I was fortunate enough to meet author, Sharon Lathan, last week. She reopened a door into the world of Jane Austen, a door I had closed long ago, after dismissing Jane Austen’s works as nothing more than high school reads. I discussed the subject with my daughter, a big Jane Austen fan. She said the beauty of Jane Austen’s writing is in the details she provides, the beautiful descriptions of daily life and the colorful dialogue. She says Jane Austen moves a story along via dialogue and real life characters and situations. I had never looked at Austen that way. I realize I’ve been missing the essence of Jane Austen all along!
Please feel free to chat and ask Sharon any questions you like. She’ll be around for the next couple days to respond to comments.
Sharon - here’s what I’d like to know, and what I’d like my readers to know -
I’ve heard a little of your story, but in your own words, what jumpstarted your interest in Jane Austen? Did you read her as a teen? A young adult?
Sometimes it makes me sad that I did not discover Jane Austen way back when, but then if I had my stories would not exist so I can’t lament my pathway. Until 5 years ago my only experience with Austen was seeing some of the movies and Bridget Jones references to Mr. Darcy! I knew nearly zip about Pride and Prejudice when I went to see the 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. To say that I fell head over heels in love with everything about it would be an apt statement! That is where it began for me and I still adore the movie in every possible way.
What is it about her stories that you found so intriguing, that made you want to know more about her characters, even though she’d written the books over a hundred years ago?
Initially it was the love story. I am a romantic at heart. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, as so masterfully directed and portrayed on screen, totally captivated me. When I read the novel my devotion, and then obsession, was cemented. I adore how these two people - feisty, witty, independent Lizzy and shy, misunderstood, devoted Mr. Darcy - both flawed by pride and prejudices, manage to overcome their problems and attitudes. It is a story of self-discovery, of recognizing the person that is underneath the facade, of selfless sacrifice, and of eventually accepting that your heart and life are enhanced by love.
What do you think makes her stories timeless?
Her characters are timeless. We all know a person like Mr. Darcy who is not what he/she seems to be on the outside. Maybe we are that person! We have all made mistakes so can relate to Lizzy. Every character, whether good or bad, is someone we know. Austen is a brilliant writer in that she gives us enough information about her characters to round them out while also holding back so we can fill in the blanks as we wish. Their lives, situations, dramas, families, etc. are familiar to us because they are the normal trials of living. Nothing particularly spectacular occurs in any of her books! Yet this is why we can personally connect with whatever is happening.
From what I understand, you began writing fan fiction and eventually self-published your first book. How courageous. Did you worry about how your book would be received? Did you care about an audience or did you decide to publish your book simply for yourself?
I began posting my chapters online at various JAFF sites and then on my own website. The feedback was positive so I decided to give publishing a try. My only goal was to give my fans a bound format to read rather than a computer screen and to hopefully reach other readers who want a happily-ever-after life for the Darcys. I turned to self-publishing when attracting an agent did not work. Not sure how courageous it was! But it was a viable option. Being published was never about getting rich or making this a lifelong career, although I am not adverse to either! I simply wanted to share my vision and hopefully please readers with something positive and entertaining. I am still sad that some cannot embrace an uplifting story that pays homage to Austen, but I no longer worry about it.
After your first book, Sourcebooks picked up your series. Congrats! Do you see an endpoint, or do you feel there are so many open ends and interesting characters that you and other authors who love Jane Austen can continue to write stories for her characters indefinitely?
Thank you! I am very happy with Sourcebooks and my fabulous editor Deb Werksman. Together they have helped me to attain my goal of reaching readers. In a general sense I am not seeing a necessary “endpoint” in Austen literature. The demand is strong and more and more authors are branching out to secondary P&P characters and other Austen novels. For myself, I am still having a terrific time writing the Saga! I remain open to whatever my muse plants within my heart, but so far he seems stuck in Pride and Prejudice-land!
IN THE ARMS OF MR. DARCY BY SHARON LATHAN—IN STORES OCTOBER 2010
If only everyone could be as happy as they are…
Darcy and Elizabeth are as much in love as ever—even more so as their relationship matures. Their passion inspires everyone around them, and as winter turns to spring, romance blossoms around them.
Confirmed bachelor Richard Fitzwilliam sets his sights on a seemingly unattainable, beautiful widow; Georgiana Darcy learns to flirt outrageously; the very flighty Kitty Bennet develops her first crush, and Caroline Bingley meets her match.
But the path of true love never does run smooth, and Elizabeth and Darcy are kept busy navigating their friends and loved ones through the inevitable separations, misunderstandings, misgivings, and lovers’ quarrels to reach their own happily ever afters…
About the Author ?Sharon Lathan is the author of the bestselling Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, Loving Mr. Darcy: Journeys Beyond Pemberley, and My Dearest Mr. Darcy. In addition to her writing, she works as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. She resides with her family in Hanford, California in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. For more information, please visit www.sharonlathan.net. Come to Austen Authors – www.austenauthors.com - and Casablanca Authors – www.casablancaauthors.blogspot.com - where Sharon shares the spotlight with other writers.
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October 22nd, 2010 at 7:03 am
I loved this interview! Sharon it’s so wonderful to be introduced to someone who has taken risks and action to realize a passion so beautifully. I’m inspired to take another look at Jane Austen with fresh eyes, and I’m sure others will too. Best wishes to you.
XXOO Kat
October 22nd, 2010 at 7:46 am
I’m pleased Sharon agreed to the interview - Jane Austen is old stuff to me and until I spoke with Sharon, I didn’t realize how fresh she is, how so many readers are seeing her with new eyes. My daughter claims Austen is timeless, so it’s back to reading her for me!
October 22nd, 2010 at 8:20 am
Good morning you early risers! I am still waiting for the caffeine to kick in. LOL!
Hey Julia, how was the ball game? Great fun I hope. Thanks for letting me take over the blog for a spell. It was fabulous meeting you and I hope we can stay in touch. I loved your speech and loved being able to intrigue you anew in regards to Jane Austen. Indeed she is quite “fresh” these days! Your questions for me were fun to answer and I thank you for them.
Hi Kat! Another one possibly inspired. I’m 2 for 2! I appreciate your kind words and best wishes. In this business we can use all of that we can get, right Julia?
I’ll be checking back so feel free to ask a question of me or simply say howdy.
October 22nd, 2010 at 9:36 am
The ball game was sad…we lost - but hope springs eternal! Two games left!
Yes, I think you have a couple of converts!
October 24th, 2010 at 3:57 am
Great interview, ladies. Sounds like a wonderful read and series.
October 24th, 2010 at 4:55 am
Loved the interview too! I especially loved the question about what makes the characters timeless! I agree with Sharon ‘Maybe we are that person”. Hoping in reality that there is someone who is willing to take that chance, to persist in finding their ultimate soulmate. One of the reasons I love Darcy and Lizzy’s romance. Reading certainly allows us to escape into a beautiful world of fantasy.
Sharon’s novels takes this romance to a whole new level. “In The Arms Of Mr Darcy” the interactions both parents have with their precious Alexander is beautiful and so heartwarming to read!
Keep that exquisite story coming Sharon!
TSBO devotee
Vee
October 24th, 2010 at 7:46 am
Yes, Sandra - I’m waiting for my Amazon copy!
Vee, thanks for stopping by - Sharon’s passion is very contagious!
October 24th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Hi Sandra! Well, of course I think it is a wonderful read!
But I may be just a wee bit prejudiced.
Hey Vee! Love ya sweetie! Thanks for stopping by. Thanks for the reference to Darcy and Lizzy as devoted parents. I was recently taken to task in a review by someone who just could not believe that parents in the Regency would love and care for their children as I portrayed. Huh? Silly me for not realizing that loving one’s offspring is a modern development!
Julia, you ordered my book?! Wow! thanks! I do hope you love it. Now, first you need to have a nice girls night, maybe with a friend, and pop in P&P - either version or even both! That will get you revved up for my happily-ever-after! Let me know how it goes. I wish I was closer so I could invite myself over!
Thanks again for having me.
October 24th, 2010 at 8:51 am
Sharon - being devoted parents would be true to character. Why wouldn’t Lizzie and Darcy be devoted parents? Scratching my head!
Of course I ordered your book! Can’t wait to read it!
October 24th, 2010 at 10:10 am
Well, I took it with a huge grain of salt since this same reviewer gave the name of their child as “William” and not Alexander, apparently confusing Mr. Darcy (who IS William) with his son! LOL! She also found it unbelievable that a couple would have sex after the baby was born. Not sure where other children are supposed to come from then! As I am sure you know, Julia, reviewers can be quite entertaining!
October 24th, 2010 at 10:31 am
Hmmm - interesting. Perhaps we all reproduced by cloning back in those Regency days! Simple mitosis!