L.L. Diamond's Blog, page 21
April 4, 2016
Some Final Tidbits on Driving in the U.K.
I promised one more post of just a few follow-up items. Basically, a few things that are different from the U.S. that I think are interesting and what we’re not accustomed to in our daily lives.
National Speed Limit
That’s right, there are national speed limits. There are signs to indicate when the speed limit varies from the nationally set speeds, but you are supposed to know them because often a sign crops up to tell you the road is now the national speed limit with no further clarification. For a typical car or motorcycle, the national speed limit is as follows: (I also have a diagram Wikimedia was so kind as to have to illustrate the types of carriageways)
Built-up areas (towns, etc) – 30mph
Single Carriageways – 60mph
Dual Carriageways – 70mph
Motorways – 70mph
Now, just because the speed limit is 70 on a motorway doesn’t mean the police can’t pull you over for going the speed limit or even under. The speed limit is an “absolute maximum.” You are supposed to adjust your driving speed depending upon road conditions and weather. If you’re driving at motorway at 70mph in a heavy fog and rain, you could receive a ticket for what is essentially reckless driving.
You also have to watch out for speed cameras, but here, you are supposed to be warned before a stationary camera. We have seen small vans with speed cameras on the roof driving along the motorways when we were on holiday last August. Even that automobile had a sign on it to say what it was.
Crosswalks
There are quite a few different cross walks here and all use an animal name to differentiate them.
Zebra Crossing – These have the white stripes across the road and a flashing light/beacon on each side of the road. Some Zebra crossings have an “island” between car lanes. Each side of the road is taken separately since there is a place to wait until there is a break in traffic.
Pelican Crossing – Have a pedestrian controlled signal more like what we’re accustomed to. You press the button and wait for the figure to go from red to green. On a Pelican crossing there is a flashing green when the crossing signal is about to turn red.
Puffin Crossing – Same as the Pelican crossing but the figure doesn’t blink green before it changes to red.
Toucan Crossing – Is a light controlled like the two above except that it is shared with bicycles.
There are also equestrian crossings for horses as well.
Parking
Most parking is a pay and display set up around the U.K. When you find your parking space, you find a machine nearby, pay for the time you want, and display your receipt in the car windscreen/windshield. There is parallel parking on a lot of streets, but make sure you never park on a solid yellow line. People can unload, but not park. (Disabled can park in some of these areas however, so don’t be fooled by a single car parked on a yellow line.) If it’s a double yellow line or a red line, just don’t stop there. You’re better off[image error]
Driving code says not to parallel park facing oncoming traffic. I think the majority of the British violate this particular rule on a daily basis. People are parked in every which way on both sides of the road. It’s not something I prefer to do, but it is done.
Road Markings
The roads here look like someone scribbled all over them at times. It took me a while to get used to the amount of information on the road around here as well as what is on signs, etc. At the end of most roads is a “give way” upside-down triangle for example. Other marks include: cross walks, zigzag lines before cross walks and in other places. Driving code says not to park within these lines. A cross-hatched section in yellow means not to even stop in that area. Locally, we have one of these in front of the fire station and at an intersection near a roundabout. It makes congestion easier if people exiting the roundabout can turn where they need to quickly. In large roundabouts, the lanes are sometimes marked so the driver knows which lane to take in order to exit correctly. Speed limits are marked on the roads when the speed limit decreases. It’s a lot to take in at times!
I’m trying to think of anything else that can be useful, but I’m drawing a blank at this point. I feel like a lot of the signs are similar or able to be figured out when you’re in a certain situation. If you ever attempt to drive in England, I do hope these posts help!
Next up: Another trip to Bath!
Sources for images and information:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/traffic-signs
wikimedia commons
Licensing for street sign images:
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/
March 17, 2016
Winner of the Katie Oliver Giveaway!
Thanks so much to
Katie Oliver
for being our victim in March!
The lucky winner of her great giveaway is
Carole in Canada!
Congratulations, Carole!
And don’t forget to check out
Katie’s new series of books!
First was What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? which was released in January!
Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…
Especially since a film crew has just arrived to shoot Pride and Prejudice at the Darcy estate! And when Hugh Darcy, the one who got away, arrives home after 8 years absence, Lizzy can’t help but think it’s fate. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…
What can Lizzy do but try not to feel too prejudiced against Hugh’s new woman – a city girl who knows nothing about country life, and seems more concerned with her film star ex than her current fiancé?
There’s no denying that there’s something suspicious about Holly’s interest in Hugh…and when he begins to have doubts about his high-maintenance fiancée, it seems a break up is on the cards. But is it too late for Lizzy to swallow her pride and get her Austen ending after all?
The Trouble With Emma released late February!
Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…
Stuck in a boring job, living at home with her parents and without even a glimmer of romance on the horizon, Emma Bennet’s life isn’t turning out how she planned. And since hit reality show Mind Your Manors started being filmed at the Bennet household, she’s felt more like a spare part than ever.
Matchmaking her assistant, Martine, is just the distraction Emma needs – and, whether Martine likes it or not, Emma is determined to see her coupled up before long! But when she meets Mark Knightley, the genius behind Mind Your Manors, Emma finds her own heart on the line…
Mark is everything Emma isn’t: quiet, reserved…and forever minding his own business! And suddenly, Emma is determined to prove to Mark that she’s ready to stop thinking about other people’s love lives – and focus on her own.
Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!
Who should rule – your head or your heart?
When sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood are forced to leave their family home to live in a rural Northumberland cottage, Marianne is convinced her social life is over. Somehow, she can’t see kitten heels coping well in the countryside – and being stuck in the middle of nowhere, miles from London, sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. Not to mention her arrogant new boss, Dr Brandon, who doesn’t seem to think much of her city ways.
When she meets the gallant, charming and handsome Mr Willoughby, Marianne begins to think that country life might not be so bad after all…especially when he suggests that marriage might be on the cards. But the countryside still has a few tricks up its sleeve for Marianne…after all, love rarely blossoms in the most convenient places!
Connect with Katie at any of these social media sites!
Website/blog: http://katieoliver.com/ko/blog/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/KatieOliverWriter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katieoliver01/
Amazon Author Page US: http://www.amazon.com/author/katieoliver
Amazon Author Page UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katie-Oliver/e/B00HGQ93VS
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7565829.Katie_Oliver
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@katieoliver01
Carina UK/Pink Ink blog/website – https://pinkinkladies.wordpress.com
Tune in next month
when our next author victim will be
Moira Bianchi!
Don’t miss out!
March 13, 2016
Katie Oliver Interview Is In!
answers are in!
And not only did she answer those questions, but she gave me the blurb for
Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!
Who should rule – your head or your heart?
When sisters Marianne and Elinor Dashwood are forced to leave their family home to live in a rural Northumberland cottage, Marianne is convinced her social life is over. Somehow, she can’t see kitten heels coping well in the countryside – and being stuck in the middle of nowhere, miles from London, sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. Not to mention her arrogant new boss, Dr Brandon, who doesn’t seem to think much of her city ways.
When she meets the gallant, charming and handsome Mr Willoughby, Marianne begins to think that country life might not be so bad after all…especially when he suggests that marriage might be on the cards. But the countryside still has a few tricks up its sleeve for Marianne…after all, love rarely blossoms in the most convenient places!
Now for the answers to your questions!
When did you read your first Jane Austen novel and which one was it? What was your initial reaction to it?
(Carole in Canada)
I first read Pride & Prejudice in the mid 1990s after seeing the BBC miniseries and buying the boxed set. I read it again after I watched the film starring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen in 2005. I was astonished anew at what an amazing story it was, and how well it’s held up; and as an aspiring writer at the time, I had a deeper appreciation of Miss Austen’s characters, their conflicts, and of the emotional connection between Elizabeth and Darcy.
Initially, I feared the book would be difficult to get through – the period language, the slower pace of the narrative – and wondered if I’d be able to finish it. But despite my reservations I found myself drawn into the story and raced through it in less than a week.
Which is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?
(Debbie Fortin)
This is a difficult question! How to choose just one favorite? I would have to say Pride and Prejudice. It was the first Austen novel I ever read, and it left a lasting impression on me. Elizabeth Bennet is a young woman who knows her own mind and is determined to marry for nothing less than love. Strong characters, and strong conflict…and who can resist Mr Darcy? He’s without a doubt the most memorable – and most initially misunderstood – hero in literature.
Emma and Northanger Abbey are two other favorites.
What appeals most to you about Jane Austen’s female characters?
(Joy Dawn King)
Austen’s female characters are without exception strong, nuanced, and relatable in their all-too-human failings…and it’s those failings that make them relevant to the modern reader. They wanted the same things then that we want today – to find happiness, to love and be loved.
Which Austen hero is your favorite?
(Joy Dawn King)
I think Mr Knightley has to be my favorite Austen hero. I like his steadfastness and his refusal to tell Emma anything less than the unvarnished truth about herself, even though she might not like it…because he cares for her and sees her worth underneath all of the meddling. It’s that ability to see in her what others do not that makes him appealing.
Who is your favorite Jane Austen villain and why?
(Debbie Fortin)
I cannot STAND John Thorpe. He gives me the creepy-crawlies. *shudders* He’s thuggish and underhanded…which makes him the perfect villain, though, doesn’t it?
In your opinion, who is the most comedic character in Jane Austen’s stories?
(Joy Dawn King)
Well, Catherine Morland is amusing, with her runaway imagination. She gets everything so spectacularly wrong. But the funniest character overall has to be Mrs Bennet, with her megrims and dramatics and her absolute obsession with marrying off her daughters to the richest husbands. Poor Mr Bennet…
Which Jane Austen character would your family say you are most like?
(Joy Dawn King)
I’m probably most like Catherine Morland of Northanger Abbey – always letting my imagination get away from me and always reading a book. And like Catherine, I tend to sometimes be a bit too trusting and take people at their word, which can lead to disappointment.
Does your husband share any characteristics with Austen’s heroes? Which hero? Which characteristic?
(Joy Dawn King)
Great question! While I’d love it if he looked like Colin Firth (le sigh), he’s very honest, like Mr Knightley, and fun to be with, like Henry Tilney…although he knows next to nothing about textiles. (Or Jane Austen.) Lol. But he’s a good sport about watching the movies with me…and he loved the film ‘Becoming Jane.’ So he scored big points for that.
Does your family know you write?
(Joy Dawn King)
Yes, they do. They think it’s great, and they’re very proud of me, but I don’t think they really understand it. I have a feeling they think I watch TV and eat Cheezits all day. (I don’t. I swear.)
Do you have a special place in which to write?
(Anji)
I like to write at the laptop on my desk, in my office just off the bedroom. It’s quiet, and I definitely need quiet when I write. There’s a set of French doors I can close, and there’s a ceiling fan, a TV, and two sofas, so I can – and do! – live back there when I’m on a deadline.
Do you have a special time of day and place to write?
(Debbie Fortin)
I do my best writing in the morning, when my brain is rested and sharp. By about two or three o’clock, I’m useless. Lol. I typically use the afternoon to read over what I’ve written and mark it for corrections, or if I’m not writing, to schedule a few Tweets and Facebook posts and do a bit of promo. I’m always woefully behind on promo.
When writing do you need quiet or do you listen to music, and if so what kind?
(Debbie Fortin)
I absolutely crave quiet when I write. But I do like to listen to my iPod when I’m on the treadmill…songs can be very inspirational to the writing process, no question. My musical tastes are all over the map. I like everything from Fleetwood Mac and the Clash to Pink, the Beatles, Carly Simon, B.B. King, and Gwen Stefani.
Do you have a set schedule for writing – number of hours or words per day?
(Anji)
If I’m on a deadline, yes, I definitely do! When I wrote the JA Factor books, for example, I had to hit 10k a week for ten weeks to make the contracted 80k length requirement…times three. So I was at my desk every morning by seven and wrote until about 1 PM, had lunch, then read through what I’d written and made changes. The next day I made the corrections and picked up with the story. I did this starting in late April of last year through the end of October. It was intense, but I enjoyed every moment.
What is it that draws you to the modern comedy a la Jane Austen?
(Jen Red)
Like Jane, I find that we humans are an endless source of amusement. With our insecurities and jealousies, our desire to love and be loved, our vulnerabilities, and the tendency to be our own worst enemies, we make a contrary bunch. But therein lies the fun, the drama, and the fascination…
Do you follow an outline or fly by the seat of your pants?
(Anji)
I write a general outline before I begin, sketching out the major conflict(s), characters, and story arc. I know the beginning and I know the end. But once I start writing, I’m more of a pantser, letting stuff happen as the story unfolds, as long as I don’t stray too far from my plot.
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night because your characters have invaded your dreams?Do you have pen and paper on your nightstand ready to go if they do?
(Carole in Canada)
No… But I did have this really great dream about Leo DiCaprio the other night… Lol. I think because I’m so focused on my characters during waking hours when I write, at night I’m too tired to dream of anything but the usual silly things – being lost in high school on my first day of school is one that reoccurs every now and then.
I’ve thought about keeping a notepad and pen on hand if I ever have a great idea in the middle of the night; but I’d probably just write down a bunch of gibberish, so I haven’t tried it. But maybe I should!
When your muse decides to be uncooperative what do you do to get her cooperation again (walking, cleaning, listen to music, etc)?
(Debbie Fortin)
Good question. I get up and move, usually – take a walk, get on the treadmill, vacuum, or watch TV; maybe take a shower – anything that gives my mind a little break. A change of scenery also does the trick.
How often do your characters take over and move the story in an unexpected direction?
(Anji)
All. The. Time. Characters often have a way of changing things on me! But the story is almost always improved when that happens. If my characters try to nudge me aside and take the reins, so to speak, that means they’ve developed distinct personalities. (At least, I hope that’s what it means!)
Do you pattern your hero/heroine after a real-life human? Who?
(Joy Dawn King)
I usually base my hero and heroine on an actor or actress whose face and temperament fit my image of the character. For my next book, Who Needs Mr Willoughby, I pictured Matthew Goode (Leap Year) as Dr Brandon, and Lily James (Cinderella, Downton Abbey) as Marianne.
If you could ask Jane Austen one question that she would thoroughly address, what would it be?
(Joy Dawn King)
Well, as a writer myself, I would love to know what Jane’s writing process was. Did she plan out her plots? Rewrite? Did she have a favorite place to write? Did she like to write in the morning, or the afternoon? How many drafts did she write before she was satisfied with her efforts?
If you could spend a month in Regency England, what three items would you take with you?
(Joy Dawn King)
Hmm…that’s a tough one! I’d probably take my iPad. I can’t live without my iPad. (Although wi-fi might present a slight problem.) But it would be a great conversation starter with a handsome Regency buck, wouldn’t it? Plus I’d have a camera to document my visit. Then, I think I’d bring along a good pair of walking shoes. Finally, I’d need sunblock (or maybe a parasol?) to protect my skin while taking a stroll in the sunshine.
This was great fun! I want to thank each and every one of you who took the time to leave a question. Such excellent questions they were, too! I hope I’ve provided a little insight into my writing process, such as it is. I’ve enjoyed my visit and thank you all for participating.
Just to remind you of the other books in the Jane Austen Factor series –
Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…
Especially since a film crew has just arrived to shoot Pride and Prejudice at the Darcy estate! And when Hugh Darcy, the one who got away, arrives home after 8 years absence, Lizzy can’t help but think it’s fate. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…
What can Lizzy do but try not to feel too prejudiced against Hugh’s new woman – a city girl who knows nothing about country life, and seems more concerned with her film star ex than her current fiancé?
There’s no denying that there’s something suspicious about Holly’s interest in Hugh…and when he begins to have doubts about his high-maintenance fiancée, it seems a break up is on the cards. But is it too late for Lizzy to swallow her pride and get her Austen ending after all?
Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…
Stuck in a boring job, living at home with her parents and without even a glimmer of romance on the horizon, Emma Bennet’s life isn’t turning out how she planned. And since hit reality show Mind Your Manors started being filmed at the Bennet household, she’s felt more like a spare part than ever.
Matchmaking her assistant, Martine, is just the distraction Emma needs – and, whether Martine likes it or not, Emma is determined to see her coupled up before long! But when she meets Mark Knightley, the genius behind Mind Your Manors, Emma finds her own heart on the line…
Mark is everything Emma isn’t: quiet, reserved…and forever minding his own business! And suddenly, Emma is determined to prove to Mark that she’s ready to stop thinking about other people’s love lives – and focus on her own.
Don’t forget to comment
for a chance at Katie’s awesome giveaway!
Plus
Bookmarks for her new series!
Rules for the giveaway –
If you asked a question on this post, you have 1 chance in the drawing.
If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!
Please join in! Leave a comment! Authors love hearing from you!
**Final date for comments to qualify for the giveaway is Wednesday 16 January
Please leave those questions below!
Connect with Katie at any of these social media sites!
Website/blog: http://katieoliver.com/ko/blog/
Facebook Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/KatieOliverWriter
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katieoliver01/
Amazon Author Page US: http://www.amazon.com/author/katieoliver
Amazon Author Page UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Katie-Oliver/e/B00HGQ93VS
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7565829.Katie_Oliver
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@katieoliver01
Carina UK/Pink Ink blog/website – https://pinkinkladies.wordpress.com
March 6, 2016
March 2016 – Katie Oliver
What better way to pass a rainy day than here at Ask the Author!
This month I am really excited to welcome
Katie Oliver
as our victim for March!
Katie has been a busy lady releasing her 3 book Jane Austen Factor series!
First was What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? which was released in January!
Blurb: When your name is Lizzy Bennet and Mr Darcy lives next door, romance is anything but simple…
Especially since a film crew has just arrived to shoot Pride and Prejudice at the Darcy estate! And when Hugh Darcy, the one who got away, arrives home after 8 years absence, Lizzy can’t help but think it’s fate. Until, that is, he introduces her to Holly – his fiancée…
What can Lizzy do but try not to feel too prejudiced against Hugh’s new woman – a city girl who knows nothing about country life, and seems more concerned with her film star ex than her current fiancé?
There’s no denying that there’s something suspicious about Holly’s interest in Hugh…and when he begins to have doubts about his high-maintenance fiancée, it seems a break up is on the cards. But is it too late for Lizzy to swallow her pride and get her Austen ending after all?
The Trouble With Emma released late February!
Blurb: There’s a fine line between matchmaking and meddling…
Stuck in a boring job, living at home with her parents and without even a glimmer of romance on the horizon, Emma Bennet’s life isn’t turning out how she planned. And since hit reality show Mind Your Manors started being filmed at the Bennet household, she’s felt more like a spare part than ever.
Matchmaking her assistant, Martine, is just the distraction Emma needs – and, whether Martine likes it or not, Emma is determined to see her coupled up before long! But when she meets Mark Knightley, the genius behind Mind Your Manors, Emma finds her own heart on the line…
Mark is everything Emma isn’t: quiet, reserved…and forever minding his own business! And suddenly, Emma is determined to prove to Mark that she’s ready to stop thinking about other people’s love lives – and focus on her own.
And lastly, Who Needs Mr. Willoughby? releases March 24!
Blurb: Well, no blurb yet!
These books join Prada and Prejudice, And the Bride Wore Prada, Manolos in Manhattan, Love and Liability, and Love, Lies and Louboutins.
Now that you’ve had an introduction of sorts to Katie’s new books,
we need questions, so please leave them below!
Katie has also offered an awesome giveaway!
Plus
Bookmarks for her new series!
I’m jealous! I want to enter!!!
(I feel like that should sound like Lydia pouting.)
So, get your questions in!
Rules for the giveaway –
If you ask a question on this post, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!
Please join in and ask a question or leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!
**Final date for questions is Thursday, 10 March**
Interview posts Monday, 14 March
Last day for comments for the giveaway is Wednesday 16 January
Please leave those questions below!
February 29, 2016
Here We Go Around–Roundabouts
Crazy Roundabout in London!
Roundabouts are not something we find often in the U.S. When I lived in New Mexico, we had one in the small town where we lived and no one knew how to drive it (including me). I think more wrecks occurred in that spot than anywhere else in town and there is even a YouTube video of someone crashing into the middle of the roundabout by jumping the foot and a half barrier.
In England, however, Roundabouts are a frequent and common occurrence. It is nearly impossible to drive anywhere without encountering at least one. Large, small, simple, complex–there are lots of different types you can come across. For those who have asked or wondered about the fun of roundabouts, I’m going to try to give the basics. I can’t claim to use the more complex roundabouts and hope to never come across a few I’ve heard of, but I do manage without stopping at the entrance and pausing for 15 minutes (A common complaint about Americans and roundabouts).
Photo courtesy of Ardfern (Wikimedia Commons)
First, you have mini-roundabouts. In the U.S., where we would have a four-way stop, England has a mini-roundabout. This sign is of a sign in Ireland, but the sign here is the same, and the direction below is correct for any roundabout as you do “Give Way to traffic from the right.” For those who don’t remember from my last post, “give way” is the same as yield in the States. When you pull up to this roundabout, you look to the right to see if someone is coming, if not, you can proceed. I do admit that I’m simplifying things a bit. You should signal–not that everyone does, but it does make things flow more smoothly if all involved do so.
That brings us to the next question: How do you use your signal in a roundabout? It isn’t as complicated as one might think if those of us from the U.S. think of it as a four-way stop. Most mini-roundabouts have four roads branching from it, so, in order from when you enter, you either make a left hand turn, go straight, or make a right hand turn.
If going left, you turn on your left indicator when approaching the roundabout, if clear, proceed in and take that first exit. It’s simple.
If you’re going straight, you approach the roundabout with no indicator, enter the roundabout when you can, and at the first exit, turn on your left indicator, proceeding into the exit when you reach it.
Finally, for a right, you approach the roundabout with your right indicator on, enter when you can, and at the exit before you leave the roundabout turn on your left indicator and take your exit.
Always turn on your indicator at the exit before you leave the roundabout! It’s really a common courtesy since a person waiting in the road your taking will know they can enter the roundabout and don’t have to remain waiting for you.
Granted, not all roundabouts are simple. Some have stop lights within the roundabout when they are particularly busy. Some roundabouts have multiple lanes because they have a high amount of traffic and/or have more than four exits. Depends, but the rules remain the same for the indicators, you just have to judge where the exit is, but as long as you turn on your indicator before your exit, you should do well.
If there are multiple lanes in the roundabout, the inside lane is always the last exit(s). Usually, there are arrows on the road to tell you whether you belong in the inside lane or the outside lane before you enter to go straight. When the roundabout itself has more than two lanes, there are often designations painted onto the road to tell you which lane to use.
This page for a driving school here in England has some pretty good illustrations of signalling for those who want a bit more information.
Larger roundabouts have street signs leading up to the roundabout itself, showing which exits lead to which road or place, to allow you to prepare. They can be a bit confusing. This one not only has more than four exits, but also has stop lights as you can see by the additional sign that blocks part of the roundabout key. I read that in World War 2, they removed these signs in the event the Germans invaded England. I would have been lost! I admit to using GPS/SatNav quite a bit here, but I still rely on the signs! When you are in the roundabout, many also have signs at each exit to help navigate within the obstacle.
Now, what happens if you miss your exit? Simple, you stick to the inside (if you are in a multi-lane roundabout) and circle around again. If you take the wrong exit, you just have to figure out how to get back. I will say roundabouts work well for U-turns as well :) I’ve taken the wrong exit, and used the next roundabout to U-turn and go back.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
For those who are more familiar with this, I know I’ve probably skipped a lot and oversimplified it as well, but it’s the basics. There are some crazy roundabouts out there, and while I’ve driven a double roundabout, I don’t feel qualified to explain most of the multiple, complicated roundabouts out there. Yes, there are multiple roundabouts that blow my mind to be honest. The “Magic Roundabout” in Swindon, which would make me panic, is one example. I think I’d prefer to avoid it if possible!
Like I said, this a pretty simple explanation without getting into any complicated detail. I had no more than this when I set out driving here, and part of getting the hang of it, is trial and error and a few native drivers making dirty hand gestures and swearing at you ;) Honestly, the only way to learn to drive a roundabout is to get in a car and try one!
February 22, 2016
Driving in England
Okay, if you’re from the UK, you’re probably wondering what the big deal is. Well, the main question I was asked after moving to England by my American friends was, “What is it like to drive there?” so I thought I’d write a post on it. I must admit that was some time ago that I first decided to write this, but I put it off. Lately, I haven’t been able to do much traveling with the weather and other factors which means, I am finally doing the driving post.
When we first arrived, we had to take a quick driving course. I say driving course, but they gave us a book of road laws we were supposed to read (translated: I read it and then corrected my husband because he never found the time to read it) and we had someone lecture us for about two hours. We then took a quick test and as long as we scored over 70%, we received our “drivers license” (I read the book and my husband scored better than I did. Of course, it doesn’t bother me one bit ;) ). Mind you, this isn’t a UK drivers license. It’s a card with our cars listed by make, model, and colour that gives us the right to purchase gas/petrol on the US bases–a big deal when you look at the price difference and then calculate based on the current exchange rate! And just in case people didn’t know, gas is not sold here by the gallon but by the litre!
No shoulder! Kerbs!
Anyway, the first thing the instructor told us when he started was that if an animal jumps in front of your car, take it out. It’s you or the animal. When you look at the roads here, it really is! Roads rarely have a shoulder like in the United States (not even the motorways which are like our interstates), and on the edge they can have a curb/kerb, just grass, in some cases a dry fence (stones), or a hedgerow. If you try to swerve for an animal, you are likely to either wind up colliding with something on the side of the road or you hit another car head on. Not a fun prospect. In the fens, you also have huge ditches on either side of the road–I mean 15-20 feet deep in places. These fill up with water during rainy times, so a real hazard if you run off the road. We hear horror stories of people killed on those roads at times.
Now, I do say that he told us to take out the animal, but I admit it is hard. The first time I saw a muntjac (a tiny deer) that was about to jump out, I gripped the steering wheel and tried not to look at it as I waited for the impact. Fortunately, it didn’t come. I suppose he or she thought better of his harrowing plan to cross the busy road and turned back into the forest. I have seen enough on the side of the road to know that many don’t think better of their plan.
The other time I had a near wildlife tragedy, I was driving home late at night and caught a glimpse of something moving. I slammed on my brakes just shy of a tiny hedgehog crossing the road. My husband and I watched it cross while we chuckled at how cute it was, but he did fuss when the hedgehog was gone. After all, I was wrong. If it had been during the day, we would have probably been rear-ended since that road is quite busy.
Other than playing Carmageddon with the animals of the UK, driving here is simply an adjustment. In the US we have stop lights, here they have roundabouts. There are stop lights but they are not nearly as common as in the US.
In the US, we have stop signs and here, they “give way.” Give way road signs and symbols painted on the roads are everywhere. Stop signs are rare and if you see one, be careful because that is likely a dangerous intersection or a stop sign wouldn’t be there.
A similar question that I’m asked often is, “Is it weird to drive on the other side of the road?” Answer, yes, for a time. I think I had a longer adjustment since I drove a US spec car for a time and on occasion would drive my husband’s UK spec car. I was driving on the same side of the road, but swapping the driver’s seat. It was disconcerting. One day your driving and sitting on the side of the road and the other on the centre line. I recently sold my US spec car and bought a UK spec, so I don’t have that problem anymore. It’s nice that we’re allowed to bring over one car from the United States, but driving it here is another issue. I had a Honda Odyssey, which was tight to manoeuvre in car parks (parking lots) and long for most of the parking spaces. The worst was when my teenage daughter decided she was going to ride in the front seat. Because of the lack of shoulder, a lot of people hug the centre line and cross it quite often on some roads. It scared me to death having her sit in the front passenger’s seat of a US model car. Too many lorries (lorry can be anything from an 18-wheeler to a garbage truck) and large vans that will hog the road when it narrows. I still feel pushed to the side at times, but at least I’m on the centre line and not her!
Another problem with US cars here is overtaking (passing). You can’t see around the car in front of you from the side of the road, and often people pull out around the vehicle in front to see if their clear. A lot of US cars get in bad head-on collisions this way. You can also say, well, I won’t pass, but it’s not realistic. We have to go around huge tractors on rural roads as well as cars parked in the craziest of places at times. There is no way to live here without passing.
I don’t know if I’ve answered most people’s questions (if you had any to begin with), but feel free to ask me in the comments if there is something I haven’t mentioned. There are a few other questions I get asked, but I will save that for another post. How to use a roundabout for example… well, I’ll explain that next time :)
February 18, 2016
Winner of the Accusing Elizabeth Giveaway!
The winners of the four
Accusing Elizabeth
ebooks are…
Carole in Canada
Dung
My Yellow Kitchen
and
Debbie Fortin!
Congratulations!
I’d also like to say thanks so much to Jennifer Joy for your great interview and to everyone who contributed!
Now, for March, get your questions ready because
next month’s Ask the Author victim is
Katie Oliver!
Katie’s third Jane Austen Factor book, Who Needs Mr. Willoughby, is available for pre-order and releases on March 24th!
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!
Call for questions posts March 7th!
February 14, 2016
Jennifer Joy’s interview is in!
I won’t bore you with a long introduction, so let’s get to it.
Is your personality more like Elizabeth Bennet, Elinor Dashwood, Anne Elliott, or Jo March?
(J Dawn King)
Jo March. She lived by her imagination even before she began writing and she wasn’t afraid to leave the comfort and security of her family to pursue her dream. I can identify with that.
Would you describe yourself as an accomplished woman?
(J Dawn King)
If we’re using Caroline Bingley’s definition of an accomplished woman… not so much.
Other than writing, what is the skill you possess that you are proudest of?
(J Dawn King)
I’ve turned into a pretty decent cook. Anyone who has known how much my dear husband has suffered over the years can appreciate what an accomplishment that is!
Would you describe yourself as romantic or pragmatic?
(J Dawn King)
A bit of both, really. I believe that romance is shown in the everyday, small details over the course of time. To me, true romance only burns stronger with the passing of the years. So, perhaps I should say that I’m more romantic now (after 13 years of marriage) than I used to be.
If you could be on a deserted island with one of Jane Austen’s characters for one year, who would you choose?
(J Dawn King)
Captain Wentworth. A man with his experience at sea could surely build a floating vessel and get us home before the year is up.
If you could travel back in time to visit Jane Austen’s house for a two-month stay, what three items would you take with you?
(J Dawn King)
Indoor plumbing, electricity, and deodorant (enough for EVERYONE!).
How would you describe the perfect hero?
(J Dawn King)
My perfect hero shows his true colors through his actions, much in the style of Mr. Darcy.
Which is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?
(Debbie Fortin)
It’s no secret that I love Pride & Prejudice! The conflicting personalities and secondary characters make it one of the few stories I’ve read more than once (actually WAY more than once! I’ve lost count…) Sense & Sensibility is a very close second though. I love the contrast between Elinor and Marianne.
What draws you to Pride and Prejudice?
(J Dawn King)
When I was younger, it was reading about the family dynamics and how sisters acted with each other. As an only child, that fascinated me. Now, I love watching how Darcy and Elizabeth grew as characters to overcome their flaws so that they could have their Happily-Ever-After. It’s a great story on so many levels.
Which do you prefer – the book or the movies?
(J Dawn King)
The book. Always the book.
Who is your favorite Jane Austen villain and why?
(Debbie Fortin)
Lucy Steele. What she did to Elinor Dashwood was artfully contrived to inflict the most turmoil while manipulating the situation to her favor. And after all that work, she ran off with the richer brother!
What made you start writing variations? I Loved pride and prejudice and read it a few times a year and when I found my first variation i was in heaven!! I am so grateful for all the variation authors! And i am now curious what made them write them?
(Miriam)
I saw that I could. That’s what started it. Now, I have to continue because the more I write, the more ideas for stories come to me. Also, like you, I read Pride & Prejudice multiple times a year. I love the world Jane Austen created and writing variations is my way of spending more time in it.
How much did your mother’s success push you to write or do you think you would have done this sooner or later even if she didn’t?
(Sheila L.M.)
I don’t know that I would have published if Mom hadn’t done it first. I have always written, but I had no clue that publishing was something that could be done. I’m grateful every day that she started us on this journey!
What made you decide to follow in your mom’s footsteps and write P&P stories?
(Dung)
It happened so naturally, I can’t remember actually making the decision! For a time, Mom lived in the apartment above us and we would talk shop quite a lot. Since she wrote P&P stories, I soon had more storylines than I knew what to do with. So, I started writing them down.
How much influence has your mother’s being an author had on you? and how much has her encouragement helped you to persevere?
(Debbie Fortin)
It’s wonderful to have someone so important to me who understands the writing process. Because Mom and I know each other so well, trading tips and talking about where we are in our writing, as well as our goals, is invaluable.
Do you have a special time of day and place to write?
(Debbie Fortin)
I try to get the bulk of my writing done in the morning— before the kids wake up for school. It’s not my most productive time, but it’s the most peaceful. If I don’t hit my daily word count goal, I’ll make it up while they’re at school. My favorite place to write is at my desk because it’s set up how I like. Earphones… check. Scattered notes and chapter beats… check. My favorite pen and a place for my coffee… check.
I admire all you authors, but have no ideas at all for a story so have not desire to write. How so you come up with ideas?
(Sheila L.M.)
You hit the nail on the head with your comment, Sheila. It all starts with the desire to write. I feel restless and out of sorts when I don’t write, so I make it a point to write every day. The more I write (and it can be about anything… from journaling about my kids’ recent antics to daydreaming a long list of What-ifs to working on my current story) the more ideas I get.
How did you come up with the inspiration for this story? I love the pig scene!
(Dung)
I wanted to include a mystery element, so that’s what got the story going. It needed to be something that would keep Darcy in Hunsford as well as something that could potentially keep him and Elizabeth apart. When I sketch out a novel, I keep in mind the main turning points or changes that will affect the characters and write with that goal in mind. The pig was a happy surprise that fit what the characters needed at that point in their story. It was so ridiculous— and we know how much Elizabeth loves to laugh at the ridiculous :D
Do you have any favourite mystery series / fictional detectives which might have inspired the course of action (as opposed to the plot itself).
(My Yellow Kitchen)
I’m a big fan of Agatha Christie. Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Tommy and Tuppence… I love them all.
When you hit a block, what do you do to get yourself back on track: sing, read, clean, bake, etc?
(Debbie Fortin)
My husband is an amazing soundboard. The only blocks I experience are completely self-imposed. Sometimes I complicate things unnecessarily. I’ll tell him where I’m at in the story and where I’m trying to go with it and he can pinpoint the issue in a sentence. Or just talking about it out loud works the kinks out. He’s amazing!
Which of Miss Austen’s characters is most difficult for you to write, and why, and which is the easiest?
(Natalie R)
Would it shock you to know that it’s Elizabeth Bennet? It is! At the beginning of her story, she’s snarky and judgmental. While I love her sass, it’s difficult for me to write her because I’m more of a Jane (peace-loving and allergic to conflict). The easiest for me thus far has been Anne de Bourgh. So little is said about her that the possibilities are endless.
How difficult is it to keep the Spanish influence out of your Regency dialogue?
(J Dawn King)
Oh my goodness, it’s difficult! The only English I get most days are from my 7-year-old twins (who cross between Spanish and English in a single sentence) and my husband (who speaks English as a second language). It’s one of the things that encouraged me to write and keeps me reading the classics— I don’t want to lose my English!
As the Chief Inspector of the Grammar Police, what is your biggest pet peeve when you read a story with errors in it?
(J Dawn King)
I understand how difficult the editing/proofreading process is. No matter how much I try and no matter how many mistakes my proofers catch, there will always be a few that slip by. What I dislike is when there are so many mistakes that I end up focusing on them instead of the story. At that point, I’m no longer enjoying the story as a reader, but I’m critiquing as an editor. I’d rather just read!
Why are you so hard on your mother when you proofread her stories?
(J Dawn King)
For the same reason I would never allow you run around town with broccoli stuck in your teeth.
What has been your most valuable lesson learned since publishing your first book?
(J Dawn King)
Just keep writing. One book’s success does not mean every book will do equally great. Nor does one book’s failure mean that the next can’t be wonderful. So long as I write stories in a way which entertains me (By re-write #5, believe me, this is VERY important!) then I can’t lose.
You seem to be leaning towards cozy mysteries with your latest stories. Do you plan to continue the mystery theme?
(J Dawn King)
I may not have a robbery or a murder in every story, but I am fascinated with hooks and intrigues. Saving some answers for the climax of the story is fun!
Jennifer, I loved your Cousins trilogy so I was wondering if you would consider writing a sequel for it? I loved how you developed Anne and would love to know how you envisage her in married life with Luc? Thank you for the chance to win your newest book!
(Carole in Canada)
Anne is very special to me too, Carole. So special that while I would love to move on to other stories, I can’t bring myself to say that I’m done with her story completely. I have some ideas that are percolating…
Any upcoming projects you’re working on?
(Dung)
I’m almost finished with the first draft of my next novel. Right now it’s titled Book 6 because I can never think of a title until my husband insists that he needs it for the cover. All I can say for now is that Mr. Bingley’s aunt is a hoot and Caroline Bingley cannot hold her liquor.
If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone who has died in the past 250 years, who would it be?
(J Dawn King)
I know that I should say, ‘Jane Austen’ and I would LOVE to chat with her. She would either tell me off for using her characters as I have or she would get a kick out of them! But in reality, I would love to share a cup of coffee with my great grandpa King. I wasn’t old enough to drink coffee when he passed away and he lived such an interesting life, I’d love to talk to him again.
Thank you, Jennifer, for such fun answers and
agreeing to be our guest this month!
Now, as a late Valentines day gift,
Jennifer has four e-books of
Accusing Elizabeth
to give away!
Yes, you saw that correctly, we’ll have four winners, so comment so you can enter to win!
The giveaway is open internationally!
Rules for the giveaway –
If you asked a question, you already have 1 chance in the drawing.
If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you left a question and comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!
Please join in! Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!
Last day for comments for the giveaway is
Wednesday 17 February.
February 7, 2016
February 2016 – Jennifer Joy
Happy Valentines Day to everyone this upcoming weekend!
I hope you’re ready because we have a new author with a new release as our Ask the Author victim this month.
Jennifer Joy!
Her latest book
Accusing Elizabeth
joins Jennifer’s long list of accomplishments!
Earning Darcy’s Trust, Darcy’s Ultimatum, Colonel Fitzwilliam’s Challenge, and Anne’s Adversity.
I’m so excited to welcome her to Ask the Author! I’m sure you are too, so let’s get those questions rolling in!
Oh! And not only is Jennifer going to answer your questions but she has four e-books of Accusing Elizabeth to giveaway! Yes, you saw that correctly, we’ll have four winners this month, so ask and comment so you can win!
The giveaway is open internationally!
Rules for the giveaway –
If you ask a question on this post, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you comment on the final interview, you get 1 chance in the drawing.
If you leave a question and a comment, you get 2 chances in the drawing!
Please join in and ask a question or leave a comment. Authors love answering your questions and hearing from you!
**Final date for questions is Thursday, 11 February, 2016**
(We’ve been getting more and more questions and the authors had little time to answer them, so I’m giving them an extra day.)
Interview posts Monday, 15 February
Last day for comments for the giveaway is Wednesday 17 February.
January 28, 2016
Winner of Longbourn’s Songbird!
Congratulations
Debbie Fortin!
I know you’ll enjoy your copy of
Longbourn’s Songbird.
Thanks everyone for your questions and comments and don’t forget to get your questions ready for next month’s victim, Jennifer Joy, who has just released her new book, Accusing Elizabeth.
Call for questions posts 8 February!
