Interview: Abigail Reynolds, author of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World

I first discovered Abigail Reynolds when I read her modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, titled Pemberley by the Sea.  I was thrilled to have the chance to interview her back in 2008 (click here to read my review of Pemberley by the Sea and my first interview with Abigail), and I'm excited to welcome Abigail back to Diary of an Eccentric for the release of her latest Pemberley Variation, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World, which answers the question "What if Elizabeth Bennet had accepted Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal the first time he asked?"  I'll be posting my review of the book tomorrow, but let me just tell you that I look forward to reading more of these Pemberley Variations!

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy my latest "chat" with Abigail, and I'd like to thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer my questions.

How many times have you read Pride and Prejudice?  

I don’t think I can count that high.  At least twenty times cover to cover, and far more when I read just a segment.  I know the story so well that I can jump in on any page.

Do you plan to add to your Pemberley Variations series?  What are you working on now? 

I have so many ideas for Pemberley Variations that I’ll probably keep writing them as long as I can keep them fresh and different.  I just finished the first draft of a new variation where the twist is that Elizabeth refuses to read Darcy’s letter, and therefore remains in ignorance of Wickham’s perfidy and Darcy’s virtues.  It makes their meeting at Pemberley rather exciting!

How do you feel about the plethora of Pride and Prejudice sequels out there?  Any thoughts on the paranormal Austen sequels?  

Personally, I’m delighted to see so many sequels out there, both published and self-published, and I’ve read a great many of them.  It’s evidence that we can’t get enough Jane Austen!  I enjoy seeing the different takes from different writers.  In addition, the Paranormals are an interesting twist. I think of it as Twilight meets Jane Austen.   Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is on my to-read list, and I’m curious to see what’s next.  We have P&P zombies, vampires, and werewolves so far – what’s next?

Besides Pride and Prejudice what other books do you find yourself re-reading?  

My comfort-food reading is pretty varied, from YA to historicals to fantasy.  The pile I couldn’t live without includes The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Speare, The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley, the highly underrated Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw, and Jaran by Kate Elliott.  Characters from all those books live in my head.

What do you enjoy doing when you're not writing? 

I love to read, of course, and I like to bead, despite having no talent whatsoever at making jewelry.  I enjoy spending time with my 18-year-old daughter who has a great sense of humor and is always introducing me to new experiences.  Although I haven’t been able to travel much since having kids, visiting new places is one of my favorite things in the world.

Thanks for inviting me!

Thanks, Abigail!  I wish you much success, and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

******

MR. FITZWILLIAM DARCY: THE LAST MAN IN THE WORLD -- IN STORES JANUARY 2010!

In this sexy Jane Austen sequel, Elizabeth Bennet accepts Mr. Darcy's first marriage proposal, answering the "What if...?" question fans everywhere have pondered

"I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry."

Famous last words indeed! Elizabeth Bennet's furious response to Mr. Darcy's marriage proposal has resonated for generations of readers. But what if she had never said it? Would she have learned to recognize Mr. Darcy's admirable qualities on her own? Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy follows Elizabeth and Darcy as they struggle to find their way through the maze of their prejudices after Elizabeth, against her better judgment, agrees to marry Darcy instead of refusing his proposal.

Two of the most beloved characters in English literature explore the meaning of true love in a tumultuous and passionate attempt to make a success of their marriage.

About the Author

Abigail Reynolds is a physician and a lifelong Jane Austen enthusiast. She began writing The Pemberley Variations series in 2001, and encouragement from fellow Austen fans convinced her to continue asking “What if…?” She lives with her husband and two teenage children in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information, please visit http://pemberleyvariations.com/.

******

Would you like to read Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy: The Last Man in the World?  Well, you're in luck!  Sourcebooks is offering 2 copies to my readers!  All you have to do is leave a comment with your e-mail address.

Because the publisher is shipping the books, this giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada readers only.  The giveaway will run through Sunday, Jan. 31 at 11:59 EST.