Monthly Archives: April 2016

Release of “The Road to Understanding” with an Excerpt and a Giveaway

Back in 1984, I went into labor 5 weeks early in the middle of my Theatre/Acting class. That early delivery was the joy of my life, especially as I had lost two previous children. Over the April 16-17 weekend, I … Continue reading

Posted in American History, Appalachia, book excerpts, book release, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Vagary | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Do You Know These Words and Phrases?

These are some of the words and phrases I have encountered of late while reading. Some I knew the meaning and some I did not. Even when I knew the meaning, I was interested in the word’s origin or how … Continue reading

Posted in language choices, vocabulary, word choices, word origins, word play | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Coburg’s Influence on Queen Victoria

Leopold I of Belgium exercised great influence over Queen Victoria. He replaced Victoire, the Queen’s mother, as the young queen’s confidant. “Born into the ruling family of the small German duchy of  Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Leopold took a commission in the Imperial Russian Army and … Continue reading

Posted in British history, customs and tradiitons, Georgian England, Georgian Era, marriage, marriage customs, Regency era, titles of aristocracy, Victorian era | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Celebrating the Release of “The Pemberley Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Novella” with an Excerpt + Giveaway

 “The Pemberley Ball” originally appeared in The Road to Pemberley: An Anthology of New Pride and Prejudice Stories, published by Ulysses Press in 2011. Each author whose work was included in the anthology received a one time payment (in lieu … Continue reading

Posted in book excerpts, book release, customs and tradiitons, eBooks, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Living in the UK, marriage, marriage customs, marriage licenses, Pride and Prejudice, publishing, Regency era, Regency romance, romance, Uncategorized, Vagary, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Jane Austen’s Love of the British Navy

In referring to the cult-like following of those who extolled all things involving Admiral Horatio Nelson, Jane Austen once wrote, “I am sick of Nelson.” Yet, the author always appreciated the lives of men in the Royal Navy. Two of … Continue reading

Posted in British history, British Navy, Georgian England, Georgian Era, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Regency personalities | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

I See Austen’s Influence Everywhere!!!!

As much as I love Jane Austen, one of my best friends loves Elizabeth Gaskell equally as well. I admit to having read only three Gaskell pieces in my time: Cranford, North and South, and Mary Barton. Last Christmas Season, I reread Cranford, but … Continue reading

Posted in customs and tradiitons, Georgian Era, historical fiction, Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Regency era, Uncategorized, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

Happy April Birthdays to Some of Our Favorite “Austen” Actors

April brings us twenty actors who have held roles in Austen-inspired film adaptations. How many of these below are among your favorites?   April 1 – JJ Feild, who portrayed Henry Tilney in 2007’s Northanger Abbey, as well as Mr … Continue reading

Posted in Austen actors, birthdays, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments