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Why my next book is set in Scotland – excerpt — 13 Comments

  1. !!!!! What on earth is Elizabeth doing there? Who is this aunt? What’s with all the staff? Why does the housekeeper want her to stay away from that path? How on Earth is Darcy going to find her? And most of all – surely she has read his letter and doesn’t hate him that much?
    Is this anywhere near being published yet? If not how can you be so cruel? I do need to sleep occasionally you know and trying to work out these answers is seriously affecting that. 🙂

  2. Scotland’s an a amazing place in my experience, though I’ve never been that far north in winter. It’s bad enough in Yorkshire, when it’s dark by 4:30pm. Scotland would be so much worse! I’m also reminded of a conversation we once had with a worker at a whisky distillery in Wick, in the very far north. It was only a small place and it was just the two of us and the distillery worker on the tour. When he asked where we were from and we said “Yorkshire’, his reply was “Ach, not quite English then!” We thought that was wonderful.

    So, why is Elizabeth being called Miss Merton? Who is the mysterious aunt and Mr. Fitzpatrick? Why doesn’t the housekeeper want her to take that particular path? Does Darcy know where she’s gone and how does he track her down? Oh, you’re tantalising us with so many questions, Abigail!

  3. Absolutely fascinating! I wonder if I might message you privately. I am fairly new to the JAFF world, and am very curious to know how the Matlocks (DEFINITELY not in Jane’s canon) came to exist. My theory is that there is some ancient (like turn of the twentieth century) piece of ur-JAFF in which the Matlock family was first introduced, and I would love to read it. Obviously, everybody who is anybody knows all about it, and this JAFF nobody would like very much to become a somebody. 🙂

    • You’re very welcome to message me privately! The Matlocks are indeed no JA canon. She referred to Col. Fitzwilliam’s father as the Earl of ______. The ur-JAFF (great name!) was the 1995 P&P mini-series, where Andrew Davies’s script called him the Earl of Matlock. Since so much early JAFF was inspired by the mini-series, most people used that in their online stories. When my early stories were traditionally published, before any other P&P variations came out, I changed his name to the Earl of Derby because I was uncomfortable using a character name invented by a living author, and thought it might be legally questionable. I got several reader reviews complaining that (a) this was confusing, and (b) I obviously didn’t know JA well, or I’d know he was the Earl of Matlock. Oops! By that time, other writers were publishing variations using the Matlock name, so I gave up and joined the crowd. Personally, I believe JA meant the Earl of _____ to be the real-life Earl Fitzwilliam, whose seat was Wentworth Woodhouse, and whose character I’ve used as a model in my Fitzwilliam family.

  4. Thank you, Abigail. I actually liked the earlier BBC adaptation, with Elizabeth Garvie and David Rintoul. In that version, Lizzy charmed Darcy by playing and singing “The Ash Grove.e.”

    • I just reread the excerpt, hoping there might be another remembering that somewhere I read this new book was coming out in April. Well it is April! Any more excerpts? I can’t wait.

      • I had the exact same thought as Betsy. I also remembered reading that the new book would be coming out on April and even though I’ve subscribed updates from this site came to double-check whether there’s a comment or an excerpt. Can’t wait for the book!!

  5. Betsy and Satu, you have my profound apologies! I said the book would be out in April believing I’d actually have it ready in February because I’d rather have a book show up early rather than late, but this book has not been cooperating [insert many emojis of frustration, head-banging, throwing-laptop-against-wall, etc]. Fortunately, I had a breakthrough this morning, so I’m no longer on the verge of tearing the entire thing up. 🙂 But I’ll put together a more thorough update on what I’m doing soon. And thank you for reminding me that someone out there actually wants to read the book – it’s a greater inspiration than you can imagine!

    • Well I really do enjoy your books, and have read every one, but since I would not have the imagination to actually write one, I really appreciate the fact that you do! I am a retired physician (so I also appreciate the fact that you chose another path other than practicing, although I did enjoy my little patients). I am presently participating in clinical trials for the benefit of my own health as well as that of other women with breast cancer, so I really appreciate the escape from reality that you and other JAFF writers provide. However I have run out of reasonable JAFF so I have been reading other Regency historical fiction on my Kindle and feeling nostalgic for more of your stories. I am anxiously awaiting your new book and any more you have the energy and imagination to attempt. Thank you for your contributions. I am sure it takes a lot of effort!

  6. I am so looking forward to this new book. I have read every one of your books (I think, title changes threw me for a while…) and I’m so excited for this new one. My daughter has started reading variations too (the appropriate ones) and she loves Darcy’s Enchantment. (Seriously amazing read)
    I think I might speak for a lot of us in saying take your time, we’d rather have a wonderful book than a rushed book. Your books are worth the wait. 🙂

    • Thank you so much, Kristen! Your comment came when I particularly needed some encouragement to finish this and to do it right. It made a big difference. 🙂

      • 😊 oh that’s very kind of you to say. You’re very welcome.
        Now relax, grab a cup of tea with a biscuit or two and find peace in what you know your good at. Because you are a very good writer.

        On a side note, I’d highly recommend Paris tea (by Harney & Sons) as it is a particular favorite and amazing to relax with. It always leaves me feeling calm, smooth and collected and ready to move forward. Good luck and best wishes.

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