caldwell

February 3--Jan Hahn

February 7--Abigail Reynolds
February 10--Ola Wegner
February 14--Sandy Cook! Celebrating Mr. Darcy and Valentine’s Day
February 17--Nancy Kelley
February 27--Nina Benneton
And Many more to come!


Rebecca is giving away a copy of each of her books, so there will be two winners (US and Canada only, sorry).  Entries will be based on comments on the blog post; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, clicking 'like' on Barbara Tiller Cole or on Author's Facebook page, or following BarbTCole on Twitter (or Author when applicable); you can also follow Rebecca on her blog Turn Around and Say Hello or follow her on Twitter (link on her blog). Please note any of these things that you do in your blog post for extra entries.



And Now...I present...Rebecca


I, Rebecca, Became a Darcyholic at Target!

I had read the original Pride and Prejudice and had seen the movie – the newest version, with Darcy walking through the fog in those sexy brown boots and his hair mussed from lack of sleep with a completely broken heart. What woman wouldn’t have swooned?

But if I’m really being honest, I fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy in the Target book aisle.


It was completely glamorous, I can assure you.

I picked up a novel by Sharon Lathan and began reading in the middle. I read, and I read, and I read. My husband eventually found me leaning up against a shelf filled with Mario Brothers for Wii, eyes widened, lip crunching between my teeth, and a new obsession growing within me.


I bought the book.



I rented every single Pride and Prejudice sequel I could find in our public library.

I petitioned our school librarian to inter-library-loan books from libraries across the country.

I ordered books from Amazon.

I devoured each and every single story I could get my hands on.
See, I never really felt complete after reading my favorite Austen work. Heck, the movie even left me wondering. I always felt like the ending was cut far too short. I was far too invested in her characters. Jane was crazy if she thought her readers didn’t want to hear about what happened after the marriage.

Eventually, I wanted my own say. I wanted my own say in how Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy would make the same prejudicial mistakes in the modern day world. I wanted my own say in how they overcame their pride and found happily-ever-after. I wasn’t necessarily a writer, but that didn’t really matter, did it?

One day, I wrote a chapter that was only about three pages long, and posted it online. I had no idea where the plot was headed, what the characters were going to say next, what the central conflict would be, and I didn’t care. For me, it was never really about all of that. For me, it was about the love I had for Jane Austen’s original characters and the need to tell the story from a modern vantage point.

And then?

I continued to write day and night. The story began to consume me and I lived the writing dream for six solid months. That story was then turned into The London Chronicles.

And my glamorous love for Fitzwilliam Darcy? Well. I think it’s safe to say that I was completely in the middle before I even knew I had begun.
Becky’s Book Blurb:

Rebecca A. Cooper-Thumann is an English teacher in a sleepy town in the Midwest. The daughter of a retired Air Force Captain and a voraciously reading mother, Rebecca learned early the value of hard work and laughter. Infinitely inspired by the works of Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte, she just can't seem to turn away from a good love story.
The London Chronicles Blurb:
The story of boy meets girl, boy and girl fall in love, and then boy and girl live happily-ever-after is never more apparent than with The London Chronicles. Olivia and Jane Benedict, along with their cousin, Samantha Allbright, have discovered a new type of British Invasion. Three handsome, successful men have taken the attention of the spitfire socialites. Eventually, Olivia Benedict pairs up with Christopher Harrington. Jane Benedict falls in love with Alexander Samuel...the second. And brash, stubborn Samantha meets her match with Benjamin Covington. The themes of the Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice are never more apparent with the maddeningly quirky villains Laura Martinswip, William Bradley and Sue Manley added to the mix. The miscreants throw just enough tension and drama in to make you really start to root for the three besotted couples. The comedic roller coaster of excitement carries you up and down through an embezzling aunt, a frightening frenzied mother, and maybe just a touch of happily-ever-after.

Lost Along The Way Blurb:
In this modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet Saunders is lost out there -- somewhere along the way. Upon finding her husband in bed with another woman, she divorces him and sets out on a soul shaking journey. High drama ensues with the help of Georgiana Darcy and the dangerous George Wickham. Comedy is found in Best Buy shelf stocker, Devlin Collins. Friendship is found sitting around a table for Wednesday night girl's dinners. Faith is found in each other, and love is found...just around the bend...probably with Mr. William Darcy.


WINNER of Maria Grace's Give-Away--Janet T!


Maria Grace—A Darcy Obsession That Gave Birth to a Novel
Darcy’s Decision


Thanks Again to Maria Grace for her Guest Post!

And Congratulations to Janet T for Winning the Give-Away!  
(Janet please sent me an email with your personal information so we can get the book to you.  My address is barbaratillercole@gmail.com)

Thursday, January 26, 2012

2 Funerals & a Hair Show: Austen Alums Take Comedic Turns


My real life brings with it a great deal of travel.  This can be a good thing as it provides lots of time in hotel rooms and airplanes to spend writing.  But occasionally, once or twice a year, I have to pay the piper and spend an extended period of time writing up reports online.  This particular function of my job is 'so exciting' that I find entertainment not just necessary but a requirement.  My Darcyholism does pop up occasionally.  I have tried to read and work, and it just isn't possible.  I get distracted and do not finish my projects.  But watching films is something that I have learned to do while working, as long as they are fun and upbeat.

Those of you who know my style of writing will not find it surprising that I often watch comedies.  Our house has Dish Network Satellite complete with ALL movie channels (which shows my husband's addition and his profession as he is a film writer/producer) I spent a good part of the last week watching comedies.  I saw some classics: 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World', 'Groundhog Day', 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and several Doris Day films. However, this week I also saw three very interesting films with Austen Alums.  The first two will not win any awards, but were fun and upbeat.  The third, Matthew MacFayden's--which I am going to save till last, had so much critical acclaim that it was redone in the US. 

First up is 'Undertaking Betty'.  Brenda Blythe, 'Pride and Prejudice' alum, stars in this very quirky comedy. Caught in an awful marriage, her character falls in love and decides the only way to be with the man of her dreams is to fake her own death.  The events and consequences are quite humorous.  (NOTE: If the idea of a Star Trek Funeral is so appalling that you would be appalled, this film is not for you.) Also starring Gary Oldman, Alfred Molina, and Naomi Watts.


Next is 'Blow Dry' with Alan Rickman.  A comedy about the British Hair Styling competition scene.  Rickham returns to the cutting floor after years away from championships.  I promise you are not going to think about Snape while watching this film, but it is possible you might wonder if Colonel Brandon ever attempted to be an abigail for his lovely wife. Also starring Miranda Richardson, Bill Nighy and Josh Harknett.


Finally, we have Matthew MacFayden and his lovely wife both starring in the original version of 'Death at a Funeral'.  This film answers the adage that yes, it is possible for chaos and humor to rein free at a funeral.  I had seen this film once before, but loved seeing it again.  Also starring Keely Hawkes, Peter Dinklage (the only actor in both versions), Chris Marshall and Peter Graves.


Seen any other fun or unusual films with Austen Alums?  Would love for you to share them here in the comment section!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

My Life as a P & P Nerd by Robin Helm



Today's Guest Post and Give-Away is From 
Robin Helm


Hi, Darcyholics.  It is your chief addict, Barbara Tiller Cole!  I am honored to have a guest post from Robin Helm today.  

Unless otherwise stated, all of the give-aways winners here at Darcyholic Diversions will be selected one week from posting.  So I will be drawing for Maria Grace's Giveaway shortly after uploading this post.  You still have through Friday midnight to enter Wendi Sotis's give-away, by commenting on her guest post.  As well, you have till Monday midnight to comment on my post--The contest is for a Guest Blog Post for the BEST answer to:  'You Might be a Darcyholic...If...'

NOTE--Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
January 27--Rebecca Thumann
January 31--Jack Caldwell
February 3--Jan Hahn
And Many more to come!


Robin is giving away 2 copies of each of her books (2 sets). One will be signed paperback copies and is for US and Canada.  The second set is for eBooks in Kindle or Nook formats and that will include US, Canada and International entries.  Entries will be based on comments on the blog post; but additional chances will be given for joining this site, tweeting this post, sharing this on Facebook or your blog, clicking 'like' on Barbara Tiller Cole or on Author's Facebook page, or following BarbTCole on Twitter (or Author when applicable).  Please note any of these things that you do in your blog post for extra entries.


And Now...I present...Robin!


My Life as a P & P Nerd by Robin Helm

From the time my sister Gayle taught me to read when I was four years old, I have had a book in my hands more often than not. I was the baby in a family of six, and there was always plenty to do in the way of cleaning, cooking, gardening, and yard work. I remember hiding in a closet to read quite often, because if my mother saw me, she would immediately make me put down the book and get to work. I think what originally attracted me to the house we live in now was the walk-in closets. Though I no longer have to hide to read, I have plenty of room to do so should the need ever arise.

Along with reading, I loved to make up stories. My second grade teacher used to put me in front of the class at least once a week and tell me to make up a story for the other children. I loved it, and I would act out the story as I told it. Throughout my school years, I was that kid who read every book which was assigned and more.

Several teachers influenced me tremendously; my tenth grade English teacher worked on my creative writing skills. For one six weeks, we wrote an essay each day, much like a blog today. In eleventh grade English, we wrote poetry, short stories, and plays. My senior English teacher taught me advanced composition, as well as English grammar and literature, and she really spurred my imagination.  

When I became a teacher myself, I ended most of my junior and senior English classes with ten to twenty minutes of great literature made into films.  Because Austen has long been my most-beloved author and Pride and Prejudice is my hands-down favorite novel, we always watched the BBC miniseries, Pride and Prejudice, along with Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Northanger Abbey.  Most of my former students name Pride and Prejudice as their favorite book. I have loved all things Austen for most of my life, and Darcy was always my fantasy man – tall, dark, handsome, brooding, intelligent, and Byronesque (without the kinky thing for young girls). I like to think that I passed my fascination for him on to my students. Many of them still contact me on Face Book, and when Firth won his Oscar, I was inundated with messages!

My daughters grew up watching these films and other period films based on great literature, but our family favorite is Pride and Prejudice. We watch it every time we are all together again, and we can quote the entire miniseries. My husband randomly says lines from the work, and my daughters and I answer in kind. He accepts the Mr. Darcy addiction of his three ladies with grace and a grin.

My sister Gayle and I discovered the books of Carrie Bebris and several other JAFF authors in a Barnes & Noble while we were at a teacher’s convention. When she found stories online and told me about JAFF forums, I thought we had hit the mother lode.

After twenty-five years of teaching, I left to take three part-time jobs. Because I had more free time than I was used to having, I began to “beta,” or edit for other writers. Gayle had been serving as a beta for several years, and she recommended me to a few writers. While doing beta work, I began to think that I still had stories to tell. Before that time, the idea of writing a book had been too daunting to me. A year ago, I was intimidated by the idea, but now, I have written and published two books in The Guardian Trilogy, Guardian and SoulFire, and I am nearly a third of the way through writing the third book in the series, Legacy.

The Guardian Trilogy is loosely related to Pride and Prejudice. Xander, the main character, uses the name Darcy when he assumes human form. Elizabeth is his love interest, born to David and Lynne Bennet. Though The Guardian Trilogy does not closely follow Austen’s plot, the characters behave much as their Austen counterparts would in a modern, Christian setting. For instance, Xander/Darcy is a protector, much like Austen’s Darcy protected Lydia, Elizabeth’s sister, as well as Elizabeth, by helping Lydia. He has a higher standing than Elizabeth, because he is an angel and she is human. As an angel, Xander is remote and free from strong emotions. He is distant, like Austen’s Darcy. Elizabeth does reject Darcy at one point, much like the P & P Elizabeth and Darcy have their Hunsford debacle. Austen fans also require a happy ending for the couple, and they will have it.

Though I love all sorts of Jane Austen fan fiction stories, I think I have found my niche in writing Christian Pride and Prejudice variations with paranormal elements.  I am developing a book to write after I finish writing and publishing Legacy. My next project will take place in both modern and Regency times, and one angel will be involved.  The book is tentatively titled Darcy’s Wish, and I hope to have it published by Thanksgiving of 2012.

I am nearly one-third of the way through writing Legacy, and it should be published around the end of April or the beginning of May. Immediately after that, I will begin writing Darcy’s Wish. I am very excited about the story, and I look forward to letting it out of my head. It has been rattling around in there for about a month, and I find it to be quite distracting. So far, my batting it away has been effective, but soon the story must be released befores it drive me completely crazy. My husband, wit that he is, would say that would not be a drive, but only a short walk.






Pistols at Dawn?



Hey, Colin.  Yes, I am in my Mr. Darcy costume, what is it to you! You want to challenge me to a duel?  For what? You think you are the better Darcy?  Well, will it be pistols at dawn?  See you there!

Fascinating article about a portrait that has recently been found that might be the young Jane Austen...

Sunday, January 22, 2012

You Might be a Darcyholic...If...


You Might be a Darcyholic…if…
(Post and Contest)


Today was a rainy day, and I spent some time reflecting some of the ways in which you might be able to determine whether you are a Darcyholic or not.  Spending as much time as I do with people as obsessed with Mr. Darcy as I, I have learned various things members of this rather unique society have done due to their obsession.  I can say that I know at least one person that has done all of the following.  Yes, I find myself on this list as well, and may tell you some of the specifics.  I do know that many of these things are quite common amongst our community. 

Please read the list and comment. Share with me the most significant thing you have done.  Prove to me that you are a Darcyholic.  The BEST answer will win a guest post on this blog!



If you constantly refresh your computer, checking for updates of your latest favorite stories—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have calendar alarms set on your phone to remind you of the release dates of upcoming Pride and Prejudice variations—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have commissioned your state for special license plates for your vehicle—whether it is Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Firth Fan, MM Maniac, Darcy-4-Ever, etc.—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have ever read Jane Austen fan fiction during an in-service or staff meeting at work—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have ever read your favorite story update on your phone, while you were at a stoplight, on your phone—You might be a Darcyholic!

If the screensaver on your computer is full of pictures of your favorite Darcy—You might be a Darcyholic!

If the ring tone on your cell phone is either Colin Firth or Matthew MacFayden’s voice saying, ‘You must allow me to tell you have ardently I admire and love you’—You might be a Darcyholic!

If your obsession with determining how a slight variation in Pride and Prejudice might have completely changed the story, and determine that you need to write said variation—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you family has ever attempted to do an intervention due to your obsession with all things Darcy—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have you ever had a sleepless night because you were trying to figure out what might happen next in one of your favorite stories, or because you HAD to finish the book before sleeping—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have a ‘muse’ named Darcy, and hear his voice in your head while you are writing—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have you ever been written up at work because you missed deadlines due to your JAFF reading—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have ever had a higher Amex, Mastercard or Visa bill at the end of the month due to the number of Austen variations you have purchased on line, than your ability to pay said bill—You might be a Darcyholic!

If you have developed a blog to celebrate your Darcyholism—YOU (well, in this case—I —Barbara) might be a Darcyholic!