I’m delighted to welcome Regency author Jayne Bamber to my blog.
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| Jayne Bamber - Author |
Hello Jayne – It was lovely to connect with you
through the Regency Readers and Writers group on Facebook, and I was so pleased
you were able to fill a spot on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat this week.
But before we discover more about your latest release, Strong Objections to the Lady, here are a few questions which
will hopefully give your readers and followers an insight into some of the
things that matter to you.
Arabella:
Are there any organisations, writing, or reader groups, you belong to? And, how
do they support or help you in creating such wonderful, inspirational novels?
Jayne:
I do participate in a lot of Jane Austen
related groups on social media. It’s a great fandom, and there are many groups
dedicated to JAFF specifically. Sometimes I just get a laugh out of some great
Austen memes, but it’s also a wonderful way to engage with other readers about
Austen’s novels and characters. It’s tremendously helpful in writing
fan-fiction, to be able to start discussions on Facebook about characters and
events from the original books, and let that feedback actually help shape my
ideas as they take form.
Arabella:
Where do you read? Sofa or bed or ____?
Jayne:
Well - when I’m indoors, bed, always
bed! However, I am fortunate enough to live among some really beautiful scenery
out in the Piney Woods of Texas, so I spend a lot of my day outdoors finding
comfy, sunny spots for reading and writing.
Arabella:
In your latest Regency release, Strong
Objections to the Lady, who is your favourite character and why?
Jayne:
Hands down, Anne de Bourgh! She was an
absolute blast to write, because Jane Austen gave us just enough of a glimpse
at her to want to know more, and as a writer the possibilities were endless for
me. I decided to develop her as brash, romantic, and kind of a loose cannon -
think Catherine Morland meets Lydia Bennet. It’s a take I had not seen done
before in fanfiction, and though the story focuses on romances for Elizabeth
and Jane Bennet as well, I got to unleash Anne de Bourgh’s high energy and
unrepentant youthfulness on the cast of characters to wreak some havoc.
Arabella:
When writing a novel, how do you work? Are you a plotter or pantser?
Jayne:
I always start out as a plotter, with a
meticulously detailed outline, but I inevitably do some pantsing as I go,
especially toward the end.
Arabella:
It’s your day off. The WIP (work-in-progress) is going to plan and you’re free
to do what you like. Which would you prefer to do?
1)
Spend a morning in the grounds of a stately home or historical building?
2)
Find the nearest library and sit in a quiet corner with a research book?
3)
Scour the local antique shops and flea markets looking for Regency bargains?
Jayne:
Wow, all of these sound pretty tempting!
While number 1 is a strong contender, I think I would have to choose option 2,
and lurk with a book! I have been enjoying some pretty niche historical reads
lately, which might develop into future projects someday.
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| Research Library |
Arabella:
We all have a long list of books we keep meaning to read but never have the
time for --- which book is a must read for you this season?
Jayne:
This is not a new-release, but something
I started and then had to put aside when I started my WIP. I read about a
quarter of The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick and I was absolutely
engrossed. Not only is the story of Eleanor of Acquintane fascinating, but the
writing style was so unique and wonderful, I really cannot wait to pick it back
up again after I finish my current WIP.
Arabella:
Which historical locations, cities or buildings have given inspiration when
writing your Regency novel(s)?
Jayne:
Definitely the great houses in England
that have been used in film adaptations of Austen. I’m trying to conceptualize
Norland right now, and it doesn’t get much time in Sense & Sensibility, but
my vision for it is pretty grand. I am looking at Petworth House, Ashton Court,
and Donington Hall right now.
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| Ashton Court Estate |
Arabella:
What about your future plans? Any books or series in the making?
Jayne:
I have a list of books to someday write,
and I think that list grows longer, faster than I can keep up! I have a couple
more Pride & Prejudice variations I would like to do soon, but at the end
of the year I am planning a series of stand-alone regency novellas that are all
cross-overs of Emma with other Austen novels. Emma’s matchmaking skills
unleashed on the characters from across Austen is going to be a lot of fun!
Thank you
for joining me on Arabella’s Blog and Chit-Chat, Jayne. It was great to learn about
some of your writing secrets and discover your insatiable passion for JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) and Pride & Prejudice variations.
Now here
is a bit of a shocker…
You
mentioned Ashton Court. I once worked within the catering team at the beautiful
historic building known as Ashton Court. The Smyth family’s home had been
converted to an entertainment venue, and weddings and large gatherings such as university
graduate parties were held there. Alas, this has now ceased to happen due to lack
of funding…but the famous Bristol Balloon Festivals still continues in the extensive estate grounds.
I also feel privileged in that I can enjoy looking
at the historic building with its surrounding majestic trees and grounds from "our" kitchen window. This gives me much pleasure, especially on
a sunny morning.
All the
best for your release - Strong Objections to the Lady – and happy
Regency writing…
Arabella
About Jayne Bamber
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| Jayne Bamber - Author |
Social Media Links:
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Jayne-Bamber/e/B07M5VK6B8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1584570121&sr=8-2
Book Blurb - Strong Objections to the
Lady
A tale of…
Intrigue & Inheritance… Meddling & Manipulation…
Sisterhood & Self-Improvement...
When Lady Catherine de Bourgh learns of Mr. Darcy’s proposal
to Elizabeth Bennet, her wrath sets in motion a series of events at Hunsford
Parsonage which embroil Darcy and Elizabeth in a family fracas that grows more
complicated daily.
The shades of Rosings Park are soon polluted by the shocking transformation of its new mistress and her guests, as well as secrets of the past and schemes for the future.
Appearances and alliances shift amidst the chaos wrought by a well-intentioned house party, and Darcy and Elizabeth must finally face their feelings for one another despite mounting obstacles and misunderstandings of every kind.
The shades of Rosings Park are soon polluted by the shocking transformation of its new mistress and her guests, as well as secrets of the past and schemes for the future.
Appearances and alliances shift amidst the chaos wrought by a well-intentioned house party, and Darcy and Elizabeth must finally face their feelings for one another despite mounting obstacles and misunderstandings of every kind.
***
Set chiefly in Kent and spanning the short space of just a
month, this stand-alone variation begins the morning after Mr. Darcy's failed
proposal at Hunsford. From there, chaos quickly erupts and the lives of three
strong young women tangle together in a day-by-day journey of growth,
sisterhood, and ultimately romance, in the wake of tragedy.
BUY LINKS:
Wow, what a wonderful coincidence that you have that connection to Ashton Court! He ballon festival sounds delightful!
ReplyDeleteBristol (where I was born and bred) has some amazing Georgian architecture. I always feel privileged that I grew up and still live in such beautiful classical surroundings.
DeleteRead this on AHA and found it highly diverting. If you want a fun story with unexpected twists, then this is the story for you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the recommendation, Sue.
DeleteI'm sure Jayne will be pleased to know you've enjoyed her book. :)