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!"

Most commented posts

  1. Happy Anniversary Austen Variations! — 72 comments
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  3. Persuasion 200: Beginning with an Ending — 67 comments
  4. “The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen” Debuts! — 60 comments
  5. Pleasure in a Good Novel, with Reader’s Poll — 58 comments

Author's posts

Persuasion 200: Wentworth Becomes a Frequent Visitor to Uppercross

After their initial meeting, Anne hears from her sister that the captain has slighted her, and yet she must steel herself for seeing him again and again: From this time Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot were repeatedly in the same circle… Whether former feelings were to be renewed, must be brought to the proof. (Persuasion, …

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Persuasion 200: Captain Wentworth Hears News of Kellynch

We are told in chapter 3 of Persuasion how the Crofts learned Kellynch was for let, but we are not told how Captain Wentworth heard they had taken it. Presumably, it would have been in a letter from his sister, and would have come as quite a shock. It arrived in the morning post – …

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“The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen” Debuts!

Drum roll, please! I’m thrilled to announce that at long last my new novel, The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen, is finally finished, officially launched out into the world, and immediately available! It’s by far the most complex book I’ve written so far – weaving back and forth in time and between two interconnected stories. It …

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Cover Reveal: The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen

Coming soon from Shannon Winslow: For every fan who has wished Jane Austen herself might have enjoyed the romance and happy ending she so carefully crafted for all of her heroines… What if the tale Jane Austen told in her last, most poignant novel was actually inspired by momentous events in her own life? Did …

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Persuasion 200: Anne Tells Lady Russell of Charles Musgrove’s Proposal

Anne listened to Lady Russell’s counsel three years ago, turning down Captain Wentworth’s offer of marriage. Now a second man has proposed. What will Lady Russell’s advice to her be this time, and will Anne take it? (referenced in chapter 4 of Persuasion) “Charles Musgrove proposed?” asked Lady Russell eagerly, leaning forward now with heightened …

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Persuasion 200: Anne Breaks off the Engagement

You knew it was coming, and yet perhaps you hoped there was a way it could be avoided. It would be tempting to rewrite history in order to spare our hero and heroine the pain that lies ahead. But, since we all promised to abide by the facts of Jane Austen’s story… Anne did not abandon …

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Persuasion 200: The Initial Proposal

  For whatever reason, Jane Austen tells us very little of the initial courtship of Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth. We’re told even less about the actual proposal. She only says in chapter four, “It would be difficult to say which had seen the highest perfection in the other, or which had been the happiest; …

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Persuasion 200: Beginning with an Ending

I adore Persuasion and have had my head firmly residing in that world for the past year, thanks to my current work-in-progress. So I’m delighted to be kicking off this Persuasion 200 Project with the initial installment of several planned prequel posts. These will be based on events referred to in the book but which actually take …

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Having a Ball at the JASNA AGM by Shannon Winslow

  “It was great! I’m so glad I went!” That was my reaction to my first Jane Austen convention – the Jane Austen Society of North America’s Annual General Meeting, held in Minneapolis last September. It’s now almost six months past, and I’m still living in the afterglow. So I thought I’d share some of my experiences, and perhaps it will inspire you to reserve your …

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Elizabeth Reflects on Questionable Marital Advice by Shannon Winslow

Lydia leans forward, showing cleavage

November 12, 1812 (In her own words) 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 we …

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