Happy 2012, everyone! I have a feeling this is going to be a good, healthy, happy year. I am starting off today getting ready to turn in the WIP (just doing a final smoothing-out, taking care of little details look before it goes winging off through cyberspace to London). Wish me luck!
This has been a very different project for me, as it’s the last of 8 books in a new continuity series coming out from Harlequin Historicals later this year. (Carole Mortimer kicks off the series and I end it). It doesn’t have a name yet, but when they asked me to take part in the project they said they envisioned it as “Downton Abbey in the Regency” (a grand house, an old family mired in scandal and financial difficulties, lots of crazy things going on behind a beautiful facade, etc). How could I resist this??? I adore Downton Abbey, and can’t wait for season two to start on PBS this weekend (I’ve been trying to avoid any spoilers, but it hasn’t been easy). This project has been a very interesting one, and a good way to change things up a bit (as well as get to know some other authors), but it has also been a challenge for a pantser writer like me. Often I have no idea what is going to happen in a story until I am writing it, but I had to be far more organized with this story, following plots that were already set up and trying to be true to other writers’ characters.
I hope it has all turned out okay (fingers crossed!). Then it is on to the next project…
In the meantime, as I frantically get on with editing, let’s look at some pretty. I confess, one of the big reasons I love Downton Abbey (besides the fact that I would sit and watch Maggie Smith be a sarcastic Dowager Lady Whatever for days) is the costumes. The Edwardian period is one of the very prettiest for fashions (IMO) and they’ve done a fabulous job. So here are a few favorites, plus a Vogue pic of the 3 sisters (which shows that Edith is not really so plain after all…)
Have you been watching DA? What do you think of it? And do you like to read continuity series in romance???
I love the costumes, I just wish the male eye candy was more candy-like. Dan Stevens is fine, and all, but I’m shallow like that.
And i love continuity series! Good luck with the WIP, Amanda!
I was introduced to this show by a friend of mine and now I’m absolutely in love with it. Masterpiece Classics has done a phenomenal job!
The plot, the characters, the casting, and oh, the prettiful costumes 🙂
♥Isalys
Oh, I adore DA—in fact, just bought the DVDs. The cast of characters is just wonderful. Can’t wait for the new season!
Huzzah on finishing. I’m sure it’s fabulous. Continuity books are fun because it’s interesting to the subtle nuances in characters developed by each author.
Me, too!!!! I love Downton Abbey. But I have to agree with Megan about the male eye candy. Not quite up to my “Gerard Butler” standards.
But the clothes are to die for!!! I love this period of fashion.
Brilliant of HH to conceive of a Downton Abbey Regency continuity, although it sounds daunting in its coordination.
Another thing….As one of 3 sisters/no brothers, I cannot understand how Edith and Mary could be so cruel to each other. That part of the plot pained me.
I totally agree–better man-candy would make this perfect 🙂 Mr. Pamuk was nice, but he didn’t last very long…
Diane, I loved Cora’s line about when it comes to raising daughters you think it will be like “Little Women” and instead they are always at each other’s throats! I can see that Edith has severe Jan Brady-itis
Love Downton Abbey so much, couldn’t wait for PBS to show it, so I ordered the DVD (I have a region free DVD player). Will watch to see the Xmas special which I think will be the last episode they show.
Love DA! Season 2 was a-maz-ing and the Christmas Special……*sigh*
No spoilers for those who haven’t seen it yet but have the tissues handy.
I’ve seen it and liked it a lot. Most of the plot was rather foreseeable but the costumes and the locations were so beautiful, the cast delivered brilliant performances and … Dowager Lady Violet would be enough reason to watch it. Poor Ian Glen has again to be the awful baddie in a series. Why do they always cast him for such unpleasant roles. But he is good at being wicked as Richard in season two.
Get ready to an incredibly romantic finale with the Christmas special. Lovely! 🙂 MG
I am so looking forward to season 2. The costumes were great, too. Just checked: Season 1 is on Netflix streaming.
Love the concept behind the continuity series and looking forward to reading it. All the best with the tweaks for today.
Congrats on finishing (almost)!
I haven’t watched Downtown Abbey but those gorgeous clothes make me hope it is (or will be) on Netflix.
Elena, I’m sure it must be on Netflix! I got the DVDs (and the book “The World of Downton Abbey”) for Christmas. I can’t WAIT for Sunday night! 🙂
I haven’t seen the show yet, but I know I will eventually. I do love the photos of the costumes, however!
And I have really enjoyed Harlequin’s historical continuity series! Looking forward to this next one!
Unfortunately, I only caught one episode of DA last season. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately it was opposite something the family watches What I saw I really enjoyed. And yes, I too enjoyed Maggie Smith in this role. I could enjoy watching her act in just about anything. I really need to watch season one to get the most out of season 2.
Congratulations on finishing the book and the series. It was a good exercise for you to have to change your method of writing. It must be very different having to fit into a series and pull everything together for an ending.
I do love watching DOWNTON ABBEY & I know exactly what you mean about Maggie Smith. I enjoy continuity series very much.
Love the clothes altho the fashionably skinny actors don’t do them justice. But overall I loathe this series for its sentimentality and general silliness and terrible script. What a waste of good actors.