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

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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An Exercise in “Persuasion” – Shannon Winslow’s WIP

Hello everyone! I’m delighted to be doing my first post here and Austen Variation, and also for how supportive the whole JAFF community has been of our new site. A big thank-you to our readers and also to Susan, Abigail, and Grace for so ably getting the ball rolling! After writing two satisfying P&P sequels (The Darcys of Pemberley, …

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