Category Archives: Jane Austen

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

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

Has Lady Violet Crawley, Countess of Grantham, Made Being a “Dowager” Popular Again?

Of late, I am once again dealing with the term “dowager” in one of my works in progress (WIP). The Earl of Remmington’s mother resides at one of his smaller estates. As she is the widow of the late earl, … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Life Below Stairs ~ Part Four: The Work Never Ends

Up before dawn, the servants of an aristocratic household found the work tedious. Likely, the lower servants worked two hours before he/she was permitted to sit to his own meager breakfast. The kitchen maid began her day with lighting the … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Life of the Gentry in the Regency Period

During the Regency Period, wealth and social class separated the English citizenry. Beginning with the Royals, citizens found their place based on birthright and wealth. The nobility stood above the gentry, who stood above the clergy, who stood above the … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, real life tales, Regency era, Victorian era | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on Life of the Gentry in the Regency Period

“I Won’t Dance, Don’t Ask Me” – Dance as a Plot Device in Jane Austen’s Novels

  “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.” (Pride and Prejudice, Chapter 3) During Austen’s time, young people looked for a potential mate at dances. Austen, herself, enjoyed a good dance, and, therefore, she … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

New Prison in the Regency Era, Setting for Part of My Cozy Mystery ~ The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin

New Prison plays a part in my 2015 release of The Prosecution of Mr. Darcy’s Cousin: A Pride and Prejudice Mystery.  I thought I might share a bit of information. Unlike the more widely known prison of the day, Newgate Prison, the … Continue reading

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, mystery, real life tales, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Authors Alley Event, 31 January 2016

 Come Join Me!  

Posted in books, contemporary romance, eBooks, historical fiction, Jane Austen, mystery, Pride and Prejudice, Realm series, Regency romance, Ulysses Press, vampires, writing | Comments Off on Authors Alley Event, 31 January 2016