Hello, dear readers! I am very excited to welcome back author Victoria Kincaid to Austenesque Reviews today! Victoria has been quite busy this past year and has just released her sixth Pride and Prejudice variation – Chaos 
Comes to Longbourn (which sounds fantastic, can’t wait to read it!) I’m so happy to have Victoria come visit and share a little about writing dialogue and an enticing excerpt from Chaos Comes to Longbourn, which will hopefully tempt you to give her lovely book a try!
It wasn’t until after I had published my first Jane Austen novel that I read an article pointing out what should have been obvious to me: Jane Austen writes a lot of dialogue and reveals character primarily through dialogue. Lots of other writers rely heavily on narration and description to set the tone, illustrate character and move the plot forward. But for Austen the primary driver is dialogue.
Why should I have noticed it before? Because I spent the majority of my adult life as a playwright. Dialogue is pretty much the only tool you have when you write plays, so I really honed those skills. It was a relief when I started writing novels that I didn’t have to squeeze out all the exposition through dialogue. I could actually tell it in the narrative. It was so much easier!
In retrospect I now realize this is one of the reasons I love Austen’s writing so much. It’s not just that her dialogue is witty and beautifully crafted to suit each character. But because I love playwriting, I particularly appreciate stories told with well-crafted dialogue. It is one aspect of Austen’s work that particularly resonates with me.
And that is one of the joys of writing Jane Austen Fan Fiction, as far as I am concerned. I get to write more dialogue for Austen’s brilliant characters. (I’m so lucky!) It’s a wonderful challenge to find new ways for Darcy to express the romantic sentiments he is still struggling to understand. It is great fun to write new dialogue for Collins or Lydia; because they’re such humorous characters it’s almost not possible to go over the top with their speeches.
It was also one of the great joys of writing Chaos Comes to Longbourn. There were eight different characters’ points of view throughout the book, so I had an opportunity to write from eight (often humorous) perspectives. It was tremendous fun for me and I believe it will be tremendous fun for the readers—and hopefully it will help satisfy their desires for more Austen.
~ Excerpt from Chaos Comes to Longbourn ~
“Is your estate very grand?” Lydia interrupted.
Darcy blinked at the rapid shifts in conversation. “My family house is Pemberley…” he temporized. Did she wish him to brag about his possessions? He found the thought distasteful.
“How many rooms does it possess?”
He rubbed his forehead. This was not how he had imagined his first conversation with his fiancée. “Two hundred and twelve.”
Lydia clapped her hands as if she had received a sweet. “Two hundred and twelve! How wonderful! There should be plenty of space for my friends to visit. There is Maria and Helen and—”
Darcy disliked interrupting people, but he could not tolerate any more. “Are you certain they would all like to travel to Derbyshire to visit you?”
Lydia’s eyes grew wide. “Pembleton is in Derbyshire? But that is so far away!” she squealed. “It must be closer. That is impossible!”
Darcy sighed. “Unfortunately, I cannot relocate my family’s estate to a more convenient location.”
Lydia waggled her head. “How vexing!” But then she sat up straighter. “Do you have a house in town?”
“Of course.”
“Then I shall live there most of the year, and I will not need to go all the way to Peckerly!” she declared triumphantly.
“If you wish.” Darcy silently resigned himself to years of avoiding London.
“It will be wonderful!” Lydia clasped both hands to her bosom. “I shall host the most elegant balls in all of London. And I shan’t invite anyone who has been cruel to me.”
He needed to redirect the conversation. “About the—”
“And I shall have ostrich feathers for my hair!”
Darcy had never given a moment’s consideration to what women wore in their hair. “If you wish—”
“And I—”
Darcy was not sure when this conversation had gone wrong, but he must regain control. She would never stop spinning fantasies in her head. “Lydia, you and I both know there was another man with you.”
Lydia froze, suddenly wary. “I am sure I do not know what you mean,” she sniffed.
Darcy stepped closer, deliberately looming over her. “I must know the man’s identity.”
“There was no man.” Lydia’s voice quavered as she stared straight ahead, refusing to meet Darcy’s eyes.
“You did not untie your bodice yourself. Nor did I. I never touched you, save inadvertently when I fell on you.” Lydia clamped her lips together tightly. Darcy raised his voice. “I agreed to a betrothal to salvage your reputation, but we cannot marry. You must marry the man who is actually responsible for your plight.”
Lydia jumped up from her chair. “Mama says it will be a great scandal if you do not marry me! You cannot renege on your promise!”
Darcy scrubbed his hands over his face. Lydia was correct about the scandal, unless Darcy found the other man and persuaded him to marry her. If she jilted Darcy, it would be a minor contretemps, but if he did not keep his word, the Darcy name would suffer. He prayed that the other man was not already married—and that he would be susceptible to monetary inducement if necessary.
Lydia’s lower lip protruded stubbornly. It was time for a different tactic. “Miss Lydia, 
please see reason. We do not suit each other.”
“Of course we suit each other!” she cried. “You shall buy me jewels! And I can be very charming!” She gave him a winsome smile. Darcy shook his head, endeavoring to think of an appropriate argument if such was Lydia’s notion of compatibility. “And I shall be a good hostess for your elegant balls!”
The Darcy family had not hosted a ball since his mother’s death, and he had no intention of remedying that situation. He sighed. “I could not make you happy.”
Lydia slumped into her chair, pouting in a most unladylike manner. “Am I not pretty enough?”
Darcy sighed. This was like arguing with Georgiana at age ten—and at her most petulant. “That is not the issue at all.”
Her eyes glistened. “I know I do not have Jane’s beauty or Elizabeth’s eyes, but—”
“I pray you, do not misunderstand me. You are very pretty.” Lydia preened. Oh, Good Lord! “You are…very young—a full thirteen years younger than me.”
Oh I don’t know you, but I cannot wait to read this story! Sounds like everything is mixed up in the most backwards possible way! Mr. Darcy engaged to Lydia?!? The shades of Pemberley indeed… Thank you so much for sharing, Victoria! I can’t wait to see the 8 different point-of-views you write from in your latest variation!!
~~~
Connect with Victoria
Website ❧ Blog ❧ Twitter ❧ Facebook
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Today, Victoria brings with her ONE copy (paperbook or ebook – winner’s choice!) of her newly released novel, Chaos Comes to Longbourn, for me to giveaway to ONE lucky winner!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, a question, or some love for Victoria!!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Victoria!
- This giveaway ends September 16th!
An interesting way to humble poor Mr Darcy…the thought of Lydia hosting an elegant ball at Pemberley with ostrich feathers no less makes me cringe. Does she adore orange like Carolyn too?
Chaos indeed. Thank you.
LOL! Such a hoot, right?
Thank you for your interest, Theresa. I had great fun writing the scenes with Lydia — she’s such an interesting combination with Darcy! Good luck with the giveaway!
I have this variation on my wishlist, would love to win 🙂
Hi Nicole, Thank you so much for your interest! Good luck!
Thank you for the excerpt and giveaway! I am dying to read the whole book. Love your stories!! 🙂
Hi Daniela, I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Good luck with the giveaway!
this sounds like a thoroughly enjoyable variation
denise
Hi Denise. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the giveaway!
Chaos indeed! It must have been so much fun writing dialogue for Lydia! So looking forward to reading this one…it’s on my wishlist…thank you so much for the giveaway!
Right? I can only imagine how it is fun to channel these eccentric and hilarious personalities!
Hi Carole, It is particularly fun to write Lydia talking to Darcy – they aren’t on the same wavelength at all. Good luck!
Thanks for this captivating giveaway which i would enjoy greatly.
Hi Ruth, Thanks for your interest and good luck!
I find it painful to read. Heh heh The mark of a good storyteller! I have this on my TBR list.
LOL! We can feel Darcy’s pain can’t we? 😉
Hi Brenda, I must admit I enjoy torturing Darcy, particularly when the results are comedic. Good luck!
This is such a delightful excerpt from what promises to be an amusing story. Lydia and Darcy indeed!! I can’t wait to watch Elizabeth become jealous of one of the silliest girls in all of England. I am definitely looking forward to reading this!!
Yes, that will be an interested dynamic won’t it? What about Caroline? She must be having a cow about this!
It’s Caroline so it must be a rather large, frightening cow
LOL!
Hi Lynn, Yes, Elizabeth’s reactions are interesting since she’s only just realizing her own attraction to Darcy. it was a very interesting dynamic to write. Good luck with the giveaway!
Chaos indeed!!! Poor Darcy. I really hope he manages to escape this entanglement sooner rather than later and preferably into Elizabeth’s arms! . I’m sure she would very happily go and live at Peckerly?? I would love to win a copy of this book so thanks for the giveaway.
Hi Glynis, The book does end with an HEA for all concerned, but there’s a lot of chaos before that. Good luck with the giveaway!
Poor Mr. Darcy! Would love to win a copy, can’t wait to read this!
Hi Laura, Thanks for your interest and good luck!
Chaos indeed!
Victoria, your premise reminds me of Shakespeare ‘s “midsummer a night dream” where all things are flipped and not what they seem.
I love that people are flipped around just to be put straight at the end. But of course, the real enjoyment is the way to the end!
Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy!
Carol, You’re not the first one to compare it to Midsummer Night’s Dream. I hadn’t thought of it, but it does sort of fit. Good luck!
This has me both cringing and laughing and shaking my head at the same time. Chaos indeed. I read the ebook and could not put it down.
Hi Debbie, I’m so glad you enjoyed the book. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Oh, I dearly love to laugh! I think this book will be excessively diverting, and I look forward to the pleasure.
Hi Ginna, I do think it’s a good book for people who like to laugh. Good luck with the giveaway!
Haha, this book looks like it would be fun to read!
Kirsten, I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Good luck with the giveaway!
I dislike the cover (I’ve always disliked the male model to the back on the left — just too smarmy!). I definitely DO NOT see him as Mr. Darcy.
I am surprised that Darcy thinks that Lydia has reached a mental age of 10
Chaos indeed! I was having the vapors just reading Lydia’s dialogue. Where are Mrs. Bennet’s smelling salts when I need them? Darcy has got to fine the man who was with Lydia. Quick man.
Hi Eva, I’m glad you were intrigued by the excerpt! Good luck with the giveaway!
Poor Darcy, loved that excerpt & book. It was so much fun to read of all the chaos that was happening! Couldn’t help but laugh out loud at times.
Hi Dung, I”m so glad you enjoyed the book and that it tickled your sense of humor. Thanks for sharing!
I am surprised that Darcy thinks that Lydia has reached the mental age of 10
LOL, Vesper. So true. Good luck!
I must know how this ends!! Must..have…add to library…
Good luck with the giveaway, Leah!
Poor Darcy!!! I really have to read this one, preferably soon… I have to find a way.
Hi Teresita, Thank you for your interest and good luck with the giveaway!
“Peckerly” makes me laugh every time! But Darcy and Lydia? Gag-worthy!
This book sounds like a real hoot! I’d love to win a copy.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Pam, I had a great time making up incorrect ways to say Pemberley! Good luck with the giveaway!
I think you may have hit upon one of the main reasons I also love Jane Austen-the dialogue-and I am not sure if I even realized it before now! I am a theatre junkie, even though I am not a playwright, and reading this today really resonated with me! Congratulations on this book release! It looks fabulous!
Hi Paige, A woman after my own heart! Good luck with the giveaway!
Lydia, Lydia, Lydia. Pembleton and Peckerly and thinking that you could somehow move our beloved Pemberley to a whole different county. Poor Mr. Darcy for having to put up with her. What a scare fate that must look like.
Hi Amanda, Thanks for your interest and good luck!
Good heavens! What is to become of us?
Joy, Don’t worry. There’s a happily ever after for everyone! Good luck with the giveaway!
This book looks so entertaining!
HI Jeanna, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the giveaway!
Hi Victoria!
I’ ve enjoyed so much with your excerpt! It’s really fun and it reminds me of the brilliant pieces of Oscar Wilde’s plays! Bravo 🙂
I agree with you: dialogue is a very important matter in order to get more “real” and closer characters. The story is more refreshing! .
I’m looking forward to reading the 8 point of view (even Lydia’s LOL). Thanks for the giveaway!
Hi Teresa, Oscar Wilde–I’m honored by the comparison. 🙂 Thank you for your interest in the book and good luck!
This story sounds like so much fun, I laughed out loud when I “heard” Lydia say Peckerly 😀 Would love the chance to read it!
Hi, I”m so glad you enjoyed it and good luck!
Yes, painful is indeed the correct description. Have read a few other mixed-up connections involving Darcy and Bingley and the Bennets, but this looks to be the mother of them all. Definitely on my Must-Read list, and would be delighted to give a loving home to a prize copy, and thank you for offering the opportunity.
Agreed that dialogue is far more interesting and advances the plot more rapidly than description. Make that “well-written dialogue.” This excerpt is quite a hoot!
Hi Janis, Thank you for your kind words about the excerpt. Good luck on the giveaway!
Hello! I appreciate your excellent work here – what a challenge to perseverance! I wanted to mention that your words about how Jane Austen wrote, moving her story by dialogue more than description or narrative, fits precisely with my love of her genius. I commented in my little book: Authors Write the Darnedest Things! (I hope you don’t mind the mention) that she did not spend much time on those aspects. I try to write – well, it seems I can’t help writing – much the same way. I will add that because she di leave so much description to our imaginations, which is a gigantic boon to all who love to write, and read, Fan Fiction/Austen Variations.
Victoria, I somehow cut off the part that says: I would love to win a copy of your delightful new book! My reading these days is almost always on my Kindle due to limitations in my ability to tread 12 pt print. Whether or not I am lucky enough to win, I WILL be reading Chaos comes to Longbourn!
Hi Clytie, I can’t help writing either. 🙂 And I agree that Austen left a lot of gaps where we could add our own imaginations. The Kindle is quite a boon to people with visual impairments. My daughter has a couple of eye problems and it’s so nice to adjust the print to her needs. Good luck with the giveaway!
I love to laugh and obviously all things Austen !! So this story sounds like my cup of tea. Can totally picture Lydia with ostrich feathers in her hair 🙂
Hi Charlotte, It does seem to be the kind of thing Lydia would do, doesn’t it? Good luck!
Thanks so much for the excerpt. It sounds like a great book. Thanks Victoria for giving us a chance to win this book.
Hi Brenda, I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Good luck with the giveaway!
Great excerpt! I can’t wait to read it either. Great fun!
HI Jennifer, I’m glad you enjoyed it. Good luck!
I did read and enjoyed this book. I liked how a certain couple worked together to solve one “engagement”. Great review.
Hi Sheila, Thank you for sharing your experience with the book. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I love P & P retellings and have read many. From reading the excerpt, it sounds like one of the funniest storylines yet. I feel for Mr. Darcy! I would love to read it.
Who designs your book covers? This is gorgeous!!