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 Set to Music – a “new” adaptation

A few of you may have already seen this on my own website/blog (www.shannonwinslow.com), but I wanted to share this news to a wider audience here because I’m so excited about it! Look what I found when I was snooping around in my county library’s online catalogue! I could hardly believe it – a P&P adaptation I’d never heard …

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Confessions and Correspondence: Darcy’s Unsent Letter

Welcome to our epistolary retelling of Pride & Prejudice! Jane Austen’s original version of the story, First Impression, was told entirely in letters, so it seemed like a great group project! We’ll be posting a new letter every Wednesday.  Bingley and I are safely away from Netherfield to London – away from the presence and …

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Austen Variations 2025 Advent Calendar

Welcome to the 2025 Austen Variations Advent Calendar, where our amazing authors will bring you a new gift every day from now until December 24th. Only 2 weeks left until Christmas. Time to get your cards in the mail! Oh. Wait. Most people don’t do that anymore, do they? But I’m not ready to give …

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Prelude to Pemberley: After the Netherfield Ball

Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on …

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P&P Prelude to Pemberley: News from Netherfield

  Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us …

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Presenting “Captain Wentworth in His Own Words”

This project really began November 14th, 2023, with a “Tuesday Trivia Discussion” on the Austen Variations Facebook page. I asked what you wanted to know about Captain Wentworth, and I took note of your answers! Laura Nichols wanted to read about his adventures in the Navy. Christy Hulsz wanted to know how he met Anne …

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Cover Reveal for “Captain Wentworth in His Own Words”!

I just love the cover design process! It’s where my twin interests in writing and art intersect. Each book presents a new creative challenge as my graphic designer tries to translate the vision in my head into a workable reality. I’ll show you the exciting results in just a moment. But first, a bit of  …

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Prelude to Pemberley: Caroline’s Hopes Rise

Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on …

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P&P Prelude to Pemberley: Darcy’s Scathing Letter to Wickham

Welcome to our Pride & Prejudice prequel! P&P: Prelude to Pemberley tells the story of the time leading up to the events of Pride & Prejudice, including what Darcy and Elizabeth were doing and thinking, Georgiana Darcy’s story, the events of Ramsgate, how Mr. Bingley came to lease Netherfield, and much more! Join us on …

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Who Should Get the Cover?

It’s that time again! My upcoming novel – Captain Wentworth in His Own Words – is basically finished and out to a few trusted beta readers. While I wait for their feedback (and before a final round of edits and proofreading), it’s time to think about the cover. Exciting! I do enjoy this part of …

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