Category: Book News

Jane Austen Made Me Do It’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway

From the desk of Laurel Ann Nattress: 

Happy Monday dear readers! It is a special day for me. Ten years ago on October 11, 2011 my short story anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It was published by Ballantine Books.  I can’t believe how the years have flown by.

The collection includes 22 original short stories and reading group material from bestselling authors Jo Beverley, Syrie James, Adriani Trigiani, and Lauren Willig; top Austen sequel writers Stephanie Barron, Pamela Aidan, Elizabeth Aston, Amanda Grange, Alexandra Potter, and Laurie Viera Rigler; mother and Continue reading “Jane Austen Made Me Do It’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration & Giveaway” →

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Summer Lovin’ – Meryton Press Short Story Contest

Summer Lovin Short Story Contest 2015

My regular readers know that I really enjoy short stories, so much so that I edited an anthology of Jane Austen-inspired original stories, Jane Austen Made Me Do It in 2011. So, I am very pleased to share that Meryton Press, an indie publisher who specializes in Austenesque and romantic fiction is embarking on its first short story anthology called Summer Lovin’. The cherry to the top of the cake is that it will be edited by Austenprose’s long-time contributor Christina Boyd.

The contest runs from February 1 – March 15, 2015. Here are the details from the publisher: Continue reading “Summer Lovin’ – Meryton Press Short Story Contest” →

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Book Launch of First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen, by Charlie Lovett

First Impressions A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen, by Charlie Lovett (2014 )We are thrilled to welcome bestselling author Charlie Lovett to Austenprose today as guest of honor for the virtual book launch party of his new book, First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen, just released by Viking (Penguin Group USA).

This intriguing new novel combines two of my favorite genres – historical romance and contemporary mystery. It features dual heroines: English author Jane Austen while she is writing her first draft of Elinor and Marianne (later entitled Sense and Sensibility) in 1796 Hampshire and Sophie Collingwood, an antiquarian bookseller in modern day London who stumbles upon a literary mystery that casts doubt upon the true authorship of Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen’s second published novel and her most famous work. Continue reading “Book Launch of First Impressions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen, by Charlie Lovett” →

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Longbourn Love: Jo Baker Event at University Bookstore Seattle

Jo Baker Seattle event U Bookstore 2013 On Wednesday night I had the honor of attending a reading and book signing by Jo Baker, author of the recently released novel Longbourn, at the University Bookstore in Seattle. About forty people attended the event in celebration of National Reading Group Month and sponsored by the Seattle Chapter of Women’s National Book Association.

I had put out the call to my local JASNA-Puget Sound members and other Austen friends in anticipation of an entertaining evening. Joining in the Janeite fanmob were authors Shannon Winslow (Darcys of Pemberley), Susan Mason-Milks (Mr. Darcy’s Proposal), Katherine Reay (Dear Mr. Knightley), Marian LaBeck (King Co. librarian and JASNA-Puget Sound member) and JoAnn Silkes (UW research scientist and all-around Austenite). Continue reading “Longbourn Love: Jo Baker Event at University Bookstore Seattle” →

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Austen Project Announces McCall Smith for Modern Reimagining of Emma

Author Alexander McCall Smith (2013) by Michael LionstarThose folks at HarperCollins really know how to make Janeites scream with joy—well—at least this Janeite, who is over the moon from their announcement last Friday that Alexander McCall Smith is slated to re-write Emma for The Austen Project.

One of my favorite contemporary authors, McCall Smith is renowned for his delightful No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, filled with the intimate characterizations and laugh-out-loud social humor. Better yet, he is a huge Jane Austen fan! His writing talents are an ideal match to Jane Austen’s Emma, a masterpiece of “minute detail” layered with unique characters and intricate plot. I am on my knees in gratitude to publisher Kate Elton (we promise not to call her Mrs. E.) for her choice. In my humble opinion McCall Smith is the perfect choice for a contemporary re-write and I am all anticipation of its release in 2015, the bicentenary year of Emma’s original publication. Continue reading “Austen Project Announces McCall Smith for Modern Reimagining of Emma” →

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28 Austenesque Authors Featured During The Decatur Book Festival Sept 1-2, 2012

Jane Austen: Then and Now event 2012 banner

Are your plans for Labor Day weekend fixed yet? Do you live in the Decatur, Georgia area, or want an Austen-inspired road trip to commemorate the end of summer 2012?

Well, pack you parasol and head over to the opening day of the Jane Austen: Then and Now event sponsored by the Jane Austen Society of North America – Georgia Chapter during The Decatur Book Festival. The event runs Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd, 2012 and is jammed packed with daily events at the JASNA – Georgia tent during the festival and before and after parties and get togethers.

The event is a celebration of Jane Austen-inspired books including twenty eight Austenesque fiction and nonfiction authors participating in person and remotely including:

Abigail Reynolds, Regina Jeffers, Jack Caldwell, Maria Grace, Barbara Tiller Cole, Karen M. Cox, Jennifer Petkus, William Deresiewicz, RobinHelm, AmyCecil, Colette Saucier, Laura Dabundo, Pamela Aidan, Cynthia Hensley, KaraLynne Mackrory and Katie Baxley will all be there in person. Sally SmithO’Rourke, Linda Wells, Laura Hile, Shannon Winslow, Lory Lilian, Susan Mason-Milks, Amanda Grange, Sharon Lathan, JanHahn, Marsha Altman, Lori Smith and Laurel Ann Nattress will be participating remotely.

Jane Austen Made Me Do It, edited by Laurel Ann Nattress (2011)I am so excited to be participating remotely, which means that I will not be there in person, but that my anthology Jane Austen Made Me Do It will be featured in the event with a reading of Syrie James’ short story “Jane Austen’s Nightmare”. I have sent signed copies that will be available for purchase through the JASNA – Georgia book tent at the festival and free bookmarks for the attendees.

You can read further about the Jane Austen: Then and Now daily calendar of events at fellow Austenesque author Barbara Cole Tiller’s blog, Darcyholic Diversions. Barbara and fellow Janeite Jan Ashe have been the driving force behind this first annual event and I commend them for their enthusiasm and devotion to all things Austen.

I hope everyone has a wonderful time.

Cheers,

Laurel Ann

© 2012 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

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Austen in August Times Two

Austen in August events 2012

Wow! Two great Austen-inspired events are in progress this month to celebrate our favorite author.

Misty at The Book Rat is offering her annual fete in honor of Jane called Austen in August. Previously called Jane in June, readers will remember from past years that she puts on a great blog event featuring a read-along of an Austen novel and guest blogs from other Austen loving bloggers and Austenesque authors. I will be featured on Monday, August 27 answering the question: Continue reading “Austen in August Times Two” →

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Join the Birthday Soiree for Jane Austen on December 16, 2011

Austen's Birthday Soiree 2012Yes. Jane Austen is 236 years old this Friday!

Thirty-one Austen bloggers, authors, and literature enthusiasts are joining forces for an Austen Birthday Soiree. Organized by Katherine Cox of November’s Autumn & Maria Grazia of My Jane Austen Book Club, the daylong blog hop will feature a post in celebration of Jane Austen, her life, her novels and the era in which she lived at each of the 31 blogs!

And, what birthday would not be complete without presents, and there will be gifts for Jane – and the visitors of the blogs. Just leave a comment to qualify for the great giveaways being offered in celebration of the Janeite holiday.

Participants in Austen’s Birthday Soiree Continue reading “Join the Birthday Soiree for Jane Austen on December 16, 2011” →

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Jane Austen Made Me Do It featured in What’s Old Is New podcast

Jane Austen Made Me Do It, edited by Laurel Ann Nattress (2011)I was thrilled to be interviewed for the What’s Old Is New podcast by Nicole of Linus’ Blanket blog and Jen of Devourer of Books blog. It was such fun chatting with two fellow book bloggers and Janeites!

You can read more about my experience on the Jane Austen Made Me Do It blog and listen to the podcast for free by following this link. (Curious of your impression! Does my voice sound like what you expected?)

What’s Old Is New podcast features Jane Austen Made Me Do It editor via Jane Austen Made Me Do It blog.

© 2007 – 2011 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

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Jane Austen Made Me Do It contributors Frank Delaney & Diane Meier on NPR

Authors Diane Meier and Frank Delaney
Jane Austen Made Me Do It contributors Frank Delaney & Diane Meier on NPR | Jane Austen Made Me Do It!

Check out the great interview of “Faux Jane” short story authors from Jane Austen Made Me Do It, Frank and Diane on NPR. They chat about their story and our favorite author, Jane Austen of course!

Cheers, Laurel Ann

© 2007 – 2011 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

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Off to the Jane Austen Society AMG in Ft. Worth, TX

JASNA Ft. Worth, TX (2011) banner

After a very eventful launch day for Jane Austen Made Me Do It on the Internet yesterday, I am off today to the Jane Austen Society of North America’s AGM in Ft. Worth, Texas Oct 14-16, 2011!

It will be great to be reunited with friends and meet new Janeites. The conference is packed with great plenary speakers (Andrew Davies, the King of the Austen adaptation no less) and an assortment social activities to give the flavor of true Texas hospitality, like an evening at Billy Bob’s Honky Tonk for libations and mechanical bull riding! Oh my. One wonders if that is possible in a Regency frock?

My book launch party for Jane Austen Made Me Do It with two of my anthology authors books The Deception at Lyme, by Carrie Bebris and Jane Austen: Blood Persuasion, by Janet Mullany, will be on Friday, October 14 at 6:30 pm at the Sundance Square Barnes & Noble, about a block from the conference hotel.  I will also be attending the AGM Author Book Signing event on Sunday morning, October 16 at 8:30 am with other numerous Austen authors. By the time I return home on Sunday, I will be ready for a vacation.

Cheers, Laurel Ann

© 2007 – 2011 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

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Huzzah! Jane Austen Made Me Do It Launches Today

Jane Austen Made Me Do It, edited by Laurel Ann Nattress (2011)You might have heard me mention this once or twice in the last sixteen months, but I am the editor of a new Austen-inspired short story anthology, Jane Austen Made Me Do It. Today is its official launch day!

I have been diligently working on the book for close to two years now, so this day is quite a milestone for me and the twenty-four authors featured in the anthology. The stories range from Regency to contemporary, romantic to fantastical – reaffirming the incomparable influence of one of history’s most cherished authors, Jane Austen.

A big thank you goes out to all of my contributing authors:

Pamela Aidan • Elizabeth Aston • Stephanie Barron • Carrie Bebris • Jo Beverley • Diana Birchall • Monica Fairview • Amanda Grange • Syrie James • Diane Meier and Frank Delaney • Janet Mullany • Jane Odiwe • Alexandra Potter • Beth Pattillo • Myretta Robens • Laurie Viera Rigler • Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway • Maya Slater • Margaret C. Sullivan • Adriana Trigiani • Lauren Willig • and Brenna Aubrey, the winner of a story contest hosted by the Republic of Pemberley website.

Their stories are just amazing. I hope all of you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed working with them to create the anthology.

Come help me party like it’s 1811 on my Grand Tour of the blogosphere, October 10 – November 10, 2011, in celebration of the book’s release. I will be visiting some of my favorite blogs and chatting about Jane Austen, her continued influence on literature, pop culture and the Austenesque book genre – and of course all of my wonderful authors and their stories!

Jane Austen Made Me Do It Blog Tour Schedule:

I am off on Wednesday to the Jane Austen Society of North America’s Annual General Meeting, October 14-16, 2011 in Ft. Worth Texas. I will be quiet here for a few days while I celebrate with a parcel of Janeites in a Grand Texas Style. We shall see how Regency frocks and cowboy boots go together!

The official Book Launch party for Jane Austen Made Me Do It and two of my contributor’s books: The Deception at Lyme, by Carrie Bebris and Jane Austen: Blood Persuasion, by Janet Mullany is on Friday evening October 14th at 6:30 pm at the Sundance Square Barnes & Noble. If you are by chance in town, please come join us. It should be a memorable evening for all.

Cheers,

Laurel Ann

© 2007 – 2011 Laurel Ann Nattress, Austenprose

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