May 2016 – Karen M. Cox

L. L. Diamond

May 9, 2016

I love May!

It’s the month we moved to England and such a beautiful time of year here.

I also met May’s Ask the Author victim when she visited London late last year! It was great getting to chat about JAFF while we visited Portobello Road Market with a group of JAFF ladies. Such a great day!

Please join me in welcoming

Karen M. Cox!

1932 is one of my favourite fics ever and now, Karen has released

Undeceived

Karen is not only waiting to answer your questions,
but she also has offered an e-book of
one of her great novels as a giveaway!

That’s right, you can choose between 1932, Find Wonder in All Things,
At the Edge of the Sea, and, of course, Undeceived!

The giveaway is international!

Karen is waiting patiently, so ask your questions!

Rules for the giveaway –

If you ask a question on this post, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!

Please join in and ask a question or leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!

**Final date for questions is Thursday, 12 May, 2016**

Interview posts Monday, 16 May
Last day for comments for the giveaway is Wednesday 18 May

Please leave those questions below!

Bath – March 2016

L. L. Diamond

6 comments

May 3, 2016

While I took a trip to meet some friends in Bath last September, I returned to Bath almost a month ago with my family. Bath is such a walkable city that we took the train rather than drive. We had yet, as a family, taken a trip on the train, so my children were quite excited and we had quite good luck with our timing on the tube to Paddington Station where we caught the train to Bristol, with Bath Spa being the last stop before the train terminates. (And when you purchase the tickets, they will verify you want Bath Spa 🙂 )

Upon our arrival around in Bath, we walked around some in order for everyone get an initial look around. From the train station (I exited from the correct side this time!) we walked up to the Pump Rooms and the Roman Baths, down Westgate Street, and then to Queens Square. From Queens Square, we took Gay Street to the Circus, passed the assembly rooms, and then walked up to Royal Crescent–quite a trek with all of our belongings in backpacks! By the time we finished our climb to Camden Crescent, where our lodgings were, we were worn out!

That evening we made a trip to the grocery store for food and relaxed, reserving our energy for the next day.

For our first full day, I took everyone mostly around places I had been on my last trip. We stopped by 4 Sydney Place where we dropped off a copy of my latest book (Thanks to Bath Boutique Stays for allowing us to have copies of our work in Jane Austen’s home! So cool!). From Sydney Place, we walked across to the Holburne for an Impressionist exhibit I wanted to see and had tea in the tea room before walking in Sydney gardens and Henrietta Park.

Bath Abbey

Fan Vaulted Ceiling

Baptismal font

New experiences, for me at least, began on our next day when we went to the Roman Baths. The line/queue was rather long, so while my husband waited in line, we went for a quick look in the Abbey. The Abbey requests a £2.50 donation per person (which is low compared to the admission in some of the cathedrals), but is absolutely beautiful inside. I wish I’d had more time to read all of the epitaphs and take more photos, but we were soon called for the tour of the Baths.

I must say that I never expected the Roman Baths to be so extensive. I knew of the pools (one of which you can see from the Pump Room), but the different rooms and the temples are very interesting. Obviously, not much remains of all of it, but they have quite cleverly protected much of the ruins by having them indoors and (I think) even underneath the building where you enter. In some places, monitors give a computer generated image of what you would see if you stood in one place and looked over the courtyard that remains. The exhibits range from pottery and jewellery to hairpins and personal grooming items. Pieces of metal where people inscribed things that were stolen from them in a wish to have the thief punished were once thrown into the water and are now behind glass for all to see. We spent a good portion of the day taking our time as we strolled through it all.

I will say that they don’t like you to touch the water. My son thought it was something to do and we were told to wash his hands at our first opportunity. I don’t know that it is quite that bad since they do treat it and allow visitors to drink it, but we erred on the side of caution.

When we reached the end of the tour, everyone drank some of the water. I had no wish to repeat the experience, but my family all decided the water didn’t taste as bad as I had made it out to be. Oh well! I claim sensitive taste buds!

Next up… Prior Park

Winner of the Moira Bianchi Giveaway!

L. L. Diamond

3 comments

April 22, 2016

Thank you,

Moira Bianchi!

It was great having you as a guest this month!

Moira was amazing enough to offer her
Prince of Pemberley series
as a giveaway and we have a winner!

: Book 1

: Book 2

: Book 3

Congratulations

Jennifer Redlarczyk!

Thanks to everyone who stopped by and asked questions or gave comments. Don’t forget to stop in next month as our Author for May is the accomplished Karen M. Cox!

Call for questions is 9 May, don’t miss it!

April 2016 – Moira Bianchi

L. L. Diamond

10 comments

April 18, 2016

Moira’s answers are in!

I now you’d rather read what she had to say, so let’s get down to it, shall we?

First of all, I’d like to thank Leslie again for having me here. The wonderful JAFF universe has helped me so much; I love everyone who writes Darcy and Lizzy variations. It’s an honor to be amongst you.

Is Jane Austen popular in Brazil?
(Joy Dawn King)

Yes, incredibly. We have Facebook groups of 10k fans, our ‘Jane Austen Society of Brazil’ is pretty big too. I have to say the 2005 movie has opened Austen’s domain to lots of people – and that’s the beauty of adaptations, right?

Hi Moira, I am so excited over these books. Three! My question is how did you get introduced to this Jane Austen world and how old where you?
(Shelley Hoisington)

Late 20s, I guess. I have a dear friend who challenged me to read ‘the classics’ – her favorite classics – and gave me Tolkien, Balzac, Austen. But it was S&S and the first pages killed me. I wanted to jump in the book and punch John Dashwood in the face! Then shake Elinor’s shoulders! As I complained, my friend grimaced and said: ‘Honey, you need Elizabeth Bennet.’ Here I am, a P&P junkie!

Which is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

P&P. Always.

But I have to say Lady Susan gnaws on my heart, she’s my guilty pleasure. 😉

Who is your favorite Austen hero and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

Darcy! Always! *grin*

I like a bunch of other great Austen men but Darcy for me is perfect because he is so flawed. He offends the woman he adores when he’s trying to compliment her, his clumsy flirting is adorable, his efforts to make things right are to swoon for… Darcy, definitely.

Who is your favorite Austen heroine and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

Elizabeth Bennet, without a question.

I find it very hard to digest women being tramped upon. Of course, we’ve come a long and hard way from the social situation in Austen novels, women in Regency England’s society was a lot different, but still Elinor Dashwood’s or Anne Elliot’s reactions kill me. Lizzy fights back, she refuses two very good matches, she doesn’t fall under Lady Catherine’s diatribe, she’s great. I love her.

Who is your favorite Jane Austen villain and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

I should be loyal do Wickham but no one pars Churchill to me. Wicky, as I see it, is a dimwit bad boy, what we call a ‘malandro-cocô’ in Rio. He scams and lies and deceives and ends up tied to poor and empty-headed Lydia. *shrug* But Emma’s Churchill… horrible, horrible man. He flirts and lies and scams and humiliates the very woman he’ll marry. I was so shocked when I first discovered his secret engagement to Jane Fairfax…

There’s also Isabella Thorpe, Fanny Dashwood, Caroline Bingley but these sweet ladies can never have any spotlight because Lady Susan is, wow, perfect.

Actually, I’d pick Susan over Churchill. (I love Susan to the moon and back!)

How did you become interested in the world of Jane Austen? Muito obrigada!
(Jennifer Joy)

De nada! Que fofa!

As I said, finding Lizzy after Elinor opened the Austen wonderland to me. I searched for more, the BBC series (Firth!… awww…), graphic novels and fanfics. When I discovered Mrs. Darcy website I was in Heaven!

Do you write your stories in Portuguese first and then translate?
(Joy Dawn King)

No, I write in English and revise and revise and revise…

I studied the language from 8 to 18 years-old, taught children and teenage courses for a while.

Do you find it hard to translate your thoughts in English?
(Shelley Hoisington)

I don’t realize I do it, but I’ve been told my syntax is ‘peculiar’, so I probably think in a neat jumble of English+Portuguese. I write as I think about it, in English, as I’m doing now. (I apologize for any syntax weirdness.)

What is the biggest challenge you face writing in English?
(Joy Dawn King)

The colloquialisms. I love them. Love slangs and accents and how they color a character’s personality, make him/her more believable. But, it’s tricky sometimes… every time I visit US (I have a six-years-old who loves Orlando Parks) I spend my time trying to engage as many people in conversation as I can.

Do you have a special time of day and place to write?
(Debbie Fortin)

Do you have a special place to write?
(Shelley Hoisington)

I usually write after arriving from my morning jog at the beach, but sometimes the plot is too juicy not to stop everything and put it to paper.

My hubs gave me a ‘writer’s office’ as a 40^th birthday gift. My design (I’m an architect), it’s really cute but in reality he wanted me to dissolve the mess I created in our dining room table. So, my smallish balcony is now a lovely office.

Where do you find your inspiration?
(Shelley Hoisington)

I dreamt the last story I wrote. It was a long scene about a couple meeting again after a bad breakup and it’s clear they still love each other but can’t find a way to be together. When I opened my eyes I knew I had to write it. From that scene came the whole story and then two more to form a cute project: Persian cats plot to unite three couples.

When your muse decides to be uncooperative what do you do to get her cooperation again (walking, cleaning, listen to music, etc)?
(Debbie Fortin)

I give her time.

My muse is a whimsical indolent Lady, she smokes smelly cinnamon cigarettes, those brown long ones with swirling smoke and she smirks when whispering a good idea in my ear. When she’s taking a break, I put the work aside and wait.

The Prince of Pemberley was left half-written, simmering untouched for several months, almost a year.

At first Darcy and Lizzy are friends, pals, ‘bros’ until the sexual tension wins them over. Conducting them was easy. Their life together as a rightful couple once their divorces were done, that wasn’t difficult because it’d be so nice – a life together after emerging from hell. But the period in between when they cheat on their spouses repeatedly, are lovers with so much baggage, so much love and contradicting emotions was very hard to make it right (sorry for the pun, it’s wrong and they know and Lizzy freaks out).

My muse took her time to help me write exactly the way I wanted this story to be told.

When writing do you need quiet or do you listen to music, and if so what kind?
(Debbie Fortin)

I’d love to have peace and quiet! Loooove it!

But I write in my free time, often shared with my hubs and son. Especially when I’m in the middle of a hot scene, whenever Darcy does this or that to Lizzy, I hear: ‘Mom!…’ *groan*

When I can’t absolutely concentrate, I work on covers or playlists. Every story I write have a wicked playlist I like to enjoy when working out.

Which of Jane Austen’s characters would your mother say you are most like? How about your friends? Who would they say you are most like?
(Joy Dawn King)

My mom is into Brazilian historical biographies. But, I’d say she would choose Catherine Morland for me because my head has always been filled with fantastic stories, imaginary friends, alternative views to everything.

My friends would dare to put me anywhere far from Lizzy!

Who is your least favorite Jane Austen character and why?
(Joy Dawn King)

What a sad thing to think about… Elinor Dashwood, I have to say. She’s lovely and sane and sensible and intelligent but also so very compliant. I’d kick and complain, but she is so very classy… coming to think of it, I dislike her reactions, not her.

If Darcy was on an Olympic football (soccer) team, what position would he play? Who would be his biggest competition? (Neymar Da Silva Santos, Lionel Messi, or Christiano Ronaldo)
(Joy Dawn King)

I never see Darcy as a spotlight guy, a forward in soccer. I always see him as a backstage man, one that makes sure everything goes smoothly, let someone else take the lights. So I’d say he’d be midfielder, Zidane or Pirlo. (I may have been distracted by Mr. Pirlo’s looks.)

But I have to say that, after Germany shamed us here in our own Maracanã stadium during World Cup, soccer is no longer something we’re so fond of. We’re very hurt with our national team.

Actually, if Darcy and Lizzy each competed in an Olympic event during the 2016 Olympic games in Brazil, which sport would YOU want to watch them participate in?
(Joy Dawn King)

I’m laughing here! What a great scenario! Tall, dark and handsome Darcy in tight sportswear!

For Lizzy, a team… maybe handball. I see her as a leader. Or tennis, she’d be great shooting cannonballs towards an opponent, wouldn’t she?

For Darcy I’d say rowing. He does row in my P&P inversion (he’s middle class and Lizzy is filthy rich).

Wouldn’t it be great to have a light and funny fanfic about them meeting at the Olympic Village?

Which is your favorite Darcy and Elizabeth to read – modern or Regency?
(Joy Dawn King)

Do you like modern or regency?
(Shelley Hoisington)

I like modern, love them. Because of what I said, my difficulty to accept women’s whole in the past. But I’ve read so many marvelous Regency pieces…

I’ve recently tried to write Regency and while these short stories are good reads, I’d say they are modern stories in Regency clothes.

Do your family and friends know you write Jane Austen fan fiction?
(Joy Dawn King)

Oh, yes! They’ve learned to love Darcy because of me!

My hubs said he’s thinking about buying us a cat to name it Darcy and be able to say: ‘Darcy, leave my bed now!’

Hi Moira! Your covers are gorgeous! So, I’d like to know what inspired your covers? Do you also paint/design?
(Jennifer Joy)

Thank you, I loved them too.

It took us – my cover designer and I – a long time to choose an image that could translate the long and hurtful journey these Darcy and Lizzy take – from friends to lovers to a married couple – and we toyed with several sequences of pictures until we found this one. The kiss seems ambiguous; it can be a stolen kiss, a reunion or a celebration of free love.

I do paint and try craft arts but writing takes most of my free time these days. My son is too curious, I cringe thinking how much he’d mess with my painting gear…

What makes your variations different from other writers of p&p variations?
(Phylisha Dianna Stone)

My Darcys and Lizzys are half Brazilian.

In my first story ‘Friendship of a special kind’, they barely knew each other but he greeted her with a kiss on her cheek; it’s a common thing to do here in Brazil, I didn’t think twice of it but my Beta said ‘Whoa! What a forward guy! Why would he do that?’ *laugh* Since then I’ve been taking care to ‘clean’ them of Brazilian zest, but there’s the syntax…

Your series looks very intriguing. I like the covers. Are your books set in the present day, or the Regency period? What inspired you to write them?
(Katie Oliver)

Thanks.

Present day. The story starts in the 80’s when they meet as teenagers, than there’s a twenty years gap.

When I met my hubs, he was practically engaged and I had an older boyfriend who was always threatening me with a proposal. It was meant to be, we broke our commitments to be together but the ‘what if’ never left me. What if we had met a year later and we were both married? What if we hadn’t managed to be together? What if… The Prince of Pemberley is about this doubt, a leap of faith, second chances.

Darcy and Lizzy meet as teenagers through letters, England to Brazil by post, stamps, paper, envelopes – late 80s. They try to meet in person but fate intrudes. Then life gets between them, they grow older and their friendship is put aside for twenty years. They both marry and have children (in England, Darcy marries Anne; in Brazil; Lizzy marries Wickham) until Lizzy finds him on Google almost twenty years after their last letter. The friendship rekindles instantly and from that to love is the journey told in three books.

I see three books above. Are they all about Darcy? Or are we looking at future generations? Or are there men at Pemberley the we know not of? Or are these sequels?
(Sheila L. M.)

All Darcy and Lizzy. They both have children, there is the next Bennett-Darcy generation, but it’s centered on them. He is the King of Pemberley!

In my stories, Darcy and Lizzy are together from the beginning and most of the time, I try not to fill it with subplots that don’t add to their timeline.

The books are part of a single touchy story– they are friends in book 1, cheaters in book 2, struggling to make it work in book 3. Sequels, yes… but continuations, that’d be better said.

If you could spend two months at Pemberley in the 1800’s, what three items would you have to pack in your suitcase?
(Joy Dawn King)

A toiletries bag, a phone (to record conversations, take pics and notes), calming tablets – I’d freak out!

Don’t forget to comment for a chance
to win Moira’s Prince of Pemberley trilogy!

: Book 1

: Book 2

: Book 3

The giveaway is open internationally!

Rules for the giveaway –

If you asked a question, you have 1 chance in the drawing.

If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!

Please join in and leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions
and hearing from you!

**Final date for comments is Wednesday, 20 April, 2016**

Leave your comments below!

Good luck everyone!!

April 2016 – Moira Bianchi

L. L. Diamond

9 comments

April 11, 2016

It’s Ask the Author time!

Spring is finally here! Can you tell it’s my favourite season?

I’m also excited that we have a new
Ask the Author victim!

Everyone welcome

Moira Bianchi

with a question or two!

Moira recently released her
Prince of Pemberley series

: Book 1

: Book 2

: Book 3

to the English and Portuguese translations of her work!

So! Moira is waiting! Leave your questions in the comment thread below!

But wait!!! Moira is offering one e-book set of The Prince of Pemberley series (Yes, all three books) for a giveaway!

The giveaway is open internationally!

Rules for the giveaway –

If you ask a question on this post, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!

Please join in and ask a question or leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!

**Final date for questions is Thursday, 14 April, 2016**

Interview posts Monday, 18 April
Last day for comments for the giveaway is Wednesday 20 April.

Leave your questions in the comments below!

Good luck everyone!!

Some Final Tidbits on Driving in the U.K.

L. L. Diamond

7 comments

April 4, 2016

I promised one more post of just a few follow-up items. Basically, a few things that are different from the U.S. that I think are interesting and what we’re not accustomed to in our daily lives.

National Speed Limit

That’s right, there are national speed limits. There are signs to indicate when the speed limit varies from the nationally set speeds, but you are supposed to know them because often a sign crops up to tell you the road is now the national speed limit with no further clarification. For a typical car or motorcycle, the national speed limit is as follows: (I also have a diagram Wikimedia was so kind as to have to illustrate the types of carriageways)

Built-up areas (towns, etc) – 30mph

Single Carriageways – 60mph

Dual Carriageways – 70mph

Motorways – 70mph

Now, just because the speed limit is 70 on a motorway doesn’t mean the police can’t pull you over for going the speed limit or even under. The speed limit is an “absolute maximum.” You are supposed to adjust your driving speed depending upon road conditions and weather. If you’re driving at motorway at 70mph in a heavy fog and rain, you could receive a ticket for what is essentially reckless driving.

You also have to watch out for speed cameras, but here, you are supposed to be warned before a stationary camera. We have seen small vans with speed cameras on the roof driving along the motorways when we were on holiday last August. Even that automobile had a sign on it to say what it was.

Crosswalks

There are quite a few different cross walks here and all use an animal name to differentiate them.

Zebra Crossing – These have the white stripes across the road and a flashing light/beacon on each side of the road. Some Zebra crossings have an “island” between car lanes. Each side of the road is taken separately since there is a place to wait until there is a break in traffic.

Pelican Crossing – Have a pedestrian controlled signal more like what we’re accustomed to. You press the button and wait for the figure to go from red to green. On a Pelican crossing there is a flashing green when the crossing signal is about to turn red.

Puffin Crossing – Same as the Pelican crossing but the figure doesn’t blink green before it changes to red.

Toucan Crossing – Is a light controlled like the two above except that it is shared with bicycles.

There are also equestrian crossings for horses as well.

Parking

Most parking is a pay and display set up around the U.K. When you find your parking space, you find a machine nearby, pay for the time you want, and display your receipt in the car windscreen/windshield. There is parallel parking on a lot of streets, but make sure you never park on a solid yellow line. People can unload, but not park. (Disabled can park in some of these areas however, so don’t be fooled by a single car parked on a yellow line.) If it’s a double yellow line or a red line, just don’t stop there. You’re better off 🙂

Driving code says not to parallel park facing oncoming traffic. I think the majority of the British violate this particular rule on a daily basis. People are parked in every which way on both sides of the road. It’s not something I prefer to do, but it is done.

Road Markings

The roads here look like someone scribbled all over them at times. It took me a while to get used to the amount of information on the road around here as well as what is on signs, etc. At the end of most roads is a “give way” upside-down triangle for example. Other marks include: cross walks, zigzag lines before cross walks and in other places. Driving code says not to park within these lines. A cross-hatched section in yellow means not to even stop in that area. Locally, we have one of these in front of the fire station and at an intersection near a roundabout. It makes congestion easier if people exiting the roundabout can turn where they need to quickly. In large roundabouts, the lanes are sometimes marked so the driver knows which lane to take in order to exit correctly. Speed limits are marked on the roads when the speed limit decreases. It’s a lot to take in at times!

I’m trying to think of anything else that can be useful, but I’m drawing a blank at this point. I feel like a lot of the signs are similar or able to be figured out when you’re in a certain situation. If you ever attempt to drive in England, I do hope these posts help!

Next up: Another trip to Bath!
Sources for images and information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/traffic-signs
wikimedia commons

Licensing for street sign images:
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Winner of the Katie Oliver Giveaway!

L. L. Diamond

1 comment

March 18, 2016

Thanks so much to

Katie Oliver

for being our victim in March!

The lucky winner of her great giveaway is

Carole in Canada!

Congratulations, Carole!

And don’t forget to check out
Katie’s new series of books!

First was What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? which was released in January!

Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…

Especially since a film crew has just arrived to shoot Pride and Prejudice at the Darcy estate! And when Hugh Darcy, the one who got away, arrives home after 8 years absence, Lizzy can’t help but think it’s fate. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…

What can Lizzy do but try not to feel too prejudiced against Hugh’s new woman – a city girl who knows nothing about country life, and seems more concerned with her film star ex than her current fiancé?

There’s no denying that there’s something suspicious about Holly’s interest in Hugh…and when he begins to have doubts about his high-maintenance fiancée, it seems a break up is on the cards. But is it too late for Lizzy to swallow her pride and get her Austen ending after all?

The Trouble With Emma released late February!

Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…

Stuck in a boring job, living at home with her parents and without even a glimmer of romance on the horizon, Emma Bennet’s life isn’t turning out how she planned. And since hit reality show Mind Your Manors started being filmed at the Bennet household, she’s felt more like a spare part than ever.

Matchmaking her assistant, Martine, is just the distraction Emma needs – and, whether Martine likes it or not, Emma is determined to see her coupled up before long! But when she meets Mark Knightley, the genius behind Mind Your Manors, Emma finds her own heart on the line…

Mark is everything Emma isn’t: quiet, reserved…and forever minding his own business! And suddenly, Emma is determined to prove to Mark that she’s ready to stop thinking about other people’s love lives – and focus on her own.

Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!

Who should rule – your head or your heart?

When sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood are forced to leave their family home to live in a rural Northumberland cottage, Marianne is convinced her social life is over. Somehow, she can’t see kitten heels coping well in the countryside – and being stuck in the middle of nowhere, miles from London, sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. Not to mention her arrogant new boss, Dr Brandon, who doesn’t seem to think much of her city ways.

When she meets the gallant, charming and handsome Mr Willoughby, Marianne begins to think that country life might not be so bad after all…especially when he suggests that marriage might be on the cards. But the countryside still has a few tricks up its sleeve for Marianne…after all, love rarely blossoms in the most convenient places!

Connect with Katie at any of these social media sites!

Website/blog: http://katieoliver.com/ko/blog/

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/KatieOliverWriter

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katieoliver01/

Amazon Author Page US: http://www.amazon.com/author/katieoliver

Amazon Author Page UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katie-Oliver/e/B00HGQ93VS

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7565829.Katie_Oliver

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@katieoliver01

Carina UK/Pink Ink blog/website – https://pinkinkladies.wordpress.com

Tune in next month
when our next author victim will be

Moira Bianchi!

Don’t miss out!

Katie Oliver Interview Is In!

L. L. Diamond

14 comments

March 14, 2016

Katie Oliver’s

answers are in!

And not only did she answer those questions, but she gave me the blurb for

Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!

Who should rule – your head or your heart?

Now for the answers to your questions!

When did you read your first Jane Austen novel and which one was it? What was your initial reaction to it?
(Carole in Canada)

I first read Pride & Prejudice in the mid 1990s after seeing the BBC miniseries and buying the boxed set. I read it again after I watched the film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen in 2005. I was astonished anew at what an amazing story it was, and how well it’s held up; and as an aspiring writer at the time, I had a deeper appreciation of Miss Austen’s characters, their conflicts, and of the emotional connection between Elizabeth and Darcy.

Initially, I feared the book would be difficult to get through – the period language, the slower pace of the narrative – and wondered if I’d be able to finish it. But despite my reservations I found myself drawn into the story and raced through it in less than a week.

Which is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

This is a difficult question! How to choose just one favorite? I would have to say Pride and Prejudice. It was the first Austen novel I ever read, and it left a lasting impression on me. Elizabeth Bennet is a young woman who knows her own mind and is determined to marry for nothing less than love. Strong characters, and strong conflict…and who can resist Mr Darcy? He’s without a doubt the most memorable – and most initially misunderstood – hero in literature.

Emma and Northanger Abbey are two other favorites.

What appeals most to you about Jane Austen’s female characters?
(Joy Dawn King)

Austen’s female characters are without exception strong, nuanced, and relatable in their all-too-human failings…and it’s those failings that make them relevant to the modern reader. They wanted the same things then that we want today – to find happiness, to love and be loved.

Which Austen hero is your favorite?
(Joy Dawn King)

I think Mr Knightley has to be my favorite Austen hero. I like his steadfastness and his refusal to tell Emma anything less than the unvarnished truth about herself, even though she might not like it…because he cares for her and sees her worth underneath all of the meddling. It’s that ability to see in her what others do not that makes him appealing.

Who is your favorite Jane Austen villain and why?
(Debbie Fortin)

I cannot STAND John Thorpe. He gives me the creepy-crawlies. *shudders* He’s thuggish and underhanded…which makes him the perfect villain, though, doesn’t it?

In your opinion, who is the most comedic character in Jane Austen’s stories?
(Joy Dawn King)

Well, Catherine Morland is amusing, with her runaway imagination. She gets everything so spectacularly wrong. But the funniest character overall has to be Mrs Bennet, with her megrims and dramatics and her absolute obsession with marrying off her daughters to the richest husbands. Poor Mr Bennet…

Which Jane Austen character would your family say you are most like?
(Joy Dawn King)

I’m probably most like Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey – always letting my imagination get away from me and always reading a book. And like Catherine, I tend to sometimes be a bit too trusting and take people at their word, which can lead to disappointment.

Does your husband share any characteristics with Austen’s heroes? Which hero? Which characteristic?
(Joy Dawn King)

Great question! While I’d love it if he looked like Colin Firth (le sigh), he’s very honest, like Mr Knightley, and fun to be with, like Henry Tilney…although he knows next to nothing about textiles. (Or Jane Austen.) Lol. But he’s a good sport about watching the movies with me…and he loved the film ‘Becoming Jane.’ So he scored big points for that.

Does your family know you write?
(Joy Dawn King)

Yes, they do. They think it’s great, and they’re very proud of me, but I don’t think they really understand it. I have a feeling they think I watch TV and eat Cheezits all day. (I don’t. I swear.)

Do you have a special place in which to write?
(Anji)

I like to write at the laptop on my desk, in my office just off the bedroom. It’s quiet, and I definitely need quiet when I write. There’s a set of French doors I can close, and there’s a ceiling fan, a TV, and two sofas, so I can – and do! – live back there when I’m on a deadline.

Do you have a special time of day and place to write?
(Debbie Fortin)

I do my best writing in the morning, when my brain is rested and sharp. By about two or three o’clock, I’m useless. Lol. I typically use the afternoon to read over what I’ve written and mark it for corrections, or if I’m not writing, to schedule a few Tweets and Facebook posts and do a bit of promo. I’m always woefully behind on promo.

When writing do you need quiet or do you listen to music, and if so what kind?
(Debbie Fortin)

I absolutely crave quiet when I write. But I do like to listen to my iPod when I’m on the treadmill…songs can be very inspirational to the writing process, no question. My musical tastes are all over the map. I like everything from Fleetwood Mac and the Clash to Pink, the Beatles, Carly Simon, B.B. King, and Gwen Stefani.

Do you have a set schedule for writing – number of hours or words per day?
(Anji)

If I’m on a deadline, yes, I definitely do! When I wrote the JA Factor books, for example, I had to hit 10k a week for ten weeks to make the contracted 80k length requirement…times three. So I was at my desk every morning by seven and wrote until about 1 PM, had lunch, then read through what I’d written and made changes. The next day I made the corrections and picked up with the story. I did this starting in late April of last year through the end of October. It was intense, but I enjoyed every moment.

What is it that draws you to the modern comedy a la Jane Austen?
(Jen Red)

Like Jane, I find that we humans are an endless source of amusement. With our insecurities and jealousies, our desire to love and be loved, our vulnerabilities, and the tendency to be our own worst enemies, we make a contrary bunch. But therein lies the fun, the drama, and the fascination…

Do you follow an outline or fly by the seat of your pants?
(Anji)

I write a general outline before I begin, sketching out the major conflict(s), characters, and story arc. I know the beginning and I know the end. But once I start writing, I’m more of a pantser, letting stuff happen as the story unfolds, as long as I don’t stray too far from my plot.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night because your characters have invaded your dreams?Do you have pen and paper on your nightstand ready to go if they do?
(Carole in Canada)

No… But I did have this really great dream about Leo DiCaprio the other night… Lol. I think because I’m so focused on my characters during waking hours when I write, at night I’m too tired to dream of anything but the usual silly things – being lost in high school on my first day of school is one that reoccurs every now and then.

I’ve thought about keeping a notepad and pen on hand if I ever have a great idea in the middle of the night; but I’d probably just write down a bunch of gibberish, so I haven’t tried it. But maybe I should!

When your muse decides to be uncooperative what do you do to get her cooperation again (walking, cleaning, listen to music, etc)?
(Debbie Fortin)

Good question. I get up and move, usually – take a walk, get on the treadmill, vacuum, or watch TV; maybe take a shower – anything that gives my mind a little break. A change of scenery also does the trick.

How often do your characters take over and move the story in an unexpected direction?
(Anji)

All. The. Time. Characters often have a way of changing things on me! But the story is almost always improved when that happens. If my characters try to nudge me aside and take the reins, so to speak, that means they’ve developed distinct personalities. (At least, I hope that’s what it means!)

Do you pattern your hero/heroine after a real-life human? Who?
(Joy Dawn King)

I usually base my hero and heroine on an actor or actress whose face and temperament fit my image of the character. For my next book, Who Needs Mr Willoughby, I pictured Matthew Goode (Leap Year) as Dr Brandon, and Lily James (Cinderella, Downton Abbey) as Marianne.

If you could ask Jane Austen one question that she would thoroughly address, what would it be?
(Joy Dawn King)

Well, as a writer myself, I would love to know what Jane’s writing process was. Did she plan out her plots? Rewrite? Did she have a favorite place to write? Did she like to write in the morning, or the afternoon? How many drafts did she write before she was satisfied with her efforts?

If you could spend a month in Regency England, what three items would you take with you?
(Joy Dawn King)

Hmm…that’s a tough one! I’d probably take my iPad. I can’t live without my iPad. (Although wi-fi might present a slight problem.) But it would be a great conversation starter with a handsome Regency buck, wouldn’t it? Plus I’d have a camera to document my visit. Then, I think I’d bring along a good pair of walking shoes. Finally, I’d need sunblock (or maybe a parasol?) to protect my skin while taking a stroll in the sunshine.

This was great fun! I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to leave a question. Such excellent questions they were, too! I hope I’ve provided a little insight into my writing process, such as it is. I’ve enjoyed my visit and thank you all for participating.

Just to remind you of the other books in the Jane Austen Factor series –

What Would Lizzy Bennet Do?

Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…

The Trouble With Emma

Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…

Don’t forget to comment

for a chance at Katie’s awesome giveaway!

Plus

Bookmarks for her new series!

Rules for the giveaway –

If you asked a question on this post, you have 1 chance in the drawing.

If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!

Please join in! Leave a comment! Authors love hearing from you!

**Final date for comments to qualify for the giveaway is Wednesday 16 January

Please leave those questions below!

Connect with Katie at any of these social media sites!

Website/blog: http://katieoliver.com/ko/blog/

Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/KatieOliverWriter

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katieoliver01/

Amazon Author Page US: http://www.amazon.com/author/katieoliver

Amazon Author Page UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katie-Oliver/e/B00HGQ93VS

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7565829.Katie_Oliver

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@katieoliver01

Carina UK/Pink Ink blog/website – https://pinkinkladies.wordpress.com

March 2016 – Katie Oliver

L. L. Diamond

6 comments

March 7, 2016

Spring is coming!!!

What better way to pass a rainy day than here at Ask the Author!

This month I am really excited to welcome

Katie Oliver

as our victim for March!

Katie has been a busy lady releasing her 3 book Jane Austen Factor series!

First was What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? which was released in January!

Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…

The Trouble With Emma released late February!

Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…

And lastly, Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!

Blurb: Well, no blurb yet!

These books join Prada and Prejudice, And the Bride Wore Prada, Manolos in Manhattan, Love and Liability, and Love, Lies and Louboutins.

Now that you’ve had an introduction of sorts to Katie’s new books,
we need questions, so please leave them below!

Katie has also offered an awesome giveaway!

Plus

Bookmarks for her new series!

I’m jealous! I want to enter!!!
(I feel like that should sound like Lydia pouting.)

So, get your questions in!

Rules for the giveaway –

If you ask a question on this post, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.

If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!

Please join in and ask a question or leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!

**Final date for questions is Thursday, 10 March**

Interview posts Monday, 14 March
Last day for comments for the giveaway is Wednesday 16 January

Please leave those questions below!

Here We Go Around–Roundabouts

L. L. Diamond

12 comments

February 29, 2016

Roundabouts are not something we find often in the U.S. When I lived in New Mexico, we had one in the small town where we lived and no one knew how to drive it (including me). I think more wrecks occurred in that spot than anywhere else in town and there is even a YouTube video of someone crashing into the middle of the roundabout by jumping the foot and a half barrier.

In England, however, Roundabouts are a frequent and common occurrence. It is nearly impossible to drive anywhere without encountering at least one. Large, small, simple, complex–there are lots of different types you can come across. For those who have asked or wondered about the fun of roundabouts, I’m going to try to give the basics. I can’t claim to use the more complex roundabouts and hope to never come across a few I’ve heard of, but I do manage without stopping at the entrance and pausing for 15 minutes (A common complaint about Americans and roundabouts).

First, you have mini-roundabouts. In the U.S., where we would have a four-way stop, England has a mini-roundabout. This sign is of a sign in Ireland, but the sign here is the same, and the direction below is correct for any roundabout as you do “Give Way to traffic from the right.” For those who don’t remember from my last post, “give way” is the same as yield in the States. When you pull up to this roundabout, you look to the right to see if someone is coming, if not, you can proceed. I do admit that I’m simplifying things a bit. You should signal–not that everyone does, but it does make things flow more smoothly if all involved do so.

That brings us to the next question: How do you use your signal in a roundabout? It isn’t as complicated as one might think if those of us from the U.S. think of it as a four-way stop. Most mini-roundabouts have four roads branching from it, so, in order from when you enter, you either make a left hand turn, go straight, or make a right hand turn.

If going left, you turn on your left indicator when approaching the roundabout, if clear, proceed in and take that first exit. It’s simple.

If you’re going straight, you approach the roundabout with no indicator, enter the roundabout when you can, and at the first exit, turn on your left indicator, proceeding into the exit when you reach it.

Finally, for a right, you approach the roundabout with your right indicator on, enter when you can, and at the exit before you leave the roundabout turn on your left indicator and take your exit.

Always turn on your indicator at the exit before you leave the roundabout! It’s really a common courtesy since a person waiting in the road your taking will know they can enter the roundabout and don’t have to remain waiting for you.

Granted, not all roundabouts are simple. Some have stop lights within the roundabout when they are particularly busy. Some roundabouts have multiple lanes because they have a high amount of traffic and/or have more than four exits. Depends, but the rules remain the same for the indicators, you just have to judge where the exit is, but as long as you turn on your indicator before your exit, you should do well.

If there are multiple lanes in the roundabout, the inside lane is always the last exit(s). Usually, there are arrows on the road to tell you whether you belong in the inside lane or the outside lane before you enter to go straight. When the roundabout itself has more than two lanes, there are often designations painted onto the road to tell you which lane to use.

This page for a driving school here in England has some pretty good illustrations of signalling for those who want a bit more information.

Larger roundabouts have street signs leading up to the roundabout itself, showing which exits lead to which road or place, to allow you to prepare. They can be a bit confusing. This one not only has more than four exits, but also has stop lights as you can see by the additional sign that blocks part of the roundabout key. I read that in World War 2, they removed these signs in the event the Germans invaded England. I would have been lost! I admit to using GPS/SatNav quite a bit here, but I still rely on the signs! When you are in the roundabout, many also have signs at each exit to help navigate within the obstacle.

Now, what happens if you miss your exit? Simple, you stick to the inside (if you are in a multi-lane roundabout) and circle around again. If you take the wrong exit, you just have to figure out how to get back. I will say roundabouts work well for U-turns as well 🙂 I’ve taken the wrong exit, and used the next roundabout to U-turn and go back.

For those who are more familiar with this, I know I’ve probably skipped a lot and oversimplified it as well, but it’s the basics. There are some crazy roundabouts out there, and while I’ve driven a double roundabout, I don’t feel qualified to explain most of the multiple, complicated roundabouts out there. Yes, there are multiple roundabouts that blow my mind to be honest. The “Magic Roundabout” in Swindon, which would make me panic, is one example. I think I’d prefer to avoid it if possible!

Like I said, this a pretty simple explanation without getting into any complicated detail. I had no more than this when I set out driving here, and part of getting the hang of it, is trial and error and a few native drivers making dirty hand gestures and swearing at you 😉 Honestly, the only way to learn to drive a roundabout is to get in a car and try one!