One Lovely Blog

I had the honor recently of being mentioned by Maria Grace in her blog post One Lovely Blog. The idea is to tell your readers seven things about yourself they may not have previously known then nominate fifteen other bloggers to do the same. Can I tell y’all how tickled I was to be nominated by Maria? I have not yet had the privilege of reading the published version of Remember the Past, but I followed while it was being posted and loved every word. I am a sucker for a likable Lady Catherine. Thank you, Maria!

Ok, seven things about me. What do y’all not already know?

1.  I grew up in Arkansas but consider myself a Tennessean. My dear husband and I are currently enjoying our third stint in the state. We began our marriage in the west, began our family in the east and are now good and settled in the middle. We have also lived in Mississippi and North Carolina.

 

2.  I love BBQ. If I had to choose my last meal it would be a pulled pork platter with all the fixins, including a sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce. Do not give me that horrid mustard based stuff I endured for six years in North Carolina. I’ll take Memphis’ best, thank you very much.

 

3.  If I had to pick one author to enjoy with my last meal, it would not be Jane Austen. (Waits for gasps) I would actually choose Tolkien. His work is so full of wisdom and lessons on how to be a good human being. Plus they are just darn good stories.

 

4.  When I was younger I considered my tastes in music quite elevated. Now they are much more akin to those of the seven year old little girl who rides in my backseat. We rock “Let it Go” and “Shake it Off” on a regular basis.

 

5.  I rarely get a chance to go to the movies. When I do, you can bet an X-Man or an Avenger is   involved. I love comics and I love the movies based on them. In my world, Joss Whedon has demi-god status.

 

6.  Speaking of comics, who else loves The Walking Dead? I had to stop reading for a while after they killed my favorite character, but I still love the show.

 

7.  I am currently working on two novel length stories and one short piece for the November/December playground challenge at AHA. I never thought I would say this, but I have totally fallen for Bingley and Lydia. I’ll let you chew on that for a few months.

 

Well, that’s my seven. I am supposed to nominate several blogs for this, but to be honest, there are few that I follow consistently. I believe pretty much all of them have already been mentioned, but here are my favorites in no particular order:

Cat Gardiner Romance Novelist

L.L. Diamond

Dark Jane Austen Book Club

Babblings of a Bookworm

Leatherbound Reviews

My Kids Led me Back to Pride and Prejudice

Austen Promises

Ramblings from this Chick

Fairy Jane Tales

My Love for Jane Austen

My Jane Austen Book Club

 

Delighter Reader

 

So Little Time

 

Heroes and Heartbreakers

 

Ha! When I went through my Twitter account, I realized that I actually do follow quite a few blogs. These are all so lovely and informative. Visit them when you have some time over the holidays. You won’t be sorry.

And the winners are . . .

Well, this is it, the big day! Ahhhhh! Dearest Friends is now available in paperback and Kindle download at Amazon. Two years ago this idea was forming in my mind as I read all the delightful work on the forums. Two years! But, we’re not done, yet. We have winners to announce. My two biggest fans were with me this morning and both were anxious to draw a name, so we have a Grand Prize winner and a runner up. Our Grand Prize winner is:

CAT

 

 

Cat (not to be confused with ODA) will receive a paperback copy of DF, along with a reusable tote bag, handmade reticule (thank you Sheryl), a compact mirror, makeup samples (thank you Paula), and a notebook. Congrats Cat!

 

Our runner up is:

 

Tamara H

 

 

Tamara will receive her choice of a paperback or ebook of Dearest Friends. Congratulations Tamara!

 

Thanks to all of you who commented. I loved hearing all about your BFFs. This has been such a great experience. Tonight I am having a low key celebration with my family. They are my heart and soul and I melt each time one of them says they are proud of me. Yesterday, however, was quite a party. If you missed the Pre-launch Word Games on facebook, here are some highlights:

 

 

 

 

Here is the link if you want to check out the fun. It was a blast! Mastermind Cat Gardiner is simply the best. Speaking of Cat, look what's on my desk:

 

 

 

Vanity and Pride Press has gotten off to a great start. Thanks everyone for all your support!

 

 





Lucky 13 Review

Happy November everybody! I don't know how it feels in your neck of the woods, but here in Tennessee it is cold, cold, cold. I woke up this morning craving peppermint coffee and Christmas music. I gave up flavored coffee creamers in an effort to lower my sugar intake, so no peppermint fix, but I've got the music going. Cat has a great playlist at Spotify. Want to join me?  Lucky 13

Speaking of Cat, she released Luck 13 yesterday! Our resident reviewer, Kari, stopped by to give us her opinion on Cat's debut. Check that out below.

November will be another exciting month for us all at Vanity and Pride Press. Cat is all over the blogosphere these days and her next stop will be at Leslie L Diamond's where she'll answer questions submitted by you. Drop by Leslie's and submit your question for a chance to win an ebook. She will also be here next week for a chat with yours truly. That should be fun!

My contribution to the world of JAFF, Dearest Friends, will be released on November 14th. We will have a big celebration on our VP&P facebook page and I will announce the winner of the prize pack. You can still enter for a chance to win by commenting on The Big Reveal post below. I will also be at Leatherbound Reviews on the 18th with an excerpt and Babblings of a Bookworm on the 24th with a guest post. You will have a chance to win at both places. Before those, though, Cat and I will play a fun word association game on facebook on the 13th. What comes to your mind when you hear Fitzwilliam Darcy?

I hope you are all well and warm, curled up with a good book on this cold Saturday. If you need a recommendation, I'd say Lucky 13 is the perfect pick. Let's see what Kari thinks.

Lucky 13, by Kari Singh

 

Poor Lizzy Bennet, her whole life started out wrong.  Born on the wrong day, wrong weather, wrong sex, the wrong way, and (let’s be honest) to the wrong mother.  At least she has her friends.  She is a fanatical list-maker who kick boxes on the side, and doesn’t realize her own worthiness.

William Darcy, on the other hand, was born on the right side. He had it made…filthy rich and good looking.  He was quite the party boy, until tragedy struck, and left him alone with an inheritance and young sister to take care of.

 

Lucky 13

I am so proud of Cat Gardiner that I've gone Christmas. Her debut novel, Lucky 13, comes out this Friday. Stop by her blog for a chance to win all sorts of lovely prizes!

The Big Reveal

Happy Friday everybody! I am so excited to show you all my book cover, hand painted and formatted by my friend Leslie L Diamond. That’s right, not only has she penned some of the best JAFF out there, she is an incredible artist as well. I am a lucky, lucky girl.

Dearest Friends is now available for pre-order in Kindle form on Amazon! In the acknowledgements, I was sure to thank my JAFF friends who have supported me through this whole process. There is one person outside the fandom that I want to acknowledge--my dearest friend, Paula. She and I have been friends since the fifth grade, and, no, I am not going to tell you how long ago that was. We have shared every major life experience. Graduations, marriages and births have been celebrated together as well as too much heartache and grief.  She is very much Charlotte to my Elizabeth—the logical balance to every one of my irrational proclivities. She does not tolerate my tendency to hide from the world and is one of only two people to whom I can show my worst sides and know I will still be loved. This big reveal is dedicated to her.

Drop me a line or two below about your dearest friend, or anything else, and you will automatically enter for a chance to win a Dearest Friends prize pack. This includes an autographed print copy, some lovely items featuring Leslie’s cover art, and a few other surprises. The winner will be announced at the launch party on November 14^th.  Stay tuned for information on other giveaways as we approach the big date.

Are you ready? Drumroll please . . . .

 

 

Dearest Friends Excerpt (Explaination for Cat T. Gardiner's Facebook Link)

Ok, folks, this week's post is made up entirely of a bit of unexpected silliness. While discussing giveaways and possible prizes with Cat T. Gardiner, I suggested sketchbooks. For those of you who have read Dearest Friends, you get the reference. For those who have not, please see the excerpt below, then join us on Facebook for a few laughs.

********

“Dearest, what is the matter?” A concerned Darcy took in Elizabeth’s flushed countenance with much alarm. He pulled her away from their companions and took both her hands in his.

 
“I am well, Fitzwilliam, just in need of some distance from your aunt.”
 
Darcy’s concern turned to anger. “What did she say to you? She promised me she would support us.”
 
“Please do not be so concerned, sir, she is taking her promise seriously.”

“I do not understand.”

“I do not wish to speak of it now. Just know that she has not harmed me, she is only trying to be of use.”

Darcy’s furrowed brow told her he was unwilling to let it go. She sighed and lowered her voice to a whisper.

“She spoke to me of my . . . marital duties.”

Darcy blushed. “Why would she do so in the carriage in front of Anne and Georgie?”

“You will have to ask her that. Do not worry about the girls’ sensibilities, she had them cover their ears and close their eyes.”

Darcy chuckled at the image and Elizabeth glared. “Why did they have to close their eyes?”

“She brought her sketchbook.”

Darcy’s eyes grew wide. “I did not know she drew.”

“Yes, but apparently she only finds inspiration in one subject. She did not want me to be frightened on my wedding night.”

“Surely she did not show you drawings of Sir Lewis?” He found himself suddenly nauseous.

Elizabeth shook her head. “It seems your aunt keeps a lover.”

Darcy closed his eyes. “Oh god. I do not want to know about this.”

“I told you I did not want to talk about it. Now you get to travel with that thought in your head.”

“The next time I will listen, I assure you. Are you very distressed, dearest? That was very presumptuous of her. Were the drawings very graphic?”

Elizabeth wrinkled her nose. “They were.”

Darcy groaned and they made their way inside for tea, though neither of them could stomach much after that conversation.

********

 

 

 

  

Sarah Johnson

Hello dear readers! Sarah Johnson and I had a lovely chat last night about her new release Just to Hear I Love You. Here’s her blurb:

Mary Bennet’s life changes forever when a childhood accident leaves her isolated in a silent world. Her sister Elizabeth emerges as her fiercest champion and unstinting protector. When further tragedy befalls Longbourn, Aunt and Uncle Gardiner embrace their orphaned nieces into their London household. Mary and Elizabeth must face the disapprobation of London society as they endure a Season of intense scrutiny. Will Mary’s own dearest wish— just to hear ‘I love you’ —ever come to be, or will her deafness forever consign her to life apart? The sisters must face their past and Mary’s worst critic when another family’s tragedy lands directly on their doorstep. Will they both have the strength to return love from unexpected suitors?

Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Let’s see what all Sarah had to say.

Pamela Lynne:  Hi Sarah!!!

Sarah Johnson:  Hi Pam!

Pamela Lynne:  How are you?

Sarah Johnson:  LOL - a household of sickies (allergies), so worn out.

Pamela Lynne:  Oh no! Well, on the upside, you have a new book out! Yay!

Sarah Johnson:  I am definitely ready to escape the whine all around and dive into something that will block it all from my memory. Yes! Just to Hear I Love You was just released on the 29th of September.

Pamela Lynne:  This makes your fourth?

Sarah Johnson:  Yes, fourth published book - two are novellas, and two are full length. This one is a full length story.

Pamela Lynne:  For those of you who may not know, Sarah and I go way back to my JAFF beginning; a whole two years ago.

Sarah Johnson:  LOL. I have been lurking around the JAFF forums since way back when Hyacinth Gardens was here.

Pamela Lynne:  I bet I know something about you most readers don't.

Sarah Johnson:  What's that Pam?

Pamela Lynne:  Oh you know. I'm talking about your love of Burt Reynolds.

Sarah Johnson:  ROFL

Pamela Lynne:  A hairy Burt Reynolds at that! No manscaping!

Sarah Johnson:  GGGAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! **sticks fingers in ears and begins to hum my happy song**

Pamela Lynne:  I'm just kidding. I like to tease/threaten Sarah with Burt every so often.

Sarah Johnson:  LOL, it's cause you love me!

Pamela Lynne:  True! We do have something in common though, other than the wife/mother/writer thing. We both have a more prominent Mary.

Sarah Johnson:  Oh yes! I love Mary! (I think I love her nearly as much as Elizabeth, but let's keep that our little secret!)

Pamela Lynne: Did you set out to write about Mary, or did it happen by accident?

Sarah Johnson:  For this book, it kind of just came to be as it formed in my mind.  By the time I began writing I knew she would feature prominently.

Pamela Lynne:  Do we see many original characters?

Sarah Johnson:  There are a few original characters, but the four main characters are Mary, Elizabeth, and their two beaus.

Pamela Lynne:  So, is it safe to say Mary is deaf?

Sarah Johnson:  Yes, Mary is deaf. She loses her hearing in a childhood accident - the result of a fever.

Pamela Lynne:  What did you learn about people with hearing impairments or other disabilities during Austen's time?

Sarah Johnson:  Their society was all about appearance - physical and perceived from others. So there was a large portion that did not accept people who were different, whether that be deaf or just other disabilities. Many were sent away to live from their families - one being Jane Austen's own brother, George.

Pamela Lynne:  What was her relationship with her brother like?

Sarah Johnson:  Well, as I said, he lived away from the family. It is not known what level of relationship they had - certainly not as much as is portrayed in Becoming Jane - but she did know sign language and talked in one letter of using it to talk with him.

Pamela Lynne:  Do Mary and Elizabeth sign?

Sarah Johnson:  Yes. Sign is important to their communication. Elizabeth was the only family member who went out of her way to connect that with Mary. It explains their deep devotion to each other.

Pamela Lynne:  Elizabeth's affection for her sister is certainly canon. It is one of her better traits, I believe.

Sarah Johnson:  Yes, definitely.

Pamela Lynne:  So, what's next little miss prolific?  I'm sure you have another treat for us coming up.

Sarah Johnson:  LOL. Next is turning the longer story, Leaving Bennet Behind, into the book series for publication.  I hate that it means I won't be posting something online for a long time, but I need to get it finished.

Pamela Lynne:  But you do have bunnies waiting for attention?

Sarah Johnson:  Oh yes, a few free range bunnies are in there hopping around. I am trying not to cage them yet!

Pamela Lynne:  LOL. Good luck with that. Before we go, I have to compliment your book covers.

Sarah Johnson:  Thank you! I have fun creating them.

Pamela Lynne:  So, you have done all your own?

Sarah Johnson:  Yes, as well as a few for some other people. I am currently trying to get my web site established, and will have some of them up there - hopefully soon.

Pamela Lynne: A woman of many talents. Thank you, Sarah, for being our virgin sacrifice here at The Happy Jaffer Author Interviews!

Sarah Johnson: Thanks Pam! This was fun!

**edited for format and punctuation

 

 

You can find Just to Hear I Love you on Amazon by following this link and be sure to visit Sarah’s webpage. You can sign up for her newsletter that features a few other JAFF authors as well as watch a great video excerpt by Sophie Andrews. Have a great week everybody!

 

 

Welcome

Hello dear readers! Welcome to The Happy Jaffer. I am very much a novice blogger so I hope you all will be patient with me as I learn the ropes. My plan is to offer weekly posts, sometimes from me and sometimes from my fellow authors. Let’s get started!

October is a very exciting month here in JAFF-world.  On October 9, Sarah Johnson will stop by to share news of her latest release Just to Hear I Love You.  If I didn’t like Sarah so much, I’d really hate her.  She has four published works out so far and an arsenal of stories to pull from, while I am still working Dearest Friends a year after I finished posting.

Speaking of Dearest Friends, look for it to hit Amazon on November 14!

Ok, back to October. Get ready to crank up the AC ladies and gents because Cat T. Gardiner is bringing a brigade of hot firemen our way on October 31. Halloween has never been so exciting. Lucky 13, a modern Darcy and Lizzy tale, is Cat’s debut novel and one of the best Austen variations this Jaffer has ever read. Check out her Facebook page for all the latest news.

Have an awesome day darlings and be sure to come back tomorrow for Sarah’s interview.