It’s Ask the Author time!
Can you believe it’s August already!
At least we have a new Ask the Author victim!
Linda Beutler!
Linda has just released her newest JAFF novel A Will of Iron!
I just spoke to Linda about the release of this book during her trip to England last month, and she is so excited. I also happen to know she is raring for a good interview, so I’m certain she will happily answer even the most difficult questions! 😉
Blurb for A Will of Iron –
Only days after his disastrous proposal, the untimely death of Anne de Bourgh draws Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Colonel Alexander Fitzwilliam back to Rosings Park before Elizabeth Bennet has left the neighborhood. Their return finds Rosings swathed in mourning. In death, Anne is revealed as having lived a rich life of the mind, and she plotted rather constantly to escape her loathsome mother, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Anne’s journal—spirited into the hands of Elizabeth and Charlotte Collins—holds her candid observations on life and her family. It also exposes her final, and sadly fatal, means of outwitting her mother. Anne’s Last Will and Testament, with its peculiar bequests, sends Lady Catherine into a tailspin and throws into turmoil every relationship amongst the Bennets, Darcys, Fitzwilliams, Collinses, and even the Bingleys! Was Anne de Bourgh a shrewder judge of character than Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy combined?
Includes mature content.
Sounds fascinating, doesn’t it!!
Before you go don’t forget to leave that question because Linda is offering one signed paperback of A Will of Iron as a giveaway and the giveaway is open internationally! Everyone who leaves a question or more gets their name put into the pot once, but if you leave a question and give a comment on the final interview, you get two chances to win!
I hope everyone has a query or two for Linda!
All questions must be submitted by Friday, 7 August.
The final interview will be posted Monday, 10 August.
Final date for comments to be entered into the drawing Wednesday, 12 August.
Winner will be announced Friday, 14 August!
Leave Linda your questions in the comments below!
Good luck everyone!!
L.L. Diamond 
My questions:
– Where/how do you get fresh ideas for stories? There’s written so much already, so it’s hard to think of something new and original, I imagine.
– Are you writing something new at the moment?
LikeLike
How did it ever occur to you to have Anne de Bourgh be the center of all the plot in this book?
LikeLike
You are giving Anne a life of the mind…are you revealing any other character’s hidden depth or secrets?
LikeLike
1) Do you have a favourite time and place to write your novels?
2) I know most JAFF writers prefer to write stories based on characters and themes from P&P especially if it involves Darcy and Elizabeth. Have you ever thought of reaching out to other five novels of Jane Austen? If so, which book will you pick?
3) Besides P&P, what is your favourite JA novel?
LikeLike
And what an enjoyable variation this is! Thank you for the pleasure.
LikeLike
Linda, I appreciate your willingness to be on the hot seat. Are you ready?
1) Do you dream about your stories while you write them? Are the characters that real in your mind?
2) Do you have any modern plot bunnies bouncing around waiting for their story to be told?
3) Which Austen character would your husband say you most resemble?
4) Why clematis? What intrigues you so about this particular plant?
5) If you could relive your 20’s in 2015, which Austen character would best describe you?
6) What intrigues you about Fitzwilliam Darcy? Do you have a definite picture of his looks and actions in your mind or is he a vague image that changes from story to story?
7) How long does it usually take you to go from idea to finished rough draft? Do you use an outline or write as you go?
8) Which Austen character would you most like to join you for a glass (or a bottle) of wine? (A glass/bottle of red or white?)
9) What is the one question you would like to ask Jane Austen if you had the opportunity?
10) What is your absolute favorite clematis? Is there an elusive plant you would love to have?
Thanks so much, Linda, for being July’s victim.
LikeLike
I have a couple of questions…
Where is your favorite place to write?
Do you have a specific time of day you write?
What do you do that helps your creativity (walking, gardening, etc)?
Which Jane Austen character do you thin you most closely resemble?
Thank you for giving us a chance to know you better.
LikeLike
Is it time to answer these yet???? I’m delighted with these intriguing questions, and am all anticipation to get started. Fire when ready, Leslie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let’s let everyone get their question in! 😉
LikeLike
Hey, Linda! Hot seat warm enough yet? No? I’ll do my best!
1) Are any of the scenes in your novels based on real life situations? Any characters based on real life individuals?
2) You are one of the best writers of steamy scenes in JAFF. What is your process for writing them?
3) You were a bit of a mentor and sounding board for me when I published, as The Red Chrysanthemum came out a couple months before Alias Thomas Bennet. You continue to help authors as a beta and cheerleader when they’re starting out, encourage select individuals to submit to Meryton Press, and give advice to friends. Do you see commonalities in what new authors should know? How about established authors? Are there any tips you’d like to share for someone considering publication of their story?
LikeLike
Oh goodie! I was hoping someone would ask about sex!
LikeLike
Someone must represent the curiosity of the Pervy Horde.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What inspired you to start writing P&P stories? Loved reading The Red Chrysanthemum. Do you consider the meaning of a flower or bouquet when giving it to someone?
LikeLike
Hi Linda
I really enjoyed The Red Chrysanthemum, it was a lovely book. I am not a purist so I do not mind steamy scenes. Do you like time travel books. I have read two by Mary Lydon Simonsen and thoroughly enjoyed them. Do you like variations and alternate paths or would you consider writing a sequel to Pride & Prejudice. Would you consider writing a variation or sequel to any other of Jane Austen’s other novels?
LikeLike
Gee, everyone has asked such good questions. It this hasn’t been asked, I would like to know which you prefer to write, Regency or Modern as you have a great talent for both. Jen Red
LikeLike
The call for questions is closed! Thanks everyone for a great response! Linda’s interview will be posted Monday. Don’t forget to comment!
LikeLike
The blurb from “A Will of Iron” intrigues me… I really like the idea of an Anne deBourgh with some active participation in the story – she is so much in the background and easily dismissed but when she gets a real personality she can have such a interesting effect on Darcy, who I would like to assume has at least some marginal relationship with her. I do want to know how Anne has managed in the face of such a domineering parent! The answers to the “ask the author” were fascinating – I am also impressed by the creative process and the amount of work and patience you have to have, which makes it much more rewarding for the reader! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person