Hi readers! I am very excited to welcome Kay Bea, author of a recently released Pride and Prejudice variation titled – Letters from the Heart (which sounds fascinating, btw!!) to Austenesque Reviews today. Letters from the Heart is Ms. Bea’s debut release and I am very happy to have this chance to chat with her about writing, her new release, and Jane Austen!
Welcome, Kay! Thank you so much for visiting my blog.
Thank you for having me and for hosting the cover reveal for Letters from the Heart! I am really excited to be here!
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?
Since I was a young teen. I wrote very bad poetry and not entirely terrible short stories all through middle and high school. My first true “fan fic” was a short story from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter.
I love it! What a unique beginning. I remember greatly enjoying The Scarlet Letter in high school, I’m ashamed I have not read it since! When did you first encounter Jane Austen?
Can you believe not until my late thirties? But I fell irrevocably in love almost at once.
I’m happy you found her and that you fell in love with her stories! Can you tell us a little bit about your debut novel, Letters from the Heart. How did you come up with idea for this story? What inspired the premise?
In LFH, Elizabeth has been forced into a difficult situation and struggles to find her way forward. Like most JAFF, it is a love story at heart, but it’s also a story of friendship, family and finding happiness when it seems impossible to do so. The story began as a 10K word series of letters from Elizabeth to her sister, Jane and there is as much to learn from what isn’t said as from what is. I’d been reading a story where Elizabeth was in a similar situation to the one in which I’ve placed her and I started imagining what she might have written to her family and how their lives might have changed due not only to her absence, but to Darcy’s continued presence.
Yes – I love letters in stories and I’m so glad to hear that they are featured a lot in your story! What 
were some of the challenges or enjoyable aspects of including letters in this tale? Was there any character’s voice you especially enjoyed writing in?
The original story was all letters. They are written only from our favorite couple to their respective friends and family It wasn’t until I started working on the published version that any narrative bits were added. There were two big challenges in using an epistolary format. The first was creating believable character development. How could I show Darcy’s “Hunsford moment” when it occurred entirely off screen? The second challenge was finding Darcy’s voice. The Darcy in his letters is not the gentleman of the Meryton Assembly or the Netherfield Ball. The Darcy in his letters is a friend, a brother, a cousin. He is writing to people he loves and trusts so his voice is different to what we would here in Longbourn’s drawing room if he deigned to speak there. Once I found it, his voice was the most rewarding to write.
I can imagine that being a challenge, and I know many readers will be appreciating your efforts! In this story you have done something quite unthinkable to our dear Elizabeth Bennet, but in reality it isn’t that implausible for the time period and given Elizabeth’s situation. What are your thoughts on this?
Once I started writing this, I did some research into the laws of the era concerning domestic violence and divorce. It was heartbreaking. Women’s choices were incredibly limited at the time. I can’t even conceive of being considered legally as not a separate person from my husband much less living in a society that says a husband has the right and perhaps even the responsibility to chastise and / or discipline his wife. Though women in her situation may have been able to escape, it was far more likely they would have to remain with their abusers. I am grateful to the women who went before me and fought for the rights and privileges I enjoy.
It truly is terrible to think about, and horrible to realize it went on for as long as it did. Was Jane Austen romanticizing reality a little or do you think fathers like Mr. Bennet, that allowed their daughters the freedom of choice, did exist?
I think fathers like Mr. Bennet have always existed. There have always been men who were different to society and went their own way; but I think they have often been few and far between. Perhaps Miss Austen drew from an example of such a man in her own life?
I like that idea! I always love it when authors highlight and portray Darcy and Elizabeth having close relationships with other characters – whether they be Mr. Bennet, any of the Bennet sisters, the Gardiners, or Colonel Fitzwilliam. Are there any close relationships/alliances you explore in Letters from the Heart?
I think I’ve created a relatable Fitzwilliam family, but there is a special dynamic between the cousins. My favorite relationship in the letters is that between Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. For my Mr. Darcy, the colonel is not just his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam is his friend, his brother, and often his anchor.
That sounds wonderful! I love when Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy are closer than brothers and serve as each others confidant. What is next for you, Kay? Do you have any other Austenesque stories you plan to publish?
I have a second story completed which I hope to publish with Quills and Quartos next year and I have two others in progress. All three are Pride and Prejudice variations that feature strong, positive relationships between the Fitzwilliam cousins.
We are thrilled to hear all of this! How about we switch it up with some Quick-Fire Questions (a la James Lipton!) 😉
- Which Jane Austen character do you best identify with? Elinor Dashwood. I understand that need to keep your emotions under tight control.
- Which Jane Austen character do you intensely dislike? Mrs. Bennet. She does her daughters a great disservice and never does accept responsibility for her actions.
- What is one of your favorite scenes from Pride and Prejudice? Mr. Darcy’s visit to the inn at Lambton. His care and concern for Elizabeth’s well-being is so…visceral.
- What is one of your favorite scenes from Letters from the Heart? This should be easier to answer than it is, but a particular favorite is the conversation between Anne, Elizabeth and Darcy during his first visit to Kent.
- What do you love most about Mr. Darcy? His usually unfailing sense of honor and willingness to protect those he loves.
- What do you admire most about Elizabeth Bennet? Her fierce protectiveness of her family
- What would you detest most about being married to Mr. Collins? The perpetual state of embarrassment caused by the knowledge that he actually believes the tripe that comes out his mouth.
- What is your truth universally acknowledged? It is a truth universally acknowledged that an author struck by midnight inspiration must be in want of caffeine
- If you were to meet Jane Austen, what would you like to hear her say? I would wish for her to say all of my stories are too short.
Fantastic answers, Kay! We so appreciate your visit and your time chatting with us!
~ Connect With Kay ~
~ About Kay ~
Kay Bea is an administrative assistant and Jane Austen lover living in Kansas City withher husband of twenty-five years, her mother-in-law, and her fur kids. She has written several short stories and drabbles on fanfiction.net as “I Found My Mr. Darcy” and on A Happy Assembly as MrsDarcy2032.
Kay grew up in Wyoming, enjoyed a two-year adventure in Maryland, and now calls Missouri home. When she isn’t writing, Kay enjoys photography, cooking, and spending time with her adult children and three granddaughters.
~*~
GIVEAWAY TIME!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering a generous giveaway of a $50 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky reader who comments on any of the blogs participating in this tour! (Each blog you comment on counts as an entry!)
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Kay below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends September 19th.
*~*
Follow Kay’s Tour!
Our sincere gratitude to Kay Bea, Christina Boyd, and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for inviting us to take part in this tour!
What a wonderful interview! Thank you for hosting, Meredith, and for supporting the Austen community (and especially debut authors) like you do. I recently read and reviewed Kay’s novella—it’s a gem! Hope you enjoy it too.
Thank you!
Enjoyed the interview. I am glad to hear that Col. Fitzwilliam has a great relationship with Darcy as I love when they are like brothers.
Their relationship is so much fun to play with, largely because we are only a brief glimpse of it in canon.
Thank you for joining us today!
I am so looking forward to reading this book! Congrats on your first novel Kay!
Thank you! It’s been an adventure!
As the Colonel is my favourite male character I love it when he has a bigger role in a story (as long as he doesn’t fall for Elizabeth, for me he deserves better)
A well-written Colonel is always fun! Thank you!
Thank you for this great interview. I am really looking forward to reading this book. Congratulations on your first book, Kay!
Thank you, Daniela!
Wonderful interview and captivating novel which is special.Congratulations and best wishes.
Oh, thank you so much.
What a great interview ladies! I love epistolary novels – letters give so much insight into character’s thoughts and reasoining. And piecing together what must have happened off stage for those words to be written really engages the reader in the story. This is waiting on my kindle to be read next and I can’t wait. Congratulations Kay!
I hope this story meets your expectations. Thank you!
Congratulations on your debut novel Kay! I loved the interview and learning more about you. I too love epistolary novels and will be ordering the paperback because of this (it seems more intimate when reading them). I also happen to adore the cover! I also agree with your answer regarding Mr. Collins!
I laughed a little reading this…poor Mr C. He just doesn’t realize how completely ridiculous he is (in canon. My Mr C deserves no pity).
Thanks for dropping in.
Great interview! I especially appreciated your point about finding Darcy’s voice and how the epistolary format allows for that voice to come through. Looking forward to reading your book!
Thank you. It’s odd, I’m not sure I realized that I had succeeded until I heard the audio version and couldn’t stop thinking, “oh my goodness, that is exactly how I thought it would be…”
This book is very special to me. Thank you for writing such a poignant memorable work. I look forward to your future efforts. Really loved this book, and it stays with me in a way few others have – especially now I’m getting older and forgetful.
You are very kind and I’m glad you found the story meaningful.
Congratulations on your debut novel, Kay Thoroughly enjoyed the interview. I love to see Darcy and Fitzwilliam behave as brothers. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
Thank you! I like a closer relationship for Darcy and the Colonel. Maybe because I raised boys? Good luck!
This interview has me wanting to read the book even more now! I do love epistolary novels. There is something so intimate about a letter.
Oh, good! I hope you enjoy it.
There is something intimate in writing the letters as well. There are moments when it felt as though I was in the room with our friends.
I am very intrigued by the information Kay has given us about her book. I already wanted to read it, now I want to read it more! Much thanks for the chance to win the gift card — if I do, LFtH will be the first thing I buy with it.
Btw, I do understand the struggle to find Darcy’s “voice” — I faced the same challenge when he appeared briefly in my first JAFF novel, and even more so as he is a main character in my second. I can’t wait to see how you have written him.
It’s challenging to make sure he has his own voice. Letters can sometimes sound as though they were all written by the same person, so finding the right tone is quite rewarding.
Good luck!
I have been obsessed with this story since reading it on the boards a few years ago! I have to say, I know some people might shy away from it because of the Mr Collins situation but truly, that’s not at all what this book is about. This book is really about Darcy and the lengths he goes to for a woman he loves, a woman who he thinks there is no hope of ever having (but of course he has his and E’s HEA at the end!!)
Thanks for hosting this stop Meredith! And thanks Kay for your wonderful book!!
Awww…thanks, Amy!
I have seen fellow readers just amazed and in love with this book so I can’t wait to read it for myself.
Engaging interview, Meredith and Kay!
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the story.
Loved this story! Highly recommend it.
Thank you!
I look forward to reading it. Sounds good!
Thank you!
Congratulations on your first book. The cover is stunning. One can almost feel the green velvet. P&P or First Impressions began as a story of letters. Thank you for the generous giveaway.
I am so in love with the cover! Thank you for stopping by!
What a great interview! I’ve often that I would not like in JA’s era, as much as I love her books and have taken great comfort and inspiration from them. Not only is there there the lack of rights for women, which you so wonderfully depicted in your story (groups were also discriminated against, of course), but also the lack of medical knowledge. There are some other modern conveniences I wouldn’t want to do without, too, but neither are quite so potentially deadly. So happy to read that you have other stories in the works!
I can absolutely relate. I wouldn’t want to give up toothpaste
Thank you for stopping by!
A fabulous interview thank you.
Thank you!
I was fortunate enough to read and review an ARC of this fantastic P&P variation. I loved the format and the between-the-lines storytelling, as well as the dramatic yet sweetly satisfying story line. Aggravating characters were made villainous, and favorite characters were made even more admirable. Entertaining!
Thank you. The “not-telling” was a good challenge! Glad you enjoyed it.
Congratulations on your book! I love reading letters in novels too. Some of my favourite novels are those, which are a series of letters between different characters.
Thank you! The letters were incredible to write.
What a fun interview! I have never read a letters Pride and Prejudice variation and I really look forward to reading yours Kay!
Thank you and happy reading!
I have always loved epistolary novels, especially given what is written between the lines, and even what is not written at all but which can be gathered later as truth is revealed. This sounds like an incredibly difficult yet triumphant tale, Kay, and thank you so much for sharing your thoughts here!!
Warmly,
Susanne 🙂
Thank you! It was a challenging but ultimately rewarding way to tell the story. It also let me deal with difficult subject matter without getting graphic.
I’m so looking forward to reading your book Kay! It sounds lovely 🙂 My favorite thing about Mr Darcy is his strength of character & being such a gentleman.
Thank you! I agree, Mr Darcy has excellent strength of character.
Congratulations Kay! I have purchased the book and can’t wait to read it! I have a couple library books I need to finish first, but this blog tour is certainly whetting my appetite to dig in!
The anticipation is half the fun, right? Thank you &
Lovely interview. Look forward to reading this soon, Mr. Darcy is a stellar example of the strong,silent type that I swoon over. would do anything for those he loves, but doesn’t want the spot light. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
Thank you. His commitment to those he loves is utterly swoon worthy!
Thanks Meredith for hosting this amazing interview [say hello to your Mr. Bingley]. Congratulations to Kay for this beautiful cover… wow! It is simply gorgeous. I followed the letters when they posted separately and then together on fan fiction and AHA. I thought they were so powerful. I didn’t realize the power of reading between the lines. It isn’t always what you say but what you don’t say. I am so pleased to see this in print. Blessings on the success of this launch for you. I hope to see more of your work. I have a file where I’ve read your unpub stories. I can now look back and say… hey!!! I’ve read that. I am so excited for you.
Thank k you so much! Your support and encouragement has been amazing!
Oh this story sounds great!! A story of friendship, family and finding happiness when it seems impossible to do so… Simply wonderful!!
Thank you. It was fun to create a story that is as much about ODC’s friends and family as it is about them.
Wonderful interview. Look forward to reading
Thank you!
Great post. I love letters on a book, but I agree it’s a challenge. I really want to read this book, but it sounds so sad. and so realistic.I hope it has a happy ending. Congratulations.
I promise the good end happily and the bad unhappily just as Oscar Wilde says they should.
Great to know that.
Congratulations Kay! I enjoyed the interview. It sounds like an interesting variation. 🙂
Thank you!
Big fan of letters and all things Mr Darcy, this story sounds delightful to me! Enjoyed the interview and getting to know more about this book, went straight to my wishlist.
I hope you enjoy it! Thank you!
I read this book on KU and I am DYING to have it as my own. I couldn’t put it down!! Congrats on the release. It’s not easy to tell such a moving story in the form of letters.
Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
Oh I love Elinor as well! I wish I had half her patience! Looking forward to reading this book!
Right? She’s pretty amazing. Thanks for stopping by!
I enjoyed the interview. thank you for sharing a few things about you in the Quick fire questions. Thanks for the excerpt though i am a little dreading the life /sacrifice of EB.
There are some dark times for her, but even in the midst of them she has friends
Thank you very much for the generous give-away, whether I win or not! This book is already on my wish list, so I will own and read it sometime for sure. The story is intriguing and I love the idea of looking over the characters’ shoulders as they read their letters.
That’s how it felt writing this…like I was looking over their shoulders! Good luck and happy reading!
I hope I’ve done him justice! Thank you!
Kay, it was a pleasure meeting you! Congrats on your release!!
Thank you, Caryl. The pleasure is mine.
I love this idea of getting to know the characters and those they interact with through letters that are personal and really have feeling as those writing are working on revealing their deepest thoughts and feelings. I look forward to reading this book.
I hope it lives up to your expectations. Letters give an intimate feel to the story.
Great interview! Congratulations on your debut JAFF, hope it’s the first of many! I’d love to hear Mr Darcy’s voice 😉
Thank you. I hope to provide many more stories for you enjoyment.
Not sure if my first comment worked??
Congrats on your debut JAFF, hope there’s more to come!!! 🙂
Great interview!
It’s there! But thanks for coming again.
Great interview! I’m pleased that my dear Colonel has an important role. Could you be persuaded to write a story with him the main character? There are so few of them….
I hope I’ve done him justice for you…
Oh my goodness, I’m late to the game here (nothing unusual about that!) And I really thought I had commented on this earlier, too.
Well, I’m so excited about reading this. I like the premise given regarding Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s relationship, and oh my, the letters! Everything except the Mr. C. thing…eeww. Congratulations on your first publication and Cheers!, here’s too many many more successes in the future.
My JAFF wish list is so top heavy these days because we readers have been blessed with so many new publications in the recent past from the best in the genre. Yet your book will reside up there close to the top as it looks to fall over and go ‘boom.’ 😀 I want to read this—post haste.
I know how that is….my kindle is loaded!
Great interview. Congrats again on your debut novel. I love when authors give Darcy & Colonel Fitzwilliam a tight relationship. I’m looking forward to reading it and your other stories you are working on.
Thank you and happy reading!
Thank you for this giveaway opportunity!
A delightful interview, ladies. Thanks for asking the right questions to probe more on the author and Letters from the Heart, Meredith. Kay, it’s great to know you as I’ve never heard of you before.