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

Preview of Coming Attractions: “Leap of Hope”

Christmas and New Years are coming fast, so I want to begin by wishing you all wonderful celebrations with your friends and families, enjoying whatever holiday traditions are meaningful to you. After some of the same, I intend to get right back to work toward launching not one but two new novels at once in …

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Changing House

We’re thinking of Netherfield in November, and today I have for you a “missing scene” derived from the last chapter of Pride and Prejudice.  In that epilogue-style chapter (which was my guide and jumping-off point when I wrote The Darcys of Pemberley), Jane Austen tells us quite a bit about what lies ahead for the …

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How to Tour Bath in 90 Minutes or Less

This month’s theme is Jane Austen locations, particularly Bath, which immediately brought this story to mind. My husband works for Boeing and he occasionally travels with his job, jetting off to exotic vacation destinations like Glasgow Montana, Roswell New Mexico, and Fairbanks Alaska in the dead of winter. Needless to say, I’ve never felt the desire …

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Official Launch of “Pride and Prejudice – Behind the Scenes”

In case you’ve missed all the preliminary chatter, I’ll let you in on the worst-kept secret around. Ta-da! The authors of Austen Variations proudly present a new collaboration titled Pride and Prejudice – Behind the Scenes. Here’s the official book blurb: What did Mr. Darcy think when he first saw Elizabeth Bennet? How did Miss Bingley …

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Travels in August: Being Inspired by Venice

Summer and fair weather is time for travels, near and far. Jane Austen’s characters see their fair share of travels, whether to Hunsford, Bath, Highbury, Derbyshire, London, or sailing the high seas. What new expeditions have we authors in store for our favorite characters? Check in often through August to find out. Today, we’re visiting Venice with …

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Jealousy in July: Caroline Foiled Again

Is Caroline Bingley green with envy as she notices Mr. Darcy’s attentions to Elizabeth Bennet? Does Emma Woodhouse wish unspeakable horrors on Harriet Smith because of Harriet’s crush on Mr. Knightley? After Willoughby, does Marianne covet Elinor’s more sensible behaviour? We could go on for ages, but it’s only for this month so don’t miss …

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Austen at the Seaside: Jane Visits Sidmouth

Summer is here! Time for days at the beach with lots of sun, sand, and romance. That’s our theme in June, so grab your sunblock and join your favourite Austen characters in their adventures at the sea. The Austen family, during their years in Bath, spent summer holidays at seaside locations. This exclusive excerpt from …

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Movies in May: Becoming a Fan of “Becoming Jane”

Do you love films based on Jane Austen’s work or life? Well, then you’ll love our theme this month. Grab your popcorn and a soda! It’s time for Movies in May! Today: how Shannon Winslow, almost against her will, learned to love the loosely biographical film Becoming Jane.        I love movies and …

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All Things Austen — Dear Aunt Jane

Welcome again to All Things Austen in April! Today Shannon Winslow shares a few thoughts about Austen, the doting aunt, as illustrated by her famous “Backwards Letter.” Jane may not have had any offspring of her own, but that didn’t mean she suffered from a lack of children in her life. Not at all! Thanks …

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March Madness – Supreme Council of Baddies

We trust you’re enjoying March Madness, where we’ve been combining characters from Jane Austen’s books in ways you may not have expected or even imagined. What fun it has been! Today, Shannon Winslow brings you the final episode (for now, at least), collecting all JA’s villains in one place at the same time. What could …

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