Hi friends! If you are a long-time reader of my blog you may have noticed I adore multi-author short-story anthologies. (If you need a reminder check here, here, here, here, and…here to name a few!)
Well, as such a fan of these collaborations, you can imagine my excitement – nay, my extreme elation – at the news of Christina Boyd’s upcoming project!!! So many talented authors!! GAH! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT!
Here is an official interview with the lovely Christina Boyd and Just Jane 1813‘s Claudine Pepe:
Interview with Christina Boyd
There are many well-known names behind today’s exciting announcement in the JAFF community and the one person at the center of it all is here today to share this news with us; the lovely Austenesque editor, Christina Boyd.
Christina, there’s a buzz going around the JAFF community that you are heading a new project and it’s a pleasure to have you visit so many Austenesque blogs today to share your big news!
Can you share with us what you’ve been working on behind-the-scenes?
Thank you for hosting and shining your light on this project. I am excited and not a little proud to announce “The Darcy Monologues”—a short story anthology with sixteen of my very favorite Austenesque writers. I doubt anyone will be surprised by my list—authors I’ve either enjoyed working with and admire their work or authors I have simply fan-girl’d over for years: Susan Adriani, Sara Angelini, Karen M. Cox, J. Marie Croft, Jan Hahn, Jenetta James, Lory Lilian, Judy-Lynne, KaraLynne Mackrory, Beau North, Ruth Phillips Oakland, Natalie Richards, Sophia Rose, Melanie Stanford, Joana Starnes, and Caitlin Williams.
Wow, that is an exciting line-up of talent!
“The Darcy Monologues” sounds like such a fitting title for this anthology. Would you share with us how it was selected as the title, especially with so many authors involved in this project?
This project is collection of stories all told from Fitzwilliam’s point-of-view—set in Regency, contemporary, as well as other eras. Because the stories are strictly from his eyes, I felt it imperative we find a title that clearly illustrated the book would be more than one tale but all from his point-of-view. In an e-mail from “The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy” author, Sara Angelini, she mentioned how she had long wanted to write a story titled “The Darcy Monologues” or something like… So, in presenting the idea to the group, other ideas were thrown about. After a quick Google search, we learned there was a short story on Derbyshire Writer’s Guild by Judy-Lynne with the same title. She had written a short story described as six “extemporaneous rants” expressed by Fitzwilliam Darcy. Not one to be a copycat, we moved on to other names. But as time passed, nothing resonated with me as much so I felt incumbent to ask Judy-Lynne if she would be offended if we used the same title. Unfortunately, she is rarely on the fanfiction sites anymore and everyone I asked claimed they did not know how to get in touch with her. Finally! Finally, I connected with her through “A Happy Assembly” and asked her about the title use, she accepted, and I asked her if she was still writing and would she be interested in writing a short for the anthology. She said she wasn’t writing but agreed to the challenge. And that’s my story and I’m sticking with it.
How does this project differ from anything you’ve worked on before?
I’ve worked on two other anthologies, published in 2015 by Meryton Press: “Sun-Kissed: Effusions of Summer” and “Then Comes Winter.” Both were set-up as writing contests with a panel of judges reading and selecting the submissions. This project, I am self-publishing and have assembled my own dream team.
At this point, what can you share about your experiences working with so many talented Austenesque writers?
I feel lucky! Blessed. Not only that these talented writers have all graciously committed to this project—some having not written anything Austenesque in years—but have over a short period of time become so dear to me on a personal level.
What can readers expect from this anthology?
The authors have all committed to write a short piece from Darcy’s point-of-view, between 5000-15,000 words, and must have romance—but no scenes that I wouldn’t be able to share with my teenage daughter or eighty-year-old mother-in-law. Even with that last tenet, I am amazed how these writers can turn up the heat in a room. Have your fans handy—and even a few tissues!
It seems like we just can’t get enough of Mr. Darcy! What’s his appeal, Christina, 200 years later?
“Pride and Prejudice” is told in the third-person narrative, limited omniscient, from Elizabeth Bennet’s point-of-view. In my fiction, I have always had a weakness for the rich, powerful, noble, and handsome man who changes his ways for love, and a woman worthy of his efforts. I’ve long dreamt of putting together a collection of stories all from my favorite Austen hero’s eyes. Yes, “Pride and Prejudice” has been told before from Darcy’s point-of-view by the talented Pamela Aidan, Stanley Hurd, Amanda Grange, Janet Aylmer, and Mary Street, to name a few—but with all the amazing “Pride and Prejudice” re-imaginings out there, I wanted to read alternate stories in his own words.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with us today about The Darcy Monologues?
The anthology is scheduled for release May 22, 2017 and we have a few promotions planned in the coming weeks as we finish the editing process to spit and polish the collection.
Before we part, Christina, I hear you have some rather thrilling news to share with us on a personal level, which was just announced early this week. Care to divulge the details here too?
Well… I can barely believe it myself but…I won—I WON, the Omaze “Champagne Toast with Henry Cavill on the London Eye” experience! (Fundraiser to benefit the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.) You read that right. I won. I’m flying to London to meet my all-time favorite book boyfriend, the very talented British actor, Henry Cavill. I have never been to England, except layovers in Heathrow—which doesn’t count—so I feel like the French teacher who has never been to France. And here I get to go, stay in a luxury hotel, explore London, and have a champagne toast with Henry Cavill. Pinch me! And yes, if he is willing, I do hope to have him sign some swag for “The Darcy Monologue” giveaways—after all, he is my book boyfriend.
Three cheers for Christina and her lovely team of authors! Woot woot!! We are so excited and delighted with this upcoming project!!! All the best!
Biography
Christina Boyd wears many hats as she is an editor, a contributor to Austenprose, and a ceramicist under her own banner, Stir Crazy Mama’s Artworks. A life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Christina lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her dear Mr. B, two busy teenagers, and a retriever named BiBi. Visiting Jane Austen’s England remains on her bucket list.
~ GIVEAWAY TIME ~
We are giving away some really fun prizes to three lucky winners!
- One winner will receive a stash of gifts to enjoy with his/her own significant other. These treats include assorted British food and beverage snacks and a Mr. Darcy quote mug.
(This prize is open to a winner with a U.S. mailing address only)
- Another winner will receive two stories from the anthology; a Regency story and a contemporary or alternate era short story. The winner will choose his/her prize stories based on the authors in this anthology. These stories will be distributed to the winner on March 15, 2017.
- Our third prize winner will receive a walk-on role in one of the stories in this anthology. That’s right…This winner will have a piece of the action in one of our stories, which means having a character in one of these stories in the anthology named after her/him.
This is something every JAFF reader dreams about, isn’t it?
To enter these giveaways comment and fill out the Rafflecopter form below!
Thanks to Claudine and Christina for letting take part in this special announcement!
- These giveaways are open for entries until midnight EST on Saturday, January 28, 2017.
- The winners will be announced on Sunday, January 29, 2017.
Thanks so much, Meredith! I’m so looking forward to this release, my fellow authors have written some pretty amazing stories!
I don’t doubt it!!! Such an incredible bunch of authors…all together! It is just so fantastic!
Thanks for supporting the project Meredith! I can’t wait to read the other stories…:-)
Oh absolutely! 🙂 I love short-story anthologies and I’ve loved both of the other anthologies Christina has edited! 😀
This is a fun concept! I look forward to this book coming out. Oh, and meeting Henry Cavill? Delicious. 😉 Have fun!
Isn’t it? And I just love the title! It will be hard waiting. 😉
Meredith, You do remember me mentioning this venture to you when it was but a wisp of an idea? And about title ideas? Thank you for all your good will and support in the project–truly validated the vision! Can not wait for you to read this brick of book–it’s huge–make some room in Netherfield’s library!
Of course! I’m so glad to hear things are progressing so well and that the wait won’t be much longer now! I’m so happy for you, Christina, for so many reasons! Congrats on such a wonderful week! Can’t wait to take a ‘shelfie’ with The Darcy Monologues! LOL!
THis is going to be an anthology to cherish. All Darcy all the time! YUM! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! I know I will! 🙂
Thanks for sharing Meredith! I can’t wait to read all the other Darcy stories!
My pleasure, Melanie! 🙂 ME too!!
A number of e-mails in my box today announcing this…can’t wait to read the book, having read all but one of the authors before (can’t seem to find the one on Amazon). Drooling just thinking about you and Henry at the top of the eye in London!
I know which one you mean because I did the same as you, Sheila! Very excited about being introduced to a new author!
Well Meredith I’m afraid I will suffer from anticipation fever having to wait until May. This list of authors is really great and I can’t wait to read their Darcy stories. I mean who wouldn’t love that tall, dark, handsome and romantic man? Thanks for sharing this. Oh and I see you now have the ‘notify Jr’s box again
You and me both, Glynis! It will definitely be hard to wait! 🙂
Thanks, I’ve been trying to find a solution for the subscription thing, don’t know if it is working yet though. :/
Sounds like a wonderful project. I look forward to the release and reading more from new and favorite authors.
I agree! 🙂 So happy this is happening!
The Darcy Monologues! What a fantastic idea!!! Looking forward to reading these wonderful,romantic and,no doubt,angst filled stories!
Me too, Mary! I hope so! 🙂
I’m happy as a clam to be part of this collection of authors! Thanks for hosting the announcement , Meredith.
So happy for you, Karen! 🙂 I cannot wait for this project to come out!
Thrilled, honoured & blessed to be part of this awesome team! Thanks for spreading the news, Meredith, I can’t wait to read everybody’s stories!! Roll on May 22, can’t wait for the brick of a book full of a romantic Mr Darcy.
So thrilled for you all, Joana! How fun to collaborate together on a project! 😀 Can’t wait!
This has to be the best idea since sliced bread. Oh-my-goodness, I can hardly wait. Is that the cover…lawd, my blood pressure? That will get your heart rate pumping.
Not the cover–just the announcement art–stay tuned…the cover art is going to be something outstanding — if we can pull it off!! (But at this point, I should not say any more!)
I’m elated, too, Meredith. This is a fun project to be part of and now it’s exciting to let everyone know about it. Appreciate you warmly hosting The Darcy Monologues.
So happy for you, Sophia! I can’t wait to read another of your stories!!!! 🙂
There are some fantastic prizes there. Unfortunately, I’m not on FB or Twitter. Good luck with the project.
That’s okay, one entry is all you need! 😉
The lineup is so awesome. Do we really have to wait until May???? Thanks so much for the promo here. I’ll really be looking forward to this anthology. Jen Red
The wait will definitely be the hard part! 🙂 So excited for this anthology to come out!
Wow I’m so looking forward to this anthology. I love P & P stories from Mr. Darcy ‘s point of view. Congrats to Christina and meeting Henry Cavill. I’ve always thought he would make the perfect Mr Darcy – so lucky you! He’s one of my favorite actors. Thanks for the giveaway. LeslieGB
Thank you! I’m over the moon!
I wish he would play Mr. Darcy in something! He would be so perfect and he is still the right age for it!
Believe me, I will be discussing that very thing with him. Or at least a period piece! Britches, tall boots, and a cravat. Yes please.
Looking forward to this book. May seems like a long way away. Wonderful giveaway.
Me too! 🙂 Hopefully it will be here before we know it!
What a fabulous day hearing about all these wonderful authors contributing to this anthology! Congratulations to all and enjoy your time at the top of the world with Henry! Thank you for the wonderful giveaways too!
Indeed! 🙂 I can’t wait for Christina’s visit, I know she will have the time of her life!
Thank you, Meredith, for allowing us to announce The Darcy Monologues. I’m excited to be a part of it and especially excited to work with Christina. She’s been an encouragement to me for years!
My pleasure, Jan! I’m so excited for you all! 🙂 Cannot wait to read another one of your works, Jan!
I always love to hear of a new P&P book and to read of new impressions of Mr. D. Of course, a prize would be nice to win as well.
I agree! It will be interesting to see the different perspectives and impressions of Mr. Darcy!
I am so excited about this book! And what great prizes!! 🙂
Woot woot! 🙂 Me too! 🙂
Thank you, Meredith, for your support with this announcement! I loved your creativity with this post and your enthusiasm for this anthology. It is my hope that “The Darcy Monologues” become another favorite anthology of your’s too!
Thanks, Claudine! It was an honor to take part! 🙂
My first introduction to JAFF was Pamela Aidan’s Darcy POV trilogy, so anything like that will always be extremely appealing to me. Stanley Hurd’s trilogy is also one of my all-time favourites. Can’t wait for 22nd May!
Great choices, Anji! It will be interested to see a whole anthology of Darcy POVs!
This is such an exciting announcement! I also love anthologies, and Christina is such a fabulous editor! I really can’t wait to read this!
Thank you, Paige. I find myself having to stop myself from fangirlling out when I’m working on this project. Each story is a gem and such an awesome representation of their style.
Thanks, Meredith, for sharing Christina’s announcement with your readers.
I can’t wait to read The Darcy Monologues (except for that one short story I’ve already pored over umpteen times).
Good luck to those entering the giveaway. Like Christina, you, too, can be a winner.
Hugs to you, Meredith.
Joanne
I am so excited to read everyone’s stories! Thank you so much for the post, Meredith! 🙂
Thanks so much for this new book. Excited for you to go to London don’t and meet Mr. Cavill!
Congratulations on your new project!! I can’t wait to read these stories by some of my favorite Austenesque authors!! Yay!!
And enjoy your champagne toast with Henry Cavill…in London!! (I’d be more excited about London than Henry, but hey, he’s icing on a very handsome cake! Now if it were Benedict Cumberbatch…I’d love to chat with him about books and all the Shakespeare parts he’s played over the years. Yes, Seriously.)
Thank you for this generous give-away! 😀
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Oh. My. Goodness!! This anthology is every Darcy lover’s dream! 😀 Thanks for the wonderful news!
Dear all – so sorry to be late to this party ! Thank you Meredith for your wonderful support and all I can say is: I can’t wait ! (can you tell I am excited ?:-) )
Oh, yay! I love stories from Darcy’s point of view. Looking forward to this anthology.
Btw. My mistake. Must excuse me as the details were a bit jumbled last week in all my excitement and haste. Judy-Lynne’s stories are at http://pemberley.com
Can’t say enough about how exciting I am about this project! Darcy’s POV from so many of my favorite authors! Congrats on this project, I can’t wait to read it!
Belatedly checking in here with my excitement (or is there a stronger word?) about this collection! What a great list of authors! (And just a note that I love your new photo, Christina!)