How is everyone’s Tuesday going? It’s rainy here (kinda gray and gloomy, but we need the rain very much–and it makes a good writing day!), and my dogs are curled up in their bed having a mid-morning nap as I type this.
You probably know there was a big birthday yesterday–Pride and Prejudice turned 200! I loved reading all the celebratory and educational articles out there (like this one “12 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About P&P”–I actually knew them all, as I’m sure you do too, but still fun to read!) Then last night I curled up on the couch with a pot of tea and watched favorite parts from all 5 DVD versions I have, including the “No Life Without Wife” number from Bride and Prejudice, and re-read some favorite chapters. Just one of the many wonderful evenings this book has given me in life…
Right now I am even working on a project that is inspired by the style of Austen, the first I have ever really tried! Not that it’s written like an Austen novel–I am not dumb enough to attempt something like that. More it’s a sort of Austen-esque story, two linked books centered around two sisters living in reduced circumstances in their crumbling family home in a small village, surrounded by local characters and trying to live a respectable life while being true to themselves. It’s very character-driven, which is a challenge for me (I do like the big historical backgrounds and Bronte-esque drama!), but I am enjoying the experiment. Look for the Bancroft sisters and their heroes this autumn.
I also got an email from a woman in the middle of reading my Countess of Scandal book. She came across something she was unfamiliar with–“negus.” She said she couldn’t find it in her dictionaries, and I told her it is a sort of warm, wine punch-type drink (which I first encountered in Jane Eyre many years ago, then it kept popping up in various 19th century novels). It’s Wikipedia entry is here–it was invented by a Capt. Francis Negus in the early 18th century. And now I really want a nice warm wine drink on this rainy day… (Also, can I say how much I love it when people email me with history questions??? Warning though, I can give waaaay more info than you want if you do this. I have research books and I want to use them!!)
Speaking of projects, I do not know how all of January has gotten away from me! A blur of post-wedding/holidays/illness/deadlines, I think. But it completely escaped my attention that I have a Harlequin Undone short story out this month!!! An Improper Duchess is a spin-off of One Wicked Christmas and features one of my favorite heroines, Melisande Duchess of Gifford, who has enjoyed a wild life ever since she was blessedly widowed by her cranky old husband. But what happens when she meets her match?? (You can read more about it here at eharlequin…or here at Amazon…)
To celebrate I am giving away a free download today! Tell us what you did to celebrate P&P, how you spent your weekend, how you would make your own recipe of negus, what you’re reading…anything at all to be entered to win
I watched Becoming Jane with Anne Hathaway & James McAveoy. I also listened to Pride & Prejudiced on my phone at work. Love it, have read it many times, and first time listening to it. I would of read more, but I had to train this weekend and did not have as much downtime.
I watched Pride & Prejudiced 2005 edition yesterday.. But i was also packing as we are leaving dreary ol Ohio in a few days for the exotic western Carribean. Love to read and i am currently reading a book by Michelle Willingham..
Wish I was on my way to the Caribbean too, Mindy!! Lucky you. I am soooo tired of winter
I spent the day lamenting that I learned about the anniversary only AFTER I wrote my blog entry!!!
I like your way much better!
(Today it is 64 degrees F in Northern Virginia. This weather is CRAZY)
Most of the day was spent dealing with family (a snow day, or perhaps a “freezing rain” day kept the kids home). I did manage about an hour of work on my Regency historical mess-in-progress. Does that count?
How did I celebrate P&P day…..I was ill with the flu. Still am sadly. I do love the book, however there are times when I just want to give Mr D a good spanking for being so …..male!
Hugs Manda x
Did nothing special to celebrate the P&P special day. No, please don’t take away my Official Lover of all things Regency/Austen card!
I just finished reading ‘Twas the Night After Christmas by Sabrina Jeffries and now I’m on Seduced by His Touch by Tracy Anne Warren.
I spent my weekend getting my guest room back in order after my son and his girlfriend moved into their own place. As much as I’ll miss them, it feels good to get my house back to myself again. 😀 Right now I’m reading Suzanne Johnson’s Royal Street and loving it.
I didn’t realize it was P & P’s anniversary. I was out of town in a condo. My daughter and I watched Sense and Sensibility Friday night. My husband joined me on Saturday and our daughter left on Sunday. He and I had a Harry Potter party and watched the last 4 movies. We drank wine and relaxed. He had to go back to work so left Tuesday. I came home in storms today – left in an ice storm and returned under tornado warnings, sever thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood warning. Crazy weather.
I’m not a big Austen fan so no surprises that the day passed me by with me none the wiser! I’m recuperating from a fractured wrist. Things are rather trying at the moment.
A good read would go a long way to cheering me up 🙂
I just stared and stared at Colin and Jennifer’s picture posted on my facebook by Pemberley Dreams blogg, thinking, dreaming about how I could ever be near, or face this Darcy embodiment for real.
I celebrated by taking part of the readathon/ reading book
i then oncluded with watching the one that intriduced me to jane the 1995 version. remainder of the week i have put pics of darcy and elizabeth or covers of movie versions on fb profile picture alonh with taking part of blog posts