I am very excited to welcome author Syrie James to my blog today! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her writing! If you asked me which I loved most – The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, Dracula My Love, Nocturne, or The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen – I’m not sure if I would be able to decide! Each one is truly magnificent! I’m so very thankful that Syrie is visiting us here today to celebrate her new release! Welcome, Syrie!
Syrie James, author of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, discusses the best writing advice she’s been given and what she hopes readers will enjoy about her newest book.
What is the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?
The best writing advice I ever received came from my mother. I was a screenwriter for many years, and although I did well in that industry, the whole time my mother kept telling me: “You’re supposed to be writing books.”It wasn’t until I returned to novel writing that I found my true calling, the kind of writing I’m the most passionate about. Which proves that you should always listen to your mother.
The best advice I’ve learned about work in general (which I’ve applied to writing) comes not from anyone I knew personally, but from the great and famous. Thomas Edison said: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Steve Jobs echoed that thought. He said: “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”
I was stalled in my writing career on many, many occasions. Every time, I could have quit, but I didn’t. I persevered. I wrote one more script, or one more book—until finally, I achieved the success I had been aiming for. Which brings me to the advice I always give aspiring writers:
Read, read, read. The more you read, the better writer you’ll become someday. Believe in yourself. Get advice and input from the best and the brightest, but always go with your gut instinct. And never give up. The keys to success are the three P’s: passion, patience, and perseverance.
What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
I hope readers will enjoy the read. For those who aren’t yet Austen fans, I’ll be thrilled if they come away with a better appreciation for her and her work, and are inspired to read more. But most importantly, for anyone who feels stuck in some way in their life, who dreams of change but has been reluctant or afraid to move forward—I hope this book, with its theme about the value of change, will inspire them to take that first, vital step!
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- The giveaway is open to US residents.
- This giveaway ends January 19th.
VERY intersted in winning. Thank you!
I haven’t read any novels – yet – but read a summary of Nocturne and immediately placed it on my wish list.
Oh, and I have Dracula, My Love in my TBR pile!
The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen sounds absolutely wonderful! Could I please enter the contest? Thanks 🙂
Whitby1734(at)aol(dot)com
Love Nocture and Dracula My Love! Syrie is the reason I started reading Paranormal novels. I didn’t think I’d like novels about vampires and unexplained phenomena – but I LOVED Syrie’s!
Syrie’s novels are captivating and special. So memorable. Many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
After reading The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen I knew I had to read more from this great writer. I would love to win The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. Thanks for this chance. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
I loved The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and can’t wait to read The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen.
Syrie,
In the Q&A section of The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen you made comment on the last question that you think she didn’t initially write about love scenes because writing about such would imply she had experienced them and it would not have been appropriate for a single woman. You said you thought as she got older that she cared less about this. Many others think it was because she wouldn’t write about things she didn’t know about. Do you think that maybe it could have been a combination of both of these? Maybe she didn’t write love scenes until after her 2 year break in writing because she had met, fallen in love, and kissed a gentleman during that time? It may just be that your book was written so well that it just got me to thinking that maybe something really did happen.
FYI – I have already won a copy of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen on another blog so please don’t enter me to win a copy here.
Hi Danielle. I believe that the grand love of her live was Mr. Ashford (as in her Lost Memoirs), but that she did have several crushes and brief romances earlier in her life– all of which I hope to write about! I still think she didn’t write intense love scenes because she felt it wasn’t appropriate for an unmarried woman.
I’m sorry to say that I haven’t read any of Syrie’s books but that is about to change. I would love to read The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and most especially The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. It sounds very intriguing to me
Your post was very inspiring. Thank you and thank you for the giveaway opportunity
Dracula My Love was one of my favorite reads of last year – I felt transported in a way I don’t often feel when reading other writers’ work. I am ashamed to say I have yet to read her other works, but they do sit prettily on my bookcase! They are on the list for 2013 :).
Thanks for the giveaway!
tiffanyannbutton[at]gmail[dot]com
Dracula, My Love is wonderful, isn’t it! I love the cover art for Syrie’s books! Just gorgeous!
I have The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen on my TBR pile. I also would love to get Nocturne added to that pile.
Felicia
felicialso @gmail. com
Excellent choices! I’m wishing for a sequel to Nocture! Really loved those characters!
Hi! : Alas, I haven’t read any of yours yet, but am most interested in the Missing Manuscript – I mean, with only six novels, and constant wishing that she got to finish Sandtion, who among us hasn’t hoped for the very slim chance that someone could find a lost story from Jane to add to the collection! 🙂
Lois
OV_099@yahoo.com
Thanks so much! I am curious about The Missing Manuscript….it’s on my TBR pile. 🙂
bethwade1 at gmail dot com
I haven’t read any of her books yet, but I’d be most interested in her Austen ones or Charlotte Bronte one. I did see her Dracula book at my library. I’d love to win this book.
catbooks(at)rocketmail(dot)com
Great interview!! I loved The Lost Memoirs and am looking forward to reading this and the rest of Syrie’s books. Thanks for a chance to win! 🙂
The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen is the only book of Syrie’s that I’ve read, but I just loved it. I think it was one of the first Austenesque novels I ever read, even before I started my review blog, The Calico Critic. I’m sure Missing Manuscript is going to be just lovely!
Laura Hartness
CalicoCritic at gmail dot com
I have only read two of them and in both I just enjoyed the voice of the story though the plot and characters were good too.
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com
I like the snappy site changes too btw.
Syrie’s books are always written with a beautiful, effortless prose that just swseeps you up and carries you through the story.
Margay1122[at]aol[dot]com
I completely agree!
Not entering as I already own a copy…just wanted to say it is a great book…throughly enjoyed….as I have loved all the books…
I have read all of Syrie’s books and enjoyed the charming stories of Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and Minna. So much research and attention to detail has gone into writing the books that you learn much about the historical period as well as being entertained by an engaging story. Looking forward to seeing what Syrie’s next project may be….maybe something involving Louisa May Alcott (or a continuation or retelling of Jo’s story in Little Women? hmmmmm?)
joannemccabe9 (at) cox (dot) net
Hi Joanne. I love Louisa May Alcott and have thought about writing her story some day!
Ohh! I second that request! 🙂
Thank you everyone for your comments, and good luck. I hope you enjoy the novel!
Great interview! I don’t know if someone won the wonderful book yet but it is still open I would love a copy!
Still open! Thanks for entering!
Thank you for the giveaway! I have not read any of your books yet, however I am interested in reading The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen as well as your book Forbidden (I know it wasn’t mentioned above but it is on my TBR list). Hope your year has been a good one so far.
crystal_dark[at]att[dot]net
I haven’t read anything by Syrie James yet, but the title of this book immediately caught my attention. What Austen fan hasn’t hoped that one day we might discover a long-lost, completed manuscript? Plus, the heroine is a librarian and an Austen fan, so maybe I see a little bit of myself in the protagonist. I can’t wait to read it.
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity and I look forward to your review!
Heather M.
hmoll(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
So true! I think you would really enjoy this book and several others by Syrie James, Heather!
i have yet to read any of Syrie’s books, but i have definitely them to my Wish List!!
thank you for the giveaway!!
cyn209 at juno dot com
I am very interested and intrigued about the novel within a novel with this book. I read The Lost Memoir of Jane Austen and Syrie is a master of story telling.
Eva E.
emedmondsatmyactv(dot)net
I haven’t read any of Syrie’s novels yet, but have several on my TO READ shelf — and this one on my wishlist :oD
Thanks for the giveaway!
@RivkaBelle
I must get my hands on this new book. I have heard so many wonderful things about it. I absolutely loved the Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. Thank you so much for this giveaway!!=)
kellik115(at)yahoo(dot)com
I was introduced to Syrie James’ book through the Lost Memoirs of JA and have been eagerly anticipating this one. Have loved what I’ve read so far. Her style is very like what i think JA’s is.
thanks for the giveaway! -Joanna joanna015[AT]hotmail[DOT]com
I loved reading The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. I thought The Stanhopes was very authentic in terms of being an early novel written by Jane Austen. orangelemonbruner(at)yahoo(dot)com
Yay Melissa, I’m so happy that you’ve read the novel and loved it! Your comments made my day!
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed Dracula, My Love. I was truly transported when I wrote that novel, and fell madly in love with Dracula!
Thanks so much, Margay! 🙂
I love the premise of this – how exciting would it be to discover a new, top secret Austen manuscript!? Can’t wait to read it, along with Syrie’s other books. I’ve heard nothing but great things about them all.
@jaffobsession
My first Syrie James book was “The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen”, which I read about a year ago…. I absolutely LOVED it!! I felt like I was right there seeing & hearing everything as it was taking place. Her characters were oh so believable and had me literally laughing out loud!! Picturing in my mind again one of my very favorite moments was the part involving a rock being thrown from a walking path and a squirrel! 😉 LOL Her books are wonderful, very well written & I can’t get enough of them!
Valerie R.
txreyn5663 (at) earthlink (dot) net
I am a huge vampire fan and Jane Austen fan all of her books look good – going to have to get them!!!! Entered the contest for the Jane Austen book too though 😀
Great interview. I enjoyed Dracula, My Love and have The Missing Manuscipts. Thank you for the giveaway.
cherringtonmb at sbcglobal dot net