My Inspiration
Many of us have been writing about where our inspiration comes from, and as I thought about it, I came up with 3 areas where many of my book ideas came from. Those are: 1) reading a scene from Jane Austen’s novel (Pride and Prejudice, for the most part) and asking, ‘what if this happened, instead?’ 2) reading another book and thinking I would have taken it a different way and decide to write it, and 3) finding something rather minor in P&P and following that up.
There are other sources of inspiration I have had in writing my other books, and I’ll mention them below, but I thought I’d give an example of those 3 things from the very first book I wrote, Assumed Engagement. 
I wrote AE book back in 2001. I can’t believe it’s been 18 years! Back then, the stories were posted online, and I had read many where someone had gotten hurt and/or got amnesia. I wondered what would happen if Darcy got hurt after he proposed to Elizabeth and is knocked unconscious. He doesn’t get amnesia, but when I thought about how Darcy often wrote to his sister, I wondered what would have happened if he had written to her, telling her he was going to ask Elizabeth to marry him. Because of the accident, he was not able to tell Georgiana that Elizabeth refused him, so she assumes they are engaged. Of course there is more ‘manipulation’ of the plot to get Elizabeth to Pemberley, some of which is attributed to our dear Mrs. Bennet, but I shall not go into that now.
Below are some of the other sources of inspiration for my books.
Darcy’s Voyage – (originally titled Pemberley’s Promise) was inspired after I had read, “Two Years Before the Mast” by Richard Henry Dana. He was a sailor who kept a diary as he sailed down the eastern coast of the US all the way around to the western coast. It was in the mid-1800s, but I loved the detail of what it was like to be on a ship back then, and decided I wanted to write a story with Darcy and Elizabeth on a ship.
Drive and Determination – this is my one modern story. It is not so much a modernized P&P, but a story inspired by elements in P&P, as there are some major differences in the plot. In this story, Darcy is CEO of a coffee company that gets its coffee from Guatemala, so part of the story takes place down there. I got the idea for this story when I was in Guatemala. We were in a small village with a market street filled with booths selling wares. A storm hit suddenly, and we took shelter in the doorway of a business. We watched as people pulled out plastic bags and sheets, covering themselves and everything else. The street quickly became a river, and as we waited out the storm, the whole story came to me. That scene and others experiences in Guatemala also made it into the book.
Only Mr. Darcy Will Do – (originally titled Something Like Regret) came from an element in P&P – Mrs. Bennet’s greatest fear – that Mr. Bennet would die and Mr. Collins would kick them out of their house. The story begins after Mr. Darcy’s first proposal, and Elizabeth does not go to Derbyshire with her aunt and uncle because of her father’s death. Elizabeth has to become a governess, but fortunately, it is a good family that treats her well. The only difficult thing about her new situation is that the family is well-acquainted with Mr. Darcy, and she is suddenly thrown into his presence.
Pirates and Prejudice – I love pirate movies, and my favorite ride at Disneyland (and World) is Pirates of the Caribbean. Needless to say, I wanted to write a story that somehow incorporated pirates. I toyed with the thought for several years before actually writing it, but I finally did! And did I mention that I love pirate stories?
Those are just some of my inspirations. I hope you enjoyed hearing about them, and the others that have been posted. I’d love to know what kinds of things inspire you!
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I love how you get your inspiration. I remember many scenes from the books you mentioned. Keep on dreaming and having inspirations. I love reading your books and your answers to the ‘what-if’ questions. I have dozens of tabs and Post-It notes on my hardback cover of P&P. They are noting my favorite scenes. Blessings on whatever you are working on and I look forward to your next inspiration story.
Thanks, as always, Jeane! I appreciate your kind words! Looking for more ‘what-ifs’!
I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far of yours, including your JAFF from years ago! No matter how many times I hear of how people get their inspiration, I’m still awed at how they can expand that into an interesting story. Thank you for sharing yours!
Inspiration is an amazing thing, isn’t it? Thanks so much for your kind words!
You are one of my favourite authors and I really love the way you write. Your characters are always just like they ought to be: Not too weak, but not too strong either, still vulnerable.
I hope you will be inspired to write another adventure with Darcy and Elizabeth in the near future, because „Darcy‘s Voyage“ and „Pirates and Prejudice“ are my favourite books of yours.
If I were an author, I think my inspiration would probably come from places I‘ve seen. Music and lyrics are also a source of inspiration for me.
As I am a designer, inspiration comes from seeing magazines etc. designed by others. I often create something new by mixing different elements I‘ve seen before (similar to what you did with the book about the sailor and P&P).
That means so much, Sabrina! Thanks for your thoughts on inspiration – I’m sure you must be inspired by so much!
Sabrina, I should have also said that I’m also inspired by music and its lyrics. I especially love the music from the 40s and 50s and love the old Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr. tunes. Some of those old songs can be so inspiring!
I’m constantly amazed by what inspires you and your wonderful colleagues, Kara. I can’t say that I get inspired to write myself, as I just don’t have the right sort of brain for creative writing (though I do have this plot bunny for a kind of sci-fi/paranormal P&P running around in there somewhere).
I’ve read most of the books you list above, apart from Drive and Determination (I think I have it lurking on my Kindle, in the catacombs!). My favourite so far is Pirates and Prejudice, which I have as an ebook and audiobook. Would live to win an ebook, as I don’t think I have all of your books as yet.
I’m so glad you are enjoying this series! The first time I sat down to write I got 3 pages into the story and thought I couldn’t do it. I had a young son at the time, so fast forward 20 years, and I finally found the inspiration and time to do it! Thanks for your comments, Anji!
Kara, I am so appreciative of your books as it was discovering “Only Mr Darcy Will Do” that introduced me to P&P variations and JAFF fanfic. (Which was a few months after I eagerly completed Pride and Prejudice). I love the books you have mentioned although, I have yet to read Drive and Determination. I think your books have just the right balance of romance, emotion and logic to make it enjoyable. Although I’m a young reader, your regency adventures still entertain and inspire me. Please continue to do so!
That means so much to me, Syri! I’m delighted you were introduced to P&P variations through OMDWD, and that you enjoy my books. Thanks!
Thank you for your books !
I enjoy them.
Pemberley’s Promise is my favourite.
Please, continue to write 😊!
“Assumed engagement ” seems a lovely story I’d like to read.
Thanks, Isabelle! I’ve learned a lot since writing “Assumed Engagement” and have learned a lot, but I think it’s a fun story!
Since I thoroughly enjoy reading your stories, I have read all of the above books! Please keep writing and finding your inspirations.
Thanks for your kind words, Nancy! I find that writing is much slower now, but hopefully I’ll keep on it as long as I find the inspiration.
Yes. Yes. Your Imagination of writing stories on a ship is very good. I read your book Darcy’s voyage very often. I like it so much. I often wondered how many JAFF stories are published with a little or bigger change in the story or timeline. It’s a neverending interesting source of reading material.
I love to read regency but not so very much contemporary stories. And I’m very happy if I find a new one with new insights and a lot of feelings. I did try timetravel, vampire, pirates, other paranormal inventions and murder stories also. Some are very good, others are not my cup of tea.
Keep writing, please.
Thanks, Simone! I’m so glad you enjoyed Darcy’s Voyage. I did find putting Darcy and Elizabeth on a ship to be quite enjoyable! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your inspirations for the stories. Darcy’s Voyage and Pirates and Prejudice were very interesting to read as they were so totally different variations. Thank you for the giveaway.
You’re very welcome, Eva! I’m glad you enjoyed those books! Good luck in the giveaway!
Thank you for sharing your inspiration. I too love pirate movies and books so I am so glad you were inspired to write Pirates and Prejudice.
Aren’t pirates fun? I know pirates aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but since it was mind, I had to do it. Thanks for your comments!
I have all your stories in paperback (in original titles) and I cannot tell you how many times I have pulled one or another out and reread certain scenes. I especially love in Pemberley’s Promise when Elizabeth goes to Netherfield to nurse Jane and is surprised to find Darcy there (Having a secret relationship from onboard with him). Jane reveals who Elizabeth has called her Mr. Right/Wright to the company there. He is a man she met several years earlier and whose name she never got. Thanks for sharing your inspirational moments here.
Thanks so much, Sheila! I love those scenes, as well! I enjoyed sharing my inspiration here. It was good to think back on it.
Oops…I should say I have all the books mentioned in paperback. I read the last two: Mr. Darcy’s Magpie
and Master Under Good Regulation in Kindle form.
It’s fascinating to read how you authors come up with all these different ideas. I wish I had this talent but at least I get to reap the rewards!
Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I have all your books and live in the UK.
Thanks, Glynis! I’m glad you’re enjoying this! Thanks also for enjoying all our books!
I truy enjoy your writing and look forward to more stories. I find I am most inspired by true goodness and bravery, whether physical or mental. Thank goodness for imagination!
Thanks, Cheryl! And those are wonderful things to be inspired by!
So enjoyable to read your inspirations for some of your books. I’ve read them all except your modern which I would like to read as well. Loved Darcy as a pirate!
Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Thanks, Linny!Glad you enjoyed the post (and my books)!
Congratulations, Linny B! You are the winner of the giveaway! I will be contacting you by email.
Thank you for sharing these inspirations to some by favorite books!
I really like thAt the Pirates of the Caribbean rides ( one of my favs also ) inspired you to write “pirates and Prejudice “(Aldo a favorite).
I’ve not read “drive and determination “, so I’ll look for it!!
Thanks, Carol! I think that ride gives you the feeling of being immersed in the world of pirates! And it’s fun! Thanks for commenting!
I so enjoy your books and was delighted to read all the comments of others who do as well! I am always surprised by your creative story ideas!
Well thank you, Kathy! 🙂 It was a fun post to think about and write!
After reading JAFF for years, I am still gobsmacked by the hundreds of variations that never fail to amaze me. Thanks for sharing, Kara. I have Mr Darcy’s Magpie all set to read on my Kindle. Can’t wait to read another of your delightful books.
Thanks so much, Luisa! I appreciate your kind words. It is amazing to me, as well, how many excellent books continually get written – and I guess we can blame it all on inspiration!
I do enjoy books with love stories (ok to be complicated but not too many characters – I cannot keep up nor remember them). I also enjoy those that incorporate religious and family life. it is quite funny when your read some story about the family and you see your own.
Thank you for sharing your inspirations. Thanks for the chance of the give-away.
I wholeheartedly agree on not too many characters – at least with JA novels, we have the core charactes we kow and love, and hopefully only a few new ones! 🙂 Good luck im the giveaway!
I really enjoyed learning how each of your books was inspired, Kara!! It was…inspirational! 😉
I love Pirates and Prejudice and was just thinking that I need to re-read it soon. And I’ve read Only Mr. Darcy Will Do at least twice, perhaps three times. And Mr. Darcy’s Voyage is a favorite…I don’t recall how many times I’ve read it, but it’s been at least three! 🙂
I haven’t read a couple of your earlier books, so I am crossing my fingers and hoping hard to win an e-book!! Thanks for the kind giveaway, Kara!! And thank you for sharing your inspiration with us!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thanks, Susanne! I am delighted you’ve enjoyed those books and are enjoying hearing about our inspiration. Good luck in the giveaway!
I love reading all these authors’ post on what inspired you to write Austenesque fiction. I think what inspires me is the steadfast love that Darcy had for Elizabeth even though he was rejected. And all the other love stories found in Jane Austen’s novels. I dream I could be one of the heroine and find my soulmate and life partner.
Jane did write some wonderful stories, didn’t she? Thanks for your thoughts!
Hello Kara. This was a fascinating insight into the inspirations that have led to the creation of your wonderful and often very original stories.
I have half a dozen of your books and I have loved each and every one of them. The latest, M Darcy’s Magpie was a truly lovely and gratifyingly romantic read. I am inspired to now go back and reread your other stories that are buried deeply within my Kindle library. I have to say that I love the covers of the books I have purchased as well.
I have the beginnings of a couple of ‘works’ saved on my computer, one of which is around 10,000 words. That one is a very original concept, at least, I have never read another P&P variation like it. Over the years, I have thought up, many different scenarios, and I merrily write until I realise that I really don’t have a plot and therefore everything comes out to a screeching halt!
I could continue to write my ‘love story’, but aside from my original concept, my story would never pass muster because I really cannot think where to expand what I already have to turn it into a proper novel.
And now I realise I have been waffling on and like my story, I haven’t actually gone anywhere with my explanation. You’re a better man than I am Gunga Din, if you can understand anything I have tried to say.
It all boils down to a wish that I could think up scenarios and write like you.
Lesley (from Australia)
Thanks so much, Leslie. Really appreciate your kind words. Sometimes I only start with something and wonder whether I’ll be able to come up with some ‘meat’ for it, and it’s only when I am into it that it does. But not always. Like you, I have some WIPs that I toy around with, but am waiting for that burst of inspiration. Hope you can someday write your story!