Well, my blog tour for The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen is officially over. After “traveling” to at least eleven locations and writing just as many new posts for other people’s sites (while neglecting my own), this first big promotional push is done. The early reviews (from readers and professionals) have been fabulous – pretty much 5 stars across the board and some pretty flattering comments! So hopefully word-of-mouth will do most of the job from here. If each satisfied reader tells two friends about the book, and they each tell two friends, and so on, and so on… That’s the best advertising of all.
Although I will continue getting the word out to readers about TPMJA wherever I can, my mind has already turned to what I’m going to write next.
Other people have been asking that question too, and some have shared their suggestions with me. Several people want to know when I’m going to write a sequel to For Myself Alone or another independent Regency story like it. Am I going to do something with one of Jane Austen’s other books? Or am I going to return to the land of Pride and Prejudice? And at least one reader/friend wants me to try my hand at writing a contemporary novel.
So, what will it be? The short answer is that I haven’t decided yet. It has to be something I’m excited about writing, but also something people are interested in reading! That’s the only viable combination.
The first part is easy. I could get enthusiastic over any one of a half dozen projects I have in mind. The second necessary piece of the puzzle is more difficult to decipher. How can I be sure what readers want? Well, I decided I might as well simply ask! So here’s your chance to register your opinion in a completely non-scientific poll. If it were up to you, would you direct me to write:
- a sequel to For Myself Alone
- another independent Regency story
- a Northanger Abbey tie-in
- a Pride and Prejudice short story anthology
- a companion novel to The Darcys of Pemberley, featuring Georgiana Darcy
- a contemporary crossover novel with a Pride and Prejudice connection and a time-travel element (yes, really!)
If you have an opinion, I’d love to hear it. Leave your comment below, and thank you!
“When you give me your opinion, I always know what is right. Your judgement is my rule of right.” (Mansfield Park, chapter 43)
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Shannon Winslow's "Jane Austen Says..." 
#6
I’d love to see what you come up with for #4.
Oh so many lovely choices! I love short stories so #4 is quite appealing, but I would also like to hear about what is happening for Georgiana in a sequel to The Darcys of Pemberley (#5). Truly they all sound like good reads (except for maybe #6 as I prefer regency and am not a fan of time travel–but perhaps you could change my opinion. 🙂 )
Good morning Shannon, how about A Northanger Abbey Tie-In story, I haven’t read the book yet, I’m sure it is very excited story, and full of drama, I know you can do it, I wish I can write that story myself, do you think I am silly old woman.
Not silly at all, Linda! I often wish I had talents that I don’t too – like playing the piano well, for one!
I’d love to see a sequel to For Myself Alone. I truly enjoyed that one!! But then again, I’d love anything new! 😀
I know I’ll love what ever you do, Shannon. But #3 is my vote! I love all of Jane Austen’s characters and am always thrilled when I get to revisit with them. 🙂 What an exciting position to be in…lots of possibilities! 🙂
How about Ben and Jerry (Abby)?
That one’s already written, John. Just not sure my readers are ready or it!
Fine. Write the story of Bingley and Jane then. Who’s done that?
#4 or #6 – I had not been a fan of time-travel but several authors have changed my mind on that with great stories of such. Robin Helm has one for which I am waiting for Volume 3 in January with a cross-over time travel of two Darcys! There are others, not JAFF, like Outlander which have made me like this genre even more.
Can’t I just say all of them!!
But if you make me choose, then I’d say Northanger Abbey tie-in. Darcy and Tinley?? Oh, yes please!! 🙂
I’m not sure how Mr. Darcy got in there, Liz, but I like it!
I’ve loved all of your work that I’ve read, Shannon, (still got For Myself Alone and Mr. Collins’ Last Supper to go), especially TPOMJA, so I’m sure that whatever you write will be absolutely brilliant!
Having said that, the sci-fi geek in me loves to get together with my Jane Austen fascination. I’ve enjoyed all of Jane Odiwe’s books in that vein, plus the first volume of Robin Helm’s trilogy (not read any more of those as yet – so little time!), and though it’s not Austenesque, just finished the first Outlander book. So, anything along that line would be great, with 5 & 4 coming an honourable joint second!
I would love to see a continuation of Northanger Abbey! I have not personally seen anything that has been written for this and think it would be a wonderful challenge for you. 🙂
1, 2, 3, and/or 5
Honestly, I’d read anything you write.
It’s a tie between #4 and #6 – so, apparently, you’ll have to do both!! I look forward to whatever you decide. Just happy to know there’s another book coming.
That seems to be the only common theme so far, Lilyane – that I must write them ALL. I hope I live long enough to do just that and many more!
Hi! I like the ideas of #2 and #4. In thinking about the success of Abigail’s Outtakes on AV, possibly you have snippets in an e-file that are crying out for expansion – even if not JAFF linked. I do like lots of action, a little mystery included but not the main theme, a chase that involves British locations with lesser known tid-bits of knowledge brought in, descriptive detail, and strong H/h interactions (racy is OK if it fits). Characters that just stand around and talk are too one dimensional – needs to have pizazz and “what will happen next?” Do look forward to whatever you choose!
Thanks for you thoughtful comments, Dave. You’ve given me a tall order. Hope I can live up to it!
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