Regency Era Lexicon – The Fifth Letter is “E”

Posted on October 4, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Earnest Money – the first installment of a financial bargain; often the master of a household hiring a servant at a hiring fair offered earnest money to secure the person’s services

Easter term – one of the terms of the law courts in London, Oxford, or Cambridge

East India Company – privately ruled India until the British government took over in the wake of the Mutiny in 1857

Eat One’s Terms – to study for the bar; to be eligible to be “called to the bar,” a man had to eat a certain number of meals at the Inns of Court

Ecarte – a popular gambling game

Elder – a medicinal berry used to make Elderberry wine

Entail – a legal term which indicated that a landed estate was tied to a particular person (the heir); the property could not be sold or mortgaged

Empire waist – In England, the early 1800s (up to 1820) was known as the Regency Period, but in France, the same period was known as the Empire Period. England looked to France as the leader in fashion. Dresses with an Empire waist were straight (tube or column shaped) and with a low neckline. The waistline was high, located just below the bosom.

English country dance – the most frequent dance form of the period; the dancing couples stood opposite (etre contre) each other in a lien; contre-dancing was Anglicized as country-dancing

English Gentleman – a book by Richard Braithwait (1622); a popular courtesy book for gentlemen; a “self-help” book that included the proper protocol in a social context

Envy – a common theme in Jane Austen’s novels

Epigrammatism – Jane Austen told her sister Cassandra that her readers delighted in Epigrammatism of the general stile (sic); Austen refers to clever, witty, and terse remarks

Epistolary Style – a novel where the plot is rendered through letters

Epsom Downs – the location of the Derby (in Surrey, south of London)

Equipage – a generic term to denote a horse and carriage (occasionally it also referred to the servants accompanying the carriage)

Escritoire – a writing desk with small compartments for writing implements and paper

Established Church – the Church of England

Execution – seizing a person and his good (pursuant of a court order)

Expectations – denoting the likelihood of inheriting wealth (i.e., Dickens’ Great Expectations)

Étiquette – in French, the word means “ticket”; proper etiquette was the ticket to social acceptability, a mix of good manners and polite behavior

Posted in British history, Regency era | 2 Comments

Can Reading Jane Austen Make You Smarter?

Posted on October 3, 2012 by Regina Jeffers
Stanford Report, September 7, 2012

This is your brain on Jane Austen, and Stanford researchers are taking notes

Researchers observe the brain patterns of literary PhD candidates while they’re reading a Jane Austen novel. The fMRI images suggest that literary reading provides “a truly valuable exercise of people’s brains.”

BY CORRIE GOLDMAN
The Humanities at Stanford

L.A. CiceroResearcher Natalie Phillips positions an eye-tracking device on Matt Langione.

The inside of an MRI machine might not seem like the best place to cozy up and concentrate on a good novel, but a team of researchers at Stanford are asking readers to do just that.

In an innovative interdisciplinary study, neurobiological experts, radiologists and humanities scholars are working together to explore the relationship between reading, attention and distraction – by reading Jane Austen.

Surprising preliminary results reveal a dramatic and unexpected increase in blood flow to regions of the brain beyond those responsible for “executive function,” areas which would normally be associated with paying close attention to a task, such as reading, said Natalie Phillips, the literary scholar leading the project.

To read the complete article, please visit http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/september/austen-reading-fmri-090712.html

Posted in Industry News/Publishing, Jane Austen, real life tales | 6 Comments

Crazy Online Reviews

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

I have recently discovered Robert Jackson Bennett’s WordPress Blog. Mr. Bennett is a Shirley Jackson Award Winner in Science Fiction. One of my favorite of his posts is this one on Book Reviews. See if you recognize yourself in this process.

 

The types of online reviews that drive writers totally nuts

 

The weekend has not brought joyous news in regards to online reviews.

For many writers, online reviews are the primary pulse they can apply their fingers to, because writers receive very little actual feedback regarding their books. So, they have to go online to feed their voracious doubts, like – is my book successful? Is it liked? Does anyone get it?

As we’ve now learned, a lot of the feedback we see online is not trustworthy – some writers can, essentially, buy reviews and attention. This is kind of weird for me, because I treat online customer reviews with the same wariness as I do the comments on a news article – the odds of anything intelligent being said are very low, but the odds of reading strung-together swears and racial epithets are very, very high.

TO READ THE COMPLETE POST, PLEASE VISIT http://robertjacksonbennett.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/the-types-of-online-reviews-that-drive-writers-totally-nuts/

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The Bloody Assizes and the Demon Judge, George Jeffreys

Posted on October 1, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Historical Context 

With the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658, the newly-elected Parliament “restored” Charles II to the throne of England. Charles II’s reign (1660-1685) was marked by political unrest. The ruling class split into two parties: the Whigs and the Tories. The Whigs supported Charles’s brother, James, the Catholic heir to the throne. They believed in constitutional monarchism and opposed absolute rule. The Whigs played a central role in 1688’s Glorious Revolution and were the standing enemies of the Stuart kings and pretenders, who were Roman Catholic. They took full control of England’s government in 1715 and remained in control until King George II came to the throne in 1760.  The Whigs were reliant on parliamentary power and distrustful of the Catholic Church.

Charles II

The Tories, on the other hand, remained sympathetic to royal power and the reestablishment of the Anglican Church. They were hostile to Protestant “dissenters,” such as the Baptists, the Quakers, and the Presbyterians.

Each side tried to outmaneuver the other in its power struggle. Unfortunately, the Whigs tried one too many manipulations when they encouraged Titus Oates to lodge conspiracy and treason charges against James and other governmental officials of Catholic sympathies. “God, King, and Country”

Charles II disbelieved Oates’s conspiracy theories, but he dared not to confront Oates openly. In 1681, he was able to dissolve a Whig parliament and rule directly, with the support of the Tories. Charles II’s reign saw the outbreak of the Second Anglo-Dutch War in 1665, as well as the Great Plague in the same year and the Great Fire of London in 1666.

James II

Charles II died in 1685 after being received into the Roman Catholic Church on his deathbed, and his brother James II came to the throne. Although he was a known Catholic, James II did not impose his beliefs upon his people, but most Whigs did not believe him. Therefore, a Whig faction supported a revolt by Charles II’s illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth. The revolt was quickly dispensed, and James sent Judge George Jeffreys to deal out his “revenge.” The result was what is known as The Bloody Assizes.

Full of confidence, James II dismissed Parliament (1685) and appointed Catholic officials, even going so far as to ally himself with the much-despised Louis XIV of France. In 1686, James took measures to restore Catholicism in England and to set up a standing army of 13,000 troops. A like army was supported in Ireland, which created large pockets of distrust among the English. The execution of the Duke of Monmouth united James’s Whig opposition behind the only remaining Protestant claimant to the throne, William of Orange, husband to Mary, James’s daughter. In 1688, Whigs and disenchanted Tories invited William to England to restore English liberties and to drive James from the throne. In 1688, James abdicated and fled to exile in France.

The Bloody Assizes were a series of trials, which began on August 25, 1685, in the aftermath of the Battle of Sedgemoor, which ended the Monmouth Rebellion. There were five judges: Sir William Montague (Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer); Sir Robert Wright; Sir Francis Wythens (Justice of the King’s Bench); Sir Creswell Levinz (Justice of the Common Pleas), and Sir Henry Polexfen. The group was under the direction of Dorset’s Demon Judge, Lord Chief Justice George Jeffreys.

George Jeffreys:

James Scott, Duke of Monmouth

In June 1685, James Scott, the first Duke of Monmouth, the illegitimate son of King Charles II, landed at Lyme Regis in Dorset, bringing with him a bloody swatch of rebellion. In the days that followed, horror filled the hearts and minds of those living in the area. Monmouth brought some eighty trained soldiers with him. When King Charles II died, his Catholic brother, James, the Duke of York, who became King James II, succeeded him. However, Monmouth, a Protestant, made a bloody bid for the throne.

Landing in Lyme Regis, Monmouth marched across the West Country towards Taunton, into Somerset, Devon, and back to Dorset, gathering support for his bid. The revolt soon became known as The Pitchfork Rebellion. When word reached James II of his “nephew’s” efforts to claim the throne, James II sent an army, commanded by Lord Faversham, to crush the revolt.

On July 6, the two armies clashed at the Battle of Sedgemoor, where Monmouth’s army, along with the Duke, fled. The following morning, disguised as a farm laborer and hiding in a ditch at a spot now known as Monmouth’s Ash, the Duke was captured near Horton Heath, about 8 miles south of the hamlet of Woodyates. Escorted immediately to London, Monmouth was tried for treason and, eventually, beheaded on Tower Hill on July 15, 1685.

George Jeffreys

As part of his revenge on those who stood with Monmouth, King James II sent his most ruthless judge, George Jeffreys, the First Baron Jeffreys of Wem, to deal with the rebels. Jeffreys held a reputation for swift justice and merciless sentences; he, eventually, rose to the position of Lord Chancellor, and occasionally served as Lord High Steward.  Some 1400 prisoners were brought before Jeffreys at the courts of Winchester, Taunton, and Dorchester. The court hearings were given the title of The Bloody Assizes, for some 300 men were put to death during the proceedings. Those found guilty by Jeffreys were hanged or drawn and quartered. Rotting bodies hung from makeshift gallows peppered the main highways and towns in the area. These gruesome sights were a clear warning to those who might force the king’s hand. Another 800 men were sentenced for transportation.

From his Prescript to the Sheriff of Dorset, Jeffreys leaves these orders: “These are, therefore, to will and require of you, immediately on sight hereof, to erect a gallows in the most public place to hand the said traytors on, and that you provide halters to hang them with, a sufficient number of faggots to burn the bowels, and a furnace or cauldron to boil their heads and quarters, and salt to boil them with, half a bushel to each traytor, and tar to tar them with, and a sufficient number of spears and poles to fix and place their heads and quarters; and that you warn the owners of four oxen to be ready with dray and wain, and the said four oxen, at the time hereafter mentioned for execution, and you yourselves together with a guard of forty able men at the least, to be present by eight o’clock of the morning to be aiding and assisting me or my deputy to see the said rebels executed. You are also to provide an axe and a cleaver for the quartering of the said rebels.”

Judge Jeffreys opened the Bloody Assizes at Dorchester on 5 September 1685 at the Antelope Hotel in the “Oak Room.” During his stay in Dorchester, Jeffreys stayed at a house in High West Street, a building, which is still known as his lodgings, and made his way to the courtroom by a secret passage in order to avoid the angry crowds. In one of his more infamous manipulations, Jeffreys convinced a young girl to spend the night in his bed in exchange for her brother’s freedom. When the girl woke the next morning, she peered out the window to see her brother hanging from the neck by a Bridport Dagger. (The town of Bridport was known for the production of netting and rope for the fishing industry and for use by the British navy. Bridport was also known for the production of the hangman’s rope. It was customary to say that those who were hanged were “stabbed by a Bridport Dagger.”) By the time, Jeffreys moved on to Lyme Regis, he had sentenced 74 men to death, sent another 175 to transportation, had 9 whipped, and pardoned 55.

On 11 September 1685, the Bloody Assizes opened at Lyme Regis. On the 12th of September, twelve men were executed on the beach west of the Cobb, and their body parts were displayed on spikes along the railings around the church. Two of the men’s heads were impaled on the iron gates of Chatham House. Jeffreys had dined at the great house on Broad Street the evening before the executions. Since that time, Jeffreys’ ghost is said to carry a bloody bone through the house.

This ghost tale is circumspect at best. After all, in reality, Jeffreys died some four years after the Bloody Assizes ended. During the Glorious Revolution, Jeffreys stayed in London when James II fled However, when William III’s troops marched into the city, Jeffreys disguised himself as a sailor and made his escape. He was captured at a public house in Wapping (now named The Town of Ramsgate). Fearing the public outcry for his “crimes,” Jeffreys begged for protection. On 18 April 1689, he died of kidney failure while in custody in the Tower of London.

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Excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions” – Darcy Apologizes to Bingley

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

At Austen Authors, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the novel’s events, we are retelling Pride and Prejudice from the points of view of the other characters. This excerpt comes from chapter 15 of my Austen-inspired novel, Darcy’s Passions. 

When Bingley entered the morning room, finding Darcy dressed for a journey brought a surprise to his friend’s countenance. “Darcy, it appears that you plan to leave Netherfield today?”

“I do, Bingley.” He had spent a restless night anguishing over what he would say to his best friend.

“Why must you leave so soon? Are you not satisfied at Netherfield? I know country society does not appeal to you, but I had hoped you would find it more pleasurable this time,” Bingley reasoned.

“Bingley,” Darcy established the tone of what he had would confide. “Would you please join me at the table? I have something important to impart.”

“Darcy, you sound so deliberate.” Bingley walked cautiously to the table and slid onto a chair.

“Bingley, I am not leaving Netherfield because of country society. In fact, I have been served an education; some parts of the country can be very agreeable.” The ambiguity of Darcy’s speech obviously confused Bingley, but Darcy could not seem to bring himself to leave thoughts of Elizabeth Bennet behind. “I do have business to address in London, but that is not my main reason for leaving. After I say what I have to tell you, you will desire my going.”

“Darcy, this speech lacks sensibility; I could never turn away a friend such as you have proved to be.”

“I have been a deplorable friend, Bingley. You have trusted me unwisely.”

“Darcy . . .?” Bingley began, but Darcy dismissed Bingley’s protest with a flick of his wrist.

“Please, Bingley, I must say this while I still possess the nerve. I have given you a disservice.” Uncertain where the conversation led, Bingley sat unresponsive. Having to finish this sad business quickly, Darcy swallowed hard before saying, “I conspired with your sisters last fall to separate you from Miss Bennet; I did so because I considered you to be my dearest friend, and I believed, at the time, that Miss Bennet was indifferent and did not desire your affection; however, that is no excuse for what I have done.”

“Darcy?” Bingley said incredulously. His friend was immediately on his feet and pacing the room. “Am I to understand you kept me from Miss Bennet with some sort of deceit? How could you? You of all people! You recognized how I felt about the lady? You have consulted your own will and made it mine without my permission. You have brought me pain, but what is worse, you have wounded Miss Bennet!”

“Bingley, you are correct to be so upset. I am without reason; my conceit at thinking I knew what was best for you is unforgivable.” Darcy, eyes lowered; realizing he had ruined his relationship with Charles Bingley, he sat dejected.

Several minutes passed before Bingley spoke again. “Darcy,” Bingley forced evenness into his voice, “I am not certain how I will be able to forgive you, but I must assume some of the blame in this matter. This much I know: My nature is too changeable. What you did, you completed in my name, and I allowed it to happen. I should have returned to Netherfield as I planned; I have known that fact for a long time. I should have been man enough to seize my own happiness.”

Realizing how much in his vainglory that he had damaged the one true acquaintance that Darcy treasured, Darcy grimaced, but his conscience would not permit him to tell Bingley only half-truths. “Bingley, you are excelellent to offer your absolution; yet, I have something else to confess.”

Bingley’s countenance displayed his vexation. He was seeing Darcy for the first time. Turning his disappointment on Darcy, he said, “Please continue.”

Darcy lifted his head to meet his companion’s dark, lethal gaze. “Miss Bennet was in London last winter for nearly three months; she stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Miss Bennet sent word to Caroline and even called at the townhouse one day. Caroline, with my permission, gave Miss Bennet a cut by not returning the visit for many weeks. She led Miss Bennet to believe you were interested in Georgiana. I was aware of the lady’s presence in London, but I told you not. Again, I had witnessed your falling in and out of love so often that I did not judge your affections to be constant. Since the time I realized you and Miss Bennet were meant to be together, I have attempted to turn back the clock.”

“Darcy, you have overextended your influence on my life. Is it no wonder Miss Bennet sees me as being a lothario.” Bingley’s hands fisted at his side, and Darcy did not blame the man. If the situation were reversed, he would have planted his friend a facer. Yet, even in the tension-filled room, Darcy found hope. Bingley, evidently, did not observe the true regard for his friend found in Jane Bennet’s countenance.

“Bingley,” Darcy smiled largely. “Miss Bennet, if I may be allowed one last judgment, loves no one but you.”

Bingley protested, “She can not! Miss Bennet must think me a cad–to be indifferent to her!”

“Charles, there are not many things of which I am absolutely certain, but the constancy of Miss Bennet’s feelings for you is one of the few things upon which I would venture a gamble. At Hunsford, Miss Elizabeth reprimanded me for my misgivings regarding the lady, and the Gardiners have showed me how thoughtful Miss Bennet can be. I came to Netherfield to observe the lady’s reactions to your renewed entreaties; her love still rests in you, Charles, if you are willing to ask her.”

“Ask her? Ask her what?” Bingley nearly shouted.

“Ask her to marry you, Bingley,” Darcy said confidently. “Miss Bennet will accept you.”

Bingley frowned. “How can you be so certain? I am not of the same mind, and it is I to whom you reportedly believe the lady directs her attentions!”

Darcy sucked in a deep breath as the vivid memory of Elizabeth Bennet flared in his mind. “You are too close to observe the look in the lady’s eyes when you walk into the room. Most men would give their life for one such glimpse. The lady stirs your soul, Charles; with Miss Bennet you can share your innermost self with respect and dignity. You can wait; you can postpone, but if I were you, I would grab ‘happiness’ with both hands and ask Miss Bennet to marry me.”

A faint smile touched his friend’s lips. “The lady will say ‘yes;’ will she not, Darcy?” Bingley appeared awestruck by the realization of what Darcy shared.

“Miss Bennet will say ‘yes,’ Charles.”

Bingley began to pace, to spin, to stop, and to start all over again. “If Miss Bennet agrees, Darcy, then you will be completely forgiven.” Bingley laughed nervously.

“Then I am forgiven,” Darcy smiled. “You will send me news of your happiness, but pray write legibly.”

“I will send you my fate,” Bingley could not control his thoughts; but then he recalled his sisters’ parts in his misery.

“I hope you have predicted Miss Bennet’s response accurately, Darcy, for it will offer me an opportunity for revenge when I demand that Caroline and Louisa give Jane her proper due as my wife. They believe me to be with you at Pemberley. What I would not give to see their faces when they read I am at Netherfield, and I have offered Miss Bennet my hand.”

Darcy retrieved his glove from a nearby table. He shook Bingley’s hand and then slapped him on the back. “I must leave you now, Bingley.”

“When will you return? If Miss Bennet accepts, you will stand up with me?”

“Although I do not deserve your honest consideration, it would be my honor, Bingley. I will return within a fortnight; your fate should be decided by then.”

Darcy claimed his hat and walking stick and headed for the waiting carriage. Bingley followed close behind. At the carriage, Darcy turned, and Bingley extended his hand. “Friend,” he said.

Darcy firmly grasped the offered hand. “Friend,” came his thankful reply.

* * *

There was little to do in London, but Darcy did not care; his mind could not be happily employed. He had gone to the theatre one evening, for his spirits wanted the solitude and silence, which only numbers could give. A protégé of David Garrick performed magnificently, but the drama The Chances reminded Darcy of Elizabeth for like the character’s jealousy, Darcy remained jealous of the possibility of anyone else having Elizabeth as his wife.

At Longbourn, they had not spoken beyond common civilities. He had once believed their hearts were intertwined, and that nothing could come between them. Their natures so similar–their understanding so perfect–he could never imagine their not finding each other. It was impossible for him to forget how to love Elizabeth, but the fact was when they last met, she did not appear to want to be near enough for conversation–near enough to him. Darcy convinced himself that Elizabeth did not return his regard; he held no choice but to put distance between them. The distance between Pemberley and Longbourn was one kind of distance, but he would also have to build a wall around his heart. Darcy was Bingley’s friend; Bingley would marry Miss Bennet; Darcy could not avoid seeing Elizabeth…but he could force himself to be indifferent.

After a week, a dispatch arrived from Bingley. It read

28 September

Darcy,

You are forgiven. Miss Bennet said “yes.” My fate is sealed! We await your return to Netherfield. Your most humble servant…

Charles Bingley

In many ways, the letter brought Darcy relief, but he envied Bingley’s chance for happiness. Bitterness and lost opportunities had marred his opportunities: if he realized how much a refusal to dance at an assembly would have change his life, he would have dance with Elizabeth the first time he met her; if he…. He did not know whether he could live with all his regrets–with this profound ache of love lost.

Posted in book excerpts, Jane Austen | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions”~Darcy and Bingley Dine at Longbourn

Posted on September 27, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Several of the Bennet sisters welcomed Bingley and Darcy upon their entrance to Longbourn. Elizabeth took their greatcoats and briefly greeted Darcy with a hint of a smile and an obligatory curtsy. When they repaired to the dining room, Darcy had hoped to be seated near Elizabeth, but finding himself seated instead close to Mrs. Bennet dashed those hopes. Bingley located a seat near Jane Bennet; oh, for such pleasure with Elizabeth! Darcy could hear nothing of what she said. Only once did he notice Miss Elizabeth’s attentions towards him. It was when Bingley placed himself beside Miss Bennet; Elizabeth gave Darcy a triumphant look, and he bore it with presumed indifference. The meal included venison and a white soup. Darcy attempted to make conversation with Mrs. Bennet, “I extend my compliments on the partridge, Ma’am,” he said a bit awkwardly.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy,” the house’s mistress said with equal awkwardness. However, Darcy noticed that his words had obviously pleased Elizabeth’s mother.

She clearly had made a statement with the menu, and his good breeding required he take notice, but he would rather have taken notice of her second daughter’s eyes. Generally though, Darcy spoke very little to anyone at the table.

He had hoped for the opportunity of some conversation with Elizabeth as the evening progressed; all he required was a few moments alone. He would ask her to meet him privately, and then he would offer her his hand again. Following the meal, useless and mundane time was spent in the dining room with the gentlemen; he was anxious to return to the ladies. When the gentlemen entered the drawing room, Darcy planned immediately to approach Elizabeth, but she served coffee to the guests and was surrounded by ladies who appeared to be protecting her~for they stood close by. He moved toward her, but one of the girls stepped closer, taking on a conspiratorial stance. Darcy, therefore, took his cup and walked away to another part of the room.

The evening went badly, but, eventually, Darcy returned with his coffee cup. Elizabeth, thankfully, seized the opportunity of saying, “May I inquire of Miss Darcy?” She even forced herself to look at him.

“Georgiana is at Pemberley with Mrs. Annesley. She will remain there until the Festive Season.”

“Then her friends have gone to Scarborough?”

“They have, Miss Elizabeth.” Darcy was barely able to utter the words; her beauty enthralled him.

“I am sorry we could not dine at Pemberley as we had planned.” She struggled to express her regrets.

“Georgiana and I both regretted your sudden departure. We hope to see you at Pemberley again.” Did she understand the double meaning of his words?

The conversation staled at that point. Searching for something more to say, he stood by her, but what he wished to tell her could not be done so in public. He wanted only a few minutes’ conversation with Elizabeth again, and he would be satisfied if only the opportunity occurred. Noting the girl still listened in, Darcy eventually walked away.

That was the last of their conversation for he was relegated to a table of whist at Mrs. Bennet’s insistence; Elizabeth sat at a different table. Darcy’s mind searched for her rather than paying attention to the game, causing him to play poorly. When the others took their leave, Mrs. Bennet attempted to keep them for supper, but their carriage had been ordered, and Bingley and Darcy were soon on their way to Netherfield.

Although he guarded his feelings from Darcy, Bingley rejoiced in the progress he made with Miss Bennet. Memories of Darcy’s censure of Jane Bennet required Bingley to be cautious. Obviously, his friend wanted to retain Darcy’s regard, but Bingley also desired Miss Bennet’s affection. Despite his own misery, Darcy knew the time for telling Bingley the truth had arrived, but he could not do so this evening. His own heart was breaking as he wrote a quick passage to his sister.

(This excerpt comes from Chapter 15 of my first novel, Darcy’s Passions.) 

Posted in book excerpts, Jane Austen, Regency era, Ulysses Press | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Future: Reselling of eBooks? What Does That Mean for Publishers and Authors?

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from Publisher’s Weekly. To read the complete article visit http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/digital/retailing/article/53334-redigi-plans-to-sell-used-e-books.html

For serial entrepreneur John Ossenmacher, founder, president, and CEO of ReDigi, which bills itself as “the world’s first pre-owned digital marketplace,” the copyright infringement case filed by Capitol Records in U.S. District Court in Manhattan at the start of the year to shut it down is only a “hiccup in the road.” ReDigi, which launched its Web site (redigi.com) with used digital music late last year, is poised to start reselling e-books once the case is resolved. Ossenmacher and CTO Larry Rudolph, who took a leave of absence from his work at MIT, are eager to do so, since e-books will have a much higher ticket price than 69¢ songs. Their goal is to unlock the billions of dollars that consumers have invested in digital goods by reselling them, using the partners’ patented cloud-based technology, which enables them to weed out pirated goods.

If ReDigi prevails in court, it could upend the way e-books and other digital products are sold, since such products would get a second life on the resale market and provide a new revenue stream for publishers and authors. Ironically, the Cambridge, Mass.–based firm could be competing for customers with its neighbor at the Cambridge Innovation Center, Amazon. Currently, ReDigi can’t resell Amazon’s music or other digital files; it is partnering with iTunes.

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How Many of the Most “Difficult” Books Have You Read?

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article teaser comes from Publisher’s Weekly. To see the complete list of “difficult” books, please visit http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/book-news/tip-sheet/article/53409-the-top-10-most-difficult-books.html

Back in 2009, The Millions started its “Difficult Books” series–devoted to identifying the hardest and most frustrating books ever written, as well as what made them so hard and frustrating. The two curators, Emily Colette Wilkinson and Garth Risk Hallberg, have selected the most difficult of the most difficult, telling us about the 10 literary Mt. Everests waiting out there for you to climb, should you be so bold. If you can somehow read all 10, you probably ascend to the being immediately above Homo sapiens. How many have you read? What books would you add? Let us know in the comments!

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Excerpt from “Darcy’s Passions” – Darcy and Bingley Call at Longbourn

Posted on September 24, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

At Austen Authors (http://austenauthors.net), we are celebrating the 200th anniversary of the events found in Pride and Prejudice. This is another of my excerpts from “Darcy’s Passions.” In this one, Darcy returns to Longbourn in hopes of renewing his proposal to Elizabeth Bennet. 

Returning to the security of Pemberley, having both Georgiana’s and Bingley’s company brought Darcy comfort. The turmoil of the past few weeks had taken its toll on his usually resilient composure. He required the company of family and friends after his dealings with the nefarious Mr. Wickham. Yet, being with Bingley constantly reminded Darcy that he must make amends for his duplicity in separating Bingley from Jane Bennet. One early autumn day, he and Bingley sought time outdoors.

Bingley said wistfully as he accepted the loaded gun from Darcy’s servant, “I believe the last time we partook of the season’s shooting was at Netherfield.”

“I believe you correct, Bingley,” Darcy paused as he planted the idea. “That was a pleasant time, was it not?” Although he did not purposely initiate it, a sigh slipped from his lips. If he were to maintain his sanity, he desperately needed to know Elizabeth’s company again. “I was wondering, Bingley, have you made a decision on Netherfield? It appears a waste of your father’s inheritance to let an estate one never uses.”

As expected, Bingley readily seized upon Darcy’s veiled suggestion. “Not having stayed through the winter, I remain uncertain of the house’s soundness. Mayhap I should return to Netherfield and make my decision based on what I find.”

“That appears a most prudent means of making a your verdict.”

Bingley asked cautiously, “Would you consider joining me, Darcy? We could shoot, ride, and enjoy my estate. My sisters remain in Hampshire. I would be indebted if you would come with me.”

Darcy chuckled with the success of his ploy. “I would enjoy that, Bingley.”

“Capital! I will send servants to open the house. We could travel to Hertfordshire next week if you are agreeable.”

Darcy’s heart leapt: He would see Elizabeth again. Could they continue what they had begun at Pemberley? “I would be happy for the time together,” Darcy said. His friend took his words to mean his time with Bingley, but Elizabeth was very close to Darcy’s mind.

Over supper that evening, Bingley told Georgiana of his plan to return to Netherfield. “Your brother has consented to join me,” he shared. Georgiana smiled knowingly at Darcy, but she said nothing other than to assure Bingley that she and Mrs. Annesley would be quite content to remain at Pemberley. Georgiana knew Darcy well enough to know the uncertainty he felt in returning to Elizabeth’s home. Everything could change in the next few weeks.

When he and Bingley set out on the following Monday, Georgiana hugged Darcy a bit longer than usual and reached up to caress his cheek. “I shall say a prayer for your safe and successful journey, Brother. As always, I wish you the greatest of happiness.” He smiled weakly at her as he boarded his coach; Darcy could think of nothing but Elizabeth and the tenuous situation of their relationship.

* * *

 “Darcy, we have been at Netherfield for two days,” Bingley mused, “and Mr. Bennet has yet to call. Would it be bad manners if we would call on him first?” His friend stared morosely out the library’s window. Darcy had taken up residence in one of the overstuffed chairs, but, in reality, his mind was no more on the book he held on his lap than was Bingley’s mind on the gardeners he watched. Darcy had found it as frustrating as his friend that Mr. Bennet had ignored Bingley’s return. The snub would make it more difficult for Darcy to determine if Miss Bennet would accept a renewal of Bingley’s affections, and Darcy still required a legitimate excuse to call upon Miss Elizabeth.

“Let us wait until tomorrow to see if the situation changes. If not, then, we can offer our own civilities,” Darcy said evenly. He prayed his hopes did not pepper his words.

“Tomorrow it is then.” Bingley continued to stare out the window. “It has been too long since we have enjoyed the Bennets’ companies.”

Darcy’s heart clinched in anticipation. The past two days had played havoc with Darcy’s emotions. There were few places at Netherfield where images of Elizabeth did not dance through Darcy’s head. He saw her on the staircase, as she was on that last Sunday before she and her sister had returned to Longbourn; he saw her carrying the water through the upper passage to Jane Bennet’s sickroom; he saw Elizabeth reaching for a book of poetry in the library. The images haunted his waking, as well as his sleeping hours. Tomorrow, he thought, tomorrow will speak to whether I declare my love to Elizabeth Bennet again.

* * *

Riding beside Bingley as he entered the pathway leading to Longbourn, both gentlemen remained silent, deep in the bewilderment of what the next hour would bring. Darcy held no doubt that Bingley wondered if he could renew his relationship with Jane Bennet; meanwhile, Darcy wondered whether Elizabeth would welcome his presence in her home. Of course, this was Longbourn, not Pemberley. The excellent company he had found in Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner would be replaced by the simple-mindedness of Mrs. Bennet, but what Mrs. Bennet said did not interest him. Elizabeth was his only concern. He could tolerate any insensibility on Mrs. Bennet’s part for the pleasure of seeing the lady’s second daughter smiling genuinely at him. Today, Darcy had a dual purpose for this visit: assess Jane Bennet’s feelings for Bingley and Elizabeth Bennet’s feelings for him.

“Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley,” the Longbourn servant announced as the door to the small drawing room opened to the sight of Mrs. Bennet surrounded by four of her daughters.

Darcy’s eyes immediately sought Elizabeth. Weeks had passed since he had last seen her; his wish was to determine whether she had recovered from that awful day at the Lambton inn when Elizabeth had wept for the ruination of her youngest sister and for her family. Those tears had driven him to action. Memorizing Elizabeth’s every gesture and the full gamut of her emotions, he had observed his Elizabeth for weeks last fall; therefore, he instantly recognized her uneasiness; however, the source of the awkwardness remained in question. Was it his presence at Longbourn? Was it that others might discover what happened at Hunsford and at Pemberley? Was it embarrassment regarding his knowledge of Miss Lydia’s folly? I must be patient, he cautioned his foolish heart. Let me first see how she reacts to my coming to Hertfordshire; then I will decide my next step. Regrettably, Elizabeth lowered her eyes before she made both gentlemen a curtsy and then eagerly returned to her needlework.

Mrs. Bennet warmly welcomed Bingley. “Please, Mr. Bingley, you must come sit by me,” she insisted. “Allow me to send Mrs. Hill for refreshments.” Barely civil, she acknowledged Darcy only by name. “And you are welcome as well, Mr. Darcy. Please have a seat.”

Darcy chose a chair where he might observe both Elizabeth and her elder sister. Jane Bennet appeared a bit paler and more sedate than he expected; but she received them with tolerable ease. If Jane Bennet held no resentment, Charles stood a chance to recapture the lady’s heart. Darcy wished her sister would show him some preference. As far as he could tell, Elizabeth had ventured only one glance in his direction. He wanted to be alone with her, to hear her voice, to observe her smile; he wanted only the opportunity to profess his continuing love. Instead, he swallowed hard and forced himself to say, “Miss Elizabeth, may I inquire about the health of your aunt and uncle?”

“They are…they are well, Sir,” she stammered.

“I am pleased to hear it.” He smiled easily at her. It was important for her to know that she brought him great pleasure.

“They were,” she hazarded another quick glance in his direction, but, in reality, she spoke to the floor, “so pleased with Pemberley. My uncle still speaks fondly of enjoying the sport he found there.”

Darcy said earnestly, “He will always be most welcome there.”

Before the conversation could continue, however, Mrs. Bennet interrupted, “You may not be aware, Mr. Bingley, of changes in the neighborhood. Miss Lucas has married Mr. Bennet’s cousin, Mr. Collins, and my youngest daughter has married Mr. Wickham. Although I cannot think it necessary for Mr. Wickham to accept a commission that has sent him to Newcastle, I must tell you, Mr. Bingley, that having a daughter well situated is a great relief.”

The mention of Wickham’s name sent a shiver down Darcy’s spine. He could easily recall the immundity in which he had found Mr. Wickham and Miss Lydia. He regretted that the foolish girl would not accept Darcy’s warning that she must marry quickly if she were to save her own reputation and the reputations of her sisters. He seriously wished that he could have placed the youngest Bennet sister in a better situation, but the girl appeared to hold Darcy’s former friend in deep affection. He hoped it would be enough to carry them forward for he knew Mr. Wickham loved no one but himself

Too mortified to look at him, Elizabeth notably stiffened as Mrs. Bennet asked, “Mr. Bingley, did you by some chance see the announcement of our dear Lydia’s marriage in the London papers? She married from my brother Gardiner’s home, and, of course, he did not put in more than a brief mention of her family.” Elizabeth may not meet his gaze, but Darcy could not force his eyes from her.

“I did see it; may I offer my congratulations,” Bingley replied. Darcy purposely did not join the conversation for fear his tone would betray his true thoughts of George Wickham.’s worthiness.

Mrs. Bennet lamented, “With Mr. Wickham’s having been stationed in the North, I have no idea when we might see our dear Lydia again.” Personally, Darcy had rejoiced in Mr. Wickham’s removal. The commission Darcy had purchased for his former friend was under a very strict comm.

Mrs. Bennet’s next remark offered Darcy a purposeful cut. “Thank Heavens, Mr. Wickham has some friends, though perhaps not so many as he deserves!” If Mrs. Bennet only knew what Wickham truly deserves, Darcy thought. Hopefully, the lady would never know of the perfidy that Mr. Wickham regularly practiced.

This time it was Darcy’s turn to lower his eyes. He could not say what he wished to tell the Bennets: How much he loved Elizabeth, how he had rushed to Miss Lydia’s rescue, and how foolish Mrs. Bennet was to consider Mr. Wickham a proper match for the lady’s youngest daughter. Instead, he assumed the characteristically aloof air that had served him well in the past, but which he knew would mark him as a proud, disdainful man in the Bennet family’s estimation.

As he cursed under his breath, Darcy heard Elizabeth ask, “Do you plan to stay long in the country, Mr. Bingley?”

Her words reached Darcy as nothing else could; even the simplest phrase added to the image he drew of her. The words she said did not fascinate him; it was the way she responded to each situation–how she knew him–had known he needed her to deflect her mother’s attention. She had reacted in a similar manner at Netherfield when Mrs. Benent had argued against his comment regarding the simplicity of country life. Elizabeth had a way of manipulating her family to protect him, and Darcy loved her for it. Her tenacity added to his portrait of Elizabeth Bennet.

Nervousness echoed in Bingley’s response, “I hope to stay several weeks, Miss Elizabeth–for the shooting. Several weeks would be most gratifying.” Bingley hesitated as he shot a quick glance at Jane Bennet.

Both Elizabeth and Darcy observed how Bingley’s response to Elizabeth’s question affected Miss Bennet. Darcy wondered why he had never seen the admiration the lady held for Bingley. Elizabeth glowed as the spark between her sister and Bingley was rekindled. Darcy wished she would look at him with such persuasion. Elizabeth had protected him from her mother, but was that because she feared further embarrassing censure of her family or because she held feelings for him?

When Bingley and Darcy rose to take their leave, Mrs. Bennet issued an invitation to Mr. Bingley for dinner in a few days’ time. “You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley, for when you departed last winter you had promised to take dinner with us as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you see.” A less civil invitation was also issued to Darcy. “Of course, you may join us too, Mr. Darcy.”

“That would be most congenial,” Bingley said with a full smile.

The gentlemen were shown to the door. As the Bennet family gathered around, there was no way for Darcy to speak to Elizabeth again. His bow and her curtsy were all they could manage.

Returning to Netherfield, Bingley was obviously ecstatic, his hopes held possibilities. Jane Bennet did not turn from his friend’s attentions, as Bingley had successfully engaged her over and over. Miss Bennet smiled at him, laughed lightly at his attempts at humor, and made eye contact with Charles repeatedly.

Darcy, on the other hand, experienced pure misery. Elizabeth had appeared uneasy from the beginning; she had answered his questions, and her voice became stronger with each response, but she barely looked at him, and she had offered him no encouragement. His hopes plummeted as scenes from previous encounters at Netherfield and Hunsford flashed before his eyes. You were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry…. I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly…. I have every reason to think ill of you…. Had you behaved in a more gentleman-like manner…. All the old insecurities had returned. Would he never succeed in making her love him? He had thought positively when they were alone at Pemberley, but at Longbourn she had been so different. How was he to judge her sentiment? Mayhap, he should leave. The feel of the hand as he had assisted Elizabeth into her uncle’s carriage said otherwise; the backward gaze as she and her family departed his home said she cared; her caress of the petals of the boxwood rose said she believed in constancy. Which images? Which images should he believe regarding Elizabeth Bennet? He would wait until after he and Bingley dined at Longbourn before making his decision. Possibly, it was the shock of his being in her home. Possibly, she was embarrassed by her mother’s actions. Possibly, she was more concerned with Miss Bennet’s welfare. All of these possibilities were characteristic of Elizabeth. I must remain calm and allow life to take its course, he cautioned his bruised heart. After Mrs. Bennet’s invitation is met, he confirmed his resolve. Only if Miss Elizabeth offers me proper encouragement will I remain in Hertfordshire. Besides, I must assess Jane Bennet’s estimation of Bingley’s affections before I confessed my previous deceit. Darcy told himself all these things. Surely, if Elizabeth cared for him as he hoped she did, their hearts would find each other before long.

This excerpt comes from Chapter 14 of my first novel, Darcy’s Passions: Fitzwilliam Darcy’s Story. Recently, Ulysses Press has sent Darcy’s Passions for a second printing.

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iDreamBooks: Aggregates Professional Book Reviews

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

This article comes from Diana Dilworth at Galley Cat. I thought it an interesting way to improve the “craziness” found in book reviews these days. To read the complete article, please visit http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/idreambooks-applies-rotten-tomatoes-model-to-book-reviews_b54320

Trying to choose between Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James and Strange Flesh: A Novel by Michael Olson? Well according to a new book reviews website iDreamBooks Fifty Shades gets a 30 ranking, and Strange Flesh gets an 80 ranking, which could help make the decision for you. iDreamBooks Applies Rotten Tomatoes Model to Book Reviews

The new website aggregates professional book reviews from around the web and makes recommendations on books to read based on these reviews. It works like Rotten Tomatoes orMetacritic and will recommend a book if 70 percent of critics give it a positive rating.

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