Rewriting Emma - Quote Game - Answers!

These are the answers to the Rewriting Emma - Quote Game that I posted a couple weeks ago. Sorry it took so long to post these but only Melody played so I'm sure she will forgive me.

Rewritten Emma Quotes:

Quote #1

Rewritten Quote: "I always demand the finest treatment, because I never put up with any other." - Emma Woohouse

Original Quote: "I always deserve the best treatment, because I never put up with any other." - Emma Woohouse

~*~

Quote #2

Rewritten Quote: "I do not know whether it ought to be so, but frivilous things do cease to be frivilous if they are done by sensible people in an audacious way. Evilness is always evilness, but folly is not always folly." - Emma Woodhouse

Original Quote: "I do not know whether it ought to be so, but silly things do cease to be silly if they are done by sensible people in an impudent way. Wickedness is always wickedness, but folly is not always folly." - Emma Woodhouse

~*~

Quote #3

Rewritten Quote: "One quarter of the world cannot discern the delights of the other." - Emma Woodhouse

Original Quote: "One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other." - Emma Woodhouse

~*~

Quote #4

Rewritten Quote: "Business, you know, may bring wealth, but companionship hardly ever does. - John Knightley

Original Quote: "Business, you know, may bring money, but friendship hardly ever does. - John Knightley

~*~

Quote #5

Rewritten Quote: "It was a pleasant visit; -- perfect, in being much too brief." - Jane Austen

Original Quote: "It was a delightful visit; -- perfect, in being much too short." - Jane Austen

~*~

Quote #6

Rewritten Quote: "I have beheld, Mrs Elton, in the course of my life, that if things are going unwell one month, they are sure to rectify the next." - Mr. Weston

Original Quote: "I have observed, Mrs Elton, in the course of my life, that if things are going untoward one month, they are sure to mend the next." - Mr. Weston

~*~

Quote #7

Rewritten Quote: "Seldom, very seldom, does complete sincerity belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little camouflaged or a little misled." - Jane Austen

Original Quote: "Seldom, very seldom, does complete truth belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised or a little mistaken." - Jane Austen

~*~

Quote #8

Rewritten Quote: "Ah! There is nothing like lounging at home, for real happiness. Nobody can be more faithful to home than I am." - Mrs. Elton

Original Quote: "Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort. Nobody can be more devoted to home than I am." - Mrs. Elton

~*~

Quote #9

Rewritten Quote: "Men of wisdom, whatever you may chuse to say, do not want crazy brides." - Mr. Knightley

Original Quote: "Men of sense, whatever you may chuse to say, do not want silly wives." - Mr. Knightley

~*~

Quote #10

Rewritten Quote: "There are folks, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for others." - Jane Austen

Original Quote: "There are people, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for themselves." - Jane Austen

~*~


Quote #11
Rewritten Quote: "If I adored you less, I might be able to speak about it more. But you know what I am. You hear everything but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lextured you, and you have borne it as no other female in Scotland would have borne it." - Mr. Knightley

Original Quote: "If I loved you less, I might be able to talk about it more. But you know what I am. You hear nothing but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lectured you, and you have borne it as no other woman in England would have borne it." - Mr. Knightley

~*~


Quote #12
Rewritten Quote: "Why not grab the pleasure at once? How often is happiness ruined by preparation, stupid preparation!" - Frank Churchill

Original Quote: "Why not seize the pleasure at once? How often is happiness destroyed by preparation, foolish preparation!" - Frank Churchill

~*~

Player's Score:
Melody - 29 points (out of 35 points)

Rewritting Emma - Quote Game

In this game I've given you ten quotes from Jane Austen's Emma that have had some of the words altered from how they read in the original novel. Your job will be to figure out what the altered words actually should be, in each quote. The idea for this game is not quite original, I actually saw this done on the game show Jeopardy!, in a category called "Rewriting The Presidential Oath", and thought it might be fun to use this idea with famous quotes like those from Emma. I did this sort of game with Pride and Prejudice with some good sucess but have tried to make this game a tad easier by underlining the wrong words.

To Play: Read the quotes below and leave a comment guessing what the original words are for each underlined wrong word. I'll respond with your score. Answers will be posted next week. No fair cheating by looking up the original quotes!

Scoring: One point each for correctly guessing the correct word for each wrong underlined word. A total of 35 points can be earned!

Hint: There are at least two wrong words in each quote. Longer quotes may have up to three wrong words.

Rewritten Emma Quotes:

Quote #1

"I always demand the finest treatment, because I never put up with any other." - Emma Woohouse

Quote #2

"I do not know whether it ought to be so, but frivilous things do cease to be frivilous if they are done by sensible people in an audacious way. Evilness is always evilness, but folly is not always folly." - Emma Woodhouse

Quote #3

"One quarter of the world cannot discern the delights of the other." - Emma Woodhouse

Quote #4

"Business, you know, may bring wealth, but companionship hardly ever does. - John Knightley

Quote #5

"It was a pleasant visit; -- perfect, in being much too brief." - Jane Austen

Quote #6

"I have beheld, Mrs Elton, in the course of my life, that if things are going unwell one month, they are sure to rectify the next." - Mr. Weston

Quote #7

"Seldom, very seldom, does complete sincerity belong to any human disclosure; seldom can it happen that something is not a little camouflaged or a little misled." - Jane Austen

Quote #8

"Ah! There is nothing like lounging at home, for real happiness. Nobody can be more faithful to home than I am." - Mrs. Elton

Quote #9

"Men of wisdom, whatever you may chuse to say, do not want crazy brides." - Mr. Knightley

Quote #10

"There are folks, who the more you do for them, the less they will do for others." - Jane Austen

Quote #11
"If I adored you less, I might be able to speak about it more. But you know what I am. You hear everything but truth from me. I have blamed you, and lextured you, and you have borne it as no other female in Scotland would have borne it." - Mr. Knightley

Quote #12
"Why not grab the pleasure at once? How often is happiness ruined by preparation, stupid preparation!" - Frank Churchill

Happy Guessing!

Jane Austen Crossword Clues Answers!

These are the answers to the Jane Austen Crossword Clues - W game from last week.


Jane Austen Crossword Clue Answers:

1. Lieutenant _______ Price - Fanny Price's brother.
Answer: William

2. Sir ______ Elliot - Anne Elliot's father.
Answer: Walter

3. Captain Frederick ________ - Naval hero.
Answer: Wentworth

4. Colonel ______ - Mr. Elliot's gossipy friend.
Answer: Wallis

5. Mr. ______ -  Gentleman Miss Taylor marries.
Answer: Weston

6. Surname of Emma and her father.
Answer: Woodhouse

7. John __________ - Villain of Sense and Sensibility.
Answer: Willoughby

8. George _______ - Villain of Pride and Prejudice.
Answer: Wickham

9. The _______ - name of unfinished Austen work.
Answer: Watsons

10. Village where Charles Hayter lives.
Answer: Winthrop

11. Finish the quote: "Pictures of perfection make me sick and ______."  
Answer: Wicked

12. Finish the quote: "I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open ______!"
Answer: Windows

13. Henry Tilney's parsonage.
Answer: Woodston

14. Catherine Morland's home county.
Answer: Wiltshire

15. Eliza ________ - Colonel Brandon's unfortunate sister-in-law.
Answer: Williams


Players Scores:
Melody - 120 points
Anonymous - 110 points
Scullery Maid - 110 points
birdienl - 100 points
Livia Rachelle - 100 points
Emma Jane - 90 points
Kelsey - 90 points
Kiri Liz - 80 points
Hamlette - 70 points
Sarah Jane - 70 points

Jane Austen Crossword Clues - W

Are there any crossword fans out there? Well the idea of this game is a Jane Austen trivia quiz where the questions sound rather like crossword clues. To make it interesting and a bit easier all of the answers are one word and start with the letter W!

 To Play: Read the clues below and guess the answers. All answers start with the letter W. Leave your guesses in a comment and I'll respond with your score. You may only guess once for each question so think hard about your answers before you respond! Answers to this game will be posted next Saturday.

Scoring: 10 points for each correct W answers. Highest possible score is 150 points!


Jane Austen Crossword Clues:

1. Lieutenant _______ Price - Fanny Price's brother.

2. Sir ______ Elliot - Anne Elliot's father.

3. Captain Frederick ________ - Naval hero.

4. Colonel ______ - Mr. Elliot's gossipy friend.

5. Mr. ______ -  Gentleman Miss Taylor marries.

6. Surname of Emma and her father.

7. John __________ - Villain of Sense and Sensibility.

8. George _______ - Villain of Pride and Prejudice.

9. The _______ - name of unfinished Austen work.

10. Village where Charles Hayter lives.

11. Finish the quote: "Pictures of perfection make me sick and ______."  

12. Finish the quote: "I never heard of such a thing. Dancing with open ______!"

13. Henry Tilney's parsonage.

14. Catherine Morland's home county.

15. Eliza ________ - Colonel Brandon's unfortunate sister-in-law.



Looking forward to seeing your answers! :)

One More Day to Ask Me Anything!

If you haven't comment with questions on my Ask Me Anything post head right on over and do that. Today is the last day to enter questions and hopefully I'll have some answers up soon. Today is my day off so I'm trying to get some filming in before it's time to prepare for dinner guests this evening. 

I'll be taking questions up until midnight Easter Standard Time so send off your questions now! :)

Ask Me Anything!

I was thinking the other day that with posting all these Period Drama Games and the tags for the Period Drama Challenge that I end up asking y'all a lot of questions. Now it's your turn to ask me questions!
Want to know about my faith, my family or my favorite things? Want to try and stump me with a quiz question? Literally this is your chance to ask me anything you want!

Leave your questions in a comment. Please limit the number of questions to no more than eight so that other people have a chance to ask. And it might be a good idea to read other people's comments so that you're not asking a duplicate question. I do reserve the right to not answer any questions that might be too personal (but my readers are usually so sweet).

I'm considering answering the questions that y'all leave in a video but it will depend on how much time I have and whether such a video turned out well, so we'll see.

This post will be open for one week (Thursday, May 16th to Thursday, May 23rd)  to collect questions so I'll hopefully start posting answers next weekend.

So go ahead, ask me anything!

Jane Austen Clergymen Quiz - Answers!

Here are the answers to the Jane Austen Clergymen Quiz from last week. Y'all did really well with this quiz! Thanks for playing! :)

Jane Austen Clergymen Quiz:

1. Which two of Jane Austen's brothers were clergymen?

a. James (her oldest brother)

b. George

c. Edward

d. Frank

e. Henry (two failed careers before joining the church)

f. Charles

2. In Emma, who was the vicar in Highbury before Mr. Elton took the job?
Reverend Mr. Bates (husband of Mrs. Bates, father of Miss Bates)

3. In Sense and Sensibility, who offers Edward Ferrars a living at the rectory on their estate?
Colonel Brandon (it's a small rectory at his estate Delaford)

4. What is the first name of Captain Wentworth's clergyman brother in Persuasion?

a. Charles

b. Henry

c. Edward (he was the curate at Monkford near Kellynch Hall back when Anne and Captain Wentworth were first engaged. When the story starts Mrs. Croft tells Anne that their brother Edward has married and found a parish in Shropshire.)

d. William

5. In Northanger Abbey, what is the name of the village where Henry Tilney serves as vicar?
Woodston (20 miles from Northanger Abbey)

6. Who was vicar at Mansfield Parsonage before Dr. Grant comes in?
Reverend Mr. Norris (husband of Mrs. Norris)

7. What time of year was Mr. Collins ordained as a minister in Pride and Prejudice?

a. Easter (he mentions it in his first letter to Mr. Bennet)

b. Christmas

c. St. Valentine's

d. Michaelmas

8. In Northanger Abbey, what is the name of the village where Catherine Morland's father serves as vicar?

Fullerton (in the county on Wiltshire)

9. What is the name of Catherine Morland's brother in Northanger Abbey who is studying to be a clergyman?
Mr. James Morland (oldest of the Morland children)

10. What is the name of Edmund Bertram's college friend in Mansfield Park who he stays with when they are ordained?  

a. Mr. Andrews

b. Mr. Rushworth

c. Mr. Owens (he also has two sisters that Mary Crawford fears will steal Edmund away from her)

d. Mr. Whitmore

11. In Pride and Prejudice what is the name of the village where Mr. Collins is vicar?
Hunsford Parsonage (not actually sure of the village's proper name)

12. What is the name of the small living reserved for Edmund in Mansfield Park?

a. Southerton

b. Enscombe

c. Coumb Magna 

d. Thornton Lacey (a small village not too far from Mansfield Park)

13. Which Pride and Prejudice character was "intended for the church"?
George Wickham (but after seeing Wickham's loose behavior at college Mr. Darcy is glad Wickham has not much inclination for the church)

14. What is the first name of Henrietta Musgrove's intended clergyman husband, Mr. Hayter, in Persuasion?

a. Henry 

b. Charles (he is one of six guys with the name Charles in Persuasion!)

c. Robert 

d. James

15. Why must Sir Thomas Bertram give the living of Mansfield Vicarage to Dr. Grant instead of giving it to Edmund as he'd promised?
Because of Tom Bertram's debts and the failure of Sir Thomas's plantations in the West Indies. (While Edmund wasn't ordained yet there wasn't much longer to wait but Sir Thomas didn't have the funds to support both of his sons so Edmund suffers from Tom's extravagance.)

16. Dr. Shirley is a clergyman mentioned in which novel? 

a. Persuasion (he's an elderly clergyman near Uppercross who Mr. Hayter and Henrietta hope will need the services of a young curate)

b. Emma 

c. Sense and Sensibility 

d. Mansfield Park

17. In Northanger Abbey, how many children does Reverend Morland have in his vicarage?
Ten children. ("A family of ten children will be always called a fine family, where there are heads and arms and legs enough for the number..." - NA, Chapter 1)

18. What is Mr. Elton's first name in Emma?

a. Peter

b. Philip (Philip. Philip Elton. Mr. creepy man.)

c. Andrew

d. Simon

19. What book does Mr. Collins read to the Bennet girls in Pride and Prejudice?
Fordyce's Sermons. ("Other books were produced, and after some deliberation he chose Fordyce's Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupted him..." - P&P, Chapter 14)

20. Which character in Mansfield Park tells Edmund Bertram he should go into the law instead of becoming a clergyman?

a. Tom Bertram

b. Mary Crawford (Mary: “I am just as much surprised now as I was at first that you should intend to take orders. You really are fit for something better. Come, do change your mind. It is not too late. Go into the law.”  Edmund: “Go into the law! With as much ease as I was told to go into this wilderness.” - MP, Chapter 9)

c. Julia Bertram

d. Henry Crawford

21. Who most likely pays a good portion of Mr. Elton's salary in Emma?

a. Mr. Weston

b. Mr. Coxe

c. Mr. Woodhouse

d. Mr. Knightley (Mr. Elton has to meet with him on parish business and as a magistrate Mr. Knghtley has a lot of responsibility for church business. If Mr. Knightley is Mr. Elton's "boss" then it shows how incredibly cheeky Mr. E is when he boasts to Mrs. E about "My friend Knightley"! Mr. Knightley also feels it his responsibility to help Mrs. Bates the widow of the former clergyman. Mr. Knightley is indeed the best of men!)

22. How did Catherine Morland's brother meet John Thorpe in Northanger Abbey?
They attend Oxford together. (James Morland and John Thorpe are both intending to become clergymen - can you imagine Thorpe as a minister?!?! James spent the Christmas holidays with the Thorpe family and that's when he first met and started liking Isabella Thorpe.)

23. In Persuasion who says that the curate "Mr. Wentworth was nobody"?

a. Elizabeth Elliot

b. Sir Walter Elliot ("Wentworth? Oh ay! Mr. Wentworth, the curate of Monkford. You misled me by the term gentleman. I thought you were speaking of some man of property: Mr. Wentworth was nobody, I remember: quite unconnected; nothing to do with the Strafford family." - Sir Walter Elliot, Persuasion, Chapter 3)

c. Lady Russell 

d. Mary Musgrove

24. In Northanger Abbey, how long would Isabella Thorpe have had to wait until Catherine Morland's brother could obtain the living as rector and have money enough to marry?

a. 2 months

b. 4 months 

c. 2 years (Actually 2 1/2 years. "Ah! my Catherine, you have found me out. There’s the sting. The long, long, endless two years and half that are to pass before your brother can hold the living.” - Isabella Thorpe, NA, Chapter 16)

d. 4 years

25. What was the name of Cassandra Austen's clergyman fiance who died as a military chaplain?
Thomas "Tom" Fowle. ("After graduating from Oxford University, in 1794, one former pupil [of Reverend Austen], Thomas Fowle, became engaged to Cassandra Austen. Fowle needed money to marry and went to the Caribbean with a military expedition as chaplain to his cousin, General Lord Craven. There, Fowle died of yellow fever in 1797. [Cassandra] Austen inherited £1000 from him, which gave her a little financial independence but, like her sister, she never married." - quoted from Wikipedia) 

Players Scores:

Melody - 210 points

birdienl - 185 points

Meredith - 180 points

Livia Rachelle - 135 points

Emma Jane - 95 points

Kiri Liz - 80 points

Jane Austen Clergymen Quiz

It's seems like some time since I've done a game that is Jane Austen related so here is a little quiz all about the clergymen in Jane Austen novels. The questions are an assortment of multiple choice and write-in. I tried to keep it simple but also add a challenge for my fellow devoted Janeites out there! :)

To Play: Answer the questions below to the best of your ability and leave your answers in a comment. This time you have only one chance to answer each question so choose wisely! I'll respond with your score. Answers will be posted next Saturday.

Scoring: 10 points for each correct answer. A high score of 250 points can be earned.


Jane Austen Clergymen Quiz:

1. Which two of Jane Austen's brothers were clergymen?

a. James

b. George

c. Edward

d. Frank

e. Henry

f. Charles

2. In Emma, who was the vicar in Highbury before Mr. Elton took the job?

3. In Sense and Sensibility, who offers Edward Ferrars a living at the rectory on their estate?

4. What is the first name of Captain Wentworth's clergyman brother in Persuasion?

a. Charles

b. Henry

c. Edward

d. William

5. In Northanger Abbey, what is the name of the village where Henry Tilney serves as vicar?

6. Who was vicar at Mansfield Parsonage before Dr. Grant comes in?

7. What time of year was Mr. Collins ordained as a minister in Pride and Prejudice?

a. Easter 

b. Christmas

c. St. Valentine's

d. Michaelmas

8. In Northanger Abbey, what is the name of the village where Catherine Morland's father serves as vicar?

9. What is the name of Catherine Morland's brother in Northanger Abbey who is studying to be a clergyman?

10. What is the name of Edmund Bertram's college friend in Mansfield Park who he stays with when they are ordained?  

a. Mr. Andrews

b. Mr. Rushworth

c. Mr. Owens

d. Mr. Whitmore

11. In Pride and Prejudice what is the name of the village where Mr. Collins is vicar?

12. What is the name of the small living reserved for Edmund in Mansfield Park?

a. Southerton

b. Enscombe

c. Coumb Magna 

d. Thornton Lacey

13. Which Pride and Prejudice character was "intended for the church"?

14. What is the first name of Henrietta Musgrove's intended clergyman husband, Mr. Hayter, in Persuasion?

a. Henry 

b. Charles 

c. Robert 

d. James

15. Why must Sir Thomas Bertram give the living of Mansfield Vicarage to Dr. Grant instead of giving it to Edmund as he'd promised?

16. Dr. Shirley is a clergyman mentioned in which novel? 

a. Persuasion

b. Emma 

c. Sense and Sensibility 

d. Mansfield Park

17. In Northanger Abbey, how many children does Reverend Morland have in his vicarage?

18. What is Mr. Elton's first name in Emma?

a. Peter

b. Philip

c. Andrew

d. Simon

19. What book does Mr. Collins read to the Bennet girls in Pride and Prejudice?

20. Which character in Mansfield Park tells Edmund Bertram he should go into the law instead of becoming a clergyman?

a. Tom Bertram

b. Mary Crawford

c. Julia Bertram

d. Henry Crawford

21. Who most likely pays a good portion of Mr. Elton's salary in Emma?

a. Mr. Weston

b. Mr. Coxe

c. Mr. Woodhouse

d. Mr. Knightley

22. How did Catherine Morland's brother meet John Thorpe in Northanger Abbey?

23. In Persuasion who says that the curate "Mr. Wentworth was nobody"?

a. Elizabeth Elliot

b. Sir Walter Elliot

c. Lady Russell 

d. Mary Musgrove

24. In Northanger Abbey, how long would Isabella Thorpe have had to wait until Catherine Morland's brother could obtain the living as rector and have money enough to marry?

a. 2 months

b. 4 months 

c. 2 years

d. 4 years

25. What was the name of Cassandra Austen's clergyman fiance who died as a military chaplain?

Book Review: Jane Austen Made Me Do It

JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT: Original stories inspired by literature’s most astute observer of the human heart, edited by Laurel Ann Nattress

I first heard about Jane Austen Made Me Do It when The Republic of Pemberley were holding a short story contest where the winner would get their short story included in this book. It sounded so interesting and I greatly looked forward to the release date. This Christmas my parents gave me my own copy and I got right to work on reading the 22 short stories by various authors. As I went along I jotted down some thoughts on each story that I will include here along with an idea of what each story is about. Some of my comments contain spoilers!

Star Rating: For fun I'm going to rate each story by putting "stars" or * asterisks next to each title. 1 star means it was tolerable, 5 stars means it was excellent and I highly recommend it.

Note: I haven't been a huge fan of Jane Austen fanfiction in the past so I can be rather critical of authors who mess with "My Jane". I'd like to say up front that I have the highest respect for my fellow Janeite authors and that this book would not be the same without any of these interesting stories!

About The Short Stories:

* Jane Austen's Nightmare by Syrie James - Jane Austen's characters tell her what they think about how she described them and wrote their stories. 
A silly mash-up of P&P, S&S, MP, Emma and Susan (later NA). A mistake was made in off-handedly mentioning characters from Persuasion (Sir Walter Elliot, Elizabeth Elliot, Mary Musgrove and Mr. William Elliot) before Jane Austen was supposed to have created and written about Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth. Story a bit half-baked with loose ends. Strong words said against sweet Fanny Price. Disregards some of the characters' Regency decorum and good hearts.

*** Waiting: A story inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion by Jane Odiwe - Captain Wentworth goes to ask Sir Walter for permission to marry Anne Elliot.
A very sweet tale! Waxed on a bit long about first meeting and proposal. Captures Sir Walter and Elizabeth's personalities perfectly. Wished she had cut some of the beginning story and told some of the Crofts' response on hearing their engagement news.

* A Night At Northanger by Lauren Willig - A ghost hunting television team spend the night at Northanger Abbey where they encounter that ghost of Jane Austen.
Some strong curse language. Unsure who the "ghost" is at first so the quotes don't make sense. Why would Jane Austen be a ghost at Northanger Abbey? Lady half dressed during her talk with Jane. Funny character names.

*** Jane Austen and the Gentleman Rogue: Being a fragment of a Jane Austen mystery by Stephanie Barron - An excerpt from Jane Austen's journal in which secret papers are stolen and Jane helps Lord Harold solve the mystery.
Though only a fragment it feels as if I've read a whole novel. Stephanie Barron's style of writing captures the imagination vividly transporting me instantly into the Regency era. The excitement is infectious and moved me to read faster so I could discover what would happen next! Presents a clever, witty Jane that perhaps drinks too much and is sometimes unladylike but is still enchanting. Those who know of Lord Harold can't help but swoon over him. Jane Austen becomes a bit of a Miss Marple in her way. Highly entertaining as always, I always enjoy Ms. Barron's work!

** Faux Jane by Diane Meier and Frank Delaney writing as F.J. Meier - Charlie's wife is an agent for a temperamental actress who may or may not have bought a first edition Jane Austen novel.
Initially thought I knew where the story was going by got lost two pages in, then caught the plot again. Story or actress is unfortunately entirely plausible and reminds me of Anne Hathaway or Keira Knightley. Ending is clever. Uncle Julius is very funny. Makes me wonder which author wrote what parts of the story.

**** Nothing Less Than Fairy-land by Monica Fairview - Life after Emma's honeymoon may not be as perfect as she'd hoped.  
Writing style is excellent, very thoughtful and written in the style of Emma (2009) so that I could see Romola Garai, Johnny Lee Miller and Tamsin Greig in their roles as Emma, Mr. Knightley and Miss Bates. It is not perhaps Jane Austen but is very sweet. Another author who comes to the conclusion that Miss Bates could marry Mr. Woodhouse, even if he lost his head so much as to ask her. Miss Bates father mentioned as having a "clerk" but her father was a clergyman. Sort of portrays Mr. Woodhouse as a fool, but he's not. Completely enjoyed it though.

*** Love and Best Wishes, Aunt Jane by Adriana Trigiani - A modern day Jane Austen writes advice to her niece Anna of the occasion of her engagement. 
Not sure I quite understand the premise of this story / letter. Jane Austen writing to Anna but as if they were living in modern day? Jane Austen about to die before Anna's wedding? A very nice letter in its sentiments and even in the wording.

**** Jane Austen and the Mistletoe Kiss by Jo Beverley - Young widow Eleanor prepares to spend Christmas in Chawton with her three daughters where their landlord may not be what he seems. 
A very sweet and tender story. Jane Austen fits into it quite nicely. Well told and characters well developed for the shortness of the story. Not sure I like the idea of mother and daughter possibly marrying two brothers but it's Amy's first "love" so could come to nothing. Does feel a bit rushed at the end - should be more words and less kissing. Cute story!

***** When Only A Darcy Will Do by Beth Pattillo - Elizabeth is an American college student studying in England where she makes extra cash by hosting a Jane Austen tour. What will she do when a Regency clad gentleman decides to join her tour?
I'm in tears! Such a sweet story! So perfect because it's what every Janeite wishes would happen to her! Very well told and so charming. It was late at night but I couldn't put it down! Best story so far!

***** Heard Of You by Margaret C. Sullivan - Frederick Wentworth is a young midshipman when he receives letters from his sister Sophy. His commanding officer Captain Croft takes a keen interest in Frederick and in this sister he hears of.
Best story so far! Mags has done it again! Her style is so entertaining and she captures the characters perfectly, especially the gentlemen. Her love for Persuasion and Horatio Hornblower meld perfectly into a sweet and intelligent story of how the Crofts met. Kept thinking the whole time that my dad would love this story. Probably my favorite story of the lot!

* The Ghostwriter by Elizabeth Aston - On the night Sara's boyfriend leaves her publishers saying her latest work needs a lot of help. Depressed Sara cries herself to sleep clutching a locket containing a lock of Jane Austen's hair. When she awakes a strange ghostly visitor sits at the end of her bed demanding she get a grip on her life.
The plot was sort of pointless to me. Very depressing at the beginning and ends strangely. One of my least favorites. One questionable scene.

*** Mr. Bennet Meets His Match by Amanda Grange - The story of how Mr. Bennet meets the lovely Miss Gardiner. 
Title is quite literal and not figurative as I'd hoped. To me a boring idea for a story because it's one that has been done by many fanfiction writers. Clever of Austen Heroes Diaries author Amanda Grange to pick an older Austen gent to write about. Bored at first, took me a few pages to get to the more interesting bits. The elder Collinses were worse than could be imagined - very vulgar. Part with "liking a redcoat" could have been more serious. Disliked their names being John and Jane, her name should have been Mary or Catherine instead. (I'm such a name nerd! But you see Jane is feminine form of John.) Well written but not my favorite.

* Jane Austen, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! by Janet Mullany - It's 1970's England and school teacher Julie struggles with relationships and inspiration. The usually boring detention time turns into an interesting discussion of The Beatles and Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility which inspire Julie to make some life changes. 
1970's? Really? Smoking and sex mentioned very casually throughout the story. Ended up comparing Sense and Sensibility gentlemen to The Beatles members, rather confusing if you're not a fan. Teacher decides to ditch her guy. Well told but didn't like the story.

**** Letters To Lydia by Maya Slater - Part of Pride and Prejudice is retold through the eyes of Maria Lucas writing to Lydia Bennet.
Intriguing, good style, fits with story. Nor sure Charlotte would have told Maria about her suspicions that Mr. Darcy likes Elizabeth. Not sure Maria would ever be invited to Pemberley. Fun!

* The Mysterious Closet: A Tale by Myretta Robens - Cathy Fullerton gets more than she bargained for when she stays in the "Gothic" part of the charming British country inn. Flickering candles, secret passage ways and a handsome stranger who pops up at the strangest moments.
Some suggestible scenes. Used names and character ideas from Northanger Abbey but otherwise doesn't talk too much about Jane Austen or her characters at all. Sort of interesting but in a weird way. Doesn't explain "Henry's" popping in and out at all or how her closet changed so quickly. Most likely a ghost or figment of her imagination so leaves leaves her in a dangerous spot. Do like that Jack Thorpe is translated as a used car salesman.

***** Jane Austen's Cat by Diana Birchall - Jane Austen's nieces and their cat interrupt her quiet day's writing. She gives advice to Anna while entertaining Caroline with stories of Fanny Price, the kitten.
Very sweet! The stories told in "cat language" are hilarious! Lovely to hear the interaction between Aunt and nieces - all three of them. Melody would love this story! My second favorite story!

** Me and Mr. Darcy, Again... by Alexandra Potter - After a fight with her boyfriend Em visits London, with her best friend, where she keeps meeting up with Mr. Darcy. Are these the answers to her dreams or is her heart already claimed?
Haven't read the original so wasn't as special to me, but the author did a good job of making connections for you. Strange that Mr. Darcy kept popping up, not sure that a married Darcy would have met her late at night in a park. Like that she doesn't end up with Darcy after all.

**** What Would Austen Do? by Jane Rubino and Caitlen Rubino-Bradway - The highly entertaining effects of Jane Austen on a teen boy who's mom is a devoted book quoting Janeite. 
Funny to see his point of view on the kids in his public school. Loved seeing his blunders with English Country Dance and how it brought him an appreciation for the lives of all ages. Somehow know Cathy was "one of those". Would be very interested to read the full length book version they are writing - would read. Fun story, a bit about public school life.

**** The Riding Habit by Pamela Aidan - The new Mrs. Darcy struggles to live up to society's expectations and her husband's desire to ride in Hyde Park with her by his side. 
Sweet story in it's way, thankfully not what I expected. Darcy makes Lizzy a present of a horse which he must teach her to ride but it seems to me it would have better for him to have taught her at Pemberley. Colonel Fitzwilliam's first name is Richard!?!?!? Ugh!  Rather natural proceedings but a tad pointless and boring.

**** The Love Letter by Brenna Aubrey (short story contest winner) - Medical student Mark is sent a page from Persuasion anonymously and in reading it his thoughts are brought back to his old flame Justine.
Brilliantly written, mimicking the story of Persuasion in modern day but not in a cheesy way. Some mentions of the first time the couple "made love" but other than that not inappropriate  Sweetly told through the man's point of view and him reading Persuasion. Made me cry. "Jane Austen made me do it" indeed! :)

*** The Chase by Carrie Bebris - The amazing adventures of Jane Austen's brother Frank as he captains his ship off the coast of Napoleonic era France. 
Rather technical and a bit scholarly at times making it a bit hard to follow with the sailing terms, especially if you have no idea of ship sizes. Overall very cleverly told, not much about Jane Austen - only a letter from her - but the story deserves to be told in this way. Amazing tale!

**** Intolerable Stupidity by Laurie Viera Rigler - Jane Austen's characters are suing movie makers and Austen fanfiction writers for slander and making their lives miserable. 
Love Laurie's style of writing, reminds me of Margaret Sullivan a great deal! Highly entertaining courtroom drama and a brief romance to boot. Lady Catherine is vexing as the judge but her quotes are perfect. Mrs. Norris makes a great bailiff to assist her. Pure Austen fanfic and loved every moment!

Laurel Ann Nattress

About The Editor: A life-long acolyte of Jane Austen, Laurel Ann Nattress is the author/editor of Austenprose.com a blog devoted to the oeuvre of her favorite author and the many books and movies that she has inspired. She is a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and a regular contributor to the Jane Austen Centre online magazine. An expatriate of southern California, Laurel Ann lives in a country cottage near Snohomish, Washington where it rains a lot. Visit Laurel Ann at her blog Austenprose – A Jane Austen Blog, on Twitter as @Austenprose, and on Facebook as Laurel Ann Nattress.

Introduction & Extras: It's really lovely to read Laurel Ann Nattress's story of how she became a Janeite in the introduction! At the back of the book it was delightful to find a list of Jane Austen quotes that inspired the author's stories. Also a list of Reading Group Questions were very thought provoking.

My Overall Opinions & Recommendations: I tried to mention the stories above that might have inappropriate themes or scenes and have given them only one star. All the stories are very interesting and quite delightful in their way. My favorites are Heard Of You, Jane Austen's Cat and When Only A Darcy Will Do. The stories I marked with four stars are my next favorites. I highly recommend this book to all Janeites but if you're picky about what you read I suggest reading only the stories I've given 3, 4 or 5 stars to (1 star stories especially might have some questionable content).
It was interesting to me to see that two of the authors chose to write about Northanger Abbey as if it was a real place and put ghosts there and that three of the authors wrote about ghosts. Lovely to see three Persuasion related stories and not so many Pride and Prejudice related stories as I'd feared. Wish there was more about Mansfield Park and Emma. A good mix of modern day and historically set stories.
I really really enjoyed taking my time and reading each story! Most of the stories I would definitely read again, and soon! I also discovered a few authors that I'd be interested in reading more from.

Jane Austen Made Me Do It is available for purchase through Amazon.com in paperback and e-reader formats.


Have you read Jane Austen Made Me Do It? Which story was your favorite?

If you haven't read this book then which of the short stories sounds the most interesting to you?

Have you read any others of these author's works? Any that you'd recommend? 

Are you a fan of Jane Austen fanfiction?

Guest Post by Little Lady - Emma Woodhouse: The Imperfect & Lovable

Hello!
I'm Little Lady, a faithful Janeite, fellow blogger, lover of chocolate, coffee, and all things British!

First things first....happy birthday Jane!

I, like you (most likely if you are reading this blog), adore the writings of Jane Austen.  Her stories have been made in to countless film adaptations, re-written in to "modern retellings", computer games (SO fun and addicting), choose-your-own-adventure books (also totally amazing)... they have literally lasted the ages, beloved by all!  But I have to say...

If I had to pick a favorite from

among Miss Austen's books,

I can say without hesitation that it would be Emma every time.  I own the novel, the modern adaptation of the novel, three different versions of the film, and the soundtracks from two of those versions.  I really love Emma!

I am a firm believer that one cannot be a fan of the lovely and talented Jane Austen, without having read Emma and without having watched at least one film version of the novel.

But of course, I should probably tell you why it is that I favor this book so very much.

"Perhaps it is our imperfections that make us so perfect for one another!"
- Emma, 1996

I love this book because Emma is so entirely flawed, and the entire book is truly a paradox!  In the story Emma is called "clever" at least four times, and the things she does are always remarkably "clever" as well...and yet through the entirety of the novel dear, clever Emma, does nothing but make mistake after mistake.  She is prideful, rude, and more than a bit vain!  Emma's own Mr. George Knightley remarked, referring to our heroine, that "Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief."

Emma Woodhouse is truly flawed, and yet to me that is the greatest appeal of the novel.  Emma's character is more real, more relatable, and really more lovable because of her great many flaws.

Emma's character is real because...

No one believes in a perfect character.  The number one flaw of young writers, is that they always portray their character as the most lovable, perfect, beautiful thing ever.  That's why typically their books don't get published until they wake up and realize no one is perfect...and no one likes perfect.  Even in our fiction, which gives us the freedom to travel to different lands, live a life we cannot today, or fall in love with a handsome gent (Mr. Knightley...), we still want a little reality -- and Miss Austen gives us that, in the flawed Emma.  Of course, it is not just Emma's flaws that make her real, it is also the journey she goes on throughout the story.  She starts out, ignorant of her own flaws, and happy the way she is....but by the end of the story, she's come to the realization that she is indeed not perfect, but that she can work to improve herself.  This is why I love Emma.  We too, go on a journey like this, each and every day we live, and having Emma go on that same journey with us, truly makes her a more realistic character.

Emma's character is relatable because...

She struggles with vanity, once in a while she slips and says something she really shouldn't (Box Hill, anyone?), and she really must work on not being so manipulative!  I love Elizabeth Bennet for her fiery-ness, Catherine Morland's imagination is quite captivating, and Fanny Price's sweet nature is admirable -- but really?  Emma puts her foot in her mouth.  I so get that....unfortunately.  In the course of the novel she is constantly kept in track by the gorgeous Mr. Knightley, and in one scene, she is quite chastised by him!  Beyond her faults, she loves dearly.  She loves her very dear friend Mrs. Weston, she cares deeply about Harriet Smith's happiness (even if she is misguided often regarding Miss Smith), and she takes diligent care of her aging father.  She makes mistakes, does silly things, has fun, loves deeply, enjoys the out-of-doors, longs to travel, and quite overlooks the love of her life for far too long.  She truly is a character that I believe in one way or another, we can all relate to.

Emma's character is lovable because...

I think besides being real, and relatable, Emma is especially lovable because of her spunk and spirit!  She never gives up, and she never backs down from a challenge.  She (especially in the film adaptations) is quite audacious at times.  She's like us, with us because her emotions are swinging all over!  She's in love, she's not in love, she's happy, she's completely depressed.  She's all over the place -- and yet truly lovable at the same time.

Courtesy of Sunshine & Shadows

And so, Miss Austen's Emma will always be a favorite of mine! And I hope this encourages you as well to grab a copy of this book off the shelf, and delve in! To read more about why I love Emma, visit Heart, Character, & Soul post.

Courtesy of Reading 52 Books In a Year

If you are more in the movie mood than the delving into a book, check out these fantastic film adaptations!

"Emma" 2009, "Emma" 1996, "Jane Austen's 'Emma'" 1996

I would love to thank Miss Laurie for having me guest post!  It has been a ton of fun to participate in the Jane Austen Birthday Assembly!  Enjoy the birthday fun!  Come and visit me for more fun posts covering an abundance of things (with Miss Austen never forgotten) on my blog Sunshine & Shadows.

I hope to see you all again soon!

P.S. Though I have three film versions, I must admit the 2009 version is my absolute favorite!  Just had to put that out there.

~*~

Miss Laurie's note: Thank you Little Lady for agreeing to guest post! It was delightful reading about Jane Austen's clever Emma! :)

Austen & Anniversaries

Since my parents are celebrating their wedding anniversary this weekend I've been musing on the happily married couples in Jane Austen's novels, especially those couples that influence the hero and heroine's opinions of married life. 

Yes, there are happily married couples in her books! In fact we may say that although some couples are rather unsuitably matched most are reasonably content as to not make such disastrous end as Maria Bertram and Mr. Rushworth of Mansfield Park (their marriage ends in a permanent separation). 

In Pride and Prejudice Elizabeth Bennet thinks a bit despairingly of her own parents' marriage but her Uncle & Aunt Gardiner (though not married as long) are perfectly content and well matched with a very happy home where they invite their nieces to stay. It's also rather interesting that Elizabeth, in traveling with the Gardiners to Derbyshire, has daily opportunity to observe their married felicity before meeting up with her own future spouse at Pemberley. Might not the desire for a similar happy union have influenced her to think more softly about at alliance with Darcy? Perhaps. 

In Sense and Sensibility married couples like Sir John & Lady Middleton, Thomas & Charlotte Palmer and John & Fanny Dashwood cannot be called particularly unhappy in their marriages but they are rather poor examples for the young people around them. Indeed, we may go so far as to say that both Colonel Brandon and Edward Ferrars are influenced to not be looking for love before meeting certain young ladies (and we later learn Edward has already resigned himself to an unhappy marriage with Lucy Steele). The heroines have had a very different influence -  Elinor and Marianne's parents were married for love and inspire them to crave truly deep attachments of their own.  

In Emma the heroine has been rather addicted to romance since her older sister Isabella marries John Knightley and that addiction continues with seeing Mr. & Mrs. Weston's happy union. Both couples are truly attached and influence Emma Woodhouse's mind so that she later says to Harriet: "I have none of the usual inducements of women to marry. Were I to fall in love, indeed, it would be a different thing! ...And, without love, I am sure I should be a fool to change such a situation as mine."

In Mansfield Park, Fanny Price has few examples of married life outside of her own family. Her aunts Lady Bertram and Mrs. Norris both married to please their uncle and secure respectable positions in society (that isn't to say that Sir Thomas & Lady Bertram or indeed Rev. & Mrs. Norris are not fond of each other). Fanny's own mother married for love and it didn't turn out as perfectly happy as it could have. 

Mary Crawford recounts having so many examples of unhappy marriages from her aunt, sister and friends that she is disinclined to enter the married state herself. Mrs. Grant though seems perfectly happy with her daily tasks of arranging large meals and caring for her gouty husband.

In Northanger Abbey, Catherine Morland does not have to look next door to the slightly unequally matched Mr. & Mrs. Allen for her example, for she has grown up in the home of a perfectly content and well matched clergyman and his wife. Her parents raised a large brood of ten children and worked together to home school them similar to how Jane Austen's parents raised their seven children. It is sweet to imagine that the production of a large and happy family will probably be duplicated by Catherine and her clergyman husband Mr. Tilney at their own parsonage.

In Persuasion we find that "old" happily married couples abound and many of the older characters (such as Lady Russell and Mrs. Smith) have been widowed from happy marriages and are still devoted to their spouse's memory.  For her example Anne Elliot has the elder Mr. & Mrs. Musgrove who love life and hate to be separated, also Charles & Mary Musgrove, who although they fight like dogs and cats seem contented to do so. 

Anne later comes into contact with married couples that are great influences for her future husband Captain Frederick Wentworth. His friends Captain & Mrs. Harville are so truly devoted and we catch just a glimpse of this in Harville's words to Anne about the attachments of men and women. But the best example of a perfectly matched and happy couple come from Frederick's own sister and brother-in-law. Admiral and Mrs. Croft's devoted marriage inspires others such as Louisa Musgrove who says: "If I loved a man as she loves the Admiral, I would be always with him, nothing should ever separate us, and I would rather be overturned by him than driven safely by anybody else."

With such good examples of loving marriages before them it is easy to presume that Captain & Mrs. Frederick Wentworth's true love will hold strongly through the high seas of life.

Persuasion is my parent's favorite Jane Austen story and to me they closely resemble Admiral & Mrs. Croft as well as Captain Wentworth & Anne Elliot. In my own story my parents are my example of a happily married couple. They are best friends who have been truly in love and married 28 years this October!

Thank you dad and mom for maintaining your marriage with that threefold cord that can't be easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12). I love you both so much! Happy Anniversary! 

Do you have a favorite happily married Austen couple?

In your own life do you have married couples that inspire you?