Amy Cecil: While Checking Out the Reading Options on Nook...

Welcome Amy Cecil to Darcyholic Diversions
And Countdown to the Decatur Book Festival!

Hi, Darcyholics!  Today begins a little over a month long focus on authors that are going to be taking a part in the Decatur Book Festival--Jane Austen: Then and Now celebrations on Labor Day weekend.  Amy Cecil is going to be attending the event and I am looking forward to officially meeting you.  But I know you will enjoy getting to know her today through her post.

If you have not yet checked out the information about the Decatur Book Festival Events here is The DBF Event Link.  We have 24 Austen Inspired Authors that have made a commitment to be a part of the event.  If you can make it to Decatur, GA over Labor Day let me know and I will be sure you have the information about our hotel room block.

If you have not read all of the posts for the month of June, there are still four authors with open drawings.  Check out the archives on the right and read posts from Pam Dixon, Marilyn Brant, Karen Aminadra and Jennifer Petkus and leave a comment.  OR leave a comment today for Amy's post...

Upcoming Guest Posts Are As Follows:
July 27--Amy Cecil
July 29--William Deresiewicz
July 31--Maria Grace
August 3--Wendi S.
August 5--Laura Dabundo
August 7--Moira B.
August 10--Abigail Reynolds
August 12--Cynthia Hensley
August 14--Colette Saucier
August 17--Regina Jeffers
August 19--KaraLynne Mackrory
August 21--Sally Smith O'Rourke
August 24--Amber Godat
August 26--Lory Lilian
September 18--Laura Hile
November 2--Amy Patterson
November 13--Karen Doornebos
And Many more to come!

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Comments on Amy Cecil's post will be included in a drawing for 2 copies of her book--open for all commenters including International!  Thank you Amy!  And will also be entries into the monthly drawings here at Darcyholic Diversions.  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 via Google Friend Connect (GFC) (See the left hand column on the blog to join!), 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.

While Checking Out the Reading Options On Nook... 

Hello Darcyholics! Before I get into my “story”, I would like to thank Barbara for inviting me to share it today. As a newly published author, being invited to post today is truly an honor.

Now, why Jane, Pride & Prejudice and Darcy….oh where do I begin? I have been a Jane Austen fan for as long as I can remember and have loved Fitzwilliam Darcy just as long. Yes, I have loved Darcy, but did not truly become in love with him until I met my very own Mr. Darcy 27 years ago and realized that the fictional character that I love so well existed in my husband.

I never knew there was a world of sequels, prequels and variations available that were related to my most beloved story until last year. I got a Nook for Christmas and it renewed my interest in reading….and so I was always looking for something new and refreshing to read. One afternoon, I was perusing the free selections that Nook offered and came across Kara Louise’s Darcy’s Voyage. I read the book in a day and from that point on, I became a true Darcyholic! I quickly discovered that hundreds of variations, sequels and prequels were available and made it my mission to read them all! I was reading so much, some days I would read two or three books in a day. I think my husband thought I had lost my mind. 

After I had read many P&P variations, I began to panic because I was running out of books to read. I thought to myself, what am I going to read when I have read them all? Now, you have to realize, I was a captive audience. I was like a child let loose in a candy store. I became lost in the many different stories that surrounded Darcy and Elizabeth and I wanted more. When I voiced my fears to my best friend, Suzel, and asked her, “What am I gonna do when there are no more Darcy and Elizabeth books to read?” She gave me the most astounding response, one I truly did not expect to hear and one I will never forget. She said, “Write your own?” 

And so…..Pride & Prejudice:  A Royal Disposition was born.

I never considered writing at any time in my life until that moment and I have to say, it has changed my life. The ideas began to flood my brain like a waterfall. I took the best advice I had ever been given and I began to write. I wrote every moment I could. I even began keeping a notebook by my bed at night because on many occasions I would dream a scene and then would only remember parts of it in the morning. The notebook allowed me to write down what I had dreamt about in the event I woke up from the dream. I think subconsciously I knew the notebook was there and so it seemed I always woke and was able to capture the scene. My husband and friends helped me so much with all the historical research that was required. They always gave me a source to share my ideas with and they all gave me very valuable input. Suzel’s daughters, Hannah & Heidi (H&H Editing as I have fondly referred to them) worked diligently on editing my book and I cannot thank them enough.

I wanted a storyline that had not been touched on, something very different than what was available. I’ve always been enamored by the kings and queens of England’s history and I used that basis to start. I knew I wanted to incorporate the crown into my story somehow and make Elizabeth part of that world. I always thought it would be a big surprise to find out that Elizabeth was of royal descent and that Darcy (my prince charming) would marry his one true princess. I began researching King George III and his family and I found Frederick, second eldest son to the king and his favorite. He was perfect, exactly the type of character that I was looking for and the perfect age to fit into my tale. I created his true love in Sophia and once I had the foundation for their relationship, Elizabeth was born (literally). Fredrick and Sophia’s unrequited love and the tragic circumstances of Elizabeth’s birth brought her to live with the Bennets. As a young adult, we see her learning of the circumstances of her birth and coming to terms with living the life she was born into.

I always heard that “writers write what they know.” Over the last year, I have learned the truth of that statement. It totally amazes me what can be accomplished when an individual finds true happiness, is loved by family and friends – despite all their imperfections. As I have gotten older, I find that I have become my own friend and have discovered the importance of good friends and family. I don’t know where I would be today if I did not have the never-ending support of my husband, my family and my dear, dear friends. They are truly the rock on which I build my life and every one of them has made significant contributions to the person that I am today.

 Link to Amy Cecil's Book on Amazon