Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016 discussion
General
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Introduce Yourself & Announce Challenge Level
Mod
So wonderful to have a long-time fan with us. You most definitely can use your research books to count toward the challenge. And as to promoting your books, there is a place in the Assorted & Sundry discussion section called Promotion Place which is sectioned by each month. Feel free to add your promotions there.
Very nifty that you do so many re-reads of P&P and critiques.
Yes, there are many wonderful people in the JAFF community and you will find that several belong to this group.
Get cozy and poke about. Again, glad to have you. :)
Thank you for the warm welcome, Sophia. It took me a while to find out how to reply and I probably went the long way around but I did get to read your profile!
Mod
It's trial and error for most of us here. Feel free to ask if something is confusing or your not sure how to do something. Sometimes I actually know the answer, but many others are good about helping, too.
Hi Sophia! Like you, I count myself as lucky that I read P&P completely blind to the plot. I read it in the early 1990s before the mid-90s round of adaptations and so all of her stories were new to me and I got to imagine everything for myself without any outside influence.
As you're staying clear of P&P-inspired books this year I'm sure we'd love to hear of any stories you read from her other books. P&P is my favourite but I like to mix it up a bit as the stories you read can start to blend of you read too many!
Hi Sophia :)I was lucky in that I got to watch the 1995 mini-series completely blind to the plot. I wasn't even aware that Darcy was the hero of the story as I was watching it on TV and there were no DVD covers or anything picturing Darcy and Elizabeth together. I then read the book.
All the stories blend together for me now too. So much so that a few weeks ago I read one book and the day after I had completely forgotten the plot. I knew I enjoyed it but couldn't remember much about it at all!
Ceri wrote: "Hi Sophia! Like you, I count myself as lucky that I read P&P completely blind to the plot. I read it in the early 1990s before the mid-90s round of adaptations and so all of her stories were new t..."
Hi Ceri, thanks for the post! I'm with you about having to wait for the movies. In fact, the only movie I saw was the Lawrence Olivier - now there is a Mr. Darcy! Of course, that's 1940's Hollywood adaptation, huge ballgowns and all, but it was a charming version. Even that movie I didn't find until years later!
As for other JAFF, I think Persuasion is my other favorite of hers and I've read some of the Wentworth perspectives which I like because he is another one of those poker-faced heroes of hers.
I must admit, though I'm staying away from JAFF, I pick up a Georgette Heyer at least once a month. I'd say those two are my favorite Regency authors, they both are masters at character development, especially the secondary characters (and by that I don't mean that they ignore the primary ones, just that the others are so richly drawn. I find that the more I go back and reread these books, the less I have to follow the plot line and the more attention I can pay to the rhythm and language.
The first book I'm publishing starts with Mr. Collins proposal and though I'd read it many times, I have to say that the close attention I paid to it while constructing my own version, the more scathingly funny I found it.
Brenda wrote: "Hi Sophia :)I was lucky in that I got to watch the 1995 mini-series completely blind to the plot. I wasn't even aware that Darcy was the hero of the story as I was watching it on TV and there wer..."
Hi Brenda! I'm glad you had the same experience even if it was though the PBS version. That adaptation is certainly closest to the book and the "classic" film version. Have you seen the Lawrence Olivier version/Greer Garson movie? They are wonderful actors though the Hollywood treatment is totally out of context. Those were not the days of period realism in film! Still, its a very fun watch.
I do hope there's still room for some more JAFF, because I have outlines for about 6 as of now! I guess there are new readers all the time and it has become a real cultural meme with all the adaptations made into movies and the popularity of the Keira Knightley version (which I must admit I did not like her rendering of Elizabeth, very shrill in my opinion).
I love Georgette Heyer too, I have most of her books and have promised myself that I'll make time for some re-reads this year.The 1940 P&P was the first adaptation I saw, I love the spirit of that adaptation :)
Saw the 1940's version many moons ago. The costumes were hilarious. They were completely wrong for Regency times.
Teresa wrote: "Saw the 1940's version many moons ago. The costumes were hilarious. They were completely wrong for Regency times."If I hadn't seen the 1940 version one Sunday afternoon when I was 11, in around 1966, I probably wouldn't be here now! That's when I first fell in love with Fitzwilliam Darcy. I checked the book out of my school library the next day. Nowadays, I'd love to be able to read the book cold and see what my reaction to the Hunsford scene would be as it came to me out of left field, as our US friends might say.
Anji wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Saw the 1940's version many moons ago. The costumes were hilarious. They were completely wrong for Regency times."If I hadn't seen the 1940 version one Sunday afternoon when I was ..."
I remember not being surprised at the question, but being surprised at him asking so soon, and then thinking 'No, no, no!' as he dug himself a hole and then kept on digging.
When I recently re-read 'Emma' I found myself wishing that I could read it again for the first time - with P&P I fell so instantly in love with it and had such a reaction that I can remember a lot of my first impressions of it (do you see what I did there?!) but I can't really remember with 'Emma' and I found myself actively looking for clues because I knew who ended up with who, which of course I didn't know on my first read.
Mod
LOL, Ceri! I had the same reaction of wondering who was going to end up with who when I read Mansfield Park the first time. The clues in Emma are subtle, too. I remember that as a young teen, I thought she'd end up with Frank.
Sophia wrote: "Brenda wrote: "Hi Sophia :)I was lucky in that I got to watch the 1995 mini-series completely blind to the plot. I wasn't even aware that Darcy was the hero of the story as I was watching it on T..."
I have seen the 1940s version. I have it on DVD and I have rewatched it many times. I love it even if it isn't really true to canon. I like pretty much any version of P&P though I don't rewatch the 1980 or 2003 versions anywhere near as much as the others. I would be happy if we had a new version every few years!
And there is plenty of room for your books! Even though the stories start to blend together, it doesn't stop me wanting to read them! :)
I am also a huge Georgette Heyer fan. That reminds me I haven't re-read any in a while and I should!
Ceri wrote: I fell so instantly in love with it and had such a reaction that I can remember a lot of my first impressions of it (do you see what I did there?!)"This made me laugh Ceri! Totally saw what you did there lol :D
Ceri wrote: "Anji wrote: "Teresa wrote: "Saw the 1940's version many moons ago. The costumes were hilarious. They were completely wrong for Regency times."If I hadn't seen the 1940 version one Sunday afternoo..."
LOL, that was clever!
Now that you are all talking about it, maybe that is why I like Northanger Abbey so much. I read it for the first time a few years ago, and had never seen films, or really new much about the story. Persuasion was like that for me as well. I had only seen 1 film adaptation, and didn't really remember it when I read it about 10-15 years ago.
OK! I inquired about the challenge levels in this section earlier with the intention of joining. However, I got side tracked. I'd like to take part. Do I just say what level I'd like to do and then post here the books I've read? Thanks in advance for any help.
Teresa wrote: "OK! I inquired about the challenge levels in this section earlier with the intention of joining. However, I got side tracked. I'd like to take part. Do I just say what level I'd like to do and then..."Hi, Teresa. Welcome! You've got the right idea. Sophia is the moderator, but I don't think there's a wrong way to do this. After introducing yourself, you just post books as you read them on the Challenge level you choose, or by setting up a topic with your name on the YTD Challenge Tracker, or both. The Assorted & Sundry Matters are just extras that you can participate in if you choose.
Teresa wrote: "OK! I inquired about the challenge levels in this section earlier with the intention of joining. However, I got side tracked. I'd like to take part. Do I just say what level I'd like to do and then..."I believe that the books you're posting here are all supposed to be Austenseque. I've always assumed that any book you read that is not either by Jane Austen or based on one of her books does not qualify.
Check the Challenge Overview if you're still not certain. And Sofia, feel free to correct me if I've explained any of this incorrectly!
Debbie wrote: "Teresa wrote: "OK! I inquired about the challenge levels in this section earlier with the intention of joining. However, I got side tracked. I'd like to take part. Do I just say what level I'd like..."Thanks for replying Debbie. I realise they have to be Jane Austen themed, I'm wondering do I just make a comment here and add the name of the book I've read to take part in the challenge. Sorry if I'm making this more complicated than it need be.
Teresa wrote: "Debbie wrote: "Teresa wrote: "OK! I inquired about the challenge levels in this section earlier with the intention of joining. However, I got side tracked. I'd like to take part. Do I just say what..."Yes. Please see my first message to you on this thread (message 272). I think that will answer your questions.
Mod
As Debbie explained ( so wonderfully, I might add, thanks Debbie), share here in this Introduction thread which challenge level you are working to complete (for example 5 books at Caroline Bingley level). Then down in the actual challenge level threads, post which books you've completed (you can decide how frequently you wish to post whether it is right after each book read or once a month or whatever best suits).
Mod
Ably explained. Thanks, Debbie!
OK! I'm going to do the Anne Elliot challenge 11-20 books.
Mod
Hi there, I've already introduced myself, so I'm kind of cheating here, but this is one of the more active threads and I'm in need of some help from the Janeites! In any event, I'm writing because I'm an author. I get so into the Jane zone sometimes that I can't recall if this was my line or her's "...Lady Catherine, whose meddlesome nature provoked more often than it pleased..." I searched everywhere in the text, including my original draft in which I highlighted Jane excerpts in blue. Not sure why it matters to me, except that I think it's a pretty great line and I'd love to attribute it to myself...;-)
Well, I was also thinking of including it in my second book "Miss Darcy's Companion," but not sure I will do so if it's simply plagiarism of my own writing! If someone can let me know where in P&P this may be, I'd appreciate it!
On Oakham Mount--a variation--where the phrase in question can be found, is available for pre-order on Amazon as well as Kindle unlimited. There is also a sample on the books Goodreads page!
I hope you'll take a look at the book or even the excerpt for now. The JustJane1813 blog will have a review within the next couple of weeks! Id lo've to hear your thoughts and of course, thanks for the expert help!
Mod
You'll probably want to put your info about On Oakham Mount and the visit to JustJane1813 down under Promo Place- March. That way it catches the eye of those who are looking for something new to read. :)
Sophia wrote: "Hey, Sophia!You'll probably want to put your info about On Oakham Mount and the visit to JustJane1813 down under Promo Place- March. That way it catches the eye of those who are looking for somet..."
Thanks! I included it with my question for context. Seems like I must have written that line myself. It sounds pretty JA to me, what do you think?
Mod
Yes, it looks like a great read Sophia!
Monica wrote: "*emerges from cave into the sunlight and waves*Hi everyone! I can't remember if I already declared a challenge level. I've been following my online WIP JAFFs but otherwise have had little reading..."
Add the WIP JAFFs to Goodreads and claim them when you finish.
Welcome back Monica!! So nice to see you here. I have every faith you'll get back in track. You're JAFF obsessed!! Lol!
Yes, Monica. Add your WIP stuff to GR. I did it for a series on Jane Austen Variations, so it must be possible for others as well. I'm on Catherine Moreland too, so welcome to that level!
Mod
WIP are not suppose to be on GR, only completed...
Mod
I just posted this in another thread but thought I'd post it here too - I've added unpublished fan fic stories to Goodreads before and then they have been deleted from Goodreads. I'm not sure by who but it wasn't me. Unfortunately I lost all my reviews I had done for the fan fic stories :( I lost all the data including when I had read them and how I'd rated them etc. So I wouldn't rely on Goodreads as a fan fic record, I'd back up your reviews etc somewhere else too!
Mod
I think that was what Nicole was saying, too. That was be a stinker to try to recall and keep track of if it was even just a few.
I still haven't figured out all that I lost, Brenda! Drives me crazy. Bc I had relied exclusively on GR for my reading and "library" record :( There is a policy allowing fanfiction within certain criteria now. But not all librarians are as experienced or care enough to research. So have been being careful to add properly and monitor. I am not sure people know how much work goes into GR from books entered by people who do not know GR policy. Unsure why the option is even still available actually.
Amazon auto-import has helped... kind of. Sometimes messes with what librarians have already done and does not quite match up with policy, so still have to edit.
Hi, everyone! I'm Nissa, a 22-year old JAFF reader from the Philippines. Fortunately, my field of work leaves me enough time to read at least a book or two a day (three if I decide to stay up late haha), so yay! I have fallen in love with Pride and Prejudice as a child, and I have fallen in love with anything related to it as an adult. I have only started reading JAFF late last year, but I have been on a binge reading spree ever since. I love the stories written in the regency era, but a few modern adaptations have caught my fancy. I particularly love The Muse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation and First Impressions: A Modern Retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
This is my first year as a participant, and I am going for Mr. Bennet's Library Challenge. Currently at 47 (not including the stories from fanfiction, AHA, and other JAFF sites).
Nice meeting all of you! Here's to a year of reading!
Sounds like you'll fit right in, Nissa. Welcome! I look forward to reading your posts.
Wow, Nissa, you’re diving right in! I wish I had time to read at that pace. Your two faves are excellent, and you’ll find many more to love on the reading lists of the members of this group.
Welcome, Nissa! You will find lots of recommendations for good JAFF stories here :)
Ceri wrote: "Welcome, Nissa! You will find lots of recommendations for good JAFF stories here :)"Thank you, Ceri! I'm certain I will! :)
Abigail wrote: "Wow, Nissa, you’re diving right in! I wish I had time to read at that pace. Your two faves are excellent, and you’ll find many more to love on the reading lists of the members of this group."
Thank you, Abigail! I confess, as much as I enjoy reading, I don't think my eyes are happy with me right now haha.
Debbie wrote: "Sounds like you'll fit right in, Nissa. Welcome! I look forward to reading your posts."
Thank you, Debbie! I'm excited to read more books and make new friends!
Mod
So glad to have you join the group. How fun that you are already a huge JAFF fan and have read several. We'll be cheering you on to Mr. Bennet's library. :)
Hi Nissa,In no time at all you'll feel right at home here among like minded individuals !! Welcome!
Hi, my name is Kristin and I live in the Lake District in England. This is my first time going for one of these challenges so I will be going for the Marianne level :)
Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2016
Books mentioned in this topic
Haunting Mr. Darcy: A Spirited Courtship (other topics)Haunting Mr. Darcy: A Spirited Courtship (other topics)
The Muse: A Pride and Prejudice Variation (other topics)
First Impressions (other topics)
Austenland (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Stanley Michael Hurd (other topics)Cassandra Grafton (other topics)
Pamela Aidan (other topics)
Cassandra Grafton (other topics)
Joana Starnes (other topics)
More...
My name is Sophia Meredith and I live in Centennial, Co.
I have been reading Jane Austen for 25 years - and remember vividly the moment I realized Darcy and Elizabeth were the main couple in the story. I love the fact that I had no knowledge plot and thus got to experience the unfolding as Elizabeth herself did.
As for Austenesque fiction. I believe my first was Helen Halstead's Mr. Darcy presents his bride about 8 years ago, followed by Pamela Aiden. I've probably read about 25 variations at this point and realized when I was setting up my bookshelf that I must go back to reread them, for I simply couldn't recall most of them well enough to rate! I enjoyed many of them, but certainly mix up the plot lines and writing style because I've read so many. The most recent one I read that I enjoyed a great deal is Ardently by Caitlin Williams.
I enjoy the variations that stay close to the story and characters the most (whether change in POV, continuation or a change in the original plot). I guess you could sum this up by saying that I like the books "What would Jane do?" books best! Though from time to time I have enjoyed the books that put them in entirely new situations. I also prefer the books that are written more in the style and language of the original.
For my reading challenge, I have to admit that I plan to publish 2 variations myself this year and have a draft ready to go for 2017 so I am limiting the Astenesque books I read because it's confusing enough to stay in my head as it is--though I'll look through my collection and also the variations on books other than Pride & Prejudice. I hope that doesn't seem like a promo!
I do reread Pride & Prejudice at least once a quarter to take notes and read plenty of literary critiques as well as research, so I'll probably have a good number of Jane related books under my belt by the end of the year!
I want to say that since "coming out" as a JAFF author, I have met some really wonderful and supportive women who have enriched my life well beyond our shared enjoyment of Jane.