Shannon Winslow claims she was minding her own business – raising two sons and pursuing a very sensible career – when an ordinary trip to Costco about fifteen years ago changed her life. That was the day a copy of the ’95 film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice fairly leapt off the shelf and into her oversized shopping cart. After watching the mini-series, Shannon was hopelessly hooked on the story, Colin Firth’s Darcy, and all things Jane Austen. One may guess what followed – compulsive reading, late-night trips to the library and video store, secret rendezvous with Mr. Darcy and Mr. Knightley. Finally, only one thing remained. Her dedication (or obsession, as it could more rightly be described) ultimately inspired her to begin writing her own stories a la Austen. Here's what Shannon says about her unique approach to writing JAFF: "Since I’m just sappy enough to believe there’s only one true story for the characters I’ve grown to love (and Jane Austen wrote it), I amuse myself with adding onto rather than varying from canon - expanding on what Jane Austen gave us and filling in the blanks in the record with prequel, sequel, and supplemental views. What was Mr. Darcy doing all the time he’s absent from the page? What happened to Colonel Brandon in India? And how did our favorite couples fare after the wedding? Inquiring minds want to know, and I’m happy to deliver the answers!"

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Author's posts

P&P The Untold Stories: Caroline’s Wedding Reflections

Double wedding or double disaster? November 18th, 1812 “How thrilling!” a woman in the pew behind said in hushed excitement. “A double wedding!” Caroline Bingley rolled her eyes heavenward and leant closer to her sister. “Double disaster, more like,” she whispered. Although she had no choice but to attend this farce, she did not have …

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P&P The Untold Stories: Elizabeth Reflects on Questionable Marital Advice

Whose advice will she take? November 12th, 1812 I know that many brides go to the altar in complete ignorance – and consequently in great trepidation – of what will follow afterward. Neither Jane nor I shall suffer such an unfortunate fate, however. No, with our double wedding only a few days off, I expect …

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Presenting: “It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy”

I’m thrilled to present to you It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy! As some of you know, I actually wrote it quite a while ago but have holding it back until we were a little closer to Christmas, since this new P&P story is told in a Christmas framework. Now it’s finally time to share …

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P&P The Untold Stories: Mr. Bennet Hears from Mr. Collins

What entertaining absurdities does Mr. Collins’s letter contain? October 4, 1812 Mr. Bennet reposed in his library after breakfast, his feet propped up on a stool and a highly enjoyable book before his nose. With the most troublesome of his daughters permanently gone from the house and the most angelic one advantageously engaged, he had …

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P&P The Untold Stories: Lydia’s Letter to Harriet

What does Lydia have to say about married life? September 3, 1812 My Dearest Harriet, What adventures I have had since I saw you! I write to you now from Longbourn, where Wickham and I have just come to visit after our wedding in London. Yes, London! Are you not surprised? Or perhaps you have …

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P&P The Untold Stories: The Gardiners Reflect on Meeting Darcy

What impressed them most – Pemberley or its proprietor? August 6, 1812 “What a day we have had!” exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner to her husband when they climbed into their bed at the inn that night. She had barely been able to contain herself until they were alone, until they could discuss the events of the …

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P&P The Untold Stories: Midnight Express

What did that alarming letter from Colonel Forster say? August 2, 1812 The Bennet household had just settled down for the night after a day of industrious occupation. Mrs. Bennet had been to Meryton and argued not only with the butcher about her bill, but also with various ones of her neighbors who seemed to …

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Why I No Longer Mourn Jane Austen’s Untimely Death

Tomorrow is a dark date on the calendar. It’s the 207th anniversary of Jane Austen’s premature death – tragic, really, when you consider how young she was, all the years of promise she didn’t get a chance to live out, and the stories she never had time to write. So sad! But I have good …

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Anne DeBourgh Crashes Georgiana’s Birthday Ball

This is a short story I wrote several years ago, when I was working on The Ladies of Rosings Park, but I don’t think I ever shared it here. It came about this way: When I mentioned on Facebook that I was writing the scene where Anne de Bourgh crashes Georgiana Darcy’s 18th birthday ball, …

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P&P The Untold Stories: Elizabeth Remembers

Going to Derbyshire? How can she without thinking of Mr. Darcy? May 20th, 1812 Derbyshire. That one word brought it all flooding back to my mind, all that I had so studiously endeavored to put from it. My heart had been set on seeing The Lakes, but my aunt’s letter two weeks ago not only put an …

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