Origin of picnics The concept of a picnic has been existence for a very long time. (Of course, one could argue that eating outdoors was the very first way to eat, but let’s not go back quite that far.) Food historians suggest that the modern concept of the picnic evolved from traditional moveable outdoor feasts. …
Category: Maria Grace
A Picnic excerpt from The Vicar’s Daughter
Darcy asks his sister to plan a picnic, but she isn’t sure she is up to the task. The next day, Elizabeth sat at her dressing table, unplaiting her hair. So many things to do this morning, best get to them quickly. She picked up her brush; it had been Mama’s—one of the few …
Chelsea Buns
I always love getting to ‘dress the set’ as it were of my books with bits and bobs from the era. Food is often one of those bits; the sights and smells and tastes of a place are so evocative, aren’t they? So I often find myself in a deep dive looking for what my …
Persuasion, Behind the Scenes – A Release Day Celebration
It’s finally here! I know many of you have been waiting for a long time for us to publish this anthology and we’re so thrilled to have it available for you to buy. Persuasion is one of Jane Austen’s most beloved works. I’m sure all of us have scenes we wish she’d written and those …
Deplorable Dates and the preorder of Inspiration
I am delighted to announce, Inspiration is ready for pre-order. I didn’t exactly plan to write this one, but I’m glad I did! I’ll tell you more about that later, so for now I’ll leave you with this: His muse desires her; she detests him. How will his soul survive? Gentleman artist Fitzwilliam Darcy …
Jane In January: Inspiration pt 4
Perhaps, just perhaps Darcy has been mistaken Thanks to all of your wonderful support and comments, my muse decided to run with this idea and it blossomed into a novella. Official release date is 2/26. I’ll have the preorder up soon! Part 4 Bingley had business in London just after the ball, so he left …
Jane In January: Inspiration pt 2
A muse’s favor comes, but at what price? Congratulations to Megan and Linda A, winners of my giveaway. The giveaway is now closed. Part 2 Nearly a month passed with Darcy scarcely leaving his guest chambers at Netherfield. Canvasses, finished, partially finished, and barely started littered every available space. His sketchbook lay open on the …
Jane in January: Inspiration, pt 1
Inspiration is a peculiar thing. Personally I find it flighty, fleeting, hard to catch, and harder to predict. It would be lovely to say I do this or go here or listen to that for inspiration. That would make my life so much easier. But, alas, my muse who takes the avatar of a humming …
Advent Day 14~A Chance Meeting finis
As a special treat for Austen Variation readers at Advent, I present the final part of what is now published as “A Most Affectionate Mother.” Part 15 The next morning proved clear and bright and all things such a wonderful morning ought to be. Mary sat beside him on the seat of his modest gig. …
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