I wanted to let everyone know of an awesome and fun contest being hosted by my publisher, Sourcebooks. Inspired by the soon-to-be released book by a friend of mine from the Central Valley in California, Amy Elizabeth Smith.

All Around the World With Jane Austen

In the June memoir, All Roads Lead to Austen the author Amy Elizabeth Smith took Jane Austen’s works along with her as she traveled to foreign countries. Her goal was to see if the magic of Jane Austen could hold its power across borders, languages and cultures.

Flat Stanley pic

Amy took Jane to far off countries – and we need your help to take her even further! We are holding a contest called All Around the World with Jane! Join us on our Austen love fest by printing out our Jane Austen flat Stanley. Take pictures of yourself with Jane in your hometown or on your vacation, and submit it from April 30 – June 30.

We will award the following prizes to the individuals with the most creative picture:

1 Grand Prize Winner will receive:

• An E-reader with all of our available Austen sequels/continuations downloaded on to it
• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith
• A Skype session with Amy Elizabeth Smith

3 Second Place Winner will receive:

• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith
• A choice of 5 Jane Austen sequels/continuations from Sourcebooks

5 Third Place Winners will receive:

• A signed copy of All Roads Lead to Austen by Amy Elizabeth Smith

You can then submit your pictures on the
All Around the World with Jane Austen Facebook page
or email your submission to landmark@sourcebookspr.com.

Please join me and the other Austen Authors this coming Sunday, May 20 when we will host Amy Smith as our guest blogger. She will be telling us about her recent marriage to her South American Mr. Darcy. We are excited to share our blog with Amy and hope you will pop over to add to the fun!

WHERE DO BOOKS TAKE YOU?

With a suitcase full of Jane Austen novels en español, Amy Elizabeth Smith set off on a yearlong Latin American adventure: a traveling book club with Jane. In six unique, unforgettable countries, she gathered book-loving new friends— taxi drivers and teachers, poets and politicians— to read Emma, Sense and Sensibility, and Pride and Prejudice.

Whether sharing rooster beer with Guatemalans, joining the crowd at a Mexican boxing match, feeding a horde of tame iguanas with Ecuadorean children, or tangling with argumentative booksellers in Argentina, Amy came to learn what Austen knew all along: that we’re not always speaking the same language— even when we’re speaking the same language.

But with true Austen instinct, she could recognize when, unexpectedly, she’d found her own Señor Darcy.

All Roads Lead to Austen celebrates the best of what we love about books and revels in the pleasure of sharing a good book— with good friends.

If  not checking out the happenings on my Facebook page and profile, you are missing out! I have been periodically posting cool images and brief snippets from my work-in-progress. I will continue to do so in the months ahead, so be sure to find me on Facebook. “Friend” me and “Like” me while you are there!

Sharon Lathan, author profile

Sharon Lathan, Novelist page

I am collecting images to enhance the story, all of which will eventually be placed into a “Dr. George Darcy” album in my Portrait Gallery. These are a couple recent finds I love:

Man in sherwani

Nice, hun? I never tire of the beautiful garments worn in India. As for the snippets I am sharing on Facebook, they are short – very short. Here I will share a longer one! Just as a preface, the novel recounting the life and times and loves of George Darcy is formatted with chapters devoted to the experiences happening in the various locations George finds himself as the years unwind: Bombay, Calcutta, Mysore, Derbyshire, and so on. Interspersed are select portions of his personal memoirs, George always addressing his thoughts to someone dear to him to has passed on. In My Dearest Mr. Darcy the introductory chapter is taken from George’s journals, to give an idea of what I mean. Enjoy–

George’s Memoirs  ~  April 1806

Father, this time I swear it was not my idea. I was fine with residing in Junnar with Jharna for the duration of my life and could envision myself working at the hospital until my hands were too decrepit to hold a scalpel. If there is any doubt you can read every journal entry for the past two years. Never a word about embarking on another mission abroad. Then last week Nimesh comes to dine with us and breaks the news that he has accepted a post with Drs. Reddy and Desai for a two-year assignment studying and practicing Yunani medicine in northern India between Delhi and Agra. Now, I confess that this was intriguing to me. How could it not be? I have longed to learn more of the blended Greek and Persian healing system created by Avicenna a thousand years ago. I have read The Canon of Medicine a dozen times and sought out every Yunani practitioner heard of in our travels. Those are rare in the south and midlands. I have been fascinated by those techniques and medication that are undeniably Ayurvedic yet with a twist or incorporated with unique methods that must be of an Islamic or other root. Indeed I have long wished to travel into the north where Yunani physicians are thickly located. Nevertheless, I am content with the knowledge and skills I have. Truly I am! So I was listening to Nimesh and politely asking questions about his travel plans when Jharna interjects, “I have long desired to travel north. Kshitij traversed the breadth of northern India from Punjab to Nepal to Bengal, even to the roots of the Himalayas, and the stories he told were spellbinding. It filled me with yearning. Oh to see the Taj and stroll the banks of the Ganges!” At this point the drama was running high, I have to say. I was taken aback by the emotional velocity she was employing but thought it was to placate Nimesh that she wasn’t too upset over him leaving for two years. Then she looks at me and says, “George, we must accompany him. My wanderlust is reasserting itself and you are growing musty.” Musty? ME? I was severely offended! I don’t intend to ever be musty until moldering in a box six-feet under! Nimesh jumped on the idea faster than a grasshopper, saying that he intended all along to invite us. He yammered on about it being a dream of mine followed by additional nonsense that he “needed my expertise and superior comprehension to decipher the finer nuances” of the techniques, etc. Schemer! I sat there stunned – yes, I was stunned speechless as difficult as that may be to believe – while they laid the entire agenda. Jharna was jotting notes and barking orders like a general! As if there is a major rush.

Once I was alone with Jharna I dug in deep. I had to be sure she wasn’t sacrificing for me. Honest to God, Father, I am not unhappy in Junnar! How could I be? I love my life with Jharna and the boys and love my work at the hospital. It is more than I have ever dreamed of. She insisted that her desire to roam was real and I know her well enough to know when she is lying. She wasn’t in this. Her heart was sincere and I admit that surprised me. I never knew how much she enjoyed moving around with Kshitij, assuming she did so as an obedient wife rather than with her own hunger to experience new places. After all this time I am yet learning new facets of this incredible woman God has gifted me! She did add as proof that we should accept the offer that, “Your eyes were glowing and lit up brighter than a flame.” Nicely poetic I suppose but I am a physician and can assert with confidence that both of these are physically impossible! They may have sparkled a bit, I’ll concede that point, especially when Nimesh said they would be spending time with Mohammad Šarif Khan. Now THAT is an opportunity I can honestly say I would hate to miss!

So now we are up to our eyeballs with packing and preparing for a lengthy absence from the house in Junnar. Gita and the others will remain, of course, and all will be well here. Jharna has insisted on new clothing for everyone. I wish I could argue that as a necessity but alas I am apparently too like a woman in that regard, as Jharna teases. Merchants are flooding through the gates all day. It is crazy! The Sardar has sent a handful of soldiers to add to the escort. I am not sure that was vital now that the British have control of the area and we are part of the medical contingency, but when it comes to the safety of Jharna I am as rabid as her father. Sasi is beside himself with glee, and I mean that almost literally. He cannot stop talking – again, literally – about the Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, and so on that he can explore. He is 16 now and as enamored with ancient history as ever. We suspect his wish of becoming an antiquarian or archeologist is here to stay so this adventure will be perfect for him. Another reason to embrace our plans with glee.

So there you have it. Off we will be in a couple more weeks. And, yes, I will finally confess that while not looking for it I am thrilled beyond words. Dr. George Darcy is on the move! Again.

*  *  *  *

I hope you enjoyed that little taste of what is shaping up to be a BIG story about an amazing man. Come see me on Facebook for more!

Sunset view from our 11th story window

Yes, my week of fun in the Windy City is past. I had a marvelous time! So many wonderful moments to share and I know I shall not be able to cover them all at once, but shall get started. My husband joined me on this adventure both as companion and helper. We left Fresno on April 10, getting into O’Hare airport around 3pm. Compared to sunny CA where we are already feeling the approaching warmth of summer it was chilly. And windy, of course. The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare hotel which is very close to the airport. Day #1 was primarily resting up after a long flight. I did register for the convention but that was as far as we got.

Day #2 was the official start of the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention but with most events happening in the evening we opted to spend the day in Chicago being tourists. With assistance from the wonderful hotel concierge we made our way to the train station, boarded the blue-line, and arrived safely at the “loop” of downtown. Our first goal was to tour Millennium Park, but along the way we stubbled across an Intelligentsia coffee shop. This pleased my hubby immensely since he is a major coffee geek and has ordered fine beans from Intelligentsia many times. I enjoyed a lovely cup of latte, warming me for the cold outside. Our search for the best deep dish pizza led us to Pisanos on Wabash St. Can’t say if it was the definitive “best” in all of Chicago but it was yummy. After filling our bellies we made our way to the Art Institute of Chicago and spent a couple hours touring through the sections we love best: Armour and pre-19th Century Art. Next stop was Millennium Park and the famous mirror “bean” which I frankly could not grasp the coolness of until I saw it for myself. Fairly awesome, as it turns out. The slideshow below has a few images from our day in Chicago.

The beautiful Cheryl Brooks

That evening I met up with an author pal of mine name Cheryl Brooks. I have known Cheryl for ages now and we look so forward to these conferences as a way to reconnect. We had dinner together and then slipped into the fun to be had at the Foxy Dames Jazz Speakeasy. Oh Baby! It was a blast, but with a full day ahead we didn’t stay out too late or get too wild!

Day #3 was where it truly began for me. This was on Thursday April 12 and the Sourcebooks Spotlight was first thing. Once again guests were treated to an enthusiastic speech by my publisher Dominique Raccah, editor Deb Werksman, and many others from the Sourcebooks family. Right after we loaded up two big limos and drove to nearby Naperville where the Sourcebooks facilities are. The day was spent in a grand tour of the entire place, a chance to meet most of the over 70 employees who make the books possible, and then a delicious lunch. It was wonderful to finally see where my novels are given a chance to shine. It was also wonderful to reconnect with a whole bunch of other authors that I have known for a while now as well as meet the new authors.

Husband Steve with author Jade Lee

Actually, that is the best part of these events all the way around! Meeting friends and making new ones. I was blessed to hang out with the lovely Sara Taney Humphreys, Emily Greenwood, and Shona Husk. I chatted with old friends Delilah Marvelle, Sabrina Jeffers, Ashlyn Chase, Ann Lethbridge, and many others. Austen Author Karen Doornebos came by for a while (she lives in Chicago) and we chatted for a couple hours. I met the incredible Jade Lee (helped lace up her corset no less!), Deb Marlowe, Barbara Vey from Publishers Weekly, and a slew of others that I can’t possibly take the time to name. Oh, and yes, there were a fair number of gorgeous male cover models roaming about! That night there were quite a number of them dressed in kilts (and little else) at the Clan McFae Magical Scottish Fling. That was an experience, let me tell you! But before that I finally met fellow Austen Author Marilyn Brant. Yeah!! We were able to spend several hours together, with Cheryl Brooks, and popped in to the Samhain Stampede for snacks and socializing. Indeed it was a long day and late night for me.

Day #4 – Friday – launched with me attending a couple workshops. Most enlightening. I had little time to attend the numerous workshops offered, however, as my time was filled with fun! My pal and co-Austen Author conspirator Abigail Reynolds breezed in my noon, so we had lunch and hung out for the rest of the day. I did meet with my editor for a while, chatting about Dr. Darcy plans and future endeavors. Nothing decided at this point, but it was good to discuss what the possibilities are. Lots ahead! Dinner was at a nearby steakhouse with Abigail, my husband, and C Allyn Pierson, who came with her delightful father and sister. Excellent food and company.

Sharon all ready to sign!

Day #5 was Saturday and the final day for me. We began bright and early setting up for our Jane Austen Happy Hour. That took a bit of work, but we got it together before needing to ready ourselves for the Big Book Signing. And it was BIG! Over 300 romance novelists, and YA and other novelists, all in one gigantic room. I do love these events, even if I end up with a headache from the noise. It it totally worth it! I signed copies of Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy, The Trouble With Mr. Darcy, and Miss Darcy Falls in Love. It was marvelous to meet so many new people who could not resist once they saw the famous “Darcy” on the title! It is amazing how many readers love Austen and Pride and Prejudice but are unaware of the vast genre of Austen literary fiction. Together the 5 Austen Authors at the booksigning passed out tons of bookmarks for our blog and enticed a bunch of new fans to purchase our books and explore our genre. Score!

Me with devoted fan Jennifer

I was also honored to welcome those who are already fans of the Saga. I signed bookplates for those who have copies at home and signed at least a dozen copies brought in from home. Gloria came with all of my novels to sign, lugging them in a bag that had to be heavy! Thanks for the privilege, Gloria. Jennifer takes the prize, though, for driving 4 hours just to see me. WOW! I was totally blown away. Never has this happened, at least to my knowledge. I am still in awe at the dedication. Her husband accompanied, proving that devotion and love can selflessly be shown. Jennifer, you made my day. Truly!

Lunch was taken quickly because the Jane Austen Happy Hour was next. We hastily mixed our drinks and barely got the room set up before the crowds came. We could not count but figured we had around 150 people listen to us give our brief history lessons and then sample our alcoholic beverages – only those over 21, of course! I spoke about and served orgeat. For more information on my topic click over to Austen Authors where I shared the recipe and history lesson: Can you say Orgeat?

AuAus: Karen, C Allyn, Abigail, Marilyn, Sharon

The workshop was a major hit. We passed out a ton more bookmarks and recipe cards while chatting with everyone about Jane, our books, and especially the drinks. After clean up we wanted to rest but there was more fun to be had! Abigail and I attended a party held by Sourcebooks. The party was to welcome librarians and booksellers – a group of people authors highly honor – and also to celebrate the launch of Discover a New Love. This is a new venture created by Sourcebooks to connect readers with our novels and authors. You have to check it out!

The last night ended with another social gathering for fans and a last dinner with pal Cheryl Brooks. The Austen Authors sadly dispersed – your’s truly trying not to get misty-eyed when saying good-bye. As fabulous as it is to see folks not seen for a while it is equally rough to bid adieu. Luckily we “see” each other on our blog every day! Bright and early the next day, or rather while still dark, my hubby and I board to plane for home. Another fabulous event done and successfully enjoyed. Next up: The RWA in July! In the mean time I am finishing Dr. George Darcy and getting back to the real world.

For a ton more images of my trip to RT visit the album on my Facebook author’s page: RT Convention 2012

I am on my way to the Windy City (and hoping it is NOT windy) and hope I will meet some of my fans there. I am attending the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention for the first time and very excited about it. I know I will have much to report when I return. On top of the mega fun to be had, my publisher – Sourcebooks – is located in Naperville which is a suburb of Chicago so they are taking us on a tour of the facilities as well as hosting other fun events. I am thrilled to see the place where my novels come to life and meet the many people who make it happen. What a special joy!

On top of the tour and parties and workshops and socializing with author friends and fans, I am super excited to be hosting an entertaining and educational event with several of my Austen Author friends. On Saturday April 14 – just 6 days from now – the RT Convention opens to the general public in a day-long FAN-Tastic event. If you live anywhere in the area YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!

The day is chock full of fun stuff involving hundreds of romance novelists. The full agenda and details can be read about here: FAN-Tastic Day at the RT Booklovers Convention

The parts that involve me are as follows:

Giant Book Fair
11AM – 2PM

Where can you meet your favorite authors, get your pic taken with them or a cover model, or get a sneak preview to what’s coming out in the wonderful world of genre fiction? At the one and only RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair! Meet more than 350 authors at the book fair where you can purchase autographed copies of their latest books. This fair takes place on Saturday and is open to all convention attendees and the general public. For those bringing collectibles and “keeper” books, we have a system to separate these books for you, so as not to mistake them for new books! Attend the Book Fair only for a $5 admission charge.

Jane Austen Happy Hour
3:45PM – 4:45PM

Love Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy, Jane Austen … and like the occasional drink? Then this is the workshop for you! Pick up a little history about various alcoholic beverages from the Regency era, discover how to mix your own at home and find out how they relate to Jane Austen. After a brief presentation by your author-mixologists from the popular Austen Authors blog, you will be invited to each of our five tables to partake of a taste of history! Five different drinks to sample, drink recipe cards for everyone and a chance to win a basketful of Jane Austen-inspired books! Cheers!

Hosts: Marilyn Brant, Karen Doornebos, Sharon Lathan, C. Allyn Pierson, Abigail Reynolds

FAN-Tastic Day Party
6:15PM – 7:30PM

Meet a revolving door of hundreds of authors as they make appearances every 30 minutes in this high-energy event. Be one of the first 500 to sign up and receive a goody bag filled with free books and promotional items. Cost for the entire day of events is $50.
Everything is held at The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel
9300 Bryn Mawr Avenue,
Rosemont, Illinois, 60018
(847) 696-1234

Come See Me!!

 I have to share a couple vintage Easter cards I found. I love them so much!

Have a joyous day of fun no matter what your plans. But please do not forget what Easter is really all about–

I am letting everyone know well in advance that I will be in Chicago in April and you can see me! I will be attending the 2012 Romantic Times Booklovers Convention held at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Hotel from April 11-15. Most of the craziness and learning workshops are for conference attendees only, but the wonderful aspect of the RT Convention is that is caters to those who are fans of romance. I have never been to this conference and am really excited! I have never been to Chicago either, and my publisher – Sourcebooks – is located in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, so that makes it especially awesome! I will get a chance to visit the place where the magic happens for me. Nice, huh?

Best of all, if YOU live anywhere in the vicinity you have the opportunity to see me, as well as several of my Austen Author friends and hundreds of other romance novelists. Here is the main website where you can read more about the convention: 2012 RT Booklovers Convention

Of particular note is the FAN-Tastic Day on Saturday, April 14. This day is totally for the fans. All the information is on the website at this link: FAN-Tastic Day

I will be participating in the  Giant Book Fair from 11am-2pm signing copies of my novels along with 350 romance novelists. From the website–

Where can you meet your favorite authors, get your pic taken with them or a cover model, or get a sneak preview to what’s coming out in the wonderful world of genre fiction? At the one and only RT Booklovers Convention Book Fair! Every year hundreds of authors take part in our giant Saturday book fair. This fair takes place on Saturday and is open to all convention attendees and the general public. For those bringing collectibles and “keeper” books, we have a system to separate these books for you, so as not to mistake them for new books! If you are not registered for the full RT Booklovers Convention you can purchase a $5 ticket at the door to attend just the book fair.

On that same day from 3:45-4:45pm  I am joining fellow Austen Authors Abigail Reynolds, Karen Doornebos, Marilyn Brant, and C. Allyn Pierson for our special presentation called “The Jane Austen Happy Hour”!

Love Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy, Jane Austen … and like the occasional drink? Then this is the workshop for you! Pick up a little history about various alcoholic beverages from the Regency era, discover how to mix your own at home and find out how they relate to Jane Austen. After a brief presentation by your author-mixologists from the popular Austen Authors blog, you will be invited to each of our five tables to partake of a taste of history! Five different drinks to sample, drink recipe cards for everyone and a chance to win a basketful of Jane Austen-inspired books! Cheers!

Does that sound awesome or what?! We are very excited to be offering this fabulous experience to fans of Jane Austen. Hopefully I can meet many of you while I am there. I love meeting my fans! So mark your calendars and make sure you got that day off from work. If you stay for the whole day there is also the Meet The Authors party in the evening. I’ll be there too!

Later this summer, in July, I will be once again attending the Romance Writers Conference and participating in the ProLiteracy Autographing. I will share more details on this as it gets closer, but if you live in Southern California, or fancy a trip to Disneyland, you are in luck! The RWA Conference is in Anaheim this summer – my favorite place in the world right next door to Mickey Mouse’s humble abode. The Autographing is open to the public and all proceeds are for charity. I will be there with over 500 romance novelists, happy to sign my novel for you. The date of the Autographing is July 25, a Wednesday, from 5-8pm in the Anaheim Marriott. For more information on that, here is the website: RWA Literacy Autographing

Curious as to what Darcy might be thinking on the Valentine’s Day before he proposed to Elizabeth Bennet? I have an idea! My entry into the Austen Authors P&P 200 is today and the title is “Darcy Comes to a Decision.” Here is the beginning bit but you will need to click over to Austen Authors to read the rest!

Darcy closed the door behind him and did something he rarely did: He collapsed against it and released a loud moan of relief.

“What a horrendous afternoon,” he muttered. He ran a hand through his hair before grasping the knot of his cravat and tugging. Futilely as it turned out. “Damn! He would choose today to bind me with some new fangled tying technique.”

As if my cravat is the deciding factor in whether a woman will find me appealing. Stupidity!

He pushed away from the door with a grunt and crossed directly to the sidebar. Something strong was needed to scorch the taste of tea and repugnance from the back of his throat.

“What a horrendous afternoon,” he repeated, this time with a growl. “What was I thinking?”

The question was rhetorical so he felt no need to answer himself. Thankfully. Have I so unraveled that I have now resorted to talking aloud? He clamped his lips shut before the answer slipped out audibly.

Yes.

To be continued at Austen Authors……

While there be sure to check out my two posts about Valentine’s Day origins and the Saint(s) who gave the holiday it’s name. And now a few vintage Valentine cards, as I always love to share.

Starting on February 1 at my awesome group blog Austen Authors we will be celebrating romance of all sorts with the spotlight shining on Regency Romance. Jane Austen is often said to be the originator of what we now call “Regency Romance” although to her it would have simply been “romance”! LOL! Thanks to Georgette Heyer the genre truly took off and today is the most popular era to write within. We are very excited to exalt love during the month of February and focus on the Regency Era that we all adore. Please join us and get into the fun.

Three of the Austen Authors have written and published non-Austen Regency romances–

Regina Jeffers ~ The Scandal of Lady Eleanor

Alyssa Goodnight ~ Unladylike Pursuits

Monica Fairview ~ An Improper Suitor

Our special guests for the month are–

2/2 - Sabrina Jeffries giving away A Lady Never Surrenders AND a copy of Jane Austen’s Emma
2/8 - Deb Marlowe giving away How to Marry a Rake
2/15 - Delilah Marvelle giving away 5 copies of Forever and a Day
2/23 - Katharine Ashe giving away Captured by a Rogue Lord

I hope to see all of you there! It will be a great month, and who doesn’t need a daily dose of romance to brighten their day?

In November my seventh book was released – Miss Darcy Falls in Love – and the dust of that stampede had not yet settled before my loyal readers were asking me, “What is next?” I haven’t been secretive about what I am currently working on… I simply haven’t had the time to boldly broadcast it or put something on my website. In truth, I am very excited about my current work-in-progress and can’t wait to talk about it!

A bit of history: Several years ago I decided to expand on the Darcy family and give Mr. Darcy an eccentric uncle who had been away from England for years. After researching I made him a doctor who had traveled widely through India. Initially he was supposed to breeze in and breeze out, but in the classic way of all awesome characters with forceful personalities he took over, asserted himself, and pretty much told me he was staying! I fell utterly in love with Dr. George Darcy and so did my readers. I daresay some love Dr. Darcy more than Mr. Darcy! Some of his adventures were told within the pages of my Saga. However, most of his life has remained a mystery, even to me. Now, thankfully, I am given the opportunity to spend lots of time with George and discover more of his journey.

This is the official summarizing synopsis that I gave to my editor last June–

George Darcy is the second son of a wealthy landowner in Georgian Era England. At 22 he is one of the youngest medical doctorate graduates of Cambridge University and admitted licentiate from the London Royal College of Physicians, and thus considered a brilliant, rising star in England’s field of medicine. Yet Dr. Darcy refuses the easy, comfortable pathway and enlists as a physician with the British East India Company, embarking on a personal quest to broaden his education and practice his craft without the restraints imposed by British society.

Dr. George Darcy will cover roughly thirty-five years in the life of this incredible, eccentric man. Using vivid descriptions of the culture and atmosphere, the story will trace his early steps as a new doctor in a strange land on to his eventual return to England and his childhood home thirty years later. This is a story of India and the people as well as of the diseases and medical care available. Primarily, however, this is the story of one man who strived to change the face of medicine while yearning to fill the void left within his soul upon the death of his identical twin when they were 12. His search for family, enduring love, and lost companionship is a quest not wholly realized until returning to England and Pemberley. There a new generation of family and friends will heal the physician, and to his greatest surprise, the true love of his life awaits.

What do you think? Intrigued? I hope so! Luckily my editor Deb Werksman was, and so was the management team at Sourcebooks, including publisher Dominique Raccah. I signed the contract in late October! Now I am busily writing a manuscript that must be done by this spring for a planned release early in 2013.

Naturally I am hoping that this will be a story that appeals to lots of readers, even those unfamiliar with Dr. Darcy or even Jane Austen. In a way I am skirting the edges of true Austen literature with this novel. Still, it is set in the broad Regency Era and all of the Austen characters will make an appearance. In fact, you will meet some only mentioned, such as Darcy’s parents and grandfather. For a hint of that you can read the first chapter which I have posted on The Austen Authors Writers Block.

Dr. George Darcy – A Sampling of what is to come

I have lots of wonderful adventures planned for George. Most of this novel will take place in India and other parts of the far east, but George does return to Pemberley a few times to visit the family. The novel will end as an overlap with my Saga and if you read Miss Darcy Falls in Love you got a hint of who George spends his final years with.

For the present I am immersed in Indian culture, medicine, romance, and history as I dwell with a man I adore. I tried to hunt down an era-specific portrait that closely resembled the Dr. Darcy I see in my head but that was tough. I initially described him thusly: “George Darcy, a man of some fifty years, so resembled his nephew it was uncanny. They were of an identical height, although Dr. Darcy was far leaner, almost skeletal, with sharp angles at every joint. His eyes were the same brilliant blue, hair the same brown, though with streaks of gray at the temples and wavy where Darcy’s was straight. His handsome face was a thinner, lined mirror image of Darcy’s, with skin tanned bronze by the harsh desert sun.” Since my Mr. Darcy is inspired by Matthew Macfadyen, you can image what Dr. Darcy looks like to some degree, especially when young. The portrait to the left and on the WIP: Dr. George Darcy page did strike me as close to my vision. I also really love the below image! Something about the eyes. Put that yummy dish into a waistcoat and cravat and you have George!

As time marches on I will post about my progress and share tidbits now and again. Keep an eye on my Facebook page and website for that. Now, for an added treat I am sharing a short, very short, snippet from a random chapter. I don’t want to give too much away as yet! Speculation is fine though. LOL! Enjoy…..

“ ‘Finest physicians’ my arse,” McIntyre whispered as soon as the door clicked. “More likely he hopes it is the plague and we’ll succumb to it.”

“At this point it could be the plague and I would not care. As long as I can leave this island and have an opportunity to put my skills to use it suits me just fine.” George countered. “And on the off chance it is a serious infection, it is a blessing he is sending us. Those poor people don’t know how lucky they are that we are coming to help instead of the alternative.”

“And what ‘alternative’ is that, Darcy?”

Dr. White’s growled question startled the men and they halted mid stride to turn about. George’s shock was mostly that the rotund doctor, who had never displayed a hint of grace, had been able to sneak up behind them until inches away. White’s fat face was flushed, his eyes belligerent and hard, and his fleshy hands balled into fists at his waist. George’s amazement tripled and the desire to burst out laughing choked his throat. Did the old dog really intend to engage him in a physical brawl here in the corridor? In the administration building filled with soldiers and one brawny Scotsman? With a man thirty years his junior and in superior condition? It was too ridiculous to fathom but on the off chance fisticuffs was on White’s personal agenda, George stifled the laughter with a cough.

“The alternative of no additional assistance for this Dr. Ullas with the potential of the infection becoming an epidemic and, or, a worsening sequelae for those afflicted—“

“Spare me the fancy dance and technical terms, Dr. Darcy. I know perfectly well what you meant.” George’s expression of innocent confusion was slightly overblown but well done nevertheless. Dr. White did not believe it for a second. “I know you meant the alternative of my medical skills versus yours. Oh yes. Dr. Darcy the brilliant young physician with the prestigious education—“

“Thank you, Dr. White.”

“It was not meant as a compliment!” He stepped closer, his face now a rather alarming shade of purple. “I know you think you are better than me, Darcy, but having a rich father who can buy your way through Cambridge and the Royal Academy in record time does not make you a better doctor!”

“Perhaps that is how you made it through medical school, and it does answer the mystery of how you ever obtained a license or the title of Physician General. Yet believe it or not, I earned my degree the old fashioned way: by being an apt pupil and having true skill. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to organize my instruments and medicines. You know, those necessary implements that real physicians use.”

George bowed and turned away, long-legged steps echoing across the wooden walls as he headed for the far stairwell. Dr. McIntyre fell into his colleague’s wake, leaving the sputtering and fuming Dr. White where he stood in the middle of the hall. It was at the door, George’s hand on the knob and twisting, when White shouted his final volley.

“Mark my words, Darcy. One of these days your arrogance and blunt tongue will bring you grief. I sincerely hope to be there when it happens, and better yet, to cause it.”

To McIntyre’s surprise George did not respond or break his stride. They stepped onto the outside landing and unhesitatingly descended the stairs to the first floor landing. Only then did George slow his pace. He inhaled deeply of the fresh, clean air smelling of camphire flowers and the sea, the sunlight and cool breeze drying the perspiration off his brow and calming his anger.

“Your self control surprised me, Darcy. I fully expected you to clobber him. I would have if he insulted me like that.”

George shrugged, the gesture at odds with the thunderous expression on his face. “Only because I do not want to miss our departure. Besides, he is a bellicose fool and not worth the time or effort. Certainly not worth the risk of damaging my hands on his ugly face.” He shrugged again, this time slightly more convincing, and stopped walking. “Truth is, McIntyre, men like White anger me because of their incompetence and how that affects those who are infirm and foolishly relying on them. At times I have wanted to physically beat some quack for maltreatment, but I never have. What would that accomplish? I would get clapped in chains and they would go on hurting innocent people. The problem is bigger than individuals such as White.” He shook his head and resumed their course along the wide veranda leading toward the front of the building. “Ultimately I am not sure if my skills will change anything, even as excellent as they are, but I intend to do everything in my power. Losing my temper is counterproductive no matter how good it might feel to bash Dr. White’s teeth loose or knock him onto his fat, useless ass—“

The double S morphed into a sound resembling a hissing snake as they rounded the corner to be abruptly drawn to a halt in words and momentum.

Standing not two feet away from George was Lady Sarah Chambers. She was leaning against the flat railing at the corner of the veranda, one hand wrapped around a curved post and the other toying with a diamond pendant hanging from the velvet ribbon encircling her slender throat. She was staring straight into his eyes, a small smile dancing on her lips, and instantly George knew that she had not only heard his diatribe but agreed with his vision of Dr. White sprawled onto his backside.

I wanted to remind everyone about the awesome, on going event we have happening at Austen Authors to honor the upcoming 200 year anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It was Abigail Reynolds’ brilliant idea to have our fabulous, talent group of writers voluntarily partake in a roughly year-long project wherein we are telling the behind-the-scenes stories from Pride and Prejudice. Ever wonder what Lady Catherine was up to? Curious as to what really compelled Charlotte Lucas to marry Mr. Collins? Ever asked yourself how Jane Bennet felt while languishing in London and hoping Mr. Bingley would call on her? Interested in hearing what the servants or officer friends of Wickham were thinking? And of course we always wish we knew what Mr. Darcy was feeling! All of this and so much more is being answered by the Austen Authors.

Come by and see what has happened so far. Click the image OR this link HERE to the left to be taken instantly to the search page where all the entries thus far can be found. To start at the beginning – September 18 when Netherfield is first seen by prospective renter Mr. Bingley – scroll to the last page. Entries are in order from newest to oldest (first). They are also posted in the Austen Authors Writers Block P&P 200

Something is posted several times a week and we will carry through to the end when Elizabeth Bennet finally accepts the marriage proposal of Fitzwilliam Darcy latter this year. Lots to look forward to!

Please join us for the fun and share your thoughts.