Hi, Karalynne! Thank you so much for stopping by Austenesque Reviews for a little tête-à-tête! I greatly enjoyed your first novel, Falling for Mr. Darcy and I am so happy you are here celebrating your second, Bluebells in the Mourning! How about we begin by talking about what was the inspiration behind your new release, Bluebells in the Mourning?
Writing for me is quite a liberating process, creatively. I loved experiencing it with my first novel, Falling For Mr. 
Darcy. It was my first attempt to write anything even close to a novel length. In fact, it was really my first attempt with fiction of any kind. So I guess I would say my inspiration for Bluebells in the Mourning would have to be my first book. It taught me to free my perceptions of what it took to write a novel. I had a lot of fun writing it and experiencing that freedom again. SPOILER ALERT: I would also have to say I thought it would be a little humorous to make the Lambton letters arrive at Hunsford and instead of announcing Lydia’s indiscretion – her death. Not that the death is funny but the recycling of Jane Austen’s words to another place is one of my favorite things to do in my books and I always have a chuckle when I can find a perfect place to reuse them.
I thoroughly enjoyed the parallels and recycled quotes you implemented in your novel! Very clever! I’ve noticed that you write very sympathetically towards Mr. Bennet. In both Falling for Mr. Darcy and Bluebells in the Mourning, we see a bit more development and gain some more understanding of Mr. Bennet’s character. What draws you to Mr. Bennet as a character and moves you to portray him in a more favorable light?
I don’t think I thought much about it before. That is to say that it was not intentional, except that I created situations where he could be that way and still be a plausible extrapolation from Jane’s original character. I never liked it when JAFF books I read made him into some meany-face. I never pictured him as such when I read Pride and Prejudice. I just pictured him as somewhat indolent – not uncaring. But then again – if I wanted to get all Freud on myself – I could say it is because I have a wonderful dad and I cant imagine a father who loves his children as anyone less favorable than my own Pop.
Aww! That’s so lovely! I feel the same away about my dad, so stories that feature special relationships between fathers and daughters always warm my heart! In your novel you struck such a great balance of solemnity, grief, and emerging happiness. It was moving to witness the Bennet family overcome their tragic loss and begin to heal. I would imagine that writing about death and tragedy might be a difficult challenge. What were some of the challenges you faced while writing this variation?
The biggest challenge I faced was not having actually experienced the death of anyone very close to me before. I tried very hard to try to put myself in the shoes of someone who might have and I hope that I was able to. It is a hard series of emotions to portray. SPOILER ALERT: It was also challenging to create a balance of healing and growing happiness without making Lydia’s death seem trivial and easily gotten over. I didn’t want to write a morose book. The book was not meant to be a sad one despite the solemn beginnings. I am a happy person and I like happy stories. It is hard to write sadness when I want everyone to be smiling and in love.
Sounds like you have something in common with Jane Bennet! Speaking of characters in love…I just adore your portrayals of Mr. Darcy, he seems to be a little more perceptive and observant than Jane Austen’s Darcy. In addition, I love observing the different ways Mr. Darcy shows his true feelings for Elizabeth – his kindness, compassion, and tenderness just steals my heart. What is your favorite quality in Mr. Darcy? What aspect of his personality makes you fall in love with him?
My favorite quality in Mr. Darcy is his integrity. In Jane Austen’s book (and I hope in mine) I believe he exemplifies someone who has true integrity. He doesn’t hesitate to better himself when presented with the need and it doesn’t always have to be because he thinks he might get something out of it. Maybe I am a boring fuddy-duddy but I think integrity in a man is sexy as hell. That being said I think a flirty, humorous Darcy goes a long way in making me fall in love too – that and some well-fitted breeches.
Who wouldn’t love a flirty Darcy?!? What is next for you KaraLynne? You have gifted the Austenesque genre two wonderful and unique Pride and Prejudice variations, do you have plans to write any more?
I do have an idea for another book and it is also Jane Austen inspired but it differs from my first two in a few ways. I like to think I write romantic comedies and my next book will share that in common with Falling For Mr. Darcy and Bluebells in the Mourning, at least. But for the immediate future I am enjoying snuggles with my new baby.
Oh, yes! Baby snuggles are the best! How about we switch it up with some Quickfire Questions:
– Who is your favorite Pride and Prejudicecharacter (besides Darcy and Elizabeth)?
No surprise, Mr. Bennet – he has some great one liners in Pride and Prejudice.
– Who is your least favorite Pride and Prejudice character?
Mrs. Bennet or Lydia – when I read either one of them I cringe wishing they would just be quiet. They never do.
– What is one of your favorite scenes in Pride and Prejudice?
I love it when Elizabeth encounters Darcy at Pemberley. He’s so charming and kind and wet (oh wait, that’s only in the movie). Its too bad that scene is followed up by Lydia’s scandal.
– From your own novels what is one of your favorite scenes?
I love, love, love the study/library scene in the beginning of Bluebells in the Mourning. I love the comedic side of it mixed with the lovey dovey feelings. Mmmm…Darcy sans cravat…
– What is one of your favorite quotes from Pride and Prejudice?
Mr. Bennet after giving Elizabeth the go ahead to marry Darcy: “If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them in, for I am quite at my leisure.”
– What is one of your favorite quotes from your own novels?
My favorite quotes are often ones from Jane Austen’s book that I re-appropriate to use my own way by someone else or somewhere else.
– What do you love most about Pride and Prejudice?
I love that it is a truly brilliant romantic comedy. I think non-believers often discount Pride and Prejudice because they think it is all mushy. It’s really a very funny book with the right amounts of romance in it. Jane Austen was a genius.
– What is your “truth universally acknowledged?”
That a man in possession of British accent must have romantic things to say.
– If you were to meet Jane Austen, what would you like to hear her say?
That she liked my books and that I did NOT embarrass her.
Thank you for answer my questions, KaraLynne! It has been such a pleasure to learn more about you and your novels! Best of luck to you on your new release!
~~~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
Michele and the lovely people at Meryton Press have kindly donated 1 paperback and 1 digital copy (kindle or nook) of Bluebells in the Mourning for me to giveaway to 2 lucky winners!
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- This giveaway is open to residents Worldwide. Thank you, Meryton Press!
- This giveaway ends May 28th.
Well I read the spoiler but I never have a problem with that in a well written book – as I usually re-read and re-read them. Look forward to reading this one.
meikleblog at gmail dot com
I wasn’t really sure if that was a spoiler or not, since you find out who died in the first ten pages. But I know some people like to be surprised and kept in the dark, which is why we warned people about the possible spoiler.
Good luck in the giveaway Vesper, thank you for entering!
You had me at “flirty Darcy”! Sign me up!
Okay, okay, you really had me a KaraLynne Mackrory and Meryton Press, but a flirty humorous Darcy in well-fitted breeches is a winning combo, too!
Heather M.
hmoll(at)nycap(dot)rr(dot)com
LOL! I know, right? Darcy is just too cute when he flirts! 😉
Oh, I shan’t miss Lydia, bring it on!
Thanks for the opportunity.
elaine489(at)gmail(dot)com
LOL! I’m sure there are many who feel the same as you, Elaine!
It was really nice meeting you and your beautiful family a couple of weeks ago! So happy that I’ll have time to read again soon. Please put me down for an ebook. Thanks!
I’m jealous! 😉 Glad you had such a great time, Angie!
Thank you for your opportunity. I read your review and I think this book will fit me very well.
Thank you for the opportunity.
Sonia
cat_woman1977 at hotmail dot com
I forgot. Just in case…
I’m not American so, put me down for the e-book.
Thank you
Sonia
Awesome! Best of luck, Sonia!
Now I really want to know what happens at the beginning with Darcy sans cravat! This must be very exciting! I hope I am not the only one!
Thank you for the giveaway!
miss(dot) margy(at)hotmail(dot)com
Oh, Maria! That is such a delightful scene! I definitely don’t think you are the only one! 😉
I like your pro-dad thoughts put onto Mr. Bennet. I cringe when I see him made out to be the villain for the same reason though I admit that he isn’t exactly without fault. Look forward to reading this one.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway opportunity.
sophiarose1816 at gmail dot com
It was refreshing to Mr. Bennet portrayed in such a sympathetic light. I definite;y don’t think he should be a villain, there are other characters who are more appropriate in that role.
Thanks for stopping by!
Your witty comments at the end of the interview are as good as Elizabeth’s comments! I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
emedmondsatmyactvdotnet
You will see more a KaraLynne’s lovely sense of humor in her writing! Best of luck in the giveaway!
I’d love a chance to win. Thank you!
Best of luck!
I have a soft spot for Mr Bennet myself, he has such dry wit. I don’t like it when people make Mrs Bennet bad; she is annoying but she is trying her best for her girls to assure their future by getting them married off and once the shine wore off her marriage I don’t suppose Mr B would have been that great company for her. I’d like to enter your giveaway if I may, but if I don’t win I have to buy this!
frawli1978 (at) gmail(dot)com
Congratulations on baby Mackrory too, enjoy the baby cuddles!
I agree with you, Ceri! Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are supposed to make us laugh (or in Mrs. B’s case feel exasperated!) I’m not a big fan when they are cast in a more unfavorable light.
That sounds like a good plan, Ceri! LOL!
Thanks for the giveaway…sounds like an great read…love the twist of Lydia s death.
Congratulations on your new baby…Enjoy every moment..
Stephanie. lucasaaron_5297ATYaHooDOTcom
Good luck in the giveaway!
It is nice getting to know KaraLynne. And thank you very much to Meryton Press for their kind contributions. I hope to win.
evangelineace2020(at)yahoo(dot)com
Meryton Press is just fantastic! So happy to have had this opportunity! Best of luck, Sylvia!
I truly enjoyed both the reviews and the interview. I don’t have either of these and I’d love to read them…..especially now that i know more about them. I also enjoy Mr. Bennet and I didn’t have a dad around. Maybe it’s wishful thinking. I also like thinking of Darcy as more perceptive than he’s portrayed and willing to change. Your sense of humor shines thru. I especially enjoyed your “truth universally acknowledged”….lol Please enter me to win.
schafsue at gmail dot com
Thanks, suzan! I think you (and maybe your granddaughter?) would LOVE both of these books!
Best of luck in the giveaway!
Great interview! I think Karalynne’s use of JA quotes with different characters/situations is just brilliant!
It was very cleverly done! I enjoyed spotting them and seeing them used in different parts of the plot and how they were oftentimes spoken by different characters!
This new book sounds fabulous! I would dearly love to win a paperback copy – I have not read KaraLynne’s works yet and with wonderful reviews for both of her books I am eager to read it!
gracej.wang [at] gmail [dot] com
Both books are fantastic! Good luck!
I greatly enjoyed Falling For Mr. Darcy!! I would love to win the paperback of Bluebells in the Mourning! Your blog is the best!!!!
Catherine Commons
catcommons[at]comcast[dot]net
Thank you, Catherine! You are so sweet! Best of luck in the giveaway!
Would so like to win the paperback please.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
Good luck!
😀 This sounds like my kinda story. Curious about the study/library scene. Would love to win the paperback, so please count me in. Thanks!!
That is definitely with my scenes! 😉
It sounds amazing and the cover is wonderful! Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
I would prefer the print version.
milkristia(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love the gorgeous covers Meryton Press has been coming out with! This one has such vibrant color!
I’d love to win this novel. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for the giveaway.
Lynn
anchorpoint at telus.net
Umm, ok, yeah! Soooo looking forward to this novel!
justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
Oh I loved Falling for Mr. Darcy so this will be a must-read for sure! Can’t wait to find out what life without Lydia is like!
nicole.rj.lapierre [at] gmail [dot] com
This sounds like a wonderfully creative book! Thank you very much for the giveaway.
Oh no, Lydia dies. That’s certainly a twist to P&P. I love her character.
Raquel36m (at) gmail (dot) com