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How Jane Austen Began Time-Traveling

People ask how I got the idea to send Jane Austen time traveling forward, rather than sending an Austen-adoring hero or heroine back to her era.

Simple. I read a book called The Real Jane Austen, a Life in Small Things, and discovered a version of the author who would make an excellent main character. This Jane A. was not meek and sheltered, as history (and her family) liked to portray her. For one thing, Jane was a traveler – bet you didn’t have that impression, right? Visiting family and friends for long periods of time, she traveled in every direction in England, stayed in grand or homely houses of relatives for months on end, and helped care for children. She was especially good with rambunctious boys, as Jane had a comedic talent and boisterous, fun-loving nature. Again, not the meek and mild Regency woman we picture.

Jane was a dramatist and actress in family theatricals so elaborate and professional as to require painted sets and fancy costuming. The Austen family theatre drew audiences among neighbors and members of the community. Jane was also fond of attending professional theatre. She especially loved the satires of Sheridan.

The author of the classic romantic comedies definitely had a snarky side! Her first novel featured a scandalous merry widow, Lady Susan, who shamelessly schemed her way to fortune. Bet you didn’t have a Bridgerton-style Austen character on your bingo card! a model may have been Jane’s intrepid, outrageous sister-in-law. Here’s an article about the character.

Why did I land Jane for her first time jaunt in Pasadena, California? I wanted a mundane suburb or small city similar to my hometown in southern California. It seemed as far as you could get from Regency England. As a child I longed to be part of Pasadena’s famous Rose Parade. At an early age, I was bowled over by a visit to what seemed like another world–perhaps England!–when my family visited the Huntington Gardens and Museum. While figuring out where to take Jane Austen in the 21st century, I thought of the Huntington. It would make a good estate for a Darcy-like hero. (Though my Will Fleming is much nicer than Darcy. He smiles more.)

Jane Austen not only acquires a love life in my new story, she also joins George St. James’ time team. She becomes one of the group of time travelers who venture into history to repair the breaks made by power-hungry scientists from the 23rd century. While also, of course, writing her books. But that’s a tale that takes a whole book to tell!

Jane Austen Time Traveler is #4 in my Timegathering Series. I suspect Jane will once again have a story to tell, a story of juggling lives between centuries and foiling enemies of history!

 

Jane Austen Time Traveler ebook cover and red rose within open book

 

 

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