Category: Jane Austen
-
What is it About the Militia?
A running theme in books InspiredByAusten is the militia (well, yes, red coat) craziness of Lydia Bennet and her follower Kitty Bennet. Yes, her mother’s reminiscences of the appearance of the militia in Meryton in her adolescence fired their imaginations. Add their reading of novels, and you can understand Mr. Bennet’s reaction to his youngest…
-
A Tale of Two Soldiers + an Excerpt and Cover Reveal!
Colonel Fitzwilliam & Lieutenant Wickham As I wrap up my next novel, Propriety and Piquet, I realize it greatly contrasts Wickham and Fitzwilliam. They both have ongoing stratagems at Bath, and although their goals are independent, they end up in conflict just by being who they are. Colonel Fitzwilliam has a large role to play…
-
Announcing the Winner of P.O. Dixon’s “Triple Treat” Giveaway
Always Austen is pleased to announce the winner of P.O. Dixon‘s “Triple Treat” Giveaway. Lawyermom will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card for following and commenting on the post. Congratulations. Please contact Regina Jeffers, Giveaway Coordinator, at reginalm@rjeffers.com to claim your prize. [According to stated giveaway rules on Always Austen, all prizes must be claimed…
-
One Meal Away From Starving
Hi there. Hope all of you are doing great. Well, it is time once again to hear the ranting from my brain. This time, I am going to talk about food. If you didn’t already know this, I am president of a nonprofit farmers/artisan market, so I am dealing with fresh, local food items all…
-
Malvern, cello-playing and BOOK GIVEAWAYS
‘Why bother?’ my husband Simon wanted to know, when I said that I had been asked to audition, in Worcester Cathedral no less, for the English Symphony Orchestra’s conductor and principal cellist. My own view was, ‘Why not?’ (Remember: I was young and keen then.) Also, when else was I going to get to play…
-
A Letter from Caroline Bingley
Supposing, at the end of Persuasion, Lady Russell decided to find a wife for Sir Walter Elliot, and selected for him the most desperate single woman of her acquaintance? I hinted at such a thing at the end of Much Ado About Persuasion, and this is how I imagine it might go. From Caroline Bingley…
-
Meet the Gardiners Part II
Hello, again! So, I might have jinxed myself last month when I mentioned writing more due to avoiding homework. Unfortunately, I slowed down a bit this month, perhaps because I was getting accustomed to a new class/subject. But don’t worry, because I am determined to do better. On another note, it struck me this week…
-
Jane Austen and My Birthday
This week I marked another birthday. I am a VIRGO. Some of you know what that means. Some of you are about to learn. Horoscope.com tells us these Virgo Facts Smart, sophisticated, and kind, Virgo gets the job done without complaining. Virgos are amazing friends, always there to lend a hand and also lend advice. Practical…
-
A Gothic Revival and Parody – Jane’s Contributions to Spooky Literature
Starbucks has finally come out with the pumpkin spice and the witchy ladies are all putting out their throw blankets. So, you know what that means – It’s Spooky Season! I’d like to talk about my favorite Jane Austen Novel – Northanger Abbey. My husband has argued that, if we ever play the Newlywed Game,…
-
Historic Scarborough
Places in my books pt. 5 After watching British historical dramas like Poldark and Sanditon that feature scenes of England’s beautiful coastal towns, beaches, and chalky white cliffs, I wanted to write my own Regency-era story at a seaside location. Luckily, I already had the perfect setting: the seaside town of Scarborough. Poldark and Demelza…