October Celebrates …

Posted on October 6, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

On the Austen Authors Website (www.AustenAuthors.com,) we are planning a “Halloween” celebration at the end of the month, where we will feature Ben H. Winters, author of Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
Planning for this made me think what else might be celebrated in the month of October, besides Breast Cancer Awareness Month, of which we are fully aware. Here are some of the more interesting ones I found.

October Celebrates

The Atchafalaya Basin in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The beauty and mystery of the Atchafalaya Basin will be the focus of a state-sponsored month of events and activities called “Experience Atchafalaya Days,” which is designed to help people learn about opportunities for education, recreation, and adventure in the great swamp.

Saskatchewan Small Business and Cooperatives Month
For two special weeks in October, the spotlight will shine on the enormous contributions that co-operatives and small businesses make to Saskatchewan’s economy.

National Arts and Humanities Month
National Arts and Humanities Month is coordinated by Americans for the Arts, the national organization working to empower communities with the resources and support necessary to provide access to all of the arts for all of the people. This month-long celebration grew out of National Arts Week, which was founded in 1985 by the National Endowment for the Arts and Americans for the Arts. With 45 years of service, Americans for the Arts is dedicated to representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the arts.

Women’s Small Business Month
October pays tribute to women who own their own small businesses.

Naruto’s Birthday Month
It’s Naruto’s birthday October 10, and Viz Media invites fans to help celebrate the birth of the world’s most popular ninja with the release of the latest volume of the Naruto manga series, the next NARUTO SHIPPUDEN box set, special coverage in SHONEN JUMP magazine, and a series of fun events planned around the 2010 New York Comic Con and Anime Festival.

Health Literacy Month
The month of October brings us two health-related events to celebrate: Health Literacy Month and National Healthcare Quality Week (October 18-24). Both events give healthcare workers and their organizations a chance to think about current practices and how to improve in the name of patient safety.

Croydon (UK) Black History Month
October brings the annual celebration of black history back to Croydon with a busy programme of performances and exhibitions – including plenty of interactive events for all ages.

So, tell me, Dear Readers, what else is celebrated in October in your own communities?

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Romantic Suspense Winner!!!

Posted on October 4, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

My newest novel, The Phantom of Pemberley, has been awarded third place in the Romantic Suspense category in the 5th Annual Dixie Kane Memorial Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Southern Louisiana Romance Writers of America.

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Austen-Related Actors with October Birthdays

Posted on October 2, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=1126808&k=P62782385&hk=1

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A Family Crest for the name Jeffers does not exist!!!!

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

I am doing research again for my latest novel, and I went to look for websites about surname meanings, etc. Choosing a name for a character in a book is very important to developing characterization. For example, the given name of Gabriel should evoke images of an avenging angel, but the surname is equally as important in developing the character. In my book, I planned an elaborate “family crest,” but much to my surprise that term is a misnomer. It appears that a coat of arms is bestowed upon an individual, not upon a family. So, there could be numerous forms of display for my name Jeffers. So, looking for a particular surname means that a researcher must also consider the derivation of the name, the location or region in which a person’s family originally lived, etc. I never realized how many variations there might be. I should have known this, but it was never clear. It appears that the best one can do is to trace his family history to the oldest ancestor to discover a Coat of Arms.

This is what I know of the name Jeffers. It is of Welsh descent, and my ancestors lived around Herefordshire, even before the Norman Conquest. Jeffers often became Jefferson (as in the son of Jeffers) or Jeffson or Jephison. All three are common spellings of the name. The Jeffers family was one of great antiquity. They were direct descendants from the great Tudor Trevor, Lord of Hereford, and Whittington, founder of the Welsh Tribe of Marches. They branched into neighboring Worcestershire at Earls Croom, having been granted land by King Edward VI. They established estates at Clifton Corncastle in Worcestershire. Eventually, they moved into Yorkshire and settled Thicket Priory and Ripon and intermarried with the Dunnington family. The Venerable Joseph Jefferson was Archdeacon of Colchester in 1821. Records of American ancestors include John Jefferson (1620 Virginia); Mary Jefferson (1653 Viriginia); Edmund Jefferson (1682 Pennsylvania); Robert Jefferson (1774 Nova Scotia); Thomas and John Jeffers ( 1642 Virginia); and the third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson. My family’s coat of arms contains a red and silver griffin and the motto “A Cruce Salus.”

Some of the sites I have explored are
Origin of Surnames:
http://surnames.behindthename.com/

http://www.searchforancestors.com/surnames/origin/

http://www.surnameguide.com/surnames.html (has links to genealogy sites)

http://genealogy.familyeducation.com/family-names?detoured=1 (has tabs for first names, as well as surnames)

Heraldry:

http://www.digiserve.com/heraldry/

http://www.fleurdelis.com/coatofarms.htm (good site – explains all the parts of a family crest – lots of basic information, but very helpful)

http://www.rarebooks.nd.edu/digital/heraldry/ (Heraldic Dictionary)

http://heraldry.net/ (5000 most popular family crests)

http://www.heraldica.org/

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Education Nation – How Do You Learn Quiz

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

As a former educator, I have been keeping up with the information that NBC has highlighted all week long. Yesterday, I found it a bit ironic that the national push is for more “Career-Oriented” education, while my local school district has taken the stance to phase out these programs. As my son’s teaches what is known as CTE courses, my interest was piqued by the mixed messages. Of course, I sent him the link.
Today, I decided to use the “How Do Your Learn” online quiz offered by the University of Phoenix. It is very easy to do. One must sign on to www.howdoyoulearn.educationnation.com to take the quiz. It is around 20 questions in length and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. I have always considered myself a visual learner, but I must have adopted other learning modalities over the years.
27% of those taking the quiz are verbal … I was at the 20th percentile.
45 % are solitary … Again, I was at the 20th percentile.
25% are social … It did not surprise me to have my score at 17%.
16 % are logical … I was at 13%.
19% are physical … I was at 10%.
28% are visual learners … I was at 10%.
24% who took the test are aural learners … I was at 6%.
When one finishes, the site offers to send a person a more detailed analysis by just putting in an email address.
I am most anxious to hear the breakdown.

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Reconnecting

Posted on September 28, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

Over the last few months, it seems I have reconnected with a great many former students and former classmates. At least half of my “friends” on my Facebook page are represented by these groups. Do not get me wrong. I really enjoy finding people on “The Social Network.” When one gets to a certain age, more and more of those “former” acquaintances are not available to us, and we are taken aback because we realize we did not say to them what we should have long ago.

Recently, a dear friend found me, and we are less than 40 miles apart – a miracle of sorts because we are both from a different state. We have corresponded by email and over the phone, but we have yet to see each other face-to-face. The anticipation rises, and I wonder if I have changed so dramatically that he will be disappointed when he first sees me. “First Impressions” are so important. What should I wear? How should I fix my hair? All are silly questions, but we all feel that moment when we must throw caution to the wind and to admit we are no longer young and thin and sparkling with potential.

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September Birthdays for Austen-Related Actors

Posted on September 26, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

http://pf.kizoa.com/sflite.swf?did=1127901&k=P97420291&hk=1

This link will take you to a slideshow featuring actors from Jane Austen related films who have birthdays in September. I hope you enjoy it.

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Characteristics of the Gothic in My Novels

Posted on September 25, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

First, those who read Gothic novels know that Horace Walpole started the phenomenon with his The Castle of Otranto way back in 1764. We define a Gothic novel based on the characteristics we find in Walpole’s work.

1. The setting is always based on an old castle. The castle may be occupied or not. It should contain secret passageways or secret rooms. (The Phantom of Pemberley) Ruined sections of the castle are often used as part of the story line. The darkened passageways and staircases adds to the mysterious flavor of the work. In more modern works, we find an old house or mansion. (Vampire Darcy’s Desire)
2. Speaking of mysteries, obviously, a true Gothic is laced with the fear of the unknown. This is usually enhanced by the plot involving an “unknown” secret (Vampire Darcy’s Desire), an “unknown” relative, an inexplicable event, or, best of all, a unexplained disappearance. (The Phantom of Pemberley)
3. Characters often have dream visions (Vampire Darcy’s Desire) or an omen of death occurs. Shadowy figures appear, but are often mistaken for a nightmare. (The Phantom of Pemberley)
4. An ancient prophecy is connected to the castle or the people who live there. (Vampire Darcy’s Desire). The prophecy is not readily explainable.
5. Supernatural elements are found in the book. (Vampire Darcy’s Desire)
6. Women at the mercy of a powerful male. (The Phantom of Pemberley)
The male manipulates the woman into committing an intolerable act. (Vampire Darcy’s Desire) The women in Gothic novels usually respond by crying or screaming. The woman is often a sympathetic character because her life is less than pristine. (The Phantom of Pemberley)
7. Emotions are readily displayed by the characters – terror, surprise, anger, etc. (The Phantom of Pemberley and Vampire Darcy’s Desire)
8. The text is loaded with the metonymy of a movie. There is a book entitled How to Read Literature Like a Professor. One of the chapters deals with “rain.” What we find is when it rains in literature or in the movies, someone is likely to die. That is metonymy, where something like rain equals death. It is an extended metaphor. (Vampire Darcy’s Desire)

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Many Film Versions of Jane Austen

Posted on September 24, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

Recently, I blogged about the latest film version of a Jane Austen novel to be released. I write Austen-related adaptation, as well as contemporary and Regency era books, but many of my readers come to me via an Austen film. They see the movie/TV adaptation and become hooked on the story lines.
In fact, on AustenAuthors.com, I shall be discussing the film’s language of various adaptations on the third Wednesday of each month. If this peaks your interest, I would love to talk specifics with you there.

Pride and Prejudice: A Modern Day Tale of First Impressions (2011) – Film
Jane Austen Handheld (2010) – Film based on the novel – told through a documentary-style film format
“Emma” (2009) a BBC TV mini-series
Sense and Sensibilidad (2008) – Film
“Lost in Austen” (2008) – TV mini-series that takes the main character into the novel’s pages
“Sense and Sensibility” (2008) – TV mini-series
Jane Austen Trilogy (2008) – a documentary with bibliographic intentions
Miss Austen Regrets (2008) – a made-for-TV show based on Austen’s letters
The Jane Austen Book Club (2007) – film based on the popular best-selling book
Mansfield Park (2007) – TV movie
Northanger Abbey (2007) – TV movie
Persuasion (2007) – TV movie
Becoming Jane (2007) – popular film based on Austen’s letters
Pride and Prejudice (2005) – Film
Bride and Prejudice (2004) – Indie film
Pride and Prejudice (2003) -modern adaptation film
The Real Jane Austen (2002) TV movie based on Jane Austen’s letters
Kandukondain, Kandukondain (2000) Film based on Sense and Sensibility
Mansfield Park (1998) – Film
“Wishbone”- “Pup Fiction” (1998) -an episode of the popular TV show based on Austen’s work
“Wishbone”- “Furst Impressions” (1997) – an episode of the popular TV show based on Austen’s work
“Emma” (1996) – TV movie
Emma (1996) – Film
Sense and Sensibility (1995) – Film
Persuasion (1995) – TV movie
“Pride and Prejudice” (1995) – TV mini-series
Sensibility and Sense (1990) – TV movie
Northanger Abbey (1987) -TV movie
Mansfield Park (1983) – TV mini-series
Sense and Sensibility (1981) – TV movie
Jane Austen in Manhattan (1980) – Film
“Pride and Prejudice” (1980) – TV mini-series
“Emma” (1972) – TV mini-series novel
“Novela” – “Persuasión” (1972) -TV series episode
Sense and Sensibility (1971) – TV movie
“Persuasion” (1971) -TV mini-series
“Novela” – “La abadía de Northanger” (1968) -TV series episode
“Pride and Prejudice (1967) – TV series
“Novela” – “Emma” (1967) – TV series episode
“Novela” – “Orgullo y prejuicio” (1966) -TV series episode
“Vier dochters Bennet, De” (1961) – TV mini-series based on Pride and Prejudice
Emma (1960) – TV movie
“Camera Three” (1960) – TV series based on Emma
“Persuasion” (1960) – TV mini-series
“Pride and Prejudice” (1958) – TV series
Pride and Prejudice (1958) – TV film
“General Motors Presents: Pride and Prejudice” (1958) – TV series episode
“Orgoglio e pregiudizio” (1957) – TV mini-series
“Matinee Theater: Pride and Prejudice” (1956) _ TV series episode
“Kraft Television Theatre: Emma” (1954) – TV series episode
“Pride and Prejudice” (1952) – TV mini-series
“The Philco Television Playhouse: Sense and Sensibility” (1950) – TV series episode
“The Philco Television Playhouse: Pride and Prejudice” (1949) – TV series episode
Emma (1948) -TV film
Pride and Prejudice (1940) – Film
Pride and Prejudice (1938) -TV

Jane Austen’s novels have never been out of print. It would seem that we might say the same thing of cinematic adaptations.

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Birth Order – Part II

Posted on September 22, 2010 by Regina Jeffers

My research continued, and I found some interesting trends.
Characteristics of Last Born or the Youngest Child:
These kids, according to a Time magazine article dated Oct. 29, 2007, are likely to be more adventurous and to participate in high-risk sporting events. They may take a turn towards comedy or satire in their professional lives, but those tendencies remain throughout their personal lives also. They get along better with others, especially when compared to the first born child.
The Middle Child’s Characteristics:
Because they are at one time the last born (before the youngest appears), the middle child’s personality changes. They end up being the peacemaker between the “bossy” first born and the “spoiled” last born in the family. They have a tendency to not want to make a decision (needing to please everyone). They are likely less connected to the family unit, being more independent than the others. Also, middle children take longer to choose an occupation, often going completely away from the one chosen by the first born. For example, if the first born chooses a white collar position (doctor, lawyer, etc.), the middle child will look to something not requiring as much education, but still requiring a specialization (firefighter, etc.)
The First Born’s Characteristics:
On an average, the first born is likely to be smarter than the other children. Most experts think it is because with the additional children, parents have less time to interact. Plus, the first born helps the younger siblings with homework, etc., and that reinforces his knowledge base. This is a hard characteristic to prove because family size may have as much to do with intelligence as does birth order. However, the first born is usually very motivated to succeed, and a college education is likely his way of doing so. Because of this, first borns usually earn more money than do his younger siblings. Look at high paying jobs, and one will find a predominance of first born children. They get a great deal of attention from parents and are often considered the “favorite” among the family unit. Think of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and one will understand this concept.

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