Hi readers! I am very excited to welcome Paisley James, author of a recently released Pride and Prejudice variation titled, To Save and Protect (which sounds phenomenal btw!), to Austenesque Reviews today! To Save and Protect is Ms. James’s debut release and I’m very happy to have this opportunity to have her visit my blog and chat about writing, her new release, and Jane Austen!
Welcome, Paisely! Thank you so much for visiting my blog! Since you are a new 
author to me and some of my readers, how about we start off with you telling us a little bit about yourself. How long have you been writing? When did you first encounter Jane Austen?
Thank you so much for this interview, Meredith. Let me begin by saying that Paisley James is my pen name. Like many other writers, my love for writing goes hand-in-hand with an even greater love for reading. I started reading great works of literature when I was nine and was introduced to Pride and Prejudice when I was eleven. Needless to say that I fell in love with it and it has been my favourite novel ever since. I have been writing for some time now, but To Save and Protect is my first published work.
That’s so impressive that you read classics at such a young age and how lovely that you fell in love with and have been in love with Pride and Prejudice all these years! Now tell us a little about your debut novel, To Save and Protect. How did you come up with the idea for this story? What inspired the premise?
We all know that Darcy and Lizzy have great chemistry. They are the perfect match. But their misunderstandings get in the way of their happiness. The disastrous first proposal is always a painful scene for me to read and I always think what if they were thrown together soon after the proposal, in a situation where Darcy could behave like an honourable gentleman and Lizzy could see his real character?
Well, I am a huge fan of adventure and murder mysteries. So, I thought what if Darcy and Lizzy were involved in some sort of mystery or adventure? What if they were in danger? How would they behave? What would happen to their pride and prejudice?
To Save and Protect begins on the morning after the proposal, after Darcy has delivered his letter to Elizabeth. Darcy finds out Elizabeth may be in trouble and goes after her despite his broken spirit. So much happens in this story and although it is centered on our favourite couple’s love story, it also involves many other subplots that I hope readers will enjoy.
Oh! I absolutely love Darcy for doing that – it is so like him! And I love hearing that there is a bit of murder mystery in this variation! How fun! I understand you previously shared this story on a fan-fiction site, can you tell us a little about that? Do you think sharing this story in chapter installments shaped it in any way? How?
Yes. I was fortunate to share this story with thousands of wonderful readers on Fanfiction.net. To be honest, it was because of their continuous encouragement that I finished the novel and the next two that followed it. I had people messaging me from all over the world, telling me what they thought about the story and the chracters. Writing a story and sharing it in installments is an amazing experience. It is very organic. As a writer, you get immediate feedback after each chapter. The readers are very honest and of course quite protective of Elizabeth and Darcy, so they have no problem telling me what they think.
It sounds like such a rewarding and beneficial experience. Yes, I love how protective Jane Austen fans are towards all her characters, but especially Elizabeth and Darcy!! I always love it when authors add some new characters to the world of Jane Austen’s novels. I believe you have crafted some original characters in To Save and Protect. Can you tell us a little about them? What made you want to introduce these characters?
In To Save and Protect, I have introduced a few new characters, prominent among whom is Lord Julian Paisley. It is actually quite funny how he became part of this story. When I first introduced the character, I wanted to use him as a minor character to add some comic relief to the story. But Lord Paisley, it seems, had plans of his own. He really took me by surprise. Before I knew it, I was writing him in most of the scenes and he became one of the main characters. Lord Paisley is a complex character and is full of contradictions. He comes across as a dandy, but proves himself to be intelligent and resourceful. He is Darcy’s good friend, but he is his opposite in temperament. He is similar to Elizabeth in that he has a wicked sense of humor and enjoys laughing at what is ridiculous.
Ooh! I am definitely liking the sound of Lord Paisley! I can’t wait to see the dynamic between him and Darcy! You mentioned earlier that there are two other books that follow this one! I’m super excited to learn that there is the promise of more from you! Can you tell us a little about your future books?
Yes. I am happy to say that To Save and Protect is the first book in a trilogy. The next two books are To Love and Cherish, and To Desire and Deserve. To Love and Cherish, which will be published soon, is the story of Lord Paisley and his love interest. I cannot give away too much information now but I think readers who have enjoyed reading To Save and Protect will also enjoy reading the next two books.
Oh I love it!! And how wonderful that there isn’t too long a wait! How about we switch it up with some Quick-Fire Questions?
- Which Jane Austen character do you best identify with? Darcy
- Which Jane Austen character do you intensely dislike? Mr. Elton
- What is one of your favorite quotes from Pride and Prejudice? “There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.”
- What is one of your favorite quotes from your novel? “The houses indeed become grander and more impressive as one travels from one side of the town to the other,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “But alas, I cannot make the same claim for all of the people who live in them. One finds vulgar people everywhere, Miss Bingley.”
- What do you love most about Mr. Darcy? His integrity.
- What is one of your favorite scenes from Pride and Prejudice? My favourite scene is when Darcy comes to visit Elizabeth just as she has gotten news of Lydia’s elopement. So much happenes between them and so much is left unsaid. There is pain, love, protectiveness, understanding, regret, loss and so much more.
- What is one of your favorite scenes from your own novel? There is a scene in my novel, where Mr. Darcy stays in Elizabeth’s room to protect her from the unwanted advances of their host. They have to pretend they are lovers, which is embarrassing for both of them. But once they are alone together, they begin to talk and are able to overcome their prejudices. This is when Elizabeth returns Darcy’s letter to him. The letter is unopened. She tells him that she no longer needs to read the letter. That she now knows him and believes in his honour. Though she doesn’t realize it at the time, this is Elizabeth’s first gesture of love for him.
- If you were to meet Jane Austen, what would you like to hear her say? “Not bad!”
Lovely answers, Paisley! I’m so thrilled to learn more about you! I absolutely love all that I learned about To Save and Protect, I cannot wait to read it! And wonderful choice of a favorite scene from Pride and Prejudice – you are so right, there is so much going on in that scene.
~~~
Connect with Paisley
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
Paisley James so kindly brings with her today 3 ebooks of To Save and Protect for me to give away to 3 lucky winners!! Woot woot!
To enter this giveaway, leave a comment, question, or some love for Paisley!
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Paisley!
- This giveaway ends July 13th!
Congratulations on your new book, Paisley! I’m always interested to hear from new authors whose books found their start with online fanfiction.
I love finding new P&P variations so this one is definitely headed to my TBR list. Lord Paisley sounds like a fun fellow to follow – – any coincidence that he shares your pen name?
Lovely interview, Meredith – – thank you!
Thank you! No coincidence; I chose my pen name using names of two of my characters in book 2 and 3 of this trilogy: Lord Julian Paisley and Lord James Avery.
So exciting! Congratulations on your debut novel Paisley! I am hearing wonderful things about it! I have it on my wish list to read for I not only love P&P, but murder mystery as well. I love what your comment to Jane would be!
Thank you for a chance at the giveaway! Thank you Meredith for hosting another new author for us!
Thank you, Carole! And thank you, Meredith for arranging this. You were great!
Congratulations on your book. Glad to hear that the book involves murder mystery, as historical mysteries is my favourite genre. I like it when it gets mixed into jaff.
Thank you!
Variations are not usually my cup of tea but this one sounds fascinating! Likewise does Lord Paisley. And yes, I too am wondering about him sharing your pen name? I look forward to reading this.
I borrowed my pen name from him!
So wonderful that we have a new JAFF author! I like most everyone I’ve read so far, and I’m sure I will like this book too! “To Save and Protect” is a great title. I love it when Darcy gets to feel protective over Lizzy! The plot sounds fantastic! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity too!
Thank you, Denise! Hope you enjoy reading it.
Congratulations on your new book, Paisley! I love the premise so much! Love the idea that Darcy has a chance to prove himself and his nonourable nature & inner goodness, and love the possibility that they might get to their HEA just that little bit sooner. Looking forward to reading this!
Hope you enjoy reading it and would like to hear your feedback.
Congratulations Paisley, I love your novel. It’s on my list for this weekend, and I’m looking forward to the release of To Love and Cherish. Don’t add me to the drawing, I already own this book.
Thank you so much, Kate! That is kind!
Congrats on the release. Lord Paisley sounds like an interesting character.
Thank you
Congratulations on your novel, Paisley! P&P and a mystery sounds quite intriguing. 🙂
Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
Good luck
This was such an interesting read! I would love to own a copy!
“To Love and Cherish” sounds delicious!
I love the premise for the story and the mystery element. Lord Paisley sounds fun.
Lovely interview, ladies!
Thank you
I just looked on Amazon and there are 61 reviews at present with 74% giving 5-stars & 13% with 4-stars. Wow!! Congratulations on a most excellent launch. Thanks Meredith for hosting. Thanks to our author for the generous give-a-way. And… hello to Mr. Bingley.
Thank you! I am very grateful for all the support and the positive feedback.
Congrats on your new book Paisley, it sounds wonderful. Especially your favorite scene with the unopened letter 😀 !!
Thanks
Ooh, sounds interesting! When do you anticipate the whole series being available?
Working on it now.
Definitely sounds like a great new book and I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to your others in that series.
Thank you! I look forward to hearing your feedback.
Congratulations on your first published novel. I like that Lord Paisley took on a life of his own as you were writing and you had no control over him; however, he did allow you to write a book about him. Thank yu for being protective of Darcy and Elizabeth but cannot begin to imagine how they could pretent to be lovers! Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it.
I’m so happy to be introduced to a new-to-me author. This book sounds really really yummy. I also love historical mystery and when it is worked into a JAFF work, it is fantastic. But just the title ‘ To Save and Protect,’ those two words must always be Darcy to me. Congratulations on this, your first published work, Paisley. I am so excited to read this, and the fact that it is a series makes me think, yes! YES!!
Meredith….you’re the best.
Thank you! Hope you enjoy the book
I read this book and posted a review…5 stars from me. Paisley, may I say that you look like a perfect model for what I imagine Elizabeth might look like. God certainly blessed you in that department. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations on your first publication. Looking forward to the next.
Thank you so much! You are very kind! Thank you for the review. I get such positive energy when I read readers’ reviews. Lots of love
Congratulations. I am intrigued! I look forward to reading.
Congratulations on your new book, Paisley. Sounds wonderful and I look forward to reading it and I also like to read new authors. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Good luck and enjoy!
Congratulations on your book. I look forward to reading it and will be adding it to my TBR list.
Thank you
Thank you for this great giveaway and for sharing about your new book. It sounds really interesting and I plan to out it on my TBR List. I also enjoyed reading your answers to the questions at the end of this interview. Congratulations on your new book release!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it.
Love the premise, thanks for giving Darcy a chance to show his mettle!
Thank you! I hope you will enjoy the story.
I love the premise. The book sounds fascinating! Looks like the book is already a huge success. I loved that the fan fiction comments were helpful. I’d love to read this novel.
Thank you and I hope you will have a chance to read it and let me know what you think.
Thank you! I hope you’ll have a chance to read it and tell me what you think.
Great interview. I love the murder mystery aspect and new character Lord Paisley. I hope he doesn’t take Bingley’s place? I look forward to reading this soon. Who wouldn’t want Darcy to save and protect?!
Thank you Kim! No, Paisley is not a replacement for Bingley. Hope you like him!
Thank you for the entertaining interview, Meredith and Paisley. Paisley is a new author to me as I don’t read WIP on forums. I’m glad that there is another P&P variation I can look forward too.
Thank you! Hope you enjoy reading it
I loved the first book, especially Lady Catherine, and I never thought I’d say that. Very enjoyable read!
When will be next in the trilogy be available?
Kathleen,
Thank you! That’s very kind! The next book is being edited now. I expect I should be able to publish it some time in August. I hope you will enjoy that one too.