Confessions of a Downton Abbey Addict
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I have an addiction. There, I’ve said it.
But before you get too concerned, my vice is Downton Abbey. Though it may not seem all that scary at first glance, for the love of a TV show I have forsaken meeting the girls for drinks, sent my husband out for takeout and my mani-pedi is way past due, but I just can’t help it.
My obsession has even affected my work. In fact, it led me to write a novel I never meant to write. WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY sprang from my need for more Downton. Writing this story about three women (and one British concierge) who are brought together by the PBS series gave me the perfect cover. First, I had to re-watch the first two seasons. (I mean, I had to, right? It was research.) Then I inhaled everything I could get my hands on about or related to the series including Julian Fellowes’ novel, Snobs, his niece’s The World of Downton Abbey, and the Countess of Carnarvon’s, Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey; the Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle.
You would think that would do it. That I could stop there… but no.
Articles and pictorials in People Magazine, TV Guide, Life & Style, and Woman’s World, came next. Still unable to stop, I set up Google Alerts and visited fan sites and blogs. It’s amazing what one will do to further one’s obsession. Er … I mean craft!
But now, the book is done. Due on shelves April 2nd. It’s time to move on.
But I just can’t go cold turkey. Especially not now when Lady Mary and Matthew are finally together. And Lady Edith has stopped whining and started to get a life. Not after Lord Grantham has proved so disappointingly stuck in his ways. Even the idea of weaning makes me queasy.
I console myself with the fact that 7.9 million people tuned in to the first episode of season three and the Internet is filled with posts, comments and articles about the series, its creator Julian Fellowes (my pusher) and its stars. I know I’m not alone.
I’ve made peace with my addiction. It’s something I have to live with. Alas, I can only hope that if your situation is as dire as mine that WHILE WE WERE WATCHING DOWNTON ABBEY will help. It may not be a cure, but at least it will satisfy your cravings in between seasons.
