An Affectionate Farewell

For the past year and a half or so, I’ve had the very great pleasure of writing a monthly entry for Always Austen. This has been a real adventure for me, allowing me freedom to let my mind range from mythical interviews with Mr. Collins all the way to my recent, unfortunate experiences in “Facebook Jail.” I have enjoyed it immensely. One of the greatest pleasures is to read the posts of fellow authors, to ponder questions both serious and light-hearted, and to learn something new ‘most every day. 

Sadly, for me, I’m going to have to say “goodbye” for a while. This post will be my last—at least for a couple of months. I feel a bit like Mary Musgrove in Persuasion, whose sore throats were always worse than everybody else’s sore throats. In my case, old age has crept up on me to the point where I’m spinning the roulette wheel to find out which of many will be the “ailment du jour.”  I’ve had fun before. I can recognize fun when I see it, and I can state categorically that this isn’t it. A newly scheduled appointment with Yet Another Specialist has prompted me to take at least a little bit of time off. As of yet, I’m not sure how much time, but it will certainly be until after the holidays. 

At the moment we’ve left it that I’ll be touching bases with Regina in a couple of months to see how I’ve progressed. Meanwhile, she has someone lined up who will provide you all with a great deal of enjoyment and food for thought:

Author Ann Hawthorne is an accomplished Regency author who is just now dipping her toes into the world of JAFF. You may remember an excellent blog post here about Theatricals in Austen’s time. A peek at her bio follows. I’m certain she will be warmly welcomed back to Always Austen.

Ann Hawthorne specializes in closed-door Regency romances where the sparks fly in the ballroom, not the bedroom. You can find her and her books at http://annhawthornestore.comor her website, Clean Regency Romance. Ann lives in Germany.

Just a couple of notes: I plan to help Regina in whatever ways I can with our page on Facebook, so you’ll undoubtedly see me there. And as well, don’t forget I’m participating in the Fall in Love with Austen Giveaway. I’m offering a choice of one of my novels in your choice of formats. The other prize is a Funko Pop rendition of Jane herself, wearing a cap and carrying a book. She’d look great on your shelf between the dolls of Queen Elizabeth and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. 

So, farewell for the time being. Look for me among the readers and lurkers, and for Heaven’s sake, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!