Austen Variations is Here!

Pardon our construction dust! A week ago, this website was just an idea in the minds of three writers. We pictured a small experimental blog where we could talk with our readers about our writing and readers could get a look at our writing process. It was just going to be a few of us, in addition to our blogging elsewhere. Then that handsome Theo Darcy dropped by and mentioned he was looking for new accommodations. Well, what’s a writer to do? Suddenly our tiny experimental blog had to open right away – and it wasn’t going to be tiny at all.  My head is still spinning! Theo, the things we do for you!!

Theo Darcy

Mr Theophilus Darcy

So what is Austen Variations? Well, a week ago I could have told you it was going to be all about writing and storytelling with a focus on our works-in-progress, and that we hoped to have the opportunity to connect and interact with readers about elements of our new stories, including plotlines, titles, characters, and writing dilemmas. With our expansion to include The Darcy Brothers and later Persuasion200, we’ve added a lot of authors, and we’re going to need to rethink that mission. We’re discussing what other features should be incorporated here, but we don’t have any answers for you yet. This site is now a work in progress in its own right, but you’ll see excerpts from WIPs, open forums and polls, dialogue between writers and between writers and readers, guest posts from invited readers, bloggers and reviewers, and probably other things we haven’t thought of yet. And let’s not forget Theo Darcy! Our primary focus will be on Austen-related fiction, but our writers will also talk about their writing in other genres.

Snowdrop

Why the increased focus on writing? I can tell you why I’m personally interested in that. Of all the posts I’ve made over the years, three things were by far the most popular and most commented on: excerpts from my work in progress, group writing projects like The Darcy Brothers, and the post about my amazing kitten Snowdrop. Well, we all know about the internet and cats, but the excerpts and group writing projects were also the posts helped me, inspiring me to write more and helping me past stumbling blocks in my writing. The reader comments and suggestions got my creative juices flowing. My experience with The Darcy Brothers reinforced this. The six of us writing it talk all the time about the plot, where to go next, how to play the characters against each other – and reader suggestions in the comments and in the polls have been a big part of that. It’s been stimulating, fun, and has led to a better plot line than I could have done on my own. I want more interaction like that.

Who is involved? Some really great writers! Diana Birchall, Marilyn Brant, Jack Caldwell, Monica Fairview, Maria Grace, Cassandra Grafton, Regina Jeffers, Kara Louise, Susan Mason-Milks, C. Allyn Pierson, Jane Odiwe, Sally Smith O’Rourke, Abigail Reynolds, Colette Saucier, Mary Lydon Simonsen, and, of course, Theo Darcy. You can expect a few more names to be added to this list in the next few days.

Can I do anything to help? Yes! We need to hear from you. What you’d like to see, what you don’t want to see, what you like or dislike about what we’re trying. If you find a problem with the site, please let us know. We haven’t had a chance to test drive it as much as we’d like. Or to sleep as much as we’d like, for that matter. 😉

What will the schedule be? Will you post every day? We put up a website in 4 days, and you want us to have plans, too? For the next two weeks there will be posts every weekday for our grand opening, but eventually we plan to go to posting 3 days a week. Again, this is all subject to change as we get a better idea of what works and doesn’t work. New chapters of The Darcy Brothers will remain on Wednesday. There may also be a day for reader discussion of particular topics. As you’re waiting for new posts, you can catch up on reading old chapters of The Darcy Brothers or download one of our free stories.

AuVar-adminsWhose runs this site? Maria Grace, Susan Mason-Milks and I are running it as a team, with lots of help from all the participants who have been stepping up to bat. I’d like to clarify that it’s not my site. Anyone who knows me can tell you organizing is not one of my talents, so Susan and Grace wisely assigned me to do the talking, because I’m good at that. But while you may hear me talk more than the others, they’re the ones doing the bulk of the organizing, putting the site together, and strategizing about what the heck we’re doing. They’re the newsmakers. I’m just the newscaster. Hey, is that a deal or what? They do all the work, I get all the fun. But they are making me share Theo with them.

Are you accepting other writers? Not yet. Give us some time to figure out what we’re doing, and then we can talk.

Tell me about the giveaways! Oh, boy, can I tell you about giveaways! This week we’ll be giving away five e-book copies of Pride & Prejudice: The Scenes Jane Austen Never Wrote every day Monday – Friday. Yes, that’s 5 copies a day! Other prizes this week include autographed copies of Mr. Darcy’s Proposal by Susan Mason-Milks, 3 books by Jane Odiwe (Project Darcy, Searching for Captain Wentworth, and Mr. Darcy’s Secret), and 2 four-book sets of the Given Good Principles Series by Maria Grace, including Darcy’s Decision, The Future Mrs. Darcy, All the Appearance of Goodness, and Twelfth Night at Longbourn. Not enough? How about we add 2 sets of Jane Austen Said It Best magnets, 2 ebook boxed sets of the Given Good Principles series, and 2 audiobooks from yours truly, Mr. Darcy’s Noble Connections and The Darcys of Derbyshire. Still not enough? Okay, we’ll throw in a Jane Austen wristwatch, plus special giveaways on Wednesday of a Theo Darcy mug and tote bag, and on Thursday there’ll be another giveaway for the launch of Mary Lydon Simonsen’s new book, Another Place in Time. And if that still isn’t enough, well, you’re going to have to come back next week for even more fabulous giveaways. And even if you don’t win, you can borrow Theo Darcy any time, and that’s a pretty good deal.

2014-01-24_16-52-29_269Wait a minute! What about Snowdrop?  Snowdrop? Oh, she likes Theo Darcy, too! She’s still doing well, though she’s mystified why the other three kittens had to go to the vet overnight and now are complaining about their incisions. Snowdrop can’t be spayed because she can’t be anesthetized, so my next learning experience is going to be about cats in heat. Say, cats must have been going into heat all the time in the Regency. I wonder if I can work that into a book somehow?

152 comments

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    • Carol Hoyt on January 27, 2014 at 12:17 am
    • Reply

    I am so impressed with you 3 extraordinary ladies .

    I can be patient while y’all find your footing.

    Just know that you have friends and fans supporting y’all in this new venture. Plus, y’all got great swag!

    1. Thank you, Carol. We couldn’t possibly have done this without the wonderful support we’ve received from readers!

      1. Always happy to support the writers of the stories we love! and pleased you’re venturing out in new directions – keeps it fresh for both writers and readers [& bloggers!]

        Enjoy the journey… we’re walking together.

    • Sophia Rose on January 27, 2014 at 12:27 am
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    You guys make my head spin in a good way. I look forward to what this ‘bend in the road’ has to offer for everyone. I just love being in touch with folk who adore Jane Austen and like to write about her characters. Its all so exciting. Congrats on your new endeavor!

    1. Carol, Sophia, and everyone who stops by~
      THANK YOU!! You’re all so supportive and encouraging. Our appreciation is beyond words!!
      Wonderful to have you all here :).

  1. This start is testament to the talents you ladies possess — not to mention determination, savvy, commitment… and class. I’d never have guessed (if you hadn’t said) that this all came together in only four days ( so perhaps I should also mention you all must have the ability to run full out on no sleep!) It looks great! (Love the color scheme and overall feel of it.) I’ve already ‘followed’ the site and look forward to what awaits us all.

    Best of fortune to you all at Austen Variations !

    1. Sleep? I think that’s something I used to do. We borrowed the color scheme from Theo Darcy’s blog since we knew he liked those colors.;)

    • eviejoanne on January 27, 2014 at 1:33 am
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    Cats in heat! That almost sounds like a Jack Caldwell farce! I am delighted with your move and read your 14 chapters of The Darcy Brothers yesterday. Wednesday can’t come soon enough. Be assured, I will be a regular visitor here!

    1. Thanks for the MR. DARCY CAME TO DINNER shout out. And for those of you looking for MR. DARCY’S P&P POV, its new home is here.

        • Carol hoyt on January 27, 2014 at 10:23 am
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        So glad to hear that jack ! Darcy’s POV is a major favorite!!

      1. Yeah! I’m thrilled to hear it!

        • Cindy on January 27, 2014 at 10:34 am
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        Excellent! I can’t wait to continue reading it!

        • eviejoanne on January 27, 2014 at 9:51 pm
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        I thought you’d like that! Will you be leaving your Floridian haven anytime this spring or summer for any book festivals?

    2. Wow, evie, 14 chapters in a row! I would guess you must have enjoyed them. Don’t forget to read the extras with the Darcy Brothers as children.

    • Lou on January 27, 2014 at 5:35 am
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    So delighted that Austen Variations and all it’s authors is up and running! Thank you!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 10:59 am
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      Thanks for stopping by today!

    • Kari S on January 27, 2014 at 5:50 am
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    I just want all of you lovely authors to know how appreciative I am of all of you. I can’t even imagine the amount of work all of you do to keep these sites active. I’m sure it is helpful for you all, but it is wonderful for us, your readers, who learn and are entertained by all of you. I am grateful that you all have not given up on the web/blog site concept, and have just relocated. I look forward to more insight and fun! Thank you, authors!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:00 am
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      It’s comments like yours that make all the effort worthwhile. Thanks!

  2. Happy Launch Day! Congrats, ladies, setting up all this at such short notice is AMAZING, and thanks for keeping Theo going, we’d be lost without him 🙂


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:02 am
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      Thanks for stopping by. We did it for Theo!

    • Ann Isom on January 27, 2014 at 6:58 am
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    Happy Launch Day! Have really been enjoying the Darcy Brothers! Theo is the best character to come along in while! Would love to see him have to deal with Caroline Bingley! All the best to you!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:34 am
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      Ooh! What a fun idea to see Theo matching wits with Caroline!

  3. Thank you so much for your enormous exertion. You are great!!!! My admiration and support in your wonderful work.


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:35 am
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      Welcome to Austen Variations! Thanks for stopping by and supporting us. We’ve very excited.

    • Stephanie Carrico on January 27, 2014 at 7:13 am
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    Congratulations, ladies….wow in 4 days you have done wonders….so excited for the new site…slight panic attack when read the other was closing…


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:38 am
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      Hope that unlike Mrs. Bennet you didn’t have too many “flutterings” and “spasms” over all this. Welcome!

    • Deborah on January 27, 2014 at 7:21 am
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    For only 4 days of work on the site and a sudden remake-I’m impressed! can’t wait tto see what’s up next. you ladies are amazing—

    1. Thanks! We love having a place to chat with our readers.

  4. *Throws confetti* Yay! Happy launch day! Oh, I am very much looking forward to what you all have in store. Next to Theo, I’m most excited about you guys talking about your writing, plotting, and problems. I am always looking to learn more about what writers go through during the writing process and how they plot. I think that is one way to get better as a story editor and better help my clients. Thanks!
    I also like that you will only be posting 3 days a week. This way, I will not miss out on as many posts. There are so many blogs and so little time. 🙂
    Best of luck to you all in this new endeavor! 🙂


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:39 am
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      I’m so in love with Theo, too. Thanks for stopping by, Jakki.

    2. Jakki,
      I’m psyched to get to talk about writing, too! It’s really fun to discuss stories with everyone in this community — so much enthusiasm and so many fabulous ideas! 🙂

  5. Congratulations and Happy Launch Day, you guys! The site looks beautiful and it’s wonderful to see you ladies (and Jack) already have it filled with lots of goodies…including Theo! Good luck and happy writing to all – this will be a wonderful venture for you and your readers!

    PS: I have a sneaking feeling you’ll be a lot busier here than you think, Abigail! 😉


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:41 am
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      Hello, Susan. Hope your still having that burst of creativity! Looking forward to future books from you.

    2. Thanks for your support, Susan! I appreciate you stopping by. But busier than this? *faints*

      1. I’m happy to give it, ladies. Enjoy your pretty new blog – I know your readers will! 🙂

    • Wendy Roberts on January 27, 2014 at 9:15 am
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    Sounds like this will be a fun venture! Congrats!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:41 am
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      Thank you and welcome!

    • Ruth A. Meacham on January 27, 2014 at 9:24 am
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    This fortuitous unfolding of events reminds me of The Reverend Mother’s comment to Maria in the Sound of Music which went something like -when a door is closed, the lord opens a window. I’m sure Jane had a more fitting expression.


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:42 am
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      I’m sure Jane did but I can’t think of it off hand. My brain’s too full! Thanks for the positive thoughts.

    • Karen Holt on January 27, 2014 at 9:30 am
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    Congratulations ladies! So excited to follow Austen Variations:-) What fun! So many of my favorite authors in one place…what a dream, plus give-aways!! You can’t beat that…


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:43 am
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      The giveaways are amazing and we hope to amaze everyone with more writing projects like P&P200 and The Darcy Brothers.

    • Lynn S on January 27, 2014 at 9:59 am
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    You certainly have been busy!! The site is fabulous! Can’t wait to see what’s next.


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:44 am
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      This is a work in progress but we’ve very excited about some new and original directions for the blog.

    • Cindy on January 27, 2014 at 10:36 am
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    Congratulations… and OH THE SWAG! Luckily for me, if I don’t win any, I won’t fret. I bought all those books as soon as they hit the Kindle Store. 😉 Can’t wait to see what those Darcy Brothers get up to next.


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:45 am
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      Monica traded weeks with me for The Darcy Brothers so she’ll be posting on Wednesday. I’ll be up in two more weeks. I love Theo!

    • Angie Kroll on January 27, 2014 at 10:36 am
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    So excited to see where this all goes – we truly appreciate all that this Austen crew does!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:46 am
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      Thank you, Angie. We’ve got some great ideas for the new site.

    2. Thanks so much, Angie!!
      Lovely to see you here 🙂 .

  6. Congratulations on the launch of Austen Variations! I just subscribed and look forward to reading your future posts!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:46 am
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      Thanks for subscribing!

    • mariam on January 27, 2014 at 11:26 am
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    I must say Brava! Putting a website in 4 days is quite herculian!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:47 am
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      So many people pitched in to help. It’s been amazing.

    • Susan P on January 27, 2014 at 11:33 am
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    I am so excited for this launch. I love that you have created such an open environment for fans to connect with authors and even participate in the creation of such wonderful stories and new characters (I LOVE THEO). Thank you.


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:48 am
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      This is going to be lots of fun. We know fans love new stories so that’s going to be a big part of the site, but we’ll be interacting in other ways, too. Thanks for stopping by.

    • Kay W. on January 27, 2014 at 12:26 pm
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    Congratulations on your new site! It’s beautiful and I’m so looking forward to what’s ahead!

    1. Thanks, Kay! I’m so glad you found us.

  7. I’m so delighted and happy that you all choose to continue your group blog in this new site. And with just 4 days to prepare, beautify and officially launch the website. I’m in awe of your talents, Susan, Maria and Abigail. Congrats and thanks for thinking about your readers. I will be quite bereft if I don’t read a new post from you all since it has become part of my daily routine to learn new things.

    1. We’d be bereft without a way to reach our readers! Thanks for all your support over the years.

    2. Ditto’ing what Abigail said!!
      We appreciate you so much, Lúthien! xo
      🙂

      1. You’re most welcome, Abigail, Marilyn and all the authors of Austen Variations.

        I like that you have made the free e-books downloadable in pdf format because I can now read it from my e-reader without connecting to the Internet. I love The Darcy Brother story with input from reader to decide where the story will head to next. I’m looking forward to Persuasion200 as it is my one of my favourite novels (besides P&P).

    • Jennifer Webb on January 27, 2014 at 1:02 pm
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    Happy new site! I enjoyed the other site and can’t wait for this one. I love that you have free books and works in progress all in one location. I adore the authors and the reader’s choice stories. I have already this as one of my favorites!

    1. We hope to have more new features over time. A new beginning is a great time to stretch our wings, and thanks for the feedback on what you like!

    • Hazel Mills on January 27, 2014 at 1:09 pm
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    As a Brit, this is not a word I use often, but this is awesome! Well done for putting all of this together and thank you for doing it.

    1. Brits don’t say awesome! Good to know. I write British mysteries. 🙂 Always good to see you, Hazel. Thanks for joining us in our launch.

    • Kris Sutterfield on January 27, 2014 at 2:30 pm
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    Happy launch day! And on my 40th birthday!! 🙂 I love the Reader’s Choice every week. I really enjoyed the Bennet Brother and I’m loving the Darcy Brothers. I look forward to it every week. Keep up the great work and THANK YOU for this site.

    1. Happy Birthday, Kris. Thanks for spending your birthday with us. Theo has quite the following!

  8. Thank you so much for the care, for the amazing new stories and for the free books. :).

    1. Thanks, Carolina, for joining us at the launch of the new site. Always good to hear from you.

  9. Awww Snowdrop 😀

    And yay for Theo

    1. I can’t tell you how many people care about Snowdrop!

    2. I think Snowdrop has a bigger cheering section than any of us! Then again, she’s performing miracles, and we’re just writing books. 😉

  10. I was stunned to see the other site closing, and was giddy with excitement when I went to your (Abigail’s) blog this morning and found the link here. You ladies are amazing to have put this together is just a couple days, and a slam bang job of it too! It’s beautiful. Such talented women.

    And so glad Theo found a new home, although he is always welcome to come live with me. 🙂

    1. Thanks, Sheila. Abigail, Susan, and Maria Grace did a terrific job designing and getting the blog up. I’m just a worker bee.

    2. Thanks, Sheila! I’m pretty astonished at what has come together between building the site and the incredible enthusiasm of our readers! I’ll pass your message along to Theo. 😉

    • Micheale Collie on January 27, 2014 at 3:20 pm
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    As a devoted Janeite, I’m so excited about your new site!

    1. There are never too many Janeites!

  11. Happy launch day! 4 days to create a website is just awe inspiring! It is beautiful. I wish you all great success. Have fun!

    Cheers, LA

    1. Laurel Ann,
      Your support means a lot to all of us! Many thanks and best wishes 😉 .

    2. Thank you, Laurel Ann. Our three fearless leaders have been going non-stop!

    • junewilliams7 on January 27, 2014 at 4:56 pm
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    Heh-heh! Did any of you imagine that Theo Darcy was going to be sooooo popular? Handsome lad that he is….

    1. Hi June. Even though P&P was very successful, I think the Theo people are surprised and pleased by how popular he is. People are buying coffee cups from Zazzle with his pic on it. 😉 Always good to hear from you.

    2. We’re astonished by Theo’s popularity, but since we’re all at least half in love with him ourselves, it’s quite understandable. That Darcy magnetism with some humor and mischief, plus a bit of heartbreak from the past… yumm!

    • Patricia Finnegan on January 27, 2014 at 5:26 pm
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    so excited for persuasion 200!!! 🙂

    1. I’m excited as well, Patricia. Persuasion is tied with P&P as my favorites.

    2. Patricia!!!!
      So delighted to see you here! We’re all looking forward to Persuasion200, too!
      *hug*

    • Lauren King on January 27, 2014 at 5:39 pm
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    Congratulations on getting the website launched so quickly. Looking forward to seeing how the website evolves:-)

    1. Thanks, Lauren, for joining us for our launch.

    • Stacie Reeder on January 27, 2014 at 6:02 pm
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    It’s amazing how fast you got this website up and running. Looking forward to what is in store 🙂

    1. Hi Stacie. We have all been busy bees, esp. Abigail, Maria Grace and Susan. Tech wonders.

    • Mary Ellen on January 27, 2014 at 6:05 pm
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    What a happy, cheerful site this promises to be. I can’t wait to see what you will be developing here!

    1. Hi Mary Ellen. Yes, we are a cheerful group! Thanks for stopping by.

    • BeckyC on January 27, 2014 at 6:05 pm
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    So fun to be here from day 1! Looking forward to all your great ideas. Thank you all for your hard work to make this happen!! Congratulations! Looking good!

    1. Thanks, Becky. Our readers motivate us.

    • Megan on January 27, 2014 at 6:11 pm
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    Yea for the new site being up and running! And I don’t mind the construction dust – the creative process can be messy (my craft table in my living room is proof of this). Looking forward to seeing more of Theo’s story unfold and seeing the rest of Darcy’s POV, as well as new books and WIPs from you all. Jack – Companion of his Future Life was great! Couldn’t put it down!! Maria – I loved Twelfth Night at Longbourn! Are we going to see more of this series following Georgiana? (Bits of Bobbin Lace was great – I especially liked seeing Charlotte and Louisa’s stories as well as more insight into Mr. and Mrs. Bennet). Also the new story Wholly Unconnected To Me looks great! Very interested to see what twists and turns are in store for this one! To the other authors look forward to reading your books as well (currently working on finishing the last few Darcy Variations by Abigail that I haven’t read yet). Thank you all for sharing your talents and love of Austen with us the readers!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 6:37 pm
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      So glad you enjoy our stories! We love writing them. Be sure to stop by on Thursday for the launch of Mary Simonsen’s new book, Another Place in Time. It’s great.

    • Ceri on January 27, 2014 at 6:16 pm
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    The new website looks great, I can’t believe you’ve put it together so quickly. All the best for your new venture, and thank you for all the time you put into creating your stories 🙂


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 6:38 pm
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      Thank you for taking the time to stop by and comment! It’s been a whirlwind!

    2. Ceri!!
      Always love getting to see you!
      Thank you SO much! xoxo

    • Sarah Espenscheid on January 27, 2014 at 6:16 pm
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    While it was surprising to see Austen Authors suddenly disband, I am so happy to see that you (the authors) have continued your love for Austen here at Austen Variations. I (and I’m sure all your fans) are very grateful and excited to see this new venture. Congratulations on getting the new website up and running so quickly!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 6:39 pm
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      Glad you found us here. Come back for more chances to win something in the giveaway extravaganza!

    • Nancy Dworak on January 27, 2014 at 6:48 pm
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    Congratulations on new website. I started to read P&P fanfictons several years ago by accident and feel in loved with the new genre. I followed Austen Authors this site kept me inform of new novels. Therefore, I am very happy that you will continue with new website. Thank you.

    1. Nancy,
      Thank YOU for stopping by! So glad we all get to share the mutual love of JA :).

  12. Congratulations on a successful launch. This site is beautiful and reflects the love you have for your readers. Wishing you all the best,

    Laura

    1. Thank you so much, Laura!!
      We all truly appreciate it :).

  13. Congratulations on your new website! It looks great!

    1. Candy,
      *smooch!!*
      Thank you, as always, for everything you do and your supportiveness ;).

    • Cyn209 on January 27, 2014 at 7:33 pm
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    congrats!!!!
    looking forward to continuing the fun over here!!!

    1. Thanks so much, Cyn!!!
      Glad you’re here!

    • Stephanie L on January 27, 2014 at 8:30 pm
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    looks good ladies! I won’t be entering any drawings since I own all the books already…LOL but great giveaways.

    1. Stephanie~
      *waving* 😀
      Thank you for being here and just sharing in the celebration!!

  14. I hope I’m not too late for the launch day party! Fantastic job getting the site up and running in such a short time! I am so eager to see what you all have in store for us and, of course, more Theo. I mean, who wouldn’t want that?

    1. Monica!!!
      Of course you’re not too late! It wouldn’t be a party without you 😉 .
      So glad to see you here!! xo

    2. You could never be late, MonicaP — your comments are always welcome. As for Theo, well, he has no intention of retiring to the wings any time soon. He basks in the admiration of all the lovely ladies who frequent his salon.

    • GraceR on January 27, 2014 at 9:42 pm
    • Reply

    Congratulations on the new site!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:02 pm
      • Reply

      Thank you! We’re thrilled to be here on the new site.

  15. Congratulations on the new site ladies (and Jack!) Can’t wait to see what you all have up your sleeves!


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      • on January 27, 2014 at 11:03 pm
      • Reply

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! This is going to be fun.

    • Kathy on January 27, 2014 at 10:35 pm
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    Whew, like everyone else, I am so glad you’re on a new site, and it does look great. ( I certainly couldn’t believe you would abandon Theo Darcy like that!)

    Your new focus sounds exciting for us, the readers, and I’m looking forward to peeking at your creative processes and reading, reading, reading… Thank you so much!


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    • on January 27, 2014 at 11:04 pm
    • Reply

    Abandon Theo? Never! We love him. He’s a phenomenon! So what kind of a lady do you think will capture his heart?

    1. What kind of lady will capture Theo’s heart?

      Well right now, none hopefully. Needs to grow up some, lock down a secure future, have some adventures first, gain some experience of all kinds – especially needs to experience encounters with ladies (women?) of all kinds and social levels.

      Needs to mature first. When he knows and is comfortable with himself, then he can shop until the thunderbolt strikes.

      Susan, is this the type of conversations you are hoping for on this site? You DID ask an open question… LOL

        • eviejoanne on January 28, 2014 at 12:10 am
        • Reply

        Dave suppose a good natured and down to earth lady were to come Theo’s way. Wouldn’t that perhaps cause him to grow up a bit and settle down. This is of course after he has witnessed the marital bliss of his brother and has seen and been party to the changes that happiness can bring to your life.


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        • on January 28, 2014 at 12:29 am
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        I asked the open question for exactly that reason! You’re right that Theo has a bit of growing up to do before he finds the right lady, but I started thinking about what she would be like. Would it be love at first sight or someone he’s known for a long time?

        1. That is interesting: known or thunderbolt. Possibly the familiar duckling becomes a swan.

          How about a poll for the readers to have input for other characteristics or types?
          Maybe a list of 20ish: Jane, heiress, actress, horsewoman running papa’s estate, Mrs. Annesley, Sir Monty’s sister, governess, widow, bluestocking, ton fortune hunter, Elizabeth-like, etc. (thinking of the ‘type’ of lady – Theo needs to meet them all? Would he choose blindly?)

          Or would the poll be better picking desirable characteristics? Is Theo smart enough to keep up with an Elizabeth? Col Fitz keeps having to point out the obvious to him – right now.

          Wonder if we could each pick four of the list and then publish the results?
          Glad to see the other comments and ideas by eviejoanne and Kathy – the more the better!
          Waaay too early for this to be put into action – just ideas – the AuVaries need a rest! But, maybe in the future…

          • eviejoanne on January 28, 2014 at 9:29 am
          • Reply

          I think the new Anne with spunk would be a logical choice. Maybe she will have some sharp wrods for him that will cause him to suck in that beautiful gut of his. Maybe she has always pinned for him but her drug induced personality coma inhibited her. Maybe he doesn’t discover that he has feeling for the new boisterous Anne until Lady Catherine tricks Darcy into signing something and Theo has to figure out how to save Anne for himself and Darcy for Elizabeth.

          1. The writers have Col Fitz making moon eyes at Anne too – a spirited contest between them? Am wondering if a repressed Anne, now released… will she go a bit wild? Not bad wild, but adventuresome wild? Can Theo keep up? Can Col Fitz keep up?

            It is like we are in the middle of a field with paths wiggly squiggly going every which way. Cool that we get to have a say on which to pick!

      • Kathy on January 28, 2014 at 12:01 am
      • Reply

      Interesting question! I wonder if Theo will have a bit of hero-worship of his brother, and when he sees his brother so happy (when his brother finally gets there!), he’ll initially be looking for a young lady just like Elizabeth. But I’m also guessing when Elizabeth enters the family, she’ll make them loosen up a bit, so another young lady marrying into the family will have to be able to keep up.


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        • on January 28, 2014 at 12:39 am
        • Reply

        When one of my sons married, his brother starting dating a different type of woman as if he saw what he wanted and was seriously looking for someone like his new sister-in-law. Worked out great for him!

        • eviejoanne on January 28, 2014 at 9:37 pm
        • Reply

        Dave we could come up with infinite combinations of events and partners!

      2. I definitely have high hopes for Elizabeth, though she’ll have her work cut out for her!

  17. Love your new site AND very glad to hear about Snowdrop. I’m so thrilled that she is still with you and looking adorable. I’ve had the experience of a cat in heat and she was quite seductive to the gents. (as long as they were on the other side of the glass door!) Have fun. 🙂


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      • on January 28, 2014 at 12:40 am
      • Reply

      Thanks for stopping by. We promise updates on both Theo and Snowdrop!

    2. Thanks, Janet! I’m thrilled Snowdrop is still with us. So precious and such a will to live! Thanks for joining us here!

    • Sabah on January 28, 2014 at 2:12 am
    • Reply

    Congrats on the new site, it’s looking great!

    I hope Theo appreciates all the work you guys have put in to giving him such a lovely new home!

    1. Thank you, Sabah. Theo is immensely pleased at all the attention his new home is receiving.

  18. What a huge project! It takes a great team–you can do it!

    1. Thanks, Debbie!!
      Glad you’re here and able to be a part of it, too 😉 .

      1. It’s a real team effort — from everyone. We’ve been thrilled at how many people have pitched in to help spread the word and cheer us on.

    • Gabriela V on January 28, 2014 at 11:25 am
    • Reply

    I just recently discovered this site and am impressed with all the hard work that has been put into this project. I am entirely certain that I will be spending countless hours in this site reading your blogs.

    1. We are so pleased you discovered us, Gabriela.

  19. Congrats! The site looks fantastic, and I’m sure I’ll be back often!

    1. Glad you joined us, Anna.

      1. Thank you for stopping by, Anna. We’re looking forward to your comments.

    • Beth F on January 28, 2014 at 5:23 pm
    • Reply

    I think it amazing you have this site up and running in four days! So glad Theo has a home for his story.

    1. We are happy to continue Theo’s story with all our fans.

    2. Theo is delighted with his new home. He says the move was very timely because he needed extra space for his injured ankle.

    • anne on January 29, 2014 at 4:50 pm
    • Reply

    This new site is wonderful. thanks for the great giveaways and your posts are so beautiful.

    1. Thank you, Anne. You’re very kind. We hope to see a lot of you here.

    • Gabriela V on January 30, 2014 at 7:29 pm
    • Reply

    After coming back here daily for the new site, I must say that Im loving it.

    1. Thanks, Gabriela! I’m thrilled you’re enjoying it so much.

    • Christa on February 1, 2014 at 6:35 am
    • Reply

    You all are outdoing yourselves. I don’t know how you do it! However, I appreciate what you do. Through your books, stories, comments,ideas, you take all of us readers to another place. A place we all love and enjoy to escape to as often as we can. Thank you for continuing to offer more. Bless you all.

  20. Congratulations on starting this site! I was so happy to find it—I only discovered Austen Authors a week before it ended. There’s never enough Austen 🙂 .

    • Talia on February 9, 2014 at 9:26 am
    • Reply

    Maybe Snowdrop could make an appearance in The Darcy Brothers?

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