Guest Post + Giveaway with Author Kelly Miller!!!

February 11, 2022 • Author Features, Giveaways • 67 Comments

Hi readers! This week has been all about Meryton Press novels on Austenesque Reviews! What a happy coincidence! I’m excited to welcome back author Kelly Miller to Austenesque Reviews today because I cannot wait to read her newest novel – Captive Hearts – because it is a Persuasion variation! How rare, right!? I’m all eager anticipation to see Anne and Wentworth receive some of the same treatment and torture as Darcy and Elizabeth! 

Kelly is her to share her thoughts on why she writes JAFF, we hope you enjoy! 🤗

 

Why Do You Write JAFF?

I imagine that every author of Jane Austen Fan Fiction has heard this question in one form or another from a well-meaning friend, relative, or fellow author. I have had many versions posed to me, and some have been rather insulting. For example:

“Do you think you will ever write an original book?”

“You’re so talented; you should write your own stories.”

“I’d like to read your work; do you have anything that is not related to Jane Austen?”

My usual reply is something along the lines of, “I write what I love.” But there I have more to say on the subject. I cannot blame any of these inquirers for their mistake in dismissing fan fiction writing as being less worthy of respect than other works. Before I became a writer, I may even have held similar thoughts. But in the past four years, in which I wrote a number of Jane Austen variations, I have learned a few things.

One truth I have found is that, for me, writing a well-known, beloved character is no easier than writing an original one. If anything, creating scenes for the known character is more difficult, because I must attempt to stay true to readers’ expectations of what that character would do in each new situation. If I get it wrong, readers are certain to let me know! In contrast, when writing for an original character, I am constrained only by the limits of my imagination.

In addition, if I create a circumstance that would alter a known character, I must take that into consideration as I write the story. For instance, I am editing a Pride & Prejudice variation, A Dutiful Son in which Darcy’s father is still living when my story begins in 1811. The elder Mr. Darcy’s influence on his son for those past five years would have been substantial. So, it would have been a mistake for me to write Fitzwilliam Darcy in A Dutiful Son exactly as he had been in the beginning of Pride and Prejudice.

For those of us who write Regency stories, the setting adds another layer of difficulty that often requires research lest we include a plot point that is inconsistent with the era. My writing necessitates frequent consultation of resources like “Etymology Online Dictionary” to avoid allowing modern words to sneak into my stories. Another factor I keep in mind is the need to appeal to the readers of today. Although I love discovering new words when I read, I am aware that not everyone loves it as much as I do. Thus, I use unusual and obscure words but try not to use too many.

Is it easier to re-create known scenes from a Jane Austen novel in comparison to writing an entirely new scene? Not in my experience. In my latest release, Captive Hearts, I have used a combination of known and new scenes in the plot. I spent way more time and attention on the familiar scenes than I did on the original ones. I had hoped to convey the experiences that Jane Austen had composed so eloquently in a way that was evocative, yet fresh and interesting.

I wonder if those who do not respect authors of fan fiction feel the same way about writers of memoirs or nonfiction. After all, they are not making up an original tale, but writing about what occurred to them or about facts or events. What about screenwriters who write an adapted script? Are they less admirable than those who write an original script? They both can win Oscars!

Anyway, I will continue to write what I love. It is possible that one day I will write a story that is not JAFF, but for the time being I’m all in with it!

I am so grateful to you, Kelly, for writing JAFF! Writers like you who share their creativity and love of Jane Austen’s novels help make this genre thrive. I loved hearing about how carefully you address the challenges of writing about characters that are already established and remaining true to both the time period and a character’s nature. 🥰

I wish you all the best with your release of Captive Hearts!

~~~

~ Book Description ~

Will Captain Wentworth realize too late that he has a second chance at love?

With a successful naval career and a fortune to his name, Frederick Wentworth receives a hero’s welcome from his sister’s neighbours.

One person, though, presents a source of vexation. Years earlier, Miss Anne Elliot had reneged on her promise to marry Wentworth, revealing a significant character flaw. Yet Anne’s unmarried state at the age of seven and twenty, her altered demeanour, and her resolute avoidance of Wentworth raise questions that gnaw at his composure.

In this Regency variation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, the captain follows the advice of a respected new friend and re-examines the agonizing circumstances of his bitter break from Anne, reaching a novel conclusion. But before he can act upon his new resolve, a dire twist of fate threatens Anne’s life.

~~~

~ Connect with Kelly ~

Facebook   ❧   Twitter   ❧   Blog   ❧   Goodreads

~ About Kelly ~

Award-winning author Kelly Miller is a native Californian and Anglophile, who made her first visit to England in 2019. When not pondering a plot point or a turn of phrase, she can be found playing the piano, singing, or walking her dogs. Kelly Miller resides in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets.

Captive Hearts is her fifth book published by Meryton Press. Other

books by Kelly Miller:

Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation with a touch of fantasy

• Winner: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and Indies Today Book Awards.

Mr. Darcy’s Perfect Match, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation

• Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards.

Accusing Mr. Darcy, a Pride and Prejudice Regency romantic variation and murder mystery

• Winner: Firebird Book Awards and Queer Indie Awards-Ally Division.

• Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards.

• Finalist: Wishing Shelf Book Awards.

A Consuming Love , a Pride and Prejudice Regency novella

• Winner: Royal Dragonfly Book Awards.

• Recommended Read: Author Shout Reader Ready Awards.

~~~

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Meryton Press is generously giving away 2️⃣ ebook copies of Captive Hearts in conjunction with Kelly’s visit today!  

To enter this giveaway leave a comment, a question, or some love for Kelly!

  • This giveaway is open worldwide.  Thank you, Meryton Press!
  • This giveaway ends February 18th!
Thank you to Janet Taylor, Meryton Press, and Kelly Miller for making this visit possible!

~~~

Disclaimer: The Amazon links used in this post are affiliate links. 

67 comments

  2. Please don’t enter me in the giveaway as I have this book. Alas I haven’t read it yet (health problems have led me to reread beloved books) but hopefully that will soon be remedied.
    I totally agree with your comment re writing JAFF as opposed to ‘original’? stories. They are all original anyway and I’d say a lot harder to keep to known characters and their personalities while dealing with the new storyline. Whatever anyone says I think you do it extremely well so keep writing please.

    Reply

      1. Thank you Kelly. I decided to be a brave little soldier and actually read your book! As usual I loved it! Needless to say the help from Darcy and Elizabeth was a definite bonus for me, but once he made his mind up I was very impressed with Wentworth, especially his reactions to Anne’s letter! It truly deserved the five stars I gave it so thank you.

        Reply

  4. I am certainly glad that you write JAFF, and I agree that your readers would let you know if you had an incorrect Regency fact. How exciting that your new book is about another couple loved by many. Jane Austen’s couples do like angst! Thank you for the giveaway.

    Reply

  6. It was so interesting to hear from Kelly and the challenges in writing JAFF. Persuasion is my second favorite Jane Austen novel, so I look forward to reading this variation. Congratulations Kelly on your latest release. –Leslie

    Reply

  7. The cover for Captive Hearts is absolutely phenomenal! Since Persuasion is my second favorite JA novel, I am looking forward to stepping away from my obsession with P&P to read this story. Congrats on a new release. Keep writing. I enjoy your work.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much for your kind comment, ForeverHis, I’m so glad you like the cover. Janet Taylor did a wonderful job as she always does! I love that it is similar to the one for Accusing Mr. Darcy and yet strikingly different too!

      Reply

  9. Kelly, I have enjoyed your books and am so delighted that you have written a Persuasion book. It is my second favorite Austen book. Thank you for the giveaway and good luck on the new release!

    Reply

  10. I’m really looking forward to Kelly’s new book. She is a talented author and I always enjoy reading her stories. Thank you for featuring here.

    Reply

    2. Wonderful, a Persiuasion Variation! Also my second favourite is Persuasion. Sometimes it’s it’s tie between P&P and Persuasion.
      Very much looking forward to a new take on Anne and the Captains story!

      Reply

  11. Kelly, every one of your books is quite original, as the plot is so different from canon that you have to mold the characters to suit. You are a genius in that way, and I admire your writing a lot. Best wishes on both the release of this book and the next. Thanks, Meredith, for hosting.

    Reply

  12. I think writing is writing, regardless, and it’s something that I am not able to do. So, kudos on you for writing JAFF for us!

    Reply

  16. Some days my favorite is P&P; some days it’s Persuasion. Today happens to be a Persuasion day which makes me especially eager to read “Captive Hearts”. It will wind up on my shelf one way or another – wishing you all the best with it.

    Reply

  17. Persuasion is my second favorite book by Jane and I look forward to reading Kelly’s twist on it! She is one of my favorite writers.

    Reply

  18. I have this book as well, so please don’t enter me in the giveaway. Kelly, you are a very gifted writer, and I’ve enjoyed each of your books. Before I started reading your books, I hadn’t read any of Jane Austen’s books. Now I am eager to read them. Thank you for your stories and for broadening my literary scope.

    Reply

  19. Thank you for writing JAFF and especially this Persuasion adaption. I love Anne and Frederick as much as Elizabeth and Darcy; they get far fewer continuations in opinion.
    Thanks for a chance to win a copy. Captive Hearts is definitely going on my TBR list.

    Reply

  22. Meredith, thank you for hosting Kelly and her book, Captive Hearts! It is great to see so many readers who also love Persuasion. It is my second favorite too. 🙂 Kelly, I enjoyed reading why you write JAFF and how you feel about writing it. It was good, plus you gave us something to think about. As you already know, I love Captive Hearts! 🙂

    Reply

  23. This nook looks very good. I don’t see many books based on Anne and Wentworth, but Persuasion is my favorite Jane Austin book. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of the book!

    Reply

  24. I agree with most of what you said, however I’m a bit down on most screen writers and don’t bother with movies much.
    I absolutely love your writing and hope for many more hours of pleasure reading your books.
    I’m pretty much only reading JAFF these days, so don’t branch out to please me! Years ago, JAFF were hit and miss, but now there are so many incredible variations that my reading is having trouble keeping up.

    Reply

  26. I know I’m not alone when I say I’m ever so grateful to have someone with your skill for writing and talent for story, writing JAFF for us. We all love Jane Austen, yet we all love different things. But all of us want the good stuff, i.e., being written to like we actually have intelligence. Thank you, Kelley. I love your books, they are ‘the good stuff.’

    Reply

  27. I had ventured reading non- JAFF books but instinctively always looking for those JA variation story. Thanks for making them 🙂

    Reply

  29. Persuasion is my favorite, and Persuasion-based stories are hard to come by! Looking forward to reading it. 🙂

    Reply

  30. I know I’m too late for the giveaway, but I wanted to let you know that I loved your discussion on the validity of fan fiction and the difficulties of writing it. You did a great job especially pointing out the amount of research an Austenesque writer has to undertake, not just historical facts but also psychological and emotional impacts on characters if a plot point was changed. Thank you for sharing those thoughts.

    Reply

  32. Thank you for sharing the challenges of writing JAFF. I greatly admire those who can write and tell fascinating stories of the characters I love to read. When I first dive into JAFF, I cannot believe there are so many stories that authors can come up with just by omitting or adding something to Jane Austen’s original plot. Please write more Persuasion variations, Kelly.

    Reply

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