Tag Archives: writing

Do You Know The Origin of These Words and Phrases?

Posted on June 16, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

Three Sheets to the Wind – Urban Dictionary defines this phrase to mean “to be explicitly drunk; inebriated.” The origin is likely found in practicality: Sheets actually refer to the ropes that are used to secure a ship’s sail. If the … Continue reading →

Posted in Age of Chaucer, Canterbury tales, etymology, history, Jane Austen, real life tales, tall tales, word origins, word play, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Celebrating the Release of “The Pemberley Ball: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary Novella” with an Excerpt + Giveaway

Posted on April 8, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

 “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

Excerpt from “Mr. Darcy’s Bargain: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary”

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Regina Jeffers

(P.S. I know “ITS” above should be “It’s,” but I liked the idea of the image even though the grammarian screams for correctness.) bar·gain ˈbärɡən/ noun  an agreement between two or more parties as to what each party will do … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, Great Britain, Jane Austen, Living in the Regency, Regency era | Tagged , , , , , | 31 Comments

Writing Craft: Description 101

Posted on June 8, 2015 by Regina Jeffers

Trained as a journalist and a grant writer, over the last seven years, I assumed a quasi-methodical way of addressing description in my fictional writing. As a mode of discourse, description does not come naturally to me. I view my … Continue reading →

Posted in writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Editing 101: Editing Sticklers!

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Editing is one of the least favorite activities for writers, but it is a necessary evil. We all miss items in our writing – no matter how often one revisits the piece. The mind reads what SHOULD be on the … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

From Where Did that Phrase Come?

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Favorite Idioms and Vocabulary from Times Past (In cleaning out some of my school files, I came across these common phrases and their sources. Enjoy!!!) Here are some fascinating tidbits:  People married in June. Most had taken their yearly bath … Continue reading →

Posted in British history, language choices, word play, writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Austen’s Most Infamous “Bad Boy,” George Wickham ~ What Do We Know of Him?

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Regina Jeffers

Austen’s favorite bad boy, Mr. George Wickham, is a fan favorite, as well. I thought we might take a closer look at George Wickham’s importance to the Pride and Prejudice’s plot. For a minor character, with few lines and little … Continue reading →

Posted in excerpt, Great Britain, Jane Austen, writing | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Groan!!! More Editing Tips

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

If the people with whom we communicate understand us when we use “may” instead of “can,” or “convince” instead of “persuade,” or “one another” when we should be using “each other,” does it really matter? Semanticists often accept the changes, … Continue reading →

Posted in editing, Industry News/Publishing, writing | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Male vs. Female Perspective in Writing

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Regina Jeffers

When I write a Pride and Prejudice sequel/adaptation, I do so from Darcy’s point of view, rather than from Elizabeth’s. When I speak of Austen’s Persuasion, I speak of Wentworth’s thoughts. When I am writing of the Realm, I do so as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Industry News/Publishing, writing | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

How a Minor Character Controls the Story’s Action: Jane Austen’s Use of George Wickham

Posted on September 19, 2012 by Regina Jeffers

Yesterday, on Austenesque Extravganza, I interviewed our favorite bad boy, Mr. George Wickham. Actually, I held a celebrity intervention, but as an afterthought to that momentous event, I thought we might take a closer look at George Wickham’s importance to … Continue reading →

Posted in Jane Austen, writing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments