So this week, in addition to writing (short excerpt below), I have been getting things ready for the publication of A Very Mary Christmas (info below). I figured that while working on a seasonal story, I should be listening to some lovely seasonal piano music, so this playlist has been playing repeatedly in my office. Continue reading Music Monday: A Traditional Christmas, Brian Crain
Tag: Waking to Mr. Darcy
Music Monday: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Josh Groban)
Joshgroban. “Josh Groban – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas [Official Lyric Video].” YouTube. YouTube, 21 Nov. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2016.
It has been a while since I posted a Music Monday. 🙂 I have been busy. This year, I have given up my position as a traditional classroom teacher and have taken on the privileged position of teacher at home to my high school son. We have been learning together and working on figuring out how this change in life is going to work. We still do not have it down, but we’re getting there! (And we are both enjoying it….most of the time 😉 ). I have also been busy getting So Very Unexpected‘s first draft finished and then diving into writing, editing, and otherwise preparing A Very Mary Christmas for release next month (December 20 is the expected day!)
So, knowing what I have coming out next month, can you guess why I picked this song for today? Yep, it goes well not only with the title of my soon-to-be released novella, but the lyrics kind of apply as well. Friends do gather. My main characters will be together if the fates allow…and if that happens, this interesting cast of characters will be gathering together for many, many Christmases to come.
So, let me share the book description with you and then a small excerpt. You may also be interested to know that I have started posting the story on darcyandlizzy.com. Continue reading Music Monday: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Josh Groban)
Advance Reader Copies of Waking to Mr. Darcy
In advance of the September 19, 2016 release day for Waking to Mr. Darcy, I would like to make available 5 Advance Reader Copies of the book to my Blog Followers. These copies can be found at this link:
Get your copy of Waking to Mr. Darcy
and will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis until all 5 copies have been claimed. You may choose from mobi, epub, or pdf format.
There are ABSOLUTELY no strings attached to this freebie; however, a review or a shout out on social media would be appreciated if you wish to give one. BUT it is not a requirement.
And, of course, the book is either now or soon to be available for preorder on …
KOBO AMAZON NOOK IBOOKS
Music Monday: Finding You, Gareth J. Rubery + 3 Excerpts
“Gareth J. Rubery ✪ Finding You ✪ Piano, String Quartet, Brass and Choir ✪ Garethjrubery.com.” YouTube. YouTube, 31 Dec. 2015.
CONNECTION BETWEEN STORY AND SONG:
On this Music Monday, I am replaying a song that I have used previously on a Music Monday. Why? Because the title is just so perfect for the books I am highlighting this week in my sale and the one that is now posting at darcyandlizzy.com. All three books have to do with people who are known to each other but who do not find each other until circumstances force each of them to view the other person differently.
Let’s take a look at an excerpt from each book that shows a small bit of that moment of realization.
EXCERPT FROM Her Father’s Choice:
~ Available for a reduced price beginning tomorrow ~
[This is the part where Elizabeth finally realizes that she not only finds Mr. Darcy to be a different man than she imagined him to be…she realized that several pages ago…but he is also the man that she loves.]
“Who are your fine feathered friends?” Mary asked Elizabeth.
A small burst of laughter escaped Lady Sophia. “They do rather look like a couple of preening parrots, do they not?” Her eyes twinkled with amusement. “Miss Ivison is in the green, and Miss Pearce is in the blue. They are two of the ton’s best gossips.”
“And apparently friends of Miss Bingley,” said Elizabeth. “They have had news from her.”
Mary rolled her eyes.
“You do not like Miss Bingley?” asked Georgiana.
“I do not like her behaviour,” Mary said very primly. “She is always trying to elevate herself by lowering others. It is not right. ”
“No,” agreed Lady Sophia, “putting another down to raise yourself up is not right and often ends in embarrassment and disappointment. But, it is, unfortunately, a common trait within the ton, and a disappointed lady with such a fault in character can be very cunning and cruel.”
Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth. “I imagine Miss Bingley is very disappointed since she can no longer claim my brother for herself.” Continue reading Music Monday: Finding You, Gareth J. Rubery + 3 Excerpts
Music Monday: Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video
Janeaustenbooks. “Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video.” YouTube. YouTube, 19 July 2015.
CONNECTION BETWEEN MUSIC AND STORY:
Finally Mrs. Darcy goes “live” this Wednesday. So, that must mean I am working on something new, right? Absolutely! I am always working on some story.
Right now, I am several thousand words into Waking to Mr. Darcy, and I am going to share the first bit of that first draft with you because it answers the question “Where do the good boys go to hideaway?”
EXCERPT FROM Waking to Mr. Darcy:
“Rude! That is what my sisters are.” Bingley placed another piece of wood none too gently on the pile he and Darcy were making near the fireplace. “They were barely civil to Mrs. Bennet and spoke not word to any of the Misses Bennet, save Miss Elizabeth.” He gave a harsh laugh. “And they only spoke to her when absolutely necessary and with such a superior air!” He stomped out the door, to the wood pile, and back into the cabin. “I have a mind to send them both off with Hurst. Let him deal with them. Not that he would know much of what they were about since he is constantly in his cups.”
Darcy closed the door to the small hunting cabin and shrugged out of his overcoat. “Have you considered that their lack of civility is not fully unwarranted?”
“Out!” Bingley pointed to the door. “I have escaped to this cabin to be rid of such sentiments. You may go spread your vitriol with my sisters. Caroline would be delighted.”
Darcy winced at the thought of spending time with Caroline and grimaced a second time as he realized that his friend was comparing him to that very lady. “Let me explain,” he began.
“I have no desire to hear about the Bennets being of low standing.” Bingley knelt before at the hearth applying himself to the starting of a fire. The November evening air was cool and damp. “Mr. Bennet is a gentleman.” He turned his head to look at Darcy. “A gentleman ─ born that way.”
“He is married to trade.”
Bingley growled something at the tinder and was then silent.
Darcy watched him work for a moment and then satisfied that the fire was about to start, went in search of two cups and a bottle of brandy. “How many days worth of supplies did you have them deliver?”
“Five.” Bingley took the bottle of brandy from Darcy and doubled the amount Darcy had poured for him. “I am not certain how long it will be before I am willing to see my sisters again.” He peered over his cup with raised brows. “The same will be said for you if you continue with your disparagements of the Bennets.” Continue reading Music Monday: Hide Away – Period Drama Music Video