Riana Everly's Blog, page 2

Happy Halloween! A short story and a new series

Today is my day at Always Austen, with a short story for Halloween and a glimpse at my new series!

There’ll be more on Austen Echoes later, but for now, happy reading.

Trick or Treat: A Halloween Diversion

A Lovely Review of Death of a Dandy

Death of a Dandy: A Mansfield Park Mystery by Riana Everly

Austen Echoes – a glimpse into my new series

I’ve got a contemporary Austen-inspired series in the works, and it’s nearly ready for release!

Curious? See what it’s all about at Always Austen today.

Austen Echoes – Writing a Contemporary Series

Always Austen – The Mystery of the Missing University

A blog post, in which the author attempts, but fails, to travel in her characters’ footsteps.

Come over to Always Austen and find out what I’ve been up to.

The Mystery of the Missing University – Alexander Lyons in Glasgow

Much Ado About Something

Some thoughts about editing the classics.

Join me at Always Austen as I muse about updating Shakespeare and the nature of fan fiction.

Much Ado About Something

Austen-ku

Sometimes you juA few years ago, a friend posted a little haiku on her Facebook page on May 1, and called it her Mayku. When I asked, she said a friend had started writing a haiku each day of May, and hoped it would catch on. My friend never did it again, but I was hooked.

What does this have to do with Jane Austen? Head over to Always Austen to find out more

Austen-ku

Always Austen – Lawyers, Barristers, and Attorneys, Oh My!

In Pride and Prejudice, one of Darcy’s and the Bingley sisters’ big concerns with the Bennet family is the terribly middle-class status of Mrs Bennet’s family. Her brother is a merchant, living in Cheapside. The horror. Her father was a country attorney, and her sister married his clerk. These are deemed to be most inappropriate connections, enough to overcome anything but the most ardent of loves.

Why? You ask. I’ll tell you. Click on over to Always Austen, and read on!

Lawyers, Barristers, and Attorneys, Oh My!

ChatBotNot

I was bored and perhaps struggling with a bit of writers’ block, and I decided to see if the AI Overlords might give me something to spark the muse. I won’t use AI to do my writing for me (as if!) but I’m not too proud to look for a prompt to get my own creative juices flowing.

I’m writing a contemporary romance, loosely based on Emma. In Austen’s novel, Philip Elton thinks he’s wooing Emma, while she thinks he’s really interested in her friend, Harriet. Emma has convinced Harriet that Elton is sweet on her, and Harriet expecting him to speak to her soon. It all comes to a head when, unexpectedly confined to the same carriage after a Christmas party, Mr Elton proposes to Emma. Emma is shocked and angry that Elton would presume! Elton is furious that Emma could imagine that he would be interested in a nothing like Harriet. And Harriet is heartbroken.

This is what I asked.

Write a scene of dialogue between three characters. Emma thinks Phil is interested in Harriet but Phil is really interested in Emma.

That is the drama I was hoping for. This is what the Bot gave me.

Scene

Emma, Phil, and Harriet are sitting at a table in a coffee shop, sipping their drinks.

Emma: “So, Phil, I couldn’t help but notice you’ve been paying a lot of attention to Harriet lately.”

Phil: “Oh, really? I didn’t realize it was that obvious.”

Harriet: “What are you talking about, Emma? Phil’s just being friendly.”

Emma: “I don’t know, Harriet. It seems like he’s been going out of his way to talk to you and make you laugh.”

Phil: “Well, Harriet is a great conversationalist. I always enjoy our chats.”

Emma: “Hmm, maybe I’m just reading too much into it.”

Phil: “Actually, Emma, I was hoping to talk to you about something.”

Harriet: “Ooh, what is it?”

Phil: “Well, Emma, I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while now that I really like you. I think you’re smart, funny, and beautiful.”

Emma: “Oh, Phil, I had no idea.”

Harriet: “Wait, what’s going on? Phil, you like Emma?”

Phil: “Yes, Harriet. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but I’ve had feelings for Emma for a long time now.”

Harriet: “Oh, I see.”

Emma: “I’m flattered, Phil. I really am. But I’m not sure I’m ready for a relationship right now.”

Phil: “That’s okay, Emma. I just wanted to be honest with you.”

Harriet: “Well, this is awkward.”

Emma: “Harriet, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. Phil, I appreciate you telling me how you feel. Maybe we can talk more about this later.”

Phil: “Sure, Emma. I’d like that.”

Harriet: “I’m happy for you, Emma. I think you and Phil would make a great couple.”

Emma: “Thanks, Harriet. Who knows what the future holds?”

~ ~ ~

Once again, AI proves interesting, but not for the reasons one might imagine. If its version was the one Austen used, a lot of the fuss and bother and mistaken impressions in Emma would have been avoided. But it would have been a very boring novel.

And so, the results are clear:

HUMAN AUTHOR – 1

CHAT-GPT – 0

And the human wins. This time.

Written in the Stars

Hey babe, what’s your sign?

No, really, what’s your sign? Do you believe in astrology? Do you read your horoscope, even if just for fun.

For the record, I don’t believe in astrology, although I do conform a bit too well to my astrological sign for my comfort. Still, I’m not supposed to get on at all with my husband (we’ve been married for 30 years) and we got married on a date when the stars (according to a friend) were most inauspicious. Again. We’ve been married for 30 years…

Nevertheless, I like to read my horoscopes every now and then. It’s entertainment. Sometimes they have some rough correlation with reality. Sometimes they are completely inaccurate. And sometimes they are so vague as to be incomprehensible.

We were laughing about our horoscopes today when my husband (the one I’m not supposed to get along with) joked that Chat GPT could probably do a better job.

Challenge accepted.

Here are your horoscopes for today, March 24, 2023. Read them. Absorb the wisdom. And then, if you feel so inclined, check out your newspaper of some other horoscope, and tell me which is more accurate. You don’t have to give the sign, just how they related to your day.

Have fun!

March 24, 2023

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19): You may find yourself feeling a bit restless today, Aries. It’s important to take some time to reflect on what is causing this restlessness and find healthy ways to channel your energy. Consider doing something active or creative to help you feel more centered and focused.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20): You may receive unexpected news or information today that could shake up your routine, Taurus. Try to stay flexible and open-minded, as this could lead to new opportunities and experiences. Trust your instincts and follow your passions.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20): Your social life may be buzzing today, Gemini, as you connect with old friends and make new ones. This is a great time to network and collaborate with others, as you may find that your ideas and perspectives are well-received.

Cancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22): You may feel a strong urge to retreat and spend some time alone today, Cancer. This is a good opportunity to recharge your batteries and reflect on your goals and priorities. Don’t be afraid to set healthy boundaries with others to protect your time and energy.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22): You may find yourself in the spotlight today, Leo, as your natural charisma and confidence shine through. Use this energy to pursue your passions and showcase your talents. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22): You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed with responsibilities today, Virgo. Try to prioritize your tasks and delegate when possible to avoid burnout. Remember to take breaks and engage in self-care activities to maintain your well-being.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22): You may feel a strong desire for adventure and exploration today, Libra. Consider taking a spontaneous trip or trying something new and exciting. This is a good time to break out of your routine and broaden your horizons.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21): Your intuition and emotional intelligence may be heightened today, Scorpio. Use this to your advantage in your personal and professional relationships. Trust your gut instincts and communicate your needs and boundaries clearly.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21): You may find yourself feeling a bit more sensitive and emotional than usual today, Sagittarius. It’s important to honor these feelings and give yourself space to process them. Lean on your support system for guidance and comfort.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19): You may be feeling a bit restless in your career or professional life today, Capricorn. Consider exploring new opportunities or taking on new challenges to reignite your passion and drive. Remember to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18): You may feel a strong desire to connect with like-minded individuals today, Aquarius. Consider joining a group or organization that aligns with your values and interests. This is a good time to collaborate and share ideas with others.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20): You may be feeling a bit more introspective and reflective than usual today, Pisces. Use this time to connect with your spirituality and inner wisdom. Consider journaling or meditating to gain clarity and insight.

Chelsea Buns

One of the things I love about researching for my stories is finding those little details, those glimpses into everyday life, that don’t always make it into the big history books. Things like… what to have for breakfast! I knew that Chelsea buns had a long and delicious history in London, and so I decided my characters deserved a treat.

Enjoy this article at Always Austen about a bit of food history, and Chelsea Buns.

Chelsea Buns