Happy Thursday, everyone! It’s been a crazy week. We find out we’re moving… AGAIN! And, Agony and Hope is released! I’d like to thank everyone who helped get my book baby out: Carol, who edited it, Debbie and Brenna for proofreading, my ARC readers, and then everyone who has purchased and reviewed it. What a roller coaster!
This book started in my head years ago with the scene of Jane showing up at Darcy’s door. The scenario flitted back into my mind from time to time. I would let it play out but I never sat down to start writing it out until late last year. The injury to my back slowed my writing down a lot and created a lot of inconsistencies that I had to go back and fix once I’d written the entire thing. I’d changed names and all sorts of problems. The ending was also longer. I have a scene that was cut that I will rework and post later. The ending was changed in editing, so I’ll have to do a bit of tweaking to it so I don’t contradict the published story.
Anyway, I will see what I can spruce up from my original manuscript to give you a bit more over the next couple of weeks. I’m trying to flesh out a new story, so we’ll see when and what I can come up with.
In the meantime, thank you for all of your kind words on Agony and Hope, and if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? Go read!!
Release day is tomorrow! I hope you have preordered your Kindle or ordered your paperback so you can get reading! We have one more small excerpt posting on Austen Variations tomorrow during the release day celebration. If you have missed the previews, you can catch up by clicking for the previous chapters:
“I have endured the deepest agony, only to be shown a hope so bright I cannot but yearn for it.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy is mourning the love he lost—a love that was never allowed to bloom. What will become of him when Georgiana is wed, and he is left by himself? He cannot give away a heart not his own. Must he remain in this mournful existence, anticipating the nights to come, where in his dreams, he can finally be with Elizabeth, a spectre of his once living, breathing beloved. When a surprise visitor brings unexpected news, his hope is breathed back to life. Will he finally obtain his deepest desires? Will Fitzwilliam Darcy be able to leave behind the agony of the past and hope for the future he once thought impossible?
Due to circumstances beyond her control, Elizabeth Bennet’s family is irrevocably altered. Her father is dead, Lydia is missing, and her mother and remaining sisters are to be relegated to a life of poverty. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s behaviour at Pemberley indicates he still loves her, but too much has happened. She can never hope for him to once again make the offer of his hand. Elizabeth’s sole option is to abandon the life she once led and start anew. But what happens when her path once again crosses with the love she thought lost to her? Will Elizabeth choose to protect him with the one option available to her or will she put aside the agony of the past and choose hope?
There are also reviews! One is already posted on Amazon, but you can find all 4 of the early reviews posted on Goodreads 🙂 I hope you’ll also write your review once you’ve read it!
So, let’s talk specifics… and maybe a few vague hints!
The most common concern when people read the initial chapters is whether there is a HEA. Yes, there is a HEA!
I’ve been asked if there is steam. Yes, there is chemistry and steam, but no sex scenes. Sorry to those who enjoy those, but they didn’t fit with the storyline. For those who prefer stories without that sort of content, this will work for you!
How long is the book? Paperback is 266 pages. It’s just under 70K words.
It’s a busy time of year! School is wrapping up, people are making their summer plans, and I’m furiously editing a book. If you haven’t checked out the preview of Chapter 1 & Chapter 2 at Austen Variations, click on the chapter to give it a read! In the meantime, what can I tell you without giving away vital bits of the book. I can give you one hint with the blurb!
“I have endured the deepest agony, only to be shown a hope so bright I cannot but yearn for it.”
Fitzwilliam Darcy is mourning the love he lost—a love that was never allowed to bloom. What will become of him when Georgiana is wed, and he is left by himself? He cannot give away a heart not his own. Must he remain in this mournful existence, anticipating the nights to come, where in his dreams, he can finally be with Elizabeth, a spectre of his once living, breathing beloved. When a surprise visitor brings unexpected news, his hope is breathed back to life. Will he finally obtain his deepest desires? Will Fitzwilliam Darcy be able to leave behind the agony of the past and hope for the future he once thought impossible?
Due to circumstances beyond her control, Elizabeth Bennet’s family is irrevocably altered. Her father is dead, Lydia is missing, and her mother and remaining sisters are to be relegated to a life of poverty. Fitzwilliam Darcy’s behaviour at Pemberley indicates he still loves her, but too much has happened. She can never hope for him to once again make the offer of his hand. Elizabeth’s sole option is to abandon the life she once led and start anew. But what happens when her path once again crosses with the love she thought lost to her? Will Elizabeth choose to protect him with the one option available to her or will she put aside the agony of the past and choose hope?
The book is just under 70K words but because of the timeline of the story, there is a bit of steam but no explicit scenes. We’ll just have to see what unfolds. I hope you’re up for it!
Just a quick blog post to share that today is the release day celebration at Austen Variations. I have 3 ebooks I’m giving away, so I hope you’ll join me!
I’ve been getting asked and I haven’t had an answer. Too many things were up in the air. I’ve been writing the story posting at Austen Variations, I hadn’t finished Particular Attachments, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to search out an editor! I finished and I was still superstitious about saying a release date out loud, but after a few things going my way, I decided to bite the bullet.
My editor is plugging steadily away despite the rigours of having a new baby, and I am starting the formatting as I get chapters back from her. I also have a pretty substantial blog tour (for me anyway) getting lined up around that release date. So when is this release date you ask? Mark your calendars because September 14th is the date!
By now, some of you have heard this for about a week now, but I’m really excited about having an audio book for those who love to listen to their favourite stories. I initially put my book up and hoped someone would want to narrate it, but most narrators prefer shorter books. Fortunately, Leena took a chance on this one!
I will say that it’s a bit strange listening to something I’ve written practically being acted out like an old-fashioned radio program (without the sound effects of course), but my house was extremely clean while I was listening through them all! I couldn’t write or distract myself on the computer so cleaning was how I occupied myself. I’m surprised my husband hasn’t asked me to have another book done!
Leena is also so great. I don’t know how she came up with so many different inflections for each character. It was definitely a fun experience and I hope I’ll be able to do it again!
If you’ve never read Particular Intentions, I’ll provide the blurb and everything just below as well as a link to Amazon where you can listen to a sample of Leena’s amazing work.
Who is this Mr. Darcy and what are his intentions?
Like much of Meryton, the Bennets of Longbourn anticipate the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his friends to Netherfield, yet an unexpected visitor is not a part of Mr. Bingley’s or Mr. Darcy’s plans. While the two gentlemen attempt to control their uninvited guest, Elizabeth Bennet arrives to tend to her ill sister. An overheard conversation, the intriguing behavior of Mr. Darcy, and Miss Bingley’s cloying manner all fascinate her, but manage to throw her emotions into turmoil as well. As Elizabeth becomes better acquainted with Mr. Darcy, his world unfolds and, if possible, it is more complicated than the man himself! Mysterious strangers and seducers lurk in the shadows – enough to threaten anyone’s equanimity. Elizabeth’s courage will be tested as she not only struggles to discover her own heart, but also why danger seems to surround Mr. Darcy.
Now! I have a free Audible copy of Particular Intentions to give away! Just leave me a comment on this blog post, and I’ll enter you into the draw! It’s that simple!
Particular Intentions is released! I can once again breathe a bit easier while I hope that everyone is enjoying my new book. Big hugs and thanks to everyone who has already purchased their copy. Your support is what keeps me doing something I love.
Now, I have the second part of the Netherfield ball from Lydia’s point of view for y’all to read and a giveaway, so don’t read and run! Make sure you comment to enter!
If you missed the first part, you can find it here at Austen Variations.
Her father was mortifying! Why did he suddenly care with whom she danced and socialised? He huffed and crossed her arms over her chest as Kitty moved by on Saunderson’s arm. Why did Kitty get to dance and not her? She had always been more popular with the officer! It was not fair!
“If you had not disregarded my wishes, you would be dancing as your sister is.”
“We were to visit the refreshment table, Papa. Nothing untoward could happen while we drink punch.” She scanned the room. Where was Mama? She would not countenance her father’s restrictions.
“I shall not argue with you. Just know you are here by your own design.”
With a huff, she dropped against the wall behind her. He was so unfair!
“Lydia! Why are you not dancing?”
Her mother! She sprang from the wall and clasped to her mother’s arm. “I was to visit the refreshment table after my dance with Denny, but Papa pulled me away. I was so embarrassed! He would not even let me dance the next!”
Her mother stared at her father, her mouth agape and her eyes bulging. “Mr. Bennet!”
“I must confess I do not believe for one moment you were destined for the refreshment table, and in the future, Lieutenant Denny will not be permitted to dance with my daughters.” He glanced to Mary, sitting in the corner reading a book. “Not that I believe some will care.”
Lydia gave a loud exclamation and flounced back against the wall once more. “He is ruining the ball!”
Mama placed a hand to her arm. “You cannot mean to keep her from partaking in the activity for the entire evening?”
“If she cannot follow my simple instructions, then yes, Mrs. Bennet, I do.”
“But my daughters must find husbands!”
“Lydia will not find a suitor behaving as she does. In fact, I would bet my life she agreed to walk outside with this Lieutenant Denny, which could damage her reputation irrevocably as well as that of her sisters. No, Lydia will do as I say or make herself miserable.”
“But she is out! You cannot return her to the nursery!”
Lydia bit her lip and did her best not to bounce on her toes. Her father always capitulated when her mother used that shrill tone.
“If she does not learn, then I shall do just that. I will not have her create a scandal with one of these rakes in a red uniform.”
“Oh, Mr. Bennet!”
“If Mr. Darcy’s courtship of Lizzy continues as it should, you will have a home after I die. He is an honourable man and would not leave you and my remaining daughters to starve in the hedgerows. Lydia is too young for marriage and I will not see her wed before she is at least seventeen.”
“Oh, Mr. Bennet!” Her mother dabbed at her eyes, but her father merely rolled his eyes and returned his attention to Kitty.
Why would he not listen?
“Mrs. Bennet!” her Aunt Philips loudly whispered from several feet away. “You will never guess what I just heard!”
Her mother’s head darted to Aunt Philips, to Mr. Bennet, and then to Lydia. “My dear girl. Take care to enjoy yourself as much as you can.”
Lydia stomped her foot. “But you must help me! I am so bored!”
Without even so much as a turn back, her mother hastened to Aunt Philips side. Her aunt grasped her mother’s forearm and began to whisper in her ear.
She whimpered and crossed her arms over her chest again. How she wanted to cry!
Kitty bounded up on Saunderson’s arm with a wide smile on her face. The little traitor!
“Miss Lydia,” began Saunderson in an unsure manner. “May I have the next dance?”
Her mouth opened but the voice that reached her ears was not her own.
“I apologise but my daughter is not at liberty to accept invitations to dance at present.”
She made a loud wail of protest, causing a few people nearby to stop and stare. With an abrupt motion, she jerked her chin upwards. They could all hang for what she cared! No one present had to endure her father’s injustice as she had this evening. After all, they could do what they liked.
“But Papa! ‘Tis the supper set!”
“And yet, I am unmoved.”
An officer applied to her father for Kitty’s next set and her sister flounced back to the dance floor on his arm.
“If you will cease your pouting, I shall dance with you.”
She huffed. “I could not stand up with my father! How humiliating!”
With a long sigh, he faced the floor to watch Kitty once more. Perhaps he was as annoyed and bored as she was. Well, if he was, it was his own fault! She was not a child and had no intention of being treated as one!
I know I’ve been asked repeatedly when I am going to release Particular Intentions. Well, I have good news. I finally set a release date for August 22nd! I have a preorder live on Amazon and I will spend the next several weeks checking digital files and getting it uploaded everywhere else as well as prepping the paperback. I’m so excited to be so close!
In the meantime, I’m answering questions about Particular Intentions (within reason of course!). I’m going to answer as many things as I can think of (mostly the usual questions I am asked), and if I’ve missed any, you can ask in the comments. Of course, I reserve the right to be an evil authoress and keep the answer to myself.
So let’s see what I can answer so far.
What is the blurb from the back of the book?
Who is this Mr. Darcy and what are his intentions?
Like much of Meryton, the Bennets of Longbourn anticipate the arrival of Mr. Bingley and his friends to Netherfield, yet an unexpected visitor is not a part of Mr. Bingley’s or Mr. Darcy’s plans. While the two gentlemen attempt to control their uninvited guest, Elizabeth Bennet arrives to tend to her ill sister. An overheard conversation, the intriguing behaviour of Mr. Darcy, and Miss Bingley’s cloying manner all fascinate her, but manage to throw her emotions into turmoil as well.
As Elizabeth becomes better acquainted with Mr. Darcy, his world unfolds and, if possible, it is more complicated than the man himself! Mysterious strangers and seducers lurk in the shadows—enough to threaten anyone’s equanimity. Elizabeth’s courage will be tested as she not only struggles to discover her own heart, but also why danger seems to surround Mr. Darcy.
Number of word document pages? 254 Number of words? 120,857 Formats? Kindle, Smashwords (so iBooks, Kobo, Oyster, Nook, etc.), and Paperback Paperback size? 6×9 (I don’t have a page count yet) Is it part of a series? No. I haven’t ruled out writing a sequel, but it is a stand alone novel.
Is there a hero? Well, of course. Darcy has to be a hero! Any villains? This is me we’re talking about. Of course! Did you add any original characters? Yes! Is there any angst: Yes, but I don’t think it’s excessive 🙂 How about action: Some Are there any steamy scenes: I think so!
So to continue 20 questions…what do you want to ask? Just remember, I won’t give out spoilers!
I can’t remember the last time I had an update on here!
If you keep track of me on social media, you’ve probably read the excerpt from my new book, Particular Intentions, which I hope to have out next month. I apologise for not having a concrete date, but I always wait until the last minute when it comes to setting a release date. I always worry that I’ll set a date I can’t meet. In case you were wondering, my marvellous new editor has six chapters left to go over, and then comes proofreading! I never feel like I catch everything, but hopefully between my editor going over the final manuscript as well as two other lovely volunteers, we’ll catch more than I usually do on my own.
I’m so excited! This is when the whole thing becomes real. That might sound strange, but it’s how I feel.
I hope everyone is having a great summer so far. School is winding down here, and that keeps me really busy when I’m not writing or editing. Hopefully, I’ll get somewhere fun before summer is out so I can blog about it, though I still owe you a blog post about Chawton House. I haven’t forgotten!
I’ll update when I have a more definite release date!
I can’t remember the last time I had an update! Shame on me!
Things have been crazy and hectic. I’m prepping my oldest to start high school (How do I have a high schooler already!) and another to start middle school. We swapped swim teams, and we’re trying to keep up with a myriad of other after school activities along with my own swim schedule. It’s insane some weeks!
My garden
My garden
Today, we managed to get out in the garden and clean out my planters and pots. A quick trip (and more money than I planned to spend) filled them with flowers, so hopefully, once things fill out a bit, everything will be overflowing with colour. At least I had a brilliant sunny day for it!
Goodies!
I’m also busy prepping for Jane Austen Regency Week. If you’re going on Regency Day, please stop by the Austen Variations table, which will be me this year, for a bag of goodies and to enter a drawing. I’m still hoping to add one or two more little items to the prize, so I don’t have a picture yet of that. I will say that I would love to have the basket. We have contributions from Abigail Reynolds, Maria Grace, and a few Jane Austen goodies I’ve thrown in, as well as two of Jane Odiwe’s amazing note cards. Trust me, you’ll love it!
One or two people out there might be asking “What about your next book?” 😉 Well, I have it written. My plot beta/cold reader has been through it and now the second beta is almost to the half-way point. She is patiently awaiting the next chapters since the holiday has put me a bit behind. I do plan on posting it at AHA and D&L once the betaing is near completion.
I’ve also been talking to an editor to work on this one with me. I sent the first three chapters to her last night, and we’ll see if my fingernails survive the biting until I get them back. 🙂 In the meantime, my brain is going round and round trying to figure out a title (always the worst part!) and a cover. I’m having a dreadful time finding an old portrait I like or a stock photo for that matter. Once the kids are all back in school, I’ll have a bit more time to get that all going 🙂
I hope everyone had a great spring, and you have a great summer as well. I’ll update as soon as I have a cover or a title, or news of a release date.
Oh! And because of Jane Austen Regency Week and my crazy, hectic schedule this month, Ask the Author is taking a break this month. I hope everyone will come back in July, though I don’t have a guest yet.
