Guest post by Sharon Lathan, author of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One (with giveaway)

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming Sharon Lathan, author of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One (which I reviewed here) to Diary of an Eccentric. I appreciate that Sharon took time out of her busy schedule to answer a question I had about why she chose to add to the numerous Pride and Prejudice sequels out there.

Here's what Sharon had to say:


Ignorance Is Bliss

All of us are familiar with the phrase and I bet could point to at least once in our life where the adage proved fortuitous for one reason or another. When Anna graciously invited me to be a guest blogger to promote my debut novel Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One and then requested I address what motivated me to write another Pride and Prejudice sequel -- this common saying popped into my mind.

My journey down the long road of writing Jane Austen fan-fiction (JAFF) and then publishing is a tale all its own and can be read about on my website: The Darcy Saga. In a nutshell, and why the Thomas Gray quote applies to me, it was largely ignorance that started me on the blissful path of writing in the first place! I saw the 2005 movie with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfayden -- loved it immensely -- and while the visions of 'what-happened-next' swirled through my head (as they always do after a romantic movie) I did what everyone does these days: hit the Internet! Lo and behold, I discovered JAFF! I was fairly stoked, scouring through a couple websites looking for the romantic account of Lizzy and Darcy married that met my dreams. I quickly gave up -- adding impatience to the ignorance, I suppose -- and decided if it wasn't out there, then I would just write it myself!

My whimsical lark ruled for over a year as the words flowed into chapter upon chapter, a saga of epic proportions evolving before I lifted my head above the water. So immersed was I in historical research, creative writing, and maintaining a website that I rarely expended my precious time trolling Austen websites or entering discussion forums. Gradually I became aware of the endless Austen-related debates, the plethora of websites, and the increasingly prolific Darcy-themed novels -- but by then it was too late.

The bliss portion of the maxim had consumed me. My personal joy in living life with the Darcys and their friends was augmented substantially by the happiness expressed in constant feedback from my readers. As my ignorance waned and my bliss was challenged, the encouragement from my fans strengthened me to press on. But, to be honest, I did have to answer the valid question: What makes my story unique? Ignorant I may have been going in, but now I knew what I was up against.

So I looked at it subjectively and realized several facts --

1. My initial desire, what I had vainly searched for, had not altered. I offer the romantic, happy marriage that we dream of. Not just for ourselves, but for all our favorite literary/movie couples. I present a marriage as it should be; as maybe it could be if lovers devoted themselves to each other completely. Portray the ideal! Reach for the stars! Give Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth that perfect union that few ever attain, but we all wish we could. Having them actually triumph in marriage, talk to each other, overcome their difficulties, and grow to love each other more is, sadly, somewhat revolutionary nowadays.

2. My saga is about life as it would historically be lived in the early 1800s. I want my reader to be the fly-on-the-wall who shares in the joys, sorrows, entertainments, annoyances, humor, and daily happenings both mundane and extraordinary as life progresses. There are wild incidents, dramas and traumas, conflicts to be resolved, etc. But the focus is on how the characters deal with it, grow stronger, and move on.

3. I am largely inspired by the 2005 movie -- and proud of it! I loved the passion, the highly romantic tones, the gritty realism, the characterization, the drama, and the actors. That is where the love of Austen was birthed for me, and my heart is still captured by Joe Wright's masterpiece.

4. My story is fun and positive! Wouldn't we rather laugh than cry? Don't we want to be filled with hope? Isn't humor, wild passion, and joyfulness a refreshing read now and again? Aren't you read to devour a book that puts a smile on your face and tender feelings in your heart?

I hope I have answered Anna's question sufficiently. I appreciate the opportunity to do so. And I pray I have inspired you to pick up Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One. That is just the beginning! More novels in my Darcy Saga series are forthcoming, all designed to warm the cockles of your heart.

Thanks, Sharon! I look forward to the next installment in the Darcy Saga, and I wish you much success.

******

Danielle Jackson from Sourcebooks would like to offer a copy of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One to one lucky reader.

To enter:

1. Tell me what book or movie you wish would have a sequel.

2. Leave your email address or blog URL so I can contact you if you win.

Since the publisher is handling shipment, this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada addresses only. The giveaway will end at midnight EST on Sunday, March 1.

Good luck!