Ask the Author: Melodie Edwards

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Hi Melodie!!! I've really enjoyed your two retellings! I love that you took one of Jane's less known books and told it in such a well written update. I can't wait to know what your next book will be, any hints?

Melodie Edwards Hi there, I'm so glad you enjoyed them, thanks for reading! I've definitely got more books in the pipeline - I'm just finishing up writing my first original novel (yikes!) and I'll be posting more details on that to my Instagram in the new year, and then I've got another retelling in mind. I'd also love to pick up Emmie's storyline, from Once Persuaded, and perhaps give her a novella, but that might have to wait for a bit.

Thanks for reaching out, it's always lovely to hear from readers!

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Hello there, Melodie. Your retelling of Jane Eyre, was such a treat! I'm usually not into modernizations of my favourite classics because most of the times, they're disappointing and i end up frustrated. Your novel, though, was respectful to the book and the story did not seem weird, even though it is set in a modern law firm. I also appreciated that the story of your book was not too steamy. Any book news?

Melodie Edwards Hello there, Thank you so much for reading Jane & Edward, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Modernizations certainly are tough - and intimidating to write - but I too adore the classics so I always try to go at the task with love. My second novel Once Persuaded, Twice Shy came out this past February (a modern retelling of Austen's Persuasion), and right now I'm working on my first original romance - we'll see how that goes! But I'm on contract for a few more books, and I would love to do more retellings in the future. I try to post book updates to my Instagram or website.

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Is there a chance that you will be doing more retellings of classic novels after Once Persuaded, Twice Shy? Like more Jane Austen books for example?

Melodie Edwards I would love to! I'm working on a new book with an original plot right now (which is a bit scary for me to tackle for the first time!) but I would love to do more retellings, and certainly more Austen's! I've definitely got plans for at least one more.

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Here's a challenge: a modern retelling of Wuthering Heights. Is it even possible?

Melodie Edwards Hm..... well you're right, it would certainly be a huge challenge, but I think anything's possible with classics like Wuthering Heights. They're so rich and complex in their characters, plot points and themes, that if you need to discard something that doesn't fit with modern times, there's some other element you can focus on instead. (Like maybe we would ditch that whole 'digging up Catherine's grave' debacle, and add some other gothic/ghostly element. What if he steals the urn with her ashes instead, and secretly keeps the ashes in a locket, when the family was planning to sprinkle her ashes in a meadow?)

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What do you like about the 2007 movie Persuasion? I couldn't finish it. I know it was short compared to the 1995 version, but did they need to change events. There was never a dinner at Kellynch Hall. I actually like all the Austen television adaptations better than the movies because they stick to the story. (Except maybe Colin Firth swimming.) I like Amanda Root better as Anne, also.

Melodie Edwards Always a tough debate amongst Austen fans isn't it? :) I really enjoy the '95 version with Amanda Root, and I thought Ciaran Hinds was a brilliant Wentworth. But I do love an update - The 2007 production quality was very high, I loved how Sally Hawkins emoted Anne's heartbreak in the journaling scenes and how we were able to get the actress speaking some of Anne's internal musings via the journaling, and the soundtrack is so haunting (actually the soundtrack is probably what drew me in most). I agree they were not quite as faithful to the book, but I really liked how they incorporated part of Austen's original ending (where Admiral Croft tells Wentworth to inquire about the lease at Kellynch because he thinks Mr. Elliot and Anne are getting married) as well as her actual ending with the beautiful letter. It was like bonus Austen content.
(On the Pride & Prejudice front however, I've always preferred the '95 BBC tv version over the 2005 movie).

Thanks so much for your question!

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Most cliche, but would you be open to write a pride & prejudice retelling?

Melodie Edwards well I certainly wouldn't rule it out! I love Pride & Prejudice. However, my next book (coming out Feb 2024) is a retelling of Austen's Persuasion.

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Hey I am an avid book lover. I love reading books and reviewing books for my blog (www.booklover1989.blogspot.com). I would love to do a review of your new novel if you are able to mail a copy to me to review for you. I live in London in the UK. It's totally fine if you aren't able to do this as I'll have to hope my local library gets a copy of it in soon. Thanks. Inbox back if you can please. Kerrie-Ann?

Melodie Edwards Hi there! I'm so sorry for missing this message - I'm afraid I'm a novice at using the Goodreads platform and didn't realize I had the questions function. Now that the book is out, I hope you were able to get a copy in London, for your blog?

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LOVED Jane & Edward! What's next and when??

Melodie Edwards Thank you so much for reading - I'm glad you enjoyed it! Next book is coming out February 2024, it's a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Persuasion.

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