Every Woman Dreams…

Additional casting has been announced for the new film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, starring film and stage star Keira Knightley in the title role. Joe Wright is directing the project, which will have a screenplay by Tony Award and Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard. Stoppard also wrote the Tony award winning Coast of Utopia, set during the Russian Renaissance.
Tolstoy’s novel centers on a 19th-century Russian woman stuck in a loveless marriage who struggles with her attraction to a soldier.
Tony Award nominee Jude Law will play Anna’s husband, Aleksei Karenin; and Aaron Johnson will play Count Vronsky. Rounding out the cast will be Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, and Ruth Wilson.
The film’s creative team includes composer Dario Marianelli, costume designer Jacqueline Durran, production designer Sarah Greenwood, and cinematographer Philippe Rousselot.

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Saturday, October 1 at 12:00am – October 31 at 11:30pm
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Katherine of Gaskell Blog requests the pleasure of your company as we join Miss Matty and her friends in “The Picnic at Cranford” throughout the month of October

The main goal of the tour is to keep it fun and informative, I’m requesting fellow bloggers to join in by writing a post. Your post can be anything related to or inspired by Cranford; a character study, a ‘Cranfordian’ experience or story you would like to share or create, your thoughts on the adaptations, a letter to one of the characters, etc.

If you would like to sign up for the tour please contact me with your name, a link to your blog, and what your post will be about (I’m happy to offer suggestions). You can also leave a comment saying you’d like to join in.

Feel free to ask questions and please spread the word.

The LA Times says, “Few 18th century authors have achieved the modern popular success that Jane Austen now enjoys. Her novels are always in print, and in the last decades they have been adapted into films and television miniseries, from Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park to perhaps her best-known work, Pride and Prejudice.” While looking at the South Coast Repertory Theatre’s upcoming production of yet another Jane Austen adaptation (Sense and Sensibility), The LA Times explored some of the other phenomena often associated with Jane Austen.

What is the best modern-day Austen adaptation? Their choices were Clueless and Bridget Jones Diary, but are there other contenders? I enjoy Lost in Austen. What about The Lake House? Bride and Prejudice?

Why does Jane endure? (Austen or Eyre) I have my own opinion of this, but I would love to hear yours.

What was your first Jane Austen experience? Mine occurred at age 12 when I fell desperately in love with Mr. Darcy. I’m afraid that little has changed in the last half century.

Which Austen character are you? I am a bit Elizabeth Bennet with with a love of twisting words. There’s some of Elinor Dashwood’s sense of responsibility. Occasionally, I can be Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Imperious!! Authoritative!!

What is the best movie, TV or miniseries based on Austen’s work? Most people would choose the 1995 Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. It certainly brought a resurgence to Austen mania. It also shifted Austen’s story from Elizabeth Bennet to “the making of Mr. Darcy.” Many of Firth’s devoted fans discovered him with that series. I love the 1995 version of Persuasion with Ciarán Hinds and Amanda Root. It remains very close to the book, and I appreciate that.

If you would like to read the complete article, go to http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-0907-austen-questions-20110907,0,4334635.story

A Library in Dire Need: My Anniversary Cause

Published September 4, 2011 | By Abigail Reynolds (I have shamelessly taken this post from http://austenauthors.net to allow others to speak to the cause that Abigail Reynolds has brought to our attention.)

Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and when tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. Collins readily assented, and a book was produced; but on beholding it (for every thing announced it to be from a circulating library), he started back, and begging pardon, protested that he never read novels.

Mr. Collins may never have read novels from a circulating library, but we know that Jane Austen did. Given the price of books at the time, it was a necessity for most readers. Our own Abigail Reynolds grew up in a small town in upstate New York where the public library was her lifeline. She states, “The first copy of Pride & Prejudice I read came from the public library. That’s why it broke my heart last week when I read the information below in The Daily Gazette.”

At the Schoharie Free Library, Director Cathy Caiazzo started sifting through the thousands of ruined books in the collection. More than 26 inches of water covered the first floor of the Victorian structure on the corner of Knower Avenue.

Books, computers, and paper records were all badly damaged. The shed containing books to be sold at an upcoming sale was lifted from its footings and carried several blocks away.

“I think that might be it,” she said, squinting at the small yellow building barely visible in the distance.

Only the library’s collection of non-fiction books — stored in the second floor — was unscathed.

Yesterday I got this email from the librarian there:

Abigail,

Thank you so much for spreading the word about us! The library’s mailing address is PO Box 519, Schoharie, NY 12157-0519. The village’s mail is currently being diverted, but it will arrive eventually (I’m sure the bills will!).

The library’s website is http://www.schoharielibrary.org and there’s a link to photos on Flikr there also.

I have a shirt that says “Libraries are the *heart* of every community” and I’m realizing now how right it is.

Stay in touch,

Cathy Caiazzo

Last night Abigail Reynolds posted on Facebook about the library’s situation, and the response was heartwarming. People have been asking how they can best help. The library will need books, but probably doesn’t have much space to put them yet. In the meantime, people can send checks or gift certificates from Amazon, B&N, or IndieBound. For people who would like to support them through a local independent bookstore, Reynolds suggests calling the Open Door Bookstore (518-346-2719) in nearby Schenectady and ask for a gift certificate for the Schoharie Free Library. We will post updates about the library and how to help as we receive more information. Our deepest thanks goes to everyone who can help and/or repost the information to reach more people. Let’s make sure the people in this devastated area at least have books in which they can escape from their struggles. Jane Austen would be proud!

One year ago, 24 authors of Austen-inspired literature combined on one website to promote their books and their love of everything Austen. A year later, http://austenauthors.net is a thriving successful website. For six days, we will celebrate our success by giving you, our fans, “tons” of great prizes.

Despite not all writing for the same publishing companies, the authors involved have experience a resurgence of interest in their writing. Regina Jeffers explains, “If one of my fans walked into the typical bookstore, he would have to search through the stacks of new literature found in the ‘general fiction section.’ There is no ‘Jane Austen section’ in most book stores, and we do not ‘qualify’ as historical fiction or romance. By combining forces, my fans have found Abigail Reynolds; Reynolds fans have found Sharon Lathan; Lathan’s fans have found Mary Simonsen, etc. We all benefit because we have exposure to a larger fan base.”

For the anniversary giveaways, see the post below.

Monday, September 5, begins a one-week celebration of our beginnings. Austen Authors is one year old, and we plan to celebrate with lots of fabulous prizes. To win, sign on and comment. For extra opportunities to win, send out a “Tweet” or a posting on Facebook. Full rules may be found under the “Giveaway” page at http://austenauthors.net.

Here are some of the fabulous gifts:

$60 Barnes and Noble Gift Card.

$20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card

A Jane Austen Tarot Card Deck and a box of Bingley’s Teas “Wicked Wickham”

Sourcebooks is donated a Georgette Heyer duo. Bath Tangle and Cousin Kate

Ulysses Press is offering another duo. The Ballad of Gregoire Darcy by Marsha Altman and a signed copy of Captain Wentworth’s Persuasion by Regina Jeffers

Ulysses Press is offering a Juliette Shapiro due. Mr. Darcy’s Decision and Sandition

Mary Simonsen is offering signed copies of The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy and Darcy on the Hudson.

Sharon Lathan is offering signed copies of The Trouble with Mr. Darcy and an advanced reader copy (ARC) of Miss Darcy Falls in Love.

Monica Fairview is offering a signed copy of The Darcy Cousins.

In addition, our own Heather Riguad will launch her first novel, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Rock Star, and will be giving away a signed copy. Plus, we have invited Karen Doornebos to join our group. Her novel, Definitely Not Mr. Darcy, is available September 6, and she plans to give away multiple autographed copies of her book.

Finally, Juliet Archer will be featuring her newest novel, Persuade Me.

COME JOIN THE FUN AND TAKE HOME THESE FABULOUS PRIZES!!!

HELP SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST OVARIAN CANCER AND WIN A WRITING CRITIQUE!
BY RT BOOK REVIEWS, AUGUST 30, 2011
RT Book Reviews in helping to promote Celebrate National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month by promoting a contest for aspiring writers. By following the link below, it is possible to win a critique from one of five of the best writers in the marketplace today. Each author is offering a chapter critique or a brainstorming session to the winner. This is all in support of Heather McCollum, a fellow author who has recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

As news of Heather’s disease spread, authors Katharine Ashe, Cynthia Cooke, Cindy Holby, Virginia Kantra and Emilie Rose came up with this unusual offer in support of their friend.

All a person needs to do for his chance to win one of these five critique sessions is to buy a raffle ticket, which is just a dollar. The proceeds of the raffle go to the Duke University Medical Center, where Heather McCollum is receiving care. To enter, one can either attend the Heart of Carolina’s Romance Writers September chapter meeting in Raleigh, North Carolina. Or he can purchase tickets online by following the instructions on the Critiques for Heather page at the Ovarian Walk website.

This post comes from RT Reviews. For the complete article, click
http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-daily-blog/help-support-fight-against-ovarian-cancer-and-win-writing-critique

On a personal note, I am a member of Heart of Carolina RWA, although I do not get to many of the meetings as HCRW is located in Raleigh, and I live in Charlotte, nearly a 4-hour drive. However, I was honored to be on a Romance Panel in Cary, NC, with Heather recently. She and her family are fighting the disease with a marked determination. Please support her efforts to find a cure.

For the complete story, please see http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/aug/21/classic-novels-film-tv-eyre-wuthering

We have seen a resurgence in the filming of the classics of late. Jane Austen, the Brontes, and Charles Dickens have never lost their edge in writing stories that transcend their times. What the truly great writers have to say is relevant for each generation. Austen explains the gender gap and women’s lack of empowerment as well as any modern day writer. Dickens is a master at speaking of the struggles of the lower classes.

In The Guardian’s article, Christine Langan, who runs BBC Films, defended the latest cinematic adaptations of novels by Charlotte and Emily Brontë – the recently released Cary Fukunaga’s Jane Eyre and Andrea Arnold’s Wuthering Heights, due for release in November – against accusations of deja vu. “People,” Langan sighed, “will be saying, ‘Why the hell are they doing all that over again?'”

The article from The Guardian goes on to say, “Certain books – by the Brontës and by Jane Austen and Dickens – are indispensable to us and accompany us through life. When we first read them, they prospectively sketch our quest to discover who we are and our struggle to impose ourselves on the world; in later decades, they remain as markers of our progress or testaments to our disillusionment. In Jane Eyre, a disadvantaged girl prevails by force of will and by the intensity of an uncompromising imagination. Oliver Twist is about an even more disadvantaged boy who survives thanks to the kindness of strangers and remains angelically immune to the depravity around him.”

I have seen the newest Jane Eyre adaptation, which stars Craig Roberts, Jamie Bell, Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, and Sally Hawkins, and although it is not my favorite version of the book, it ranks high on the list. (I prefer the Toby Stephens/Ruth Wilson version to all others. By the way, the Ciaran Hinds/Samantha Morton 1997 version of the film is on Ovation tonight.) I do so remember reading this book for the first time. I was as devastated as the young Jane Eyre to discover that Mr. Rochester had a wife locked away, and my Cinderella syndrome soared to learn of Bertha’s demise and that Jane and Rochester could finally be together. I was in the depths of Heathcliffe’s despair when he frantically dug away at Catherine’s grave. I have experienced Elizabeth Bennet’s realization that she had made the biggest mistake of her young life by judging Mr. Darcy by Wickham’s standards.

If you agree that there can never be enough Austen or Brontes or Dickens, leave a comment below.

Are books dead, and can authors survive?
At the Edinburgh international book festival this past weekend, Ewan Morrison set out his bleak vision of a publishing industry in terminal decline. The above picture is a shortened version of his prediction.

Last words … the end of professional writing is nigh. Photograph: Sunset/Rex
Ewan Morrison
guardian.co.uk, Mon 22 Aug 2011 17.21 BST
Will books, as we know them, come to an end?
According to Morrison, the answer is an absolute. Morrison predicts that within 25 years, paper books will be obsolete. I certainly hope not. Not so much for my own writing career. At my age, I am not likely to live another five and twenty years, but for the end of a time honored tradition, I would grieve. I once heard Ray Bradbury speak about the smell and the feel of books, and I totally agree with that sentiment. I love my Kindle and my Nook for their convenience, especially when I am on the road, but I still love the feel of a book in my hands. I prefer to see how close I am to finishing another great story. Those percentage marks at the bottom of my Kindle page do not measure up in that respect. Morrison says, “The digital revolution will not emancipate writers or open up a new era of creativity, it will mean that writers offer up their work for next to nothing or for free. Writing, as a profession, will cease to exist.”

For the complete article, visit The Guardian at http://m.guardian.co.uk/ms/p/gnm/op/view.m?id=15&cat=books&gid=%2Fbooks%2F2011%2Faug%2F22%2Fare-books-dead-ewan-morrison&type=article

What is your opinion? Will books go the way of the 8-track?

On Monday, August 15, I had the honor of spending the afternoon with a group of ladies who were not necessarily Jane Austen enthusiasts, but at the suggestion of my dear friend April, they had chosen to read The Phantom of Pemberleyfor their August book club choice. The McLendon Hills Book Club of Rockingham, North Carolina, is pictured below. For nearly two hours, we enjoyed scones, lemon curd, cucumber sandwiches, and tea, and we talked about Austen’s influence on my writing and daily life. (April said it was a Southern tea party because we also had pimento cheese sandwiches.)

They asked some excellent questions, several of which I had not anticipated. For example, I was asked for my favorite scene in the book. It was terrible to admit my “violent” nature. My favorite scene takes place outside of the Kympton church. Wickham confidently says that Darcy is too much of a gentleman to shoot him. I explained that when I wrote the scene I kept thinking of John Wayne in McLintock. Everyone knows the scene. It’s a classic. A farmer named Jones has organized a hanging because he thinks an Indian (1960s movies were not politically correct.) has done something terrible to his daughter. The character keeps poking Wayne’s character in the stomach with a shotgun. Finally, McLintock takes the gun and says these lines. (Yes, it is acceptable for you to repeat them from heart. LOL!)
George Washington McLintock: [through gritted teeth after knocking Jones down] Now, we’ll all calm down!
Drago: Take it easy, boss, he’s just a little excited, that’s all.
George Washington McLintock: I know, I know. I’m gonna use good judgment. I haven’t lost my temper in forty years, but, Pilgrim, you caused a lot of trouble this morning, might have gotten somebody killed…and somebody oughta belt you in the mouth. But I won’t. I won’t. The hell I won’t!
That is what happens in my book. Wickham taunts Darcy, and Darcy fires the gun. I loved it!!!

I also shared how as a 12-year-old girl, who was too skinny, too tall, and not as “perfect” as her older cousin with the beautiful voice, had fallen in love with Austen’s enigmatic Mr. Darcy, and how that love has never died.
“Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her sister, Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance with.”
If Mr. Darcy could fall in love with a woman who was simply handsome, whose figure was not perfect, and who often placed her proverbial foot in her mouth, then somewhere out in the great world, my Mr. Darcy existed also. It was my Cinderella dream.

I also shared something of the character of Adam Lawrence. For those of you who regularly read my work, you will recognize Lawrence as the character who repeatedly shows up in my novels. In theatrical terms, he often simply has a walk on role. In The Phantom of Pemberley, he becomes one of the central characters. Since completing “Phantom,” I have written a novella entitled “His Irish Eve” (There’s an excerpt on my website www.rjeffers.com.) in which Adam meets his true love. The girl’s name is Aoife, which is Irish for Eve. Get it??? They are Adam and Eve. Yes, I realize I am a complete nut case, but that’s the way my mind works. Aoife is Cathleen’s (his mistress in “Phantom”) cousin, and there are multiple surprises for the future Earl of Greenwall.

So, I would like to thank the wonderful ladies of the McLendon Hills Book Club for their hospitality and for giving me a new impetus for writing. I should also like to thank Carolyn Dawkins for hosting this afternoon. She is a generous and lovely lady.

The ladies are from left to right: Marie Folmer, Carolyn Dawkins, Donna Clemmons, Glenda Hughes, Rachel Carr, Judy McEntire, and Lynne Betts. April Dawkins snapped the photo and is not in the shot, but she deserves my gratitude for her company and her friendship.