Austenesque Reviews is excited to welcome Stan Hurd, who has graciously answered some questions of mine about writing, Jane Austen, and his newly released novel – volume one in a trilogy that retells Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s point-of-view – Darcy’s Tale, Volume I: Into Hertfordshire. Thank you so very much, Stan, for your time and participation in this interview!
How about we begin with talking about yourself a little? With being a neurochemist, author, and 
fencing and karate instructor – it sounds like you stay pretty busy! When you are not occupied with all your various professions, how do you like to spend your time? Besides Jane Austen, what are some of your other interests?
As trite as it is, what I enjoy most these days is having my two girls home for the holidays. But what I relax with usually is reading: Austen, of course, but also sci fi, fantasy, mysteries—BIG fan of Dorothy Sayers—just about anything; I really can’t get to sleep at night without seeing some words on a page. My other pastime is a rather odd hobby: refurbishing samurai swords. A great many of them came to this country after WWII, and they rust; I take a great deal of pleasure in bringing them back to their original beauty, not to mention their wicked cutting ability.
That is an interesting hobby,I image it is very rewarding to see each sword transform before your eyes and by the works of your hands! I’ve heard you mention a couple times that you were inspired to write the Darcy’s Tale trilogy because you wanted to give a true-to-
character representation of Mr. Darcy. What character traits and behaviors were most important to you when writing this series? What understanding or perception of Mr. Darcy were you trying to bring out?
More than anything else, I wanted to capture the same Darcy Miss Austen envisioned; I wanted the reader to be able to take my work and read it alongside the original without being aware of any discrepancies.
I was moved to begin writing Darcy’s Tale after I read another treatment of Pride and Prejudice from Darcy’s point of view. What puzzled me was how the author took one of the strongest male characters ever portrayed in literature, and turned him into an effete and arrogant metrosexual who was consciously rude and arrogant; he was actually aware Elizabeth could hear him when he said the famous “She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me” line. Yikes! And over the course of the book, this rather disagreeable man was transformed into the hero of romance everyone associates with Darcy.
My first reaction was to feel as though a good friend had been misrepresented. Also, convinced as I am that people do not change their fundamental natures, I knew that if Darcy was a good man at the end, he was a good man at the beginning. He has flaws, of course, and he does learn to correct some of them through loving Elizabeth, but “In essentials, I believe, he is very much what he ever was.” What some have seen as arrogance, I saw as the strength of youth, untempered by the wisdom that comes from hurting those you love through the imprudent use of that very strength. Darcy makes mistakes, yes, but it is through them that he learns the humility that eventually makes him worthy of being loved.
In addition, my vision of Darcy demanded that he be a man—not a woman author’s imagining of what a man should be, or might be, but as the old phrase has it, “good man, and true,” based on what I understand men to be. With this in mind, I set out to write myself an alternate view. I had no idea or intention of ever publishing it; however, when I got pretty far along with the first volume, I gave it to one of my daughters, who are my Editors in Chief. She was more than enthusiastic, but I was unconvinced, so I found a fanfiction blog and tried it out on some serious Janeites. When their enthusiasm was also high, I began thinking seriously about publishing—and here we are!
I quite agree with your impression of Mr. Darcy, he is indeed a “good man, and true!” Speaking of Mr. Darcy, one of the aspects I most enjoyed about your novel was how much time we spent in Darcy’s head. He seemed to be a very analytical and at times philosophical character. What was it like getting into Darcy’s head? Was he at all hard to figure out?
Austen, I now believe, had a crystal-clear image of him in her head as she wrote him: even though she only sketched him, like a sketch by da Vinci, his whole character is revealed to us very succinctly. When you force yourself to reconcile everything we know about him (no easy task, and I make no claim to having gotten it all right), he becomes a very singular man.
We know he is clever and aloof, yet has a good heart; we know he is very careful in his manners (at least when he isn’t at a village assembly!), and is willing, perhaps too much so, to take action when he sees the necessity, no matter the cost to himself. He has a temper, he has suffered at Wickham’s hands, and he is rich, good looking, and eligible. Now, take that, add every line of dialogue or soliloquy, and flesh out a coherent, psychologically true individual. Simple!
LOL! I’m sure it was the easiest task in the world! 😉 One of the ways you reveal Mr. Darcy’s character to us in your novels is through his relationship with Georgiana. We see a great deal of correspondence between Darcy and his sister Georgiana in your novel, which gives a deeper understanding of not only their characters but their relationship with each other. What dynamic or development of their relationship did you want to illustrate through these letters?
The letters are all about who Darcy is. He is a well-bred man, a man of the mind, yet he is also a man of great heart, as we find out in the end. How did his heart find its expression before Elizabeth claimed it? That was the source of the relationship he shared with his sister. A man with a good heart will find someone to love, and he loved his sister. I patterned his relationship with his sister loosely after how I got along with my youngest daughter at that age; Georgiana has many of her characteristics, which of course made it easier to write the letters.
Oh that’s lovely! I love that your daughter shares some characteristics with your Georgiana! So with the close of Darcy’s Tale, Volume I, Mr. Darcy and the rest of Bingley’s family take their leave of Netherfield. And what comes next is that unknown period of time before Darcy encounters Elizabeth in Kent. Covering the long gaps where Mr. Darcy is away from Elizabeth can be kind of daunting, but also maybe a little liberating. What do you plan to show readers in Volume II and III of Darcy’s Tale? When can we look forward to reading them? 😉
It’s funny: I thought the second volume would be easy, after the first, since I could take what path I choose to get to Rosings. But I found that by knowing who Darcy was in great detail made it impossible to take him into piracy, or to a gothic castle, or any of the things more imaginative authors have done. I was stuck with a very solid citizen, devoted to family and friends, and committed to right and reason; what would his winter be like?
Austen fans might like to know that Darcy encounters a Lady Susan-esque character who seeks to avenge herself for a slight by Miss Bingley. Will anyone be surprised that he takes The Rejection pretty hard? That’s in Volume II. And how could he ever accept Wickham as a brother-in-law? How could he hope to avoid scandal after scandal? We find out in Volume III. Finally, when his betrothal to Elizabeth frees him to do so, he writes some open–hearted letters to her that, “in proving of what importance she was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable.”
Volume II is almost ready (whew!) and should be out by year-end; look for volume III in the summer.
Ohh! That is good news, now that I have finished Volume I, I’m quite eager to read the rest of the tale! How about we switch it up with some Quickfire Questions:
- What is one of your favorite scenes from Pride and Prejudice?
The meeting at Pemberley; no matter which version.
- What do you think is Mr. Darcy’s greatest flaw?
He doesn’t realize that how he acts affects everyone, not just those he cares about, or who care about him.
- What do you think is Mr. Darcy’s greatest virtue?
He will do the right thing, no matter the cost.
- What is one of your favorite quotes from Pride and Prejudice?
“I will only add, God bless you.” It says everything about the man.
- What is one of your favorite quotes from your novel?
“ ‘And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody.’
Not at all, thought Darcy to himself; only a propensity to love very few.”
- Which personality trait of Mr. Darcy’s do you most identify with?
Being too willing to interfere with the lives of my friends.
- What is one question that you want to ask Jane Austen about Mr. Darcy?
Why didn’t you write more about him?!
Thank you so much for participating in this interview, Stan! It has been a real treat to have you answer my questions!! Best of luck with the release of Darcy’s Tale, Volume I: Into Hertfordshire and the upcoming release of Darcy’s Tale, Volume II: Into Kent!!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today Stanley Hurd generously brings with him 5 BRAND NEW paperback copies of Darcy’s Tale, Volume I: Into Hertfordshire for me to giveaway!! Can I get a WOOT WOOT!?! 😀
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some kind words for Stanley!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Stanley!
- This giveaway ends December 16th!
DOUBLE your chances of winning by coming back WEDNESDAY and leaving a comment on my review!
Oh yes! WOOT WOOT! It seems Christmas is coming early this year!
I really want to read this, I’m so curious about the differences with other Darcy POV books, because this one is written by a man. Thanks!
I think my love for Darcy & P&P really deepened when I read a work from his perspective–so helpful! Thanks for writing! I will look forward to it and your male perspective–I bet my boys would read it too–so far I have only been able to get one of my sons to read Pride & Prejudice & The Zombies, but he loved it!
Can’t wait to read this, a man’s perspective on Darcy how wonderful and more of Georgiana
How intiguing! I totally agree that darcy was exactly the way yi u said. He never really changed….just learned more about himself like how what he does inflences others. I can’t wait to read this! Great interview.
It’s so nice to have a true male perspective with this one. Although the original author was female, it’s nice to get a guy’s POV with one of my favorite characters. And for a self-pub, I’m impressed with the cover art too!
Laura,
Thanks! My daughter (the one Georgiana takes after) is an artist, and researched and designed the cover. I will be sure to pass on the compliment!
Stan
I have never read a P&P version written by a man. It sounds very interesting. I have read a suppose to be from Darcy’s point of view and was sadly disappointed. It sounds like you stayed true to the Darcy in my mind can not wait to read.
I have just checked Amazon Canada and your book is only available as a Kindle edition – Will the paperback be published in Canada?
Dear Vesper,
Actually, I thought it was. A quick run through Amazon’s publishing arm, which is where the book is published, did not give me a ready answer, but are you able to access any other amazon online store, for example amazon.uk.co?
I can order from Amazon.com but there is no free shipping to Canada no matter how much I order – I usually wait until I have won some amazon vouchers so I am not concerned about being charged shipping – so i have added the book to that wish list
What a unique and fascinating post. This book sounds captivating and special. The author has such talent and creativity to write this story.
This sounds fun! I especially like the fact you read Austen AND Sayers!
Your reading interests are diverse and wonderful to learn about. Best wishes and much success.
You know, there are quite a few Darcy POVs out there, and besides Mr. Darcy’ s Diary by Amanda Grange and the trilogy by Pamela Aidan I haven’t really enjoyed them much, and have tended to avoid them. However, Mr. Hurd seems to have done his research and his answers to your questions give me great hope for this book. I think I’ll greatly enjoy it.
When I learn about a new author who imparts such interesting snippets about his own reading preferences and Darcy I savor every word.
Woot, Woot indeed!!!. I look forward to this one Darcy written from mans point of view. Hope I win.
I was so struck by the premise of Stan Hurd’s Darcy that he is in essentials the same and that he will do the right thing no matter what. It’s how I imagine a true gentleman. After reading the interview, I am very eager to read this perspective on Mr. Darcy. Thanks for that and for the giveaway opportunity. Captivating cover, btw!
I’d love to read your book. I always tried to imagine Darcy the way a man might, but it’s difficult except for comparisons on how my DH appears to think and feel. Perhaps my writing might be improved by understanding him more.
Dear Suzan,
In general, I recommend against trying to get inside men’s heads; it’s a bit like standing on the deck of an aircraft carrier on a slow day: nothing, nothing, nothing, WHOOSH, nothing, nothing… 🙂
Best,
Stan
LOL! I love this analogy!
I love that you are trying to keep Mr. Darcy true!
Darcy and written by a man! I look forward to reading it. Off to see what Amazon has but I sure would love to win one!
An interesting approach….Mr Darcy written by a man….men and women definitely write and think vey differently….will enjoy reading this take on Darcy…Love that your daughter designed the beautiful cover….I am much like Georgianna also…would love to win a copy but going on my TBR list for sure…
Thanks, Stan and Meredith for a great interview! I really enjoyed reading it, particularly when you spoke about the drive to write a Darcy true to himself and to Jane Austen’s portrayal – and your reasons for doing so. From what I’ve seen in this interview, I can’t wait to read your take on him! Thanks for the very generous giveaway and I hope vols II and III are coming out VERY soon!
Interesting! After reading the teaser from Amazon for kindle, have decided to buy the set as they become available. I especially like the banter between Bingley and Darcy – it may seem blunt to some readers, but to me it rings true in how two very close friends would talk in private – no niceties but rather cut to the chase. I look forward to how Stan portrays them in the clubs and other venues where women are not present – something of that nature.
There are some word usages in the teaser that are not in most other JAFF and that is a plus – a different tone or point of view. Do agree with Stan’s interpretation of Darcy as written in this blog. Will be interesting to find out, in this book, if Darcy ever sees any culpability on Georgiana’s part – she was taught from the cradle on proper behavior, so can she be totally absolved of responsibility for the past? A very promising start – look forward to reading all three volumes!
I own vol one, so do not need to be in the drawing.
So glad you found the interview interesting, Dave! And I’m delighted that you enjoyed the sample so much that you bought yourself a copy! I too, fell in love the relationship between Bingley and Darcy and how they were both represented in this novel! Happy reading!
This sounds wonderful and i look forward to reading it!!
OMG!! MUST.READ.!!!
& woot woot!!!
This sounds like a great read! Thanks Stanley!!
My favorite Pride and Prejudice stories are from Mr. Darcy’s perspective – I too would like to ask Jane Austen to write more about Mr. Darcy. I look forward to reading your books! Thanks Stan – Leslie
Darcy written from a male perspective? Very intriguing! Count me in! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity 🙂
I have read the Kindle sample and am very impressed with what I read. I mentioned this also on the post about the giveaway itself – it’s so well done that I find it hard to believe this is a first effort. I can hardly wait until I get past the holidays and have time to purchase (perhaps win?) and read the whole book – and I’m glad to hear the second volume is coming soon! Best of luck to you, Dr. Hurd!
Not at all, thought Darcy to himself; only a propensity to love very few.”
Oh, I cannot wait to read this! Just curious, how long did it take you to write the first volume?
I started it some years ago, but wrote only intermittently: I would estimate that I spent about a year and a half on it, at the pace at which I write today. Volume II has taken only half that, as I am better attuned to the language, and I know where I’m going now.
Fantastic interview, Meredith! I had read it earlier but was unable to leave a comment at the time. After reading your review of the book, I had to come back!
Loved your answers, Stan. I’m quite in agreement of your thoughts on Mr. Darcy always being a good man. I can’t wait to read your book. Reading about Mr. Darcy from a man’s point of view is very intriguing and will be insightful. I adored your favorite quote from Pride and Prejudice and what you said after! Great! Your favorite quote from your book makes me want to pick it up and read it right now!
Thanks to both of you for the fabulous interview and to you, Stan, for the very generous giveaway.
Thanks for stopping by and your lovely praise, Janet! I was so excited to share this interview and my review with everyone and to be so fortunate as to host such a fabulous giveaway! It has been such a pleasure to work with Stan on all of this!
Blushing…I’m blushing; well, I would be, but all my blushing circuitry burnt out living through the ‘70s. Be that as it may, let me repeat Meredith’s thanks, and say how much gratifying this has all been. Especially because up until last summer, I didn’t know any thing about the world of JAFF, or even that there was such a thing; and now I’ve met all these terrific people who share my delight in Miss Austen’s creations. It’s too much fun!
“In addition, my vision of Darcy demanded that he be a man—not a woman author’s imagining of what a man should be, or might be”
This is perfect, and something that there isn’t enough of. Unfortunately, reading Jane Austen has been considered something for women for so long, there’s almost this stigma to admitting that you like it if you’re a man.
Can I ask the author – what reactions does you usually get from others when you announce yourself as a Janeite? It seems sad that you have to justify being a fan to others, but I’m curious to have a mans point of view!
Well, Snitch, most men have heard of her, even though they might be hazy on just what it is she wrote. And if they do know her works, often enough they like her, too. There are some, of course who want to make a big thing out of it; I ask them for $60—because that’s how much I charge for a lesson in street fighting, and they’re about to get one! 🙂 There are definitely benefits to being a black belt!
What a wonderful response, Stanley! Genius! 😉
I love to read just about anything P&P related, and Darcy & Elizabeth have always been my very favorite of JA’s characters. I am really excited to see what Darcy’s thoughts & feelings were during the Netherfield Ball, especially thoughts concerning Lizzie. It’ll be different reading from a man’s POV, but I think that’s what makes it even better because obviously, Darcy IS a man, and women’s thoughts and emotions are different. I think this will make Darcy that much more human… and after reading this wonderful interview, I’m just that much more “in love” with him already!! 🙂 LOL Can’t wait to read this trilogy! Thank you both for the fantastic interview, and also for the amazing giveaway!!
Many thanks to you all for taking the time to read the interview; I appreciate your comments, but I have to say, if it weren’t for Meredith’s great questions, it wouldn’t have been half as good. What might not be apparent to some of you is that she researched the book (and me!) on Amazon and Goodreads very thoroughly in order to come up with such well considered and insightful questions. All Hail Meredith and her great website! And let’s not forget a shout-out to Mr. Bingley!
Best of luck, everyone!
PS
Oops, I made it sound like she only read about the book, instead of actually reading it; of course she read it before the interview. Sorry—must.think.first. then type!
Oh thank you for such lovely praise, Stanley! It was such a pleasure to work with you and I’m so very grateful for the wonderful opportunity you gave me and my readers! I’m thrilled to share all I learned about you and your book with my readers and hope it encourages them read Darcy’s Tale! Thank you for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed my interview questions!
PS – Mr. Bingley appreciates the shout out! 😉
Hi. The book sounds amazing! I really like the way Darcy thinks in his head ‘propensity to love very few’ I think it tells us about everything he is at that point in time. I would like to enter the giveaway and I’ll write a review in goodreads. Thank you.
Oh, thank you! This is a very generous giveaway. I loved the interview and I am very curious to read the story from Darcy’s point of view and written by a man! I have never read Austen inspired novels written by men! Thank you Stan for the chance 🙂
You are very welcome, Maria; and best of luck to everyone!
Stan
What an interesting interview and a great idea for a story – hopefully by doubling my chances I will stand more of a chance, although it looks like everyone else had the same idea 😉
I have read a Jane Austen related book by a man in the past and it was wonderful so I would love to read this one as well!
I have never read any austen related book by a man so this is a MUST READ!!!
Thank you for the chance 🙂
Wow, five copies and I hope I’m one of the owner. I love getting to know new Austensque authors so thanks for arranging a wonderful interview, Meredith. The second volume sounds intriguing so I look forward to it plus Volume III as well.
I have enjoyed reading P&P variations from Darcy’s perspective. Thank you for the giveaway. It will be a delight to read between Christmas and New Year’s – an escape from the craziness into the wonderful world of P&P.
I have the honor of doing a Master’s Thesis in Acting by playing the role of Mr. Darcy in a stage play of PandP. I think this book would help out a lot in my research….