Sense and Sensibility 2026 – My Review

Posted on October 30, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

I’ve now seen it, once, and had a little time to mull it over. But I really wish I could watch this new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel a couple more times (as I did with Emma 2020) before trying to give it a proper evaluation. That often makes a difference for me. But here goes.

For the uninitiated (or those only marginally familiar with JA’s novels), I believe this film will play well, with its visually sumptuous cinematography, high drama, and a vibe similar to Pride and Prejudice 2005 (not surprising, since it’s produced by the same studio). I can only hope that it will be just as successful at capturing the interest and hearts of another generation for Jane Austen.

For confirmed Jane Austen fans like me, however, it’s a little different. It’s impossible to completely set aside my frame of reference to judge the merits of this movie on its own. What I already know about the story both fills in blanks for me and distracts me when I run up against something that’s been changed from the original. Even setting the novel aside, there’s the inevitable tendency to compare with other adaptations.

We have two excellent S&S adaptations already, imo (’95 and ’08). And I may as well say at the outset that neither of them is in any immediate danger of being displaced by ’26 in my mind and heart. It is a very well-made and entertaining film however. The relationship between the four Dashwood females is portrayed compellingly, the production values are high, and the actors talented. The dramatic lighting is much too dark for my personal taste (more suited to Wuthering Heights or Outlander). And I thought the costumes very drab.

That’s the quick summary. Now let’s dig a little deeper. SPOILER ALLERT! Yes, I know you already know the S&S story and how it comes out, but I will be mentioning some details of this production that could alter your enjoyment of the film.

Watching this latest rendition, my initial tendency was to be distracted by all the messy hair, to be stumbled by the period incorrect details, and to focus too much on a couple of fairly minor changes in the story (Edward and Lucy’s past relationship and why he was honor bound to marry her; who it was that Willoughby left pregnant and abandoned). These things were dropped in and passed over so quickly that it was difficult for me to immediately process whether the alterations mattered or even made sense.

After further consideration, though, I realized there was a larger issue at stake. The main theme of the book – clearly illustrated by Austen’s crisply drawn characters and even spelled out for us in the title itself! – has nearly been lost in this latest interpretation. Although Elinor and Marianne are presented as loving, sympathetic young women, the sharp contrast between the two has been blurred.

Of course I know one sister represents sense and the other sensibility, but I’m not sure someone new to Austen would even see that’s what’s being tested here – whether it’s better to be ruled entirely by one’s emotions or to be governed primarily by rational thought and prudent restraint. And because the difference isn’t made crystal clear in the beginning, we don’t see as much satisfying growth in both sisters as they learn from each other and their own mistakes.

Maybe the wild hair is symbolic, because there is very little restraint demonstrated in this film. The music is loud and the dancing unconventional. The behavior of most people (especially inappropriate in Sir John Middleton) is raucous and unrefined. We don’t see ladies and gentlemen behaving like ladies and gentlemen, and I missed that. Even Elinor doesn’t suffer her heartbreak over Edward in reserved silence. As one friend put it, “Everyone just said everything… You can’t have a story about yearning if the couple just talks.” (Bethany Delleman)

Then there’s the matter of the duel between Willoughby and Brandon. In the book, it happens out of view (B. privately calling out W. according to time-honored tradition, to address his crimes against Miss Williams). In this film, the event has been hijacked to a different time, place, and purpose. Again, all restraint and self-control are lost. Brandon, in a fit of rage, practically drags Willoughby outside at Cleveland, making the duel more about Marianne’s disappointment and her getting to see Brandon in a new light – that he has a passionate side after all. The spectacle takes place in full view of the ladies, who seem highly entertained, even amused, by it. Very strange.

By this point, you might have the impression that I hated this production, but I didn’t. And I wouldn’t discourage anyone else from seeing it either. (For one thing, we need to support films in this genre if we hope to see more, perhaps even better ones, made.) Since I wasn’t expecting a perfectly accurate adaptation of Austen’s novel, I wasn’t really very disappointed. I was able to enjoy the film (mostly) with the philosophy that “some Austen is better than no Austen.“

As I said at the outset, I hope this new incarnation of Sense and Sensibility will serve to draw another generation to love Jane Austen, that they will be intrigued enough to ultimately seek out her novels and read them. If that new audience goes no further than watching this movie, however, they will be left with an incomplete and somewhat inaccurate picture of what that great lady and her stories were all about.

PS – The lighting may have been gloomy and the costumes drab, but I would be remiss if I ended without mentioning one very bright spot! My personal favorite: Fiona Shaw (who played Mrs. Croft in Persuasion ’95) as a spot-on Mrs. Jennings. Her performance alone was worth the price of admission. As many have said, she stole the show!

Mrs. Jennings, Lady Middleton’s mother, was a good-humoured, merry, fat, elderly woman, who talked a great deal, seemed very happy, and rather vulgar. She was full of jokes and laughter, and before dinner was over had said many witty things on the subject of lovers and husbands; hoped they had not left their hearts behind them in Sussex, and pretended to see them blush whether they did or not. – Sense and Sensibility, chapter 7

You’ve heard my opinions, and now I’m wondering if you agree with them or not. Have you seen the film? Do you intend to? What did you like or dislike about it? And how would you rank it against other S&S adaptations?

Interested in MORE MOVIE REVIEWS? Visit my Movie Reviews page for a complete list with links!

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Seeking Persephone – a Review

Posted on September 18, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

Before I get to the main topic of this post, I have a little announcement to make.

Tada! A long last, A Bug’s Tale is now available in audio! Izzy Valkyrie, a very talented narrator, strikes just the right note voicing Leonard (who in my head I picture as an intelligent but emotionally immature teenager) – goofy but sincere, with a big heart (as the subtitle says). Whether you’ve read it already or not, I hope you’ll give this little story a listen. Available here.

Now, on to Seeking Persephone.

Until a couple of months ago, I had never heard of this film. Then I asked for movie recommendations on a Facebook post one day, and several people nominated it. “You’ve got to see Seeking Persephone! It’s wonderful! I’ve watched it so many times! I know you’ll love it!” And so forth. I figured I’d better check out something that sparked that much enthusiasm! So I tracked it down and watched it.

Seeking Persephone is a 4-episode miniseries based on a novel of the same name by Sarah M. Eden, which takes some inspiration from the Persephone of Greek mythology. And I knew going in (from the Facebook comments) that it was an independent film, created with a very limited budget, cast, and crew. The point being that some allowance might need to be made for the less-than-stellar production values. But I would be glad to overlook that for the sake of a good story.

The story is about an ultra-rich, reclusive, and very intimidating duke, who decides to marry because he needs an heir to prevent his weak, sniveling cousin from inheriting the old, honored title and estate. Since Adam, (the Duke of Kielder), has a badly scarred face and scary reputation, he figures he can’t be too particular when seeking a wife. He’s not looking for love anyway, just a practical solution to his problem.

So he follows his lawyer’s suggestion that he offer, sight unseen, for the eldest daughter (Persephone Lancaster) of an impoverished gentleman, who can’t afford to turn down a tremendously generous settlement that will solve his family’s money woes forever. To save her beloved family, Persephone agrees to the bargain. She and the duke are married without so much as an introduction beforehand, and they’re left to sort out their awkward circumstances afterward.

Adam is totally thrown by the fact that his new wife turned out to be young and desirable instead of the desperate old maid he’d expected. He avoids her as much as possible, barely looking at her or speaking a civil word. Persephone misses her family terribly, and she doesn’t know what to make of her new husband’s odd behavior. But she’s determined to do what she can to make a place for herself in her new home, hoping to eventually bridge the great gulf between Adam and herself.

Right away, my logical mind had an issue with the premise. The idea that a super-wealthy duke (no matter how disfigured and disagreeable) would have to pay a king’s ransom to find a female willing to marry him and become a duchess was pretty far fetched. So was the fact that he then seemed to instantly forget the only reason he had married in the first place: to beget and heir.

But then, Regency romances often require that we ignore our logical objections to some unrealistic elements. (The fairytale aspect of these stories is one reason we like them, after all.) So, I suspended my disbelief as well as I could and proceeded to enjoy the film.

The two steps forward and one step back progress in the relationship between Adam and Persephone (as well as each in their own person growth) and the culmination are very satisfying. It has been termed a “slow burn” romance, but to me that implies a lot more overt sexual tension than I saw. There was mutual attraction, certainly, along with the knowledge that they were already husband and wife. But it was more about Persephone learning to understand Adam’s scars, especially the ones on the inside, and Adam coming to the point where he was willing to tear down his walls enough to let Persephone in.

Since that first viewing, I have read the book and watched the series twice more – partly for my own enjoyment and partly in an effort to put my finger on why Seeking Persephone has developed such a fanatical following.

Along with the questionable premise, detractors cite the less-than-prefect accents, sub-par costuming, and the fact that wolves (who play a vital role in the story) were extinct in England long before this time. But for the teaming throngs who are mad about this series, none of that matters. They can’t praise it enough and are eagerly awaiting the release of the next installment of the Lancaster family saga (book 2 of Eden’s series: Courting Miss Lancaster). Not sure yet, but I might be well on my way to joining them.

In any case, I applaud the principal actors, who did an amazing job portraying complex characters in interesting circumstances. I admire the independent producers for believing in this project so deeply, for personally risking and investing so much, for persevering against long odds in order to bring Seeking Persephone to the public. And I hope the film industry at large will take note of its amazing popularity – proof that movies don’t have to be overpriced, overblown, and oversexed to be successful! There IS a market for clean, quieter fare as well. Making that point is one of the best reasons to support this film, imo.

What about you? Have you seen Seeking Persephone (or read the novel)? Are you among the “Mad for it!” crowd? Or was your reaction more tepid? Does it at least help to fill the gap when we run out of Jane Austen adaptations to watch?

“What is your opinion? I say nothing, and am ready to agree with anybody.” – Jane Austen in a letter to her sister Cassandra, November 1800

Interested in more movie reviews in the Jane Austen and Austen-adjacent realm? Visit my Movie Review page here.

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Happy 15th Birthday to “The Darcys of Pemberley” – Excerpt and Giveaway

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

Wow! My first (and still most popular) darling literary child is 15 years old today! In some ways, it seems like only yesterday, but how much my world has changed since then! It’s still a bit surreal to me that I’m a published author with thousands of readers. And it all began with The Darcys of Pemberley.

You should know that when I started writing the story in 2004, I had absolutely no idea if I could do it, and I didn’t even know that such a thing as Jane Austen Fan Fiction (JAFF) existed. I just knew that I wanted more Jane Austen – more Pride and Prejudice in particular.

What would happen after the wedding, I wondered. How would Darcy and Elizabeth deal with the first major crisis in their marriage? Did Georgiana have a secret love? What kind of trouble would Wickham cause next? And would Lady Catherine ever get her comeuppance? My inquiring mind needed to know!

So one day, mostly for my own entertainment, I sat down at the computer to try to answer those questions. I hoped to create what I desperately wanted myself: a faithful sequel to Pride and Prejudice.  And the rest, as they say, is history. Fourteen more books have followed, all built on the success of The Darcys of Pemberley.

So that’s what I’m celebrating! And since TDoP wouldn’t have been such a success without YOU, my lovely readers, I invite you to join me in lifting a toast, at least metaphorically.  Instead of offering you champagne, though, I’m giving away 5 audio codes (your choice of my books).

But first, I thought you might enjoy reading this scene. There’s absolutely nothing graphic in the book, but I did enjoy adding some playful innuendo here and there between the now-married (and-expecting, at this point) Darcy and Elizabeth:

The Darcys stayed the night at Heatheridge.  As they prepared for bed, Elizabeth revisited the subject.  “What interesting ideas you expressed about fatherhood this afternoon, husband.  I was quite surprised by them.”

“Why should you be?  I did not relate anything the least bit shocking or even out of the common way.  As far as I can ascertain, the vast majority of men leave the tending of their small children entirely to the female sex.  Even my own excellent father, from what I remember, had little use for me until I was old enough to ride and shoot.  He had even less time for my sister.  Yet I would never be persuaded that we were neglected or unloved,” Darcy said defensively.

“No, of course not.”  After pause for reflection, Elizabeth continued in a more playful tone.  “It does no good, however, to tell me what ‘common’ men, or even ‘most’ men consider normal and reasonable practice, because I could never think of you in those terms.  I hold you to a higher standard.  I have long since learnt that everything about you, Mr. Darcy, is entirely exceptional,” she said, running an appreciative hand and lingering eye over some of his especially fine attributes.

This having the desired effect, he gathered her into his arms.  “You have the most charming way, Mrs. Darcy, of transforming any discordance between us into an invitation to something infinitely more agreeable.  The result is that I can never seem to remember what we quarreled about.”

“It is terribly clever of me, you must admit.  I wonder if I am the first woman to discover this secret to total harmony in marriage.”

As her outstanding husband proceeded to accept her invitation, Elizabeth was momentarily diverted by the thought that, despite apparent indifference toward their own infants, men seem to have no lack of interest in the activity that leads to their existence.

I hope you enjoyed this little excerpt – for the first time or maybe the second. Now leave a comment below to be entered to win an audio code I’m giving away here to celebrate The Darcys of Pemberley‘s 15th birthday. I’d love to know if you’ve read the book and when, or if you’ve somehow missed it before but would like to read it now. [PS – To double your chances of winning, bop on over to this same post at Austen Variations and enter there as well!] Check back here for a post update on August 4th to see if you’ve won, and thank you for reading! It’s been my delight and privilege to share my stories with you for the last 15 years!

8/4/26 UPDATE: DarcyBennet is our winner. Congratulations! To claim your prize, see instructions in the comments below.

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Here’s My New Book!

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

I considered naming my protagonist Mr. Darcy and giving him a jaunty cravat. I could have called the girl Elizabeth too, I suppose. I could have, but I didn’t. I didn’t even contrive a sneaky way to insert Jane Austen’s name or the words “pride” and “prejudice” repeatedly into the text.

I won’t try to fool you. This new book is in no way, shape, or form a JAFF story. So it’s not what you might expect from me… except that it IS kind of a love story. A heartwarming but unconventional one. Here’s the blurb:

A charming story, perfect for all ages! In A Bug’s Tale, a VW Beetle named Leonard relates his remarkable saga, travelling from the showroom floor to the bottom of a lake and beyond. But at its core, this is really an unconventional love story about the enduring bond between a special car and a girl who had the vision to see past his ordinary exterior to the warm heart beating inside. Leonard might just make you believe that, yes, some cars do have souls.   

It’s not what I usually write and probably not what you usually read either. More likely, you’ve got a pile of lovely JAFF novels on your TBR list. So why should you deviate from your norm for A Bug’s Tale?

I’ve got the answer! It’s time to cleanse your palate!

To “cleanse the palate” means to neutralize or refresh your sense of taste. It involves clearing lingering flavors and food residue from your mouth using a neutral or contrasting food or drink so you can fully appreciate the distinct flavors of your next dish or drink.

By extension, the phrase is often used metaphorically. It means taking a mental break or experiencing a change of pace to clear your mind—like reading a light novel after a dense, heavy textbook so you can approach your next task with a fresh perspective.

Now, I would be the last person to discourage you from reading LOTS of Jane Austen fiction. But perhaps you’ve reached a temporary saturation. Perhaps all those P&P variations are beginning to run together in your mind. Your taste buds have become desensitized and need a cleansing break, so that you can return to the next JAFF novel with renewed appreciation!

So I invite you to sample something completely different to refresh your literary palate. I certainly found writing A Bug’s Tale refreshing, and I trust the same will be true for you reading it! Weighing in at just 64 pages (and priced accordingly), I’m calling this a novelette. It’s a perfect, light, change-of-pace summer read for an afternoon at the beach or on the plane as you wing your way to whatever exotic vacation spot you have planned.

This, my latest “darling child,” is available here in Kindle, KU, and paperback. Audio will be in production soon, I hope, if I can find just the right narrator to voice my buddy Leonard. Read more about the inspiration for this unexpected story here.

I want to tell you that I have got my own darling child from London. On Wednesday I received one copy sent down by Falkener, with three lines from Henry to say that he had given another to Charles and sent a third by the coach to Godmersham. (from a letter Jane Austen wrote to her sister Cassandra upon the publication of Pride and Prejudice)

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My Latest Cover and Title Revealed!

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

You’ve seen this mock-up cover before, one I created myself with the limited tools and knowhow I had available. But now the professionally produced cover for my newest story is ready to be revealed!

A lot changed in the process, including the title!

You may remember that in my previous post I was debating the pros and cons of choosing a title that seemed perfect but had been used before: A Bug’s Life. Well, I finally decided to give this unique little story a title all it’s own – one I liked just as well in the end.

So here’s the official book blurb followed by the new cover – first time seen anywhere:

A charming story, perfect for all ages! In A Bug’s Tale, a VW Beetle named Leonard relates his remarkable saga, travelling from the showroom floor to the bottom of a lake and beyond. But at its core, this is really an unconventional love story about the enduring bond between a special car and a girl who had the vision to see past his ordinary exterior to the warm heart beating inside. Leonard might just make you believe that, yes, some cars do have souls.   

I hope you like the cover and agree that it conveys a sense of whimsey, as I intended to match the story.

Weighing in at about 60 pages, I’m calling A Bug’s Tale a novelette. It should be a perfect, light, change-of-pace summer read for an afternoon at the beach or on the plane as you wing your way to whatever exotic vacation spot you have planned. I don’t yet have a publication date, but it will be out somewhere around the middle of June.

PS – Even though this is obviously not a Jane Austen Fan Fiction piece, I couldn’t end this post without a JA quote, as is my custom. No quotes about cars being available, I selected a Regency equivalent:

Thorpe’s ideas then all reverted to the merits of his own equipage, and [Catherine] was called on to admire the spirit and freedom with which his horse moved along, and the ease which his paces, as well as the excellence of the springs, gave the motion of the carriage. She followed him in all his admiration as well as she could… she readily echoed whatever he chose to assert, and it was finally settled between them without any difficulty that his equipage was altogether the most complete of its kind in England, his carriage the neatest, his horse the best goer, and himself the best coachman. (Northanger Abbey, chapter 9)

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Read Any Good Books Lately?

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

That question is more than just a comfortable conversation starter, isn’t it? We really want to know! That’s how we find the next book we’re going to read. And we’re hoping it will be a real standout, maybe even become an instant favorite and a story that will stick with us for a long, long time. That’s certainly what happened to me when I first read Jane Austen. Her novels resonated with me immediately, and they quite literally changed my life!

I’ve had a copy of this painting (Fragonard’s Young Girl Reading) on my wall since childhood, so I guess I was always meant to be a big novel reader… and then a writer of novels too.

“The person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid. I have read all Mrs. Radcliffe’s works, and most of them with great pleasure. The Mysteries of Udolpho, when I had once begun it, I could not lay down again; I remember finishing it in two days – my hair standing on end the whole time.” (Northanger Abbey, chapter 14)

Because of it’s inclusion in Northanger Abbey, I had to read The Mysteries of Udolpho. (I’m highly suggestable that way.) But it didn’t make my list of favorites. What did? It was interesting to take another look at a post I wrote 8 years ago: Summer Reading Picks, to remind myself what I considered my favorite books back in 2018. And for the most part, I stand by that list. Several of them I have read more than once, too, which is a strong recommendation. So click on the link above and take a look. I’ll wait right here until you get back.

Next, after that review, I took a look at my more recent reading history (I keep a record, of course!).

Over the last several months, I have read a mix of things chosen for a variety of reasons. For example, my granddaughter told me how much she liked the Enola Holmes movie, which prompted me to read four of Nancy Springer’s books in that series. I was cleaning out my book shelves, donating a bunch of things to my library, but before getting rid of them, I decided to read YA stories Island of the Blue Dolphins (Scott O’Dell) and My Girl (Patricia Hermes). I read Kristi Ann Hunter’s 4-book Hawthorne House series because someone recommended it and I had enjoyed a few other titles by that author.

Except for these, though, it seems that all of the books I read recently were actually re-reads. Maybe I’m in a nostalgic phase, but I often just feel like revisiting old friends – stories already tried and proven for giving me enjoyment.

Periodic rereads of Jane Austen’s novels top the chart, of course. Most recently, I spent some lovely months with Persuasion while I was working on Captain Wentworth in His Own Words. Then I reread one of my own novels: Leap of Hope: Chance at an Austen Kind of Life. (It was fun to come across bits I especially enjoyed writing or things I had forgotten about completely, making me laugh all over again!) I reread The Indebted Earl (Erica Vetsch), and a favorite from my youth: The Black Stallion (Walter Farley). Now I’ve just finished re-listening to three Georgette Heyer titles that I especially like, in audio again: Venetia, Sylvester, and Faro’s Daughter. Next I plan to reread People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, since I’ve now seen the movie and am curious how closely it followed the book (which I read too long ago to remember well).

Is any of this ringing true for you too?

Some further thoughts about Georgette Heyer. I’m sure most of you are familiar with her already. When JA fans run out of Jane Austen to read, we often turn to GH as a reasonable substitute. Her stories are perhaps not as masterfully crafted, have a little lighter tone, and I’ve heard her historical details aren’t always accurate, but they are creative and very enjoyable. Plus, there are a lot of them! Georgette Heyer (1902-1974) was a very prolific writer, and I’ve read at least two dozen of her Regency titles. The novels are a little long-winded in places for my personal taste, which is why I will choose an abridged version when available.

If you are of the same mind, let me suggest another prolific author to you: Marion Chesney (a.k.a. M. C. Beaton). She has a long list of Regency stories that are highly entertaining, imo. And they read like short, brisker-paced Georgette Heyer novels. Perfect!

Not sure there’s a specific point to this ramble. I guess I just wanted to share and to get your response in return.

Read any good/great books lately? What most influences you when choosing what to read next? Have you ever read a book because it was mentioned in another book or a movie? Do you ever reread? – occasionally, frequently, never? Have you read Georgette Heyer and/or Marion Chesney? What are you currently reading and what’s next? What are some of your all-time favorites? Yes, I’d really like to know! You may help decide what will rise to the top of my TBR pile!

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What’s in a Title?

Posted on March 21, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

What’s in a name? No, wait, that’s Shakespeare. Wrong author! I’m supposed to be channeling Jane Austen! Let me try again.

“…But there is nobleness in the name of Edmund.  It is a name of heroism and renown – of kings, princes, and knights; and seems to breathe the spirit of chivalry and warm affections.”  (Mansfield Park, chapter 22)

Fanny Price imbues her beloved Edmund’s name with more latent significance than most of us would. But we at least consider the meanings in a baby name book before deciding what moniker our child will be saddled with for life.

Authors give nearly as much thought to what to title their latest work before sending it out into the world. A lot can ride on that decision. If the title (and/or cover) fails to hook a reader’s interest, they may go no further. So it should be something catchy and memorable. It also should give the reader some clue as to what to expect inside.

I actually have a lot of fun with titles, especially chapter titles or names for blog posts, where far less is at stake. It tickles me when I can employ a fancy word, such as Elucidation (used as a chapter title in not one but two of my books). I’m a fan of alliteration also, like Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility), as evidenced by these chapter titles among others: Sisterly Society, Richard Returns, Wardrobe Woes, Demands of Duty, Company Coming.  I’m not above borrowing a famous phrase now and then: The Play is the Thing, Miles to Go, Teacher Know Thyself, A Tale of Two Movies. And if I can incorporate an inside joke or some double meaning, so much the better! Chapter titles Taken For a Ride and Bump in the Road apply literally as well as figuratively. “Persuasion” in my book title The Persuasion of Miss Jane Austen refers both to her novel and the fact that she herself was persuaded to give up the man she wanted.

I think Leap of Hope contains my favorite collection of chapter titles. It’s such a fun story (I say this with authority, since I just finished reading it again!) that it seems to lend itself to fun, even silly, chapter names: Light Dawns, Making Jambalaya, A Day at Disneyland, The Dearly Departing, A Two-Horse Race, No More Hope (double meaning), Back in the Saddle, Not in a Million Years, The Last Dance, The Other Shoe, Bleak House, Reader’s Digest, Arrivals and Rivals, Too Many Suitors, and The Cherry on Top.

The bigger challenge, however, was coming up with a title for the book itself. And that’s where I may have gone a little wrong. I actually thought Leap of Hope was kind of clever – “Hope” being the character’s name (a modern girl) and “Leap” referring to her leap across time back to Regency England for a Chance at an Austen Kind of Life. If you don’t notice the information in the subtitle, though, you won’t immediately know that this is totally a JAFF story. And the cover doesn’t necessarily give it away either (Hope is supposed to be thinking about stepping through into the picture of Chatsworth). Perhaps I should have gone with my other idea: Pemberley or Bust!

Of course, some title issues can’t be anticipated. Consider my novel Return to Longbourn, published in 2013. All was well until the following year when Jo Baker publish Longbourn, leading to some confusion. From the titles, at least a few people got the idea that Return to Longbourn must be a sequel to Longbourn (never mind that the authors of the two are different and Return was actually published first).

I’m not the only one who has struggled with title issues, of course. Jane Austen herself changed the titles to at least three of her books before publication. As you probably know, First Impressions became Pride and Prejudice. Elinor and Maryanne became Sense and Sensibility. Northanger Abbey underwent the most transformations. Austen originally called it Susan, after the heroine. Then she changed both the title of the novel and the heroine’s name to Catherine to avoid confusion with another book that had recently come out. But it was ultimately published as Northanger Abbey after her death.

Now I have another title issue. Last month I told you about what I will be publishing next: a novelette about, of all things, a VW Beetle. I intended to call it A Bug’s Life: the story of a little car with a big heart. And I probably still will. But someone has now raised the question about the fact that A Bug’s Life has already been used for the Disney Pixar series about actual bugs. I knew that, but since book and movie titles can’t be copyrighted, there’s no legal issue. And the stories are so different that there shouldn’t really be any confusion created either. It’s more a question of whether it’s a smart choice or not. It’s such a cute title, and it fits the story so perfectly, that I hate to give it up.

What do you think? Should I keep the title or find another. Have you ever selected a book purely on the strength of the title? Conversely, have you ever been steered wrong by a title or missed a great book at first because the title didn’t grab you? Is there one of my books that doesn’t interest you due to an unappealing title? I’d like to know. I’ve used chapter titles in most, but not all, of my books. Do you think they add something worthwhile to the reading experience?

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Something Unexpected

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

It’s been a few months since the publication of Captain Wentworth in His Own Words, and perhaps you’re wondering what’s coming next.

Long range, I really don’t know. But short term, I’m going to give you something unexpected. I’m going to complete something I’ve been meaning to write for years, since 2017 to be precise. That’s when a trip to a beautiful lake in Montana inspired the idea for a story about a car. Yes, that’s right: a car. I thought A Bug’s Life might make a cute title, since it was a VW beetle. But it was still only at the “idea stage.”

Visiting Ashley Lake a second time the following summer, I turned the idea over in my head again and went so far as dashing off a prologue. Then, I had to set it aside to finish the novel I already had in progress. Then came another book… and another book… and another.

I never forgot about my car story, though. I worked on it a little from time to time, and more diligently the last few months. So now, eight and a half years after its inception, this “book” is finally finished. Yay! But, weighing in at just over 60 pages, we’ll have to call it a “novelette” instead. So a very quick read. When I was playing around on Canva recently, I created this fun cover design (although the final version may look entirely different). I hope to have it published within a couple of months.

Here’s the Author’s Afterword, at the very end of the book, to hopefully whet your appetite:

The inspiration for this little story literally came out of the blue.

In 2017, we vacationed at Ashley Lake, Montana, for the first time. It’s a beautiful place, full of family history for us, and clear water the turquoise blue of the Caribbean. One morning when we were paddling our canoe across the glassy smooth surface of the lake, we saw what was unmistakably the rusted remains of a VW beetle not far from shore, submerged in about ten feet of water.

My mind immediately went into story mode, asking the obvious questions. Where had the car come from? How long had it been there, and how had it ended up in that unfortunate situation in the first place? Since no one we talked to knew the answers, my imagination started filling in all those intriguing blanks.

Before long, I was constructing a full history… And perhaps a future resolution? Because in my version of events, I couldn’t simply leave the poor beetle there at the bottom of the lake. My books always have happy endings! So I was determined to somehow give the fictional car (now named Leonard) a better outcome. And while I was at it, why not let him tell the story himself?

We return to Ashley Lake every summer. And every summer, when we cross the water to visit the still-submerged V-dub, I renew my vow to tell this story. It’s taken me a while, but I’m finally keeping that promise. I hope you enjoyed getting to know Leonard – the little car with a very big heart.

Obviously, this isn’t a Jane Austen piece, but it is actually kind of a love story, in an off-beat way. I hope my faithful readers will be interested in this unexpected offering. (For more about A Bug’s Life, including pretty pictures and the prologue, read this 2018 post: An Inspiring Trip to the Lake.)

After that, who knows? For nearly the first time in my 16-year writing career, I don’t have a particular story burning a hole in my brain, demanding to be told. And when I looked back through past posts where I had asked your opinion about what I should write next, along with different possibilities I was considering, guess what? I discovered I’ve already checked nearly all of them off my list! But you might have a different list. Tell me what I’m still missing. What would you have me write next? Or, dare I say it, last? What one book should I not retire without writing? Hmm.

…for, provided that nothing like useful knowledge could be gained from them, provided they were all story and no reflection, [Catherine] had never any objection to books at all. – Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey, chapter 1

Posted in cover design, excerpts, Jane Austen Quotes, travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pride & Prejudice Set to Music

Posted on January 12, 2026 by Shannon Winslow

Look what I found when I was snooping around in my county library’s online catalogue! I could hardly believe it –a P&P adaptation I’d never heard of, and a musical besides! Although produced in 2020, it was totally new to me. Naturally, I requested it immediately. Shall I tell you how many times I’ve watched it since? I would, but I’ve literally lost track.

Over the years, I’ve been to see several plays based on Jane Austen’s works – some musical and some not – and enjoyed them all to one degree or another. It’s always special to see a live performance. [Side note: I’ve often thought how thrilling it would be to attend the premier of a play based on one of my own novels, and I even took a stab at writing an adaptation of The Ladies of Rosings Park for the stage.]

The only problem with a stage play is that the enjoyment lasts a couple of hours, and then, except for some fond memories, it’s over. Unlike a book or DVD, you can’t take the play home with you to watch again and again if you want. This one you can:

Pride & Prejudice: A New Musical is a musical adaptation by Tony Award nominee Paul Gordon (Broadway’s Jane Eyre), filmed during a 2020 live performance at the Tony Award-winning TheatreWorks of Silicon Valley (directed by Robert Kelley and choreographed by Dottie Lester-White).

A play, especially a musical, is an entirely different story-telling medium, so we can’t expect it to be absolutely faithful to Jane Austen’s original work. This one sets a slightly more modern tone, for one thing. But I was quite impressed with how true it remained on the whole, managing to cover all the major plot points and necessary characterizations, using clever scene transitions and often breaking the fourth wall to quickly slice through to the heart of the story with no waste of time. Especially considering how much needs to be cut out to fit a 2-hour format while also making room for the songs, I was amazed how many lines from the original novel had been squeeze in: a treat for every Austen insider.

There were changes made, of course – some minor and presumably done for expediency (Mrs. Bennet preparing food in the kitchen, the Netherfield ball moved from November to Christmas, elimination of Louisa and Mr. Hurst, and so forth). The largest departure from canon was Mr. Bingley’s personality transplant. Instead of being outgoing and jovial, he’s painfully shy, especially around Jane, which is very effectively used for added humor. Because, you see, this adaptation is deliberately and delightfully funny, and I found myself laughing out loud along with the live audience.

Mary Mattison plays a charming and feisty Elizabeth, and Justin Mortelliti is a passionate and tortured Mr. Darcy. They both did a admirable job in their demanding leading roles – acting and singing both (although I found Mattison’s less-than-perfect British accent a little distracting). Mortelliti has a particularly fine singing voice (if I am any judge), and when he cuts loose, I can easily forgive him for not being as tall as Mr. Darcy is supposed to be.

The supporting cast is excellent as well. I particularly got a kick out of the performances of Lucinda Hitchcock Cone (wonderful name!) as Lady Catherine and Heather Orth as Mrs. Bennet. Although Mary Bennet (Melissa Wolfklain) may actually have gotten the most laughs with her deadpan delivery.

The music itself is perhaps the most difficult thing for me to evaluate in any kind of objective way. To say I really enjoyed it would be true… but not enough. The songs did what they are supposed to do: adding drama and emotion, giving us a more in-depth view of what the characters are thinking and feeling, helping us to join in their experience. Perhaps the best recommendation is to tell you that I still have the music and lyrics running through my head! I’d say that’s a pretty good mark of success.

This production will never win a prize for costuming (not all are period correct, and a couple of the wigs are pretty awful), and there are other flaws. But, at least to me, the faults are minor when compared to the fact that I can now watch a musical version of my favorite story anytime I want, since I’m adding this DVD to my permanent collection. You may be able to find it at your library, as I did. It’s available through Amazon in “rent” or “own” formats. And it’s free to watch on the Jane Austen page at streamingmusicals.com. I hope you’ll give it a look see.

My rating: four and a half stars. (Read my other movie reviews here.)

Have you seen this adaptation? If so, what did you think of it? If not, are you interested?

The party, like other musical parties, comprehended a great many people who had real taste for the performance, and a great many more who had none at all; and the performers themselves were, as usual, in their own estimation and that of their immediate friends, the first private performers in England. – Sense and Sensibility, chapter 36

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December Happenings

Posted on December 10, 2025 by Shannon Winslow

I’m in that lull after publishing a book and before really getting started on the next project. Besides, it’s almost Christmas, and let’s face it, no serious work is going to get done before the holidays are over. But that doesn’t mean I have nothing to share with you!

First of all, did you know that in less than a week we’ll be celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth? She made her debut at the Steventon rectory on December 16th, 1775, the seventh child born to Rev. George and Mrs. Cassandra Austen in Hampshire, England.

The Austens occupied a position at the lower end of the gentry class. Still, by virtue of her father’s profession and education, and through her brother Edward (who was adopted by rich relatives), Jane was exposed to the wealthier sorts of people and the higher kind of society that she would later write about in her novels.

Because of her birth and literary legacy, our lives have been greatly enriched! And so all kinds of major celebrations are planned around the world to mark this occasion! I will probably bake a cake in her honor and celebrate quietly by plugging in a DVD of one of my favorite JA adaptations. What about you?

At Austen Variations, were doing an Advent Calendar with lots of games and gifts. Bop over there to get in on all the fun if you want. But I’ll share here what I posted on my day:

Only 2 weeks left until Christmas. Time to get your cards in the mail! Oh. Wait. Most people don’t do that anymore, do they? But I’m not ready to give up the tradition quite yet.  Every year I create my own cards, featuring some of my artwork on the outside and a newsy letter on the inside (see this 2014  post if you’re interested).

Last year, it occurred to me that the cover of my newest book (a short novella entitled It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy) could make a great Christmas card with a little modification. Part 1 of today’s Advent Calendar fun is to put together a puzzle to see how the card turned out (follow this link to Jigsaw Explorer). You can modify the number of pieces to make it more or less challenging.

All done? I hope you had fun solving the puzzle, and also that you will consider it my personal Christmas greeting to you, despite the incorrect date.

Part 2: In the spirit of giving, I’ve reduced the Kindle price on It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Darcy to $.99 for a limited time! (It’s also available in audio, narrated by Harry Frost, and the paperback makes a nice little gift for the Jane Austen lover in your life.) Find all three formats at Amazon.

Part 3: Whether you read the book or not, I thought you might enjoy this opening scene – Christmas at Pemberley – as told by Darcy himself:

It is Christmas evening – my first of many happy Christmases with Elizabeth, God willing – and we have dear friends gathered at Pemberley to share it with us. Georgiana is here, of course, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Bingley and Jane have come, as well as the entire Gardiner family.

I glance at Elizabeth, who sits by my side, her hand tucked in mine. We exchange contented smiles, and I know I am the most fortunate of men.

It has been a full and satisfying day.

We woke to a blanket of white resting an inch or two thick on the ground – enough to delight everybody but not enough to create much inconvenience. So we were still able to safely reach Kympton to attend divine services on this holy day. Afterward, the Gardiner children played on the lawn, throwing snowballs and building what they could with the limited supply of the white stuff. Some of the adults braved the chilly air again as well, joining in the children’s play or just strolling about in the wintery scene, all of us bundled up in our warmest clothing.

Indoors, there have been games and conversation, along with good things to eat morning, noon, and night: hearty but simple fare for the most part, much of it prepared yesterday to lighten the load on the servants today. A few of them volunteered to remain on duty. But most – anybody with family in the area – have gone off for their own Christmas celebrations.

Now I can see through the drawing room windows that the sky is painted with more pink and orange hues than blues. The candles are lit, and the day is coming to a close. As I look about myself, at my comfortable home and the happy faces of my dear ones, I could wish to remain in this present moment forever.

And yet my thoughts refuse to do so. Without warning, the cheerful Christmas scene is now changed for something entirely different. Images from a much darker period suddenly appear, unbidden, before my mind’s eye. Familiar sensations, both frightening and exquisitely painful, clutch at my heart.

I resist the temptation to blink them away at once. Instead, I briefly allow the powerful recollections to wash over me again, as they so often have done since the event took place. It is good to remember, so that I never take Elizabeth and all my other blessings for granted. And so, for just a minute or two, I give myself over to reliving that wonderful, terrible time.

It happened eight months ago, in April, just after Elizabeth refused my first dismal proposal. That was a devastating blow indeed, and it must have in some manner brought on the strange episode that followed. I can conceive of no other explanation. This is the question which still lingers, however; was it real or only some kind of extraordinary dream? One could rightly call it a nightmare except for what I learnt by it. A painful event, once survived, may be counted a treasure if it proves to have been of tremendous value in the end.

The experience to which I refer certainly was – a valuable treasure, I mean. In truth, I count it a great gift, one I shall never forget. Christmas is a time of gift giving, is it not? Perhaps that is why the peculiar episode comes back to my mind again now. But if not a mere dream or even a nightmare, what shall I call it?

It was a visitation.

Now you’re all caught up! I hope all your holiday celebrations are delightful, and that the reason for the season isn’t lost in all the busyness of shopping and going and doing. Now, since I boldly proclaimed that I still plan to send out Christmas cards of my own design, I’d better get to work on them! Do you still send cards? Do you have special plans this year? What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas. Yours, etc. (Elizabeth, letter to Mrs. Gardiner, Pride and Prejudice, chapter 60)

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