Wednesday, January 30th, Leslie Carroll will post her interview with me on The Lady Novelist blog
http://www.leslie-carroll.blogspot.com/
Please stop by and comment. We'll discuss me, my writing and my traditional Regency romance, "Lady's Wager", available now from Cerridwen Press
http://www.cerridwenpress.com/BookList_cotillion.asp?Category=RomReg
I look forward to hearing from you.
An Evening with Jane Austen
On Saturday, my Mr. Darcy and I, accompanied by my parents, attended the Society for Manners and Merriment's annual Jane Austen Evening ball. This was our first experience with English country dancing and we really enjoyed it. Donning our empire waist dresses and period military outfits, we quickly joined in the spirit of the evening. At
the beginning, we didn't know the steps but by the third dance we had the hang of it and by the end of the evening we chasséd and cast down with ease. I now understand why dancing instructors were hired to drill the dances into young ladies and gentlemen. The moves can be elaborate and if they aren't second nature, it's difficult to maintain a conversation and maintain the correct dance steps at the same time. Maintaining a conversation is important because the constant changing and hand turns makes it easy to meet a number of people within a single dance. Heaven forbid a Regency lady concentrate on the dance steps and miss the opportunity to converse with a very eligible Viscount. Since dances can last between fifteen minutes to a half hour, there is ample time for young Regency gentlemen and ladies to become acquainted.
Experiencing Regency period costume, or very close approximations, was exciting. Many costumes were incredibly detailed and captured the look and feel of the era. Men dressed in cravats or elaborate military costumes and a number of women looked as though they'd stepped straight out of Sense and Sensibility. Dancing in a somewhat period costume, I understand how dance may have influenced styles. Flat slippers are a must to prevent a young lady from tripping during a lively move, while a shorter dress keeps the dancer and her partner from stepping on her hem. Even in a modern room with air conditioning, it was hot and a fan proved a very necessary accessory. I've heard it said that the Regency is one of the few eras where women enjoyed more comfortable clothing than men. After last night, I believe this. The many layers involved in Regency men's fashion proved quite oppressive in the hot ballroom. Wool coats over a vest over a shirt with a high collar and a cravat left many gentlemen "glistening" profusely after the end of the first set.
It was a thrill to be in a room full of people who appreciate the Regency as much as I do. Oohs and aahs met the caller when she announced we were dancing Mutual Love, Jane and Mr. Bingley's first dance in the A&E Pride and Prejudice. The last dance I participated in was Auretti's Dutch Skipper, and I quickly recognized the music from the first ball scene in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. Anyone with a love of the Regency period should attend a Jane Austen Ball. It is a great way to share your Regency obsession and enjoy an evening of elegance.
One Mr. Darcy Is Never Enough
Yesterday's London Daily Mail ran an article on Dominic Cooper, the latest handsome actor to portray Mr. Darcy. Click here to read the article.What is it about Mr. Darcy that captures our imagination? For starters he is rich, handsome, dedicated to those he loves, rich, handsome, a faithful friend, a take charge kind of man, honorable and in case I failed to mention it, rich and handsome.
Until modern times, many women obtained a manor house and money by marrying some buck-toothed, alcoholic imbecile. As a result, the timeless fantasy of obtaining the title and the manor house without having to blow out the candles and think of Britain on the wedding night is quite strong. Mr. Darcy is one personification of this fantasy. Created during a time when many women needed to believe that marriage for love was possible, he is a character worthy of fantasies. After all, who wants reality?
Reality fills the pages of Sex with the Queen, the companion book to Sex with Kings by Eleanor Herman (an excellent book I heartily recommend). After reading true stories of princesses sacrificing their happiness on the altar of duty, I'm ready to cheer when the fictional Elizabeth refuses Mr. Collins. I also pity poor Charlotte but I'm quickly distracted with thoughts of Mr. Darcy. He represents our desire to see true love prevail and if true love happens to come with Pemberly, who are we to question it?I'm Appearing On The Reader's Round Table Blog Talk Radio Show on January 11, 2008
I will be on
Please stop by and listen at
http://blogtalkradio.com/MelissaAlvarez
And call in with questions to 347-215-8473.
Melissa's show is a great way to learn about new authors and to discuss your passion for romance novels.
The Reader's Round Table with Melissa Alvarez aka Ariana Dupre
on Friday January 11, 2008 from 11:30 am - 12 pm.Please stop by and listen at
http://blogtalkradio.com/MelissaAlvarez
And call in with questions to 347-215-8473.
Melissa's show is a great way to learn about new authors and to discuss your passion for romance novels.
My Interview on Risky Regencies Tuesday 1/8/2008
Please stop by the Risky Regencies blog Tuesday 1/8/2008 and check out the mini interview with me about Lady's Wager. Cara King is posting the interview as part of her Tuesday blog. http://riskyregencies.blogspot.com/
Lady's Wager Now Available from Cerridwen Press
Lady's Wager is finally for sale! Please visit http://www.cerridwenpress.com/ and help me live the dream!
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