Monica Fairview's Blog, page 34

Fun and Games: a Word Puzzle

I hope you have your wits about you today, because I have a game for you! Or maybe it’s more like a puzzle to solve, using Jane Austen quotes. It was actually part of a “Scavenger Hunt” theme we did here at Austen Variation over seven years ago, but I thought it would be fun to play it again.

First, though, for those of you who have been wondering, a brief progress report. Since publishing my most recent novel in October (Mr. Knightley in His Own Words) I’ve been remarkably lazy about getting a ...

P&P The Untold Stories: Mr. Bingley’s Regrets

Bingley looks back on his time with Jane Bennet

February 8, 1812

Charles Bingley lingered at the breakfast table over a cup of coffee that had grown cold long ago. Although the newspaper from London was open in front of him, he had not read a word. His heart and mind were engaged elsewhere. Closing his eyes, he could see Jane Bennet’s face looking up at him serenely as they danced. Just one glance from her was enough to leave him completely speechless. Charles Bingley, speechless? That was some...

Audiobook Release Celebration: Catching Lizzy and A Worthy Woman!

I’m ushering in Valentine’s day with two new audiobook releases!

First off! Catching Lizzy, narrated by Scarlett Mae Clarke, came out last week. Scarlett is a newer narrator, but I love her performance as Lizzy–especially drunk Lizzy! She went for it and it came out so well. She told me at one time that her inspiration for Richard was Rupert Everrett in My Best Friend’s Wedding, so I’d love to hear what you think of him as well!

Here’s a sample for you to check it out!

https://austenvariations....

P&P Untold Story – Jane’s reflection on Caroline Bingley

“After waiting at home every morning for a fortnight, and inventing every evening a fresh excuse for her, the visitor did at last appear; but the shortness of her stay, and, yet more, the alteration of her manner, would allow Jane to deceive herself no longer.” — Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (Chapter 26)

Early February, 1812

Her face hurt from smiling.

What did it say about her, this willingness to smile through such a painful quarter of an hour? A slight turning up of her lips, once or per...

A Pinch of Salt: Cover Reveal & Excerpt

Hello!

It’s just over a month until my new book, A Pinch of Salt, is released. Woohoo! It will be available via Amazon.  As I announced previously, this is a modern novel, an edited version of a story I posted online some years ago.  In case you missed my previous post, A Pinch of Salt is a mash up of Pride & Prejudice and a cooking competition, such as Top Chef. It highlights Elizabeth Bennet and Will Darcy meeting and—I’m sure this won’t be a surprise—falling madly in love.

Today, I’m going t...

Launch, Giveaway Winners, New Book Preview, lots of goodies!

Today is launch day for Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door!

I’m excited to hear what you think. This was my first time writing Elizabeth as Not A Bennet, and it was so much fun! Bonus because she and Darcy were close as children. Our poor girl is wrestling with a lot of big feelings, not the least of which revolve around which Darcy brother is the handsomest, now that they’re all grown up!

Now, of course, I’ve moved on to another book. Naturally! I’m several chapters in, and I can’t wait to tell ...

P&P The Untold Stories: The Impressions of Anne de Bourgh – by Diana Birchall

Lady Catherine flatters herself with hopes of her daughter’s marriage to Mr. Darcy

January 26, 1812

“My dear Anne,” Lady Catherine de Bourgh said to her daughter, “I do hope you will be taking your drive today. You need an airing.”

“Is is so cold,” Anne replied fretfully, “I do not see how a constitutional drive can be expected to do any one good in the month of January.”

“You know what Dr. Shaw said,” Lady Catherine put down her eggshell-thin teacup deliberately. “Your health requires a great ...

P&P The Untold Stories: Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam Go To Cheapside

We’re up to this little gem, a favorite of mine I wrote during this time. If it seems familiar, you might have read what came from it in His Perfect Gift (I changed the timeline a bit). Enjoy!

 

January 25, 1812

The bustling streets of London passed outside the carriage, and a foul-tempered Darcy turned away from the happy faces of the passersby to his cousin who sat opposite him.

An hour prior, Colonel Fitzwilliam had appeared at his home, insisting they had to venture out to a shop in Cheapsi...

Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door: Chapter Four and Giveaway

I’m back with Chapter Four! Ready for some Darcy time? Read along, and comment to enter!

How the Giveaway Works: I will give away one ebook for every fifteen comments throughout the next few postings. What does that mean? The more you comment, the more chances you have to win! I will tally all the comments on January 29, two days before launch, and announce the winners.

And also, if you share anything about Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door and tag me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ShortS...

Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door: Chapter Three And Giveaway

I’m back with Chapter Three! Ready for some Darcy time? Read along, and comment to enter!

How the Giveaway Works: I will give away one ebook for every fifteen comments throughout the next few postings. What does that mean? The more you comment, the more chances you have to win! I will tally all the comments on January 29, two days before launch, and announce the winners.

And also, if you share anything about Mr. Darcy and the Girl Next Door and tag me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Short...