Who
represents Regency England better than author Jane Austen? When she first
started her writing career, she kept her identity from the public by calling
herself, “THE AUTHOR”. Simply put: in Jane’s day, a lady DID NOT ruin her
reputation by writing for publication.
Of
course, word of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SENSE AND SENSIBILITY’s mysterious
author eventually got out. For example, one of Jane’s brothers liked to boast.
Still, her identity wasn’t common knowledge until after her death. In 1816
however, the Prince Regent himself became an admirer. The future George IV even
hinted that he would like Jane to dedicate her new novel, EMMA, to him. Jane
very reluctantly complied, coming up with this gem:
Wikisource: Austen -
Emma, vol. I, 1816.
So
what does Jane Austen’s secret “hobby” have to do with A NOBLE DILEMMA? Plenty!
This Regency romance is poverty-stricken Bethany Branford’s story, and her
desire to support herself through her published writing. Naturally, she views
Jane Austen as an inspiration. It was such fun for me to be Bethany’s
chronicler of her experiences in the big city of London.
WHAT WOULD JANE AUSTEN DO??
Bethany has been taking care of Great
Aunt Cordelia for five years. When her aunt passes away, Bethany is without a
home.
A distant relation, David, the Earl of
Ingraham, comes to her rescue by offering her a London Season so she can
attract an eligible suitor.
Bethany has other plans for her
future--writing a novel. If her secret is discovered, it will scandalize not
only Polite Society, but also David, whom she has grown to love.
Will Bethany find a solution to this
noble dilemma?
A
NOBLE DILEMMA soon became part of the Aurora Regency Line with Aspen Mountain
Press. It also was selected to be part of a Regency four-book bundle.
Aspen Mountain Press’ cover for A NOBLE DILEMMA
Alas,
you’ve probably figured out what happens next. The publisher went out of
business. But good news: another publisher, Musa Publishing, bought the Aurora
Regency line. This novel continued to garner great reviews like, “This is a
classically crafted Regency Romance with likable characters and an easy to
follow plot.” Coffee Time Romance and More.
Musa Publishing’s cover for A NOBLE DILEMMA
But, once again, after
several years, this publisher closed its doors, too. So I recently arranged for
A NOBLE DILEMMA to be available at Amazon.com, Smashwords.com, along with other
internet sites.
Bethany
has a guilty secret that if discovered, will scandalize Polite Society and her
new love, the Earl of Ingraham. What would Jane Austen do??
Here is a book trailer for A NOBLE DILEMMA:
This book is part of the
prestigious Elegant Regencies line.
For
my real life connection, I’m going to depart from my usual personal tidbit to
give you a character interview for Bethany, the main character. She does refer
to me in her interview, so you can see her take on me as the author! Have fun!
Character Interview For
Bethany Brandford, soon to marry
David Greyle, the Earl of
Ingraham.
***Thank you for
coming to chat with us today, Bethany. Why do you think Susanne Marie Knight
chose you to represent her?
And
thank you! It’s lovely to be here, I assure you! As for my dear fellow author,
Susanne, I believe she chose me to speak on her behalf because we have so much
in common. I do love to write, you see, and who understands a writer better
than another writer? Although I must say, my tastes run to works that are more
gothic than what Susanne writes.
***Tell us a little
about yourself?
I
am starting a new chapter in my life, you know. Soon I will be wed to my most
darling David. Before London, I lived in Bamburgh, Northumberland--just south
of the Scottish border. I took care of dear Great Aunt Cordelia, and she, of
course, took care of me when I was orphaned at the tender age of ten and six.
Oh, the stories I could tell of my adventures in Bamburgh! I’ve stored up a
vast amount of material to draw upon in my future books. I especially wish to
write about Mr. Jarvis, the local blacksmith, who was quite a colorful... and
persistent character. Did you know he had a tendency to linger his sooty
fingers against my only pair of worn, but clean gloves?
***What is your birth
date?
June
2nd, in the year 1795, if you must know! Susanne tells me I was born
under the sign of Gemini, and that explains my desire to write. In truth, I
have no idea what she is talking about, but then, after all, she *is* the
author of my tale!
***Is there anything
you wish Susanne Marie Knight had kept her mouth shut about?
Goodness
no! How rude that would be of me, to criticize my author. However, if *only*
she would have allowed me to insert more of my work-in-progress in A NOBLE
DILEMMA. His Royal Highness, Prince Augustus, is quite enchanted with my
writing, you know!
***Do you feel you
were portrayed fairly?
Most
certainly yes! I can honestly say that I felt myself coming to life as Susanne
put goose-quill pen to paper.
***Tell us about David
Greyle, the Earl of Ingraham. What drew you to him?
David
is the most agreeable man I have ever known. Indeed, I am of the opinion that
he must be the handsomest man alive! Oh, he makes my maiden heart flutter. And
so kind and good-natured, too. Am I not the luckiest woman?
***What do you do to
relax?
Goodness!
I have no need to relax! Now that I am soon to be the Countess of Ingraham, all
my needs are taken care of. What I want to do now is to have fun with my David.
***What’s your biggest
turn ons?
Turn
on? I beg your pardon? Oh, what things am I excessively fond of--I see. I love
romantic carriage rides in Hyde Park, with David handling the reins. Oh yes,
and waltzing with my one true love is like heaven on earth!
***What are your
biggest Turn offs?
Any
day without David!
***What’s your
favorite Ice cream flavor, Chocolate, Vanilla, or Strawberry?
Any
flavor of ices that are available at Gunter’s is, how do you say, is a turn on
for me!
***Do you believe in
ghosts?
Maybe.
The bigger question is, do they believe in me?
***What is your
biggest fear?
I
would say my biggest fear is running out of writing paper when I am in the
middle of a project. Goodness, what a calamity that would be! My future
husband, however, assures me there is no chance of that happening. I own I must
be the most fortunate girl in London.
I see
my interview time is up! My thanks to Aurora Regency/Aspen Mountain Press for
arranging this interview. I do enjoy chatting with you all and I hope everyone
enjoys A NOBLE DILEMMA!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back to me here. I hope you enjoy Bethany and David’
story.
Happy reading,
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing
With A Twist!
