Several years back, at the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in Chicago, a group of us decided we’d each research and serve a popular Regency drink as part of a workshop we presented called “Jane Austen Happy Hour.” What fun to get to learn about (and taste test) so many delicious drinks. My beverage of choice was …
There are few moments in a new relationship so memorable as that first kiss. *sigh* When I think of the stories I enjoyed reading most, the romantic films I loved best, or the dates from my own past that still make me grin like a teenager, it’s those first kiss scenes that often spring to …
The idea of pairing a classic literary figure or character with a compelling paranormal situation has been a popular narrative technique, as well as a delightful amusement (!!), for many contemporary writers. In my case, I was really taken with the fantasy of having Jane Austen herself as an advice-giving ghost in the mind of …
Today I am excited to announce the release of my novel, A Peculiar Engagement! And there is a giveaway! Many of you may recall about a year and a half ago I began posting chapters of it as I was writing Mr. Darcy’s Rival. It was the ‘book in a book’ that Miss Anne de Bourgh had …
It’s a while since I’ve posted here at Austen Variations, and it’s lovely to be back! What’s more, I’m bringing a guest with me: my friend and writing partner, Ada Bright. We’ve just spent a fantastic year co-writing a contemporary mystery-cum-romance set against the backdrop of the beautiful city of Bath during the annual Jane …
UPDATE: Congrats to June and Patty on being the winners of GOING FOR IT!! Please message me (MarilynBrant@gmail.com) with the best email address to send your PDF copy of the story. And many thanks to everyone who took the time to comment!! 😀 _____ Do you love films based on Jane Austen’s work or life, …
To commemorate our second anniversary, we invite you, our loyal readers and friends, to join us this month at Austen Variations. We have grand plans! For February, we intend to share the endearing moments of Jane Austen’s beloved characters as they celebrate their own anniversaries. Jane Austen Variations is two years old and …
It was Beatrice Nearey, an Edmontonian Janeite, who gave me an auspicious kick start as a Jane Austen Playwright. I had written Austenesque stories for years, but it never occurred to me to try my hand at plays, until Beatrice and her friend Dolores Kohler cleverly adapted a story of mine, “The Courtship of Mrs. …
In 1798, a little more than a week after her twenty-third birthday, Jane Austen wrote to her sister Cassandra what might certainly be called a Christmas letter, as it was begun at Steventon on the Monday night of Christmas Eve. She opens with news of hopes for a promotion for her brother Frank, then a young Navy …
Did you know what this Saturday, September 19 is? Arrrh! I know ’tis a few days early, but this’ll give ye a few days to practice some! In honor of dat upcomin’ day, an’ in celebration of me novel, Pirates and Prejudice bein’ made into an audio book, I am offerin’ 5 promotional codes ‘ere dat can …
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