Today I welcome a dear friend of this blog and of Austen Authors. Jennifer Redlarczyk, who is releasing a novelette as a prelude to her first novel, Darcy’s Melody, which will arrive soon. Austen fans are in for a real treat.
Greetings, JAFF Lovers! And thank you, Regina, for hosting me here. Since I am a newly published author, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself and what inspired me to write in this genre.
By trade, I am a performer and private music teacher. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved music. While my parents were not formally trained musicians, it was a rare day that you didn’t hear one of them break out in song. As you might suspect I simply had to join in.
Growing up in Janesville, Wisconsin, my love of music followed me everywhere. In addition to voice, I studied violin and piano. When I attended college at Northwestern University, I majored in Vocal Performance. Currently, I live in Crown Point, Indiana, where I still continue to sing and have a delightful studio of young people who study with me.
I first discovered Jane Austen when I was but a teenager. My mother was a lover of old movies and introduced me and my sister to the 1940 movie version of Pride and Prejudice staring Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivier. What could be better than this old black and white film with lively music and lighthearted banter between our beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy?
Little did I know that this old film was just a sneak preview into the world of Jane Austen and the literary works that I would soon come to love and cherish. Following this introduction, I quickly sought out our local used book store to see if I might purchase the original. To my delight, I found a fat anthology containing not only Pride and Prejudice, but six of Jane Austen’s completed novels.
During the summer of 2011 while visiting my local Barnes and Noble Bookstore, I happened to notice a table of Jane Austen Fanfiction books. At the time, I wasn’t big into social media and never realized JAFF existed. Needless to say, I blew my budget and walked out of Barnes with an armload of books. From there I found the JAFF community on Facebook and became a moderator on DarcyandLizzy.com where I am an avid reader and have posted more than twenty short stories and one full-length novel, Darcy’s Melody.
At the time A Very Merry Mix-up was written, the forum had been offering various theme challenges to authors who wished to write short stories or flashes of inspiration. This particular story was written for All Fool’s Day. According to Wikipedia this particular day can be traced back to the days of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales (1392). In preparation for publication of Darcy’s Melody, I decided to publish this novelette in an effort to explore more fully the realm of self-publishing. As a first time author, I was astounded to learn how much work goes into preparing one’s manuscript for publication. Consequentially, I have the greatest appreciation for authors such as Regina Jeffers, who have dedicated themselves to a career of writing and have continued to give us so many wonderful stories.
Jennifer Redlarczyk (Jen Red) ♫
Book Blurb for A Very Merry Mix-up
It all began when Fitzwilliam Darcy and his cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam stopped at the posting station in Bromley on their way to Rosings Park for their annual visit. Looking for some diversion, the good colonel happened upon a local Romani woman who was selling her people’s treasured Moon Wine. Find out what happens to some of our favourite Jane Austen characters when her advice is ignored in A Very Merry Mix-up.
Moonflower
Teaser
1 April 1811, All Fool’s Day
Quickly rising, Darcy felt a little unsteady and found it necessary to hold on to the bed post while searching for his robe. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, he staggered closer to the glass and groaned in disbelief. Slowly rubbing his stubby fingers across his ruddy cheeks and through his oily hair, he wondered if he had indeed gone mad. Wiping those same fingers on the front of his nightshirt, he could not help but feel his flabby chest and the protrusion of his round stomach through the cloth. Grasping the reality of his predicament, Darcy stared at himself with revulsion.
“Merciful Heaven!” he thundered, turning back to the woman. “It is me, Fitzwilliam Darcy, in the body of that idiot rector! If you are Miss Elizabeth Bennet, as you claim, I fear we have both become the victims of some cruel joke. Will you not come and look for yourself?”
Picking up Charlotte’s dressing gown and quickly wrapping it around herself, Elizabeth guardedly went to the mirror as he requested. “Mr. Darcy?” She paled, realizing what he said was true.
♫
Want to read a Longer Excerpt? Check out the one on Amazon at this LINK.
Every Woman Dreams... 
So the Colonel is going to get the blame for their predicament?
Hi Vesper. Most definitely, it was the Colonel who purchased the wine and from his point of view, he will thoroughly enjoy what has happened. Thanks for stopping by. Jen
The colonel in Darcy’s body should be entertaining.
The Colonel actually has the best end of the deal.
Regina, thanks again for having me on the blog today. I am thrilled to be your guest, as I have been following your posts for some time and love all you do for the JAFF community. Grazie Tante! Jen Red
I am glad you decided to join me. Although we have never met in person, I count you among my friends.
Ditto, and having read so many of your stories and knowing your theater background, I feel we are kindred spirits in the arts.
What I love most (next to our dear couple) in this book is that Colonel Fitzwilliam is enjoying being in Darcy’s body very much. heh heh This is a fantastic prelude to your novel and I hope everything will give a read! 🙂
What I loved most in this tale (other than ODC) is the colonel’s reaction to being in Darcy’s body! 🙂 I hope everyone will give it a chance to see how well written and entertaining it is.
Hi Brenda, Thanks for stopping by. I too loved the Colonel. I thought he would enjoy being in Darcy’s body, taking command and spending his money! Ha Ha! Thanks again, Jen
Darcy as the slimy Mr. Collins is a close second.
Yes, which is why Darcy couldn’t bear to kiss Elizabeth while he was still in that body, no matter how much he wanted to. I love making mischief on the poor man.
this definitely sounds like an interesting read! Take care!
Thanks for joining us today, Connie.
Thanks Connie Jack! And perfect since All Fool’s Day is just around the corner. Jen
Thanks for introducing Jen Red and her book Regina. I’ve just started reading this story and the characters’ reactions to being in different bodies cracks me up. Congratulations on the release Jen, and looking forward to Darcy’s melody.
Thanks KateB for your kind words. I’m happy you are enjoying my little tale. I am hoping to get Darcy’s Melody published in August. Fingers Crossed! Jen
And you will come back to my blog with that one, right, Jen? Standing invitation…
I am glad you found Jen, Kate. You will see her comments often on my blog.
Kate often commented on Darcy’s Melody when I posted it on Brenda’s forum. She was the one who kept asking for one more song. Ha Ha. Since Lizzy sings in my book, I recorded about a dozen of her songs which are on YouTube and put up the songs when I posted chapters. Not everyone takes the time to go over and listen, but Kate did which was very nice. Jen
One of my favorite parts has to be Darcy’s reaction to his new body. I imagine his perspective on others must be affected by this short ‘dream’.
Love this book and thank you Regina for sharing this information.
Jen was a bit hesitant. I am glad she is getting such excellent feedback.
Thanks Regina. Yes, I’ve been a basket case about the whole self-publishing scenario and what is involved. Brenda has been holding my hand from a distance. I’m glad I had the opportunity to stop by. Everyone is so supportive. Jen
And yes, I would be happy to come back with Darcy’s Melody when it’s ready. I had great fun researching my story, especially from the musical end, and there are many fun things to share. Jen
Thanks Elaine. His reaction is pretty priceless. Can you imagine the fastidious man finding himself in that body? The man needs to be tested every now and then, don’t you agree? Jen
Jen – I’ve finished reading your delightful book after purchasing it recently! It is delightful! Love the Darcy and Elizabeth ‘mix-up’ and the Charlotte and Mr. Collins’ ‘mix-up. So hilarious! d
Thanks Joy! sometimes we need a little mixed-up tale to make us laugh and balance off the angst in some of our other favorite stories. I’m so happy you enjoyed reading! Jen
Thank you for following Jennifer over to my blog. Please join us again, Joy.
I’m married to Jen and would like to replace my body, but it could be only in my dreams. Planet Fitness is not enough.
It’s true what he says! Ha Ha! However, I did give Greg’s name to Lord Mattlock in Darcy’s Melody, so maybe that is the best we can do for now. Surprisingly, after my story came out, my two little nieces decided that they would pretend to be each other for the day. Jen
In dreams, it is so much easier to reach one’s goals, Greg. You are a luck man.
Imagine my surprise as I was cruising books and saw one by Jennifer Redlarczyk… I grabbed it immediately. I hope it is a big success. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks J.W. Garret, you are so kind to say so! It’s a fun tale and a quick read for someone who wants a diversion. I appreciate your support and hope you, too, enjoy my little tale. Jen
I read Jennifer’s piece last evening. Lots of fun. I am certain you will enjoy it, Jeanne.
I’m glad you had a chance to read it, Regina. Just a little change of pace to take your mind away from those things on your “to do” list. Jen
I love this little story, thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Thanks Carma, and thanks as always for being a supporter of my stories and encouraging me to write more. You are the best! Jen
Glad you joined us today, Carma. Great to find you here.
I really enjoyed your tale Jen but one thing I’d like to know is, did the real Mr Collins use the altered version of the sermon penned by Darcy?
That’s an excellent question, Dianne.
Actually, Darcy never made any changes to the sermon. His meeting with Lady Catherine was very brief and she simply gave him a list with her suggestions which Darcy would have left in Collins study for the man to attend to himself. Off camera, being that Collins’ mind was completely muddled from the laudanum, I’m sure Charlotte did a good job at smoothing everything over. And of course when Darcy and the colonel arrived the next day, Collins was busy in his study revising the text himself. Good question, Diane. Thanks so much for reading, Jen.
It’s also possible Collins never thought anything of the list and went straight to work when he woke up, since he was used to getting Lady Catherine’s weekly directives. Poor man.
Thanks Jen, although a revised sermon would have been interesting particularly if Collins hadn’t checked it out beforehand, leaving Lady Cat sitting in her pew fuming! What fun…….
My children take piano lessons from Jen and we love her so much (My children consider her family!)!! I have had the joy of skimming over “A Very Merry Mix-Up” last week while the children were having their lessons and enjoyed it very much. I loved how Colonel Fitzwilliam enjoyed being in Darcy’s body and enjoyed spending his money! (Looking forward to purchasing it) I have also had the pleasure of reading a rough draft of “Darcy’s Melody” and CANNOT wait until it is published so I can get my hands on it and re-read it again! Jen is such a beautiful person to know, full of life, so sweet!
Thanks for joining us today, Carissa. We appreciate your following Jennifer over to Every Woman Dreams.
Aw Carissa, you are so sweet to come on and sing my praises. I absolutely love teaching Anna and Brandon and am happy to share my stories with you. Thanks so much, Jen
Oh my! I had better not read this whole lovely post as I plan to bring my copy of this book with me on my upcoming travels and do not want to know too much about it in advance! Looking forward to reading it, Jen, and wishing you every success with it!
Thanks so much JanisB. It is a fun read, even if you know what’s coming. Enjoy! Jen
My favorite part of this story is the brief note which Darcy gave to Elizabeth before their “dream” was over. Congratulations on writing such a unique story about our beloved characters!
Hey Betty Jo! Thanks for stopping by and for all of your help. Yes that little note was perfect. And I love how it was a turning point in the end. Thanks again, Jen
I love Jen Red’s timing with April Fool’s Day. Just excellent comedy happening. I would be a nervous wreck if I was in Mr. Collins body. Lucky Elizabeth swapped too for Darcy relief. Thank you Regina for having Jen red over her and I read your books and her stories.
Thanks for the kindness, Nerina.
Thanks Nerina! Yes, can you imagine looking in the mirror and seeing what poor Darcy saw? I couldn’t resist and am happy that you enjoyed my crazy sense of humor. Thanks so much for stopping by. Jen
Congratulations on publishing your unique little story. Absolutely love it, and agree with Nerina, Perfect for the 1 April.
Hey Maureen! Thanks so much for stopping by. I thrilled you liked my story. Jen
One final thanks Regina! it was such a pleasure to be on your blog, meeting old friends and new! Jen Red
Glad you got your feet wet here. Count me in when you are ready to release “Melody.”
Definitely! Of course I’m the poky little puppy with everything else I do. Will be in touch. Looking forward to your new summer releases. Jen