Monday, December 4, 2017

Textilmuseum, St. Gallen

Just crossposting a blog post I wrote this weekend for the Jane Austen Society of Switzerland, a new and (so far) small group of us who have been meeting quarterly to indulge our love of literature and history. You can learn more about the organization at https://swissausten.wordpress.com/.

Today six of us gathered for a private tour of the Textilmuseum. The collection contains items documenting the history of fabric production, with particular emphasis on the booming embroidery industry based in St. Gallen in the late 19th century. This was enabled by the invention of the hand-embroidery machine in 1828, leading to a boom economy post-1860. While many of these machines were used in factories, in Switzerland embroidery production remained for many a cottage industry (a stark contrast to the weaving industry in England). A family, often farmers, would borrow the funds to buy a hand-embroidery machine. The man of the family would operate the equipment (traditionally, embroidery had been an entirely female art) while the women and children threaded and inserted the hundreds of needles necessary to operate the machine. The museum features a training model of a hand-embroidery machine from circa 1890. Only half the size of an industrial model, it is 2.25 meters long and utilizes 156 needles. We didn't get to see it in operation, but the museum provides a demonstration of it in action in the afternoons on Thursday, Friday, and select Saturdays.

Bestes Handwerk St. Gallen und Umgebung
Training model of a hand-embroidery machine, circa 1890.
One of the embroidery techniques for which St. Gallen is best known is chemical lace. This process produces an extremely convincing lace-like effect, imitating highly valued, handmade lace. The technique was originated in Switzerland and Saxony in the 1880's and perfected the following decade. Originally, this was done in cotton embroidery on silk, the latter being "burnt away" using chlorine or caustic soda. Today, the same effect is achieved on an acetate backing which is then dissolved with acetone. The material produced continues to be a corner stone of the St. Gallen textile industry and is featured in the works of haut couture fashion houses around the globe.

Machine_embroidery_lace
Cotton machine embroidery from St. Gallen, circa 1900. In imitation of Irish crochet lace.

Of particular interest to scholars of Jane Austen and the Regency Era in England were examples of whitework on muslin, extremely popular at the time. There was a gorgeous whiteworked gown on display from the late 1820's/early 1830s, after Austen's time but still of a similar silhouette to those of the earlier part of the century. The sleeves and skirt are fuller, moving towards the styles associated with the Victorian Era, but the Empire waistline is still the most distinguishing feature of the gown.

1832_gown
Cotton dress featuring hand embroidery from Eastern Switzerland, circa 1826-1830.

After leaving the museum we did a quick tour of the Christmas market in St. Gallen. The Sternenstadt runs through the 23rd of December. St. Gallen is always beautiful, but the spectacle of the market at night, which is decorated by 700 star ornaments dangling above the streets, ought to be particularly scenic. Thanks for all who were able to join us. Our next meeting will be sometime in the spring and probably to the Napoleon Museum in Thurgau. More info to come!

Sources:

Campbell, Gordon. The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts, Volume One. Oxford University Press, 2006.

Ward, Gerald W.R. The Grove Encyclopedia of Materials and Techniques in Art. Oxford University Press, 2008.

Wikipedia contributors. "St. Gallen embroidery." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 1 Jul. 2017. Web. 2 Dec. 2017.

Wikipedia contributors. "Textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 27 Nov. 2017. Web. 2 Dec. 2017.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

New Release - Mr. Darcy's Christmas Present: The Madness of Mr. Darcy Continues

I've been very remiss in promoting this (got a lot on my mind, now I am 8 months pregnant), but my short story, Mr. Darcy's Christmas Present: The Madness of Mr. Darcy Continues, was published on Kindle last week. Do check it out, especially if you are one of the many readers who told me they were wanting just a little bit more from the original story. Hopefully, this slim volume will satiate that need. The first review, by Rita of From Milton to Pemberley, was very flattering. She writes:

Mr. Darcy’s Christmas Present was the best Christmas gift Alexa Adams could have given me. She gave me a loving novella where all the characters I wanted to see again are present to give me closure to one of the most intense and amazing books I have ever read.

Wow! Leaves me beaming every time I read it.

Also, just a heads up, if you want to read I am Lady Catherine for free, do so now while the getting is good. I will be removing the posts in the next week or so, that I may enroll the book in the Kindle Unlimited program.

Hopefully, you will hear from me again before the bay arrives. Afterwards, I fear this blog will be even more neglected than it has been in the 2+ years since my move overseas. Thanks so much to those of you who continue to read it and support my writing. Happy holidays to all!

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

I am Lady Catherine: Part One

Part One – 1784

“Is it not gratifying to have the sound of music echoing about the house once more?” Lady Cat, as everyone called her, declared contentedly upon entering the morning parlor. She seated herself beside her eldest daughter and namesake, who was busily pursuing her work. “How wonderful it is to have Anne home once more.”

“She no longer considers Ecclestone Court her home, Mother,” Lady Catherine remarked.

Lady Cat might not have heard the comment, as she continued without regarding it. “Young Fitzwilliam has grown so fast, he seems not much the baby any longer. So very handsome, with such an astonishingly serious demeanor! The obvious intelligence with which he observes all that transpires about him might lead anyone to mistake him for a child twice his age.”

“He seems a very fine boy, but of course we are partial.”

“Nonsense! Everyone who sees him declares him the most magnificent baby ever encountered.”

“One must wonder to what degree his being the future master of Pemberley influences that perception.”

“You seem rather cross this morning, Catherine,” her mother observed. “Are you not pleased to have your sister home?”

“Pemberley is now Anne’s home, Mother, and yes, of course I am pleased to have her with us again.”

“You do not seem terribly happy about it,” Lady Cat commented smugly, settling back into the cushions of the sofa. “I suppose her presence is a reminder of your yet unmarried state?”

“It need not be, would you cease mentioning it.”

“What elder sister would not resent a younger sister of better fortune?” Lady Cat queried, paying no mind to her daughter’s complaint.

Lady Catherine put aside her work and looked seriously into her mother’s eyes. “I love my sister and my new nephew; you must know that, Mother.”

“Even the deepest affection has never been a barrier to jealousy amongst sisters, and no one would blame you for such feelings. It is only natural when Anne has made such a gratifying match, though not a noble one, and produced such a fine heir so soon.”

Lady Catherine stifled a retort, resuming her work instead of capitulating to her mother’s provocations.

“We gave you plenty of opportunity to find a match before bringing Anne out. If only you would endeavor to put yourself forward, I am certain you might have half of London at your feet.”

Lady Catherine eyed her mother skeptically. “Half of London can only see my feet, I dwarf the gentlemen so.” She patted her unpowdered hair with a hint of self-consciousness. “If only such towering wigs were not the fashion, I might fare better.”

“Ridiculous! You are barely an inch taller than I was at your age, and my height proved no hindrance to making an excellent match. You must merely smile more and flirt a little with the gentlemen. It is not so very difficult.”

“I cannot perform for strangers, Mother,” she said, concentrating fixedly on her embroidery. “They must take me as I am.”

“A serious fault in your education! I suppose I must take responsibility for that. Mrs. Spencer tried her best with you, I am sure, or as well as she could with such an unyielding personality. Anne certainly prospered under her tutelage. A lady must perform for the world. It is expected of us. After you are married, you might command things as you choose, but until that time, I do wish you would endeavor to render yourself more pleasing.” She rose with a dramatic sigh and began pacing the room. “You might at least have been more diligent towards your instrument. If you had a talent to highlight your natural nobility, as Anne does, you would show better.”

“I could not tolerate the music master, as you well know.”

“Signor Abatescianni is the most sought after harpsichord instructor in London! Your father paid a vast sum to secure him for you girls, and see how you squandered the opportunity!”

“He pinched, Mother. It was intolerable.”

“You foolish girl! What is a little pinch or prod here and there? You can expect much worse from the gentlemen in town.”

“So I have learned,” Lady Catherine tersely replied, redoubling her concentration on her work as the multiple humiliations in the wandering hands of so-called gentlemen intruded upon her memory, “but I ought not suffer such treatment from a mere musician!”

“You are entirely too nice in your notions, Catherine! Senior Abatescianni knew better than to overstep the proper boundaries. Anne never complained of him.”

“Anne’s notable talent kept his attention focused elsewhere. My plodding performance was not so distracting.”

Lady Cat stopped her pacing and directed a piercing gaze upon her daughter. “Well, that is now beside the point. Signor Abatescianni has moved on to more promising students, and you remain unmarried. I have little power over the former situation, but I intend to do something about the latter.”

Lady Catherine gazed up at her mother wearily. “And what would that be?”

“Your father has invited Sir Lewis de Bourgh to stay with us after Anne and Darcy depart.”

Lady Catherine betrayed not a trace of emotion at this announcement, returning her attention to her embroidery before replying, “I have never heard of him.”

“He is recently returned to England after several years abroad and is interested in finding an appropriate match and settling down.”

“And what is that to me?”

“Do not be impossible! You know we mean him for you! He has seen your portrait and expressed interest in making you an offer.”

If Lady Catherine nearly dropped a stitch at this announcement, no one could have detected it, so determined was her sangfroid. “I know not how he can have formed such a notion without ever having met me.”

“He has purchased an estate in Kent, Rosings Park, of great potential. The land is good, but the house is in need of improvement, and a handsome dowry would go far towards its refurbishment.”

“Ah,” Catherine replied, still without looking up. “That is his only property, I presume?”

“Yes.”

“Then not a baronet.”

“He was knighted for diplomatic services performed for the crown while in Spain.”

She finally returned her eyes to her mother’s imperious face. “So you intend for me to wed a knight of poor estate? I suppose you really have lost all hope of anything better if this is to be my fate.”

“You have had ample opportunity to do better yourself, yet you have squandered it. Now, while Anne is still with us, she will tutor you in the performance of at least one, preferably two pieces with competence on the harpsichord that you might entertain Sir Lewis in the evenings. You recite well, so prepare some flowery pieces for his amusement. You are to put your best foot forward, my girl! I will not have you ruin yet another good prospect with your haughty ways. If Sir Lewis wishes to talk with you, you will smile and flirt with him. If he requests your company in the garden, you are to walk with him, and if his hands should wander to your person, well, it is only to be expected that he would want to inspect what he is buying before finalizing the purchase.”

“Mother!” Her composure finally rattled, Lady Catherine’s cheeks flushed at this suggestion.

Lady Cat smirked, pleased to have finally unnerved her daughter. “It is well past time you recognized the world for what is it, Catherine. Do you think you might remain aloof and distant in the marriage bed? The sooner you resign yourself to overcoming this intolerable prudery, the better for us all.”

“I cannot believe you have not pride enough to be repulsed by such notions,” Lady Catherine exclaimed. “Am I not an earl’s daughter? Ought the descendent of noble blood on both sides allow herself to be subjected to the disrespectful advances of a common man?”

“You think entirely too much of yourself, my girl, and Sir Lewis is not so common as you suggest. The family is of Norman descent and can trace their ancestry farther back than we can. His cousin, the Earl of Clanricarde, is extremely influential.”

Catherine sneered. “An Irish peer?”

“One with whom an alliance would well benefit your father!” Lady Cat threw up her hands in frustration and began pacing once more. “I do not know how else to get through to you other than promise you, Catherine, that you are not too old or proud to suffer a thorough beating should my will be thwarted in this. Do not test me! The alliance is a desirable one, and when you think on it further, you will see the advantages in marrying a man whose estate is his to dispose of as he will. You are not getting any younger. Do not spoil your chances of being properly settled in life. Now, I suggest you retire to your room to consider the matter properly.”

“Yes, Mother,” replied Lady Catherine coldly, summoning all her poise to raise gracefully and calmly exit the room. She maintained her reserved pace and demeanor as she passed through the halls, nodding in acknowledgement to the servants who curtseyed and bowed to her along the way, until she reached the sanctuary of her own rooms, where she promptly burst into tears.

**********

Over the next several weeks, Lady Catherine was forced to practice the harpsichord for several hours daily, eat a special diet of cold meats, bathe in pigeon-water, and squeeze into a new and excruciating corset. She bore it all without complaint, though her brain was in a constant state of rebellion. She was certain she would loathe Sir Lewis, though she was determined, nonetheless, to charm him. She would not tolerate again being accused of shirking her daughterly duties, nor was she willing to bear any more of her mother’s increasingly tyrannical methods of marrying her off. If Sir Lewis proved at all tolerable, or even better, pliant, she would have him. To finally be her own mistress had become the all-consuming goal.

There was another matter that checked her mutinous impulses. If in nothing else, Lady Cat was correct on one point: Lady Catherine hated having her sister so well-established while she, the eldest, remained on the shelf. It was a terrible blow to her notable pride to yield to Anne in precedence. Sir Lewis might not be noble, but his rank was high enough to ensure that proper order was restored. A title was worth something, no matter how lowly. The world would always value a Sir above a mere Mister, no matter how great an estate he owned.

When Sir Lewis finally made his eagerly awaited appearance at the earl’s table, Lady Catherine found him more to her liking than she had imagined. Certainly, he was shorter than she, and his frame was small enough that she felt much like an Amazon beside him, but he had a good figure, carried himself with grace and dignity, and showed every symptom of infatuation with the young lady of the house. Many a more stalwart woman had capitulated to such sincere flattery as that with which the young knight daily plied her. She was, furthermore, much relieved to find that he had not the disrespectful and ambling hands her mother had ordered her to indulge. She was, therefore, perfectly at ease entertaining him in the garden on several occasions, knowing she was not in danger of molestation. Her mother’s words, on the other hand, were almost as invasive.

“He sets you up like a Juno to worship on a throne,” Lady Cat gloated one evening, perhaps under the influence of too much of the earl’s best wine. “You appear an amusing enough couple, with him being so slight beside you, but I have heard of gentlemen who quite thrive on the notion of conquering large, indomitable women like yourself. Once you are married, you might find he has unusual tastes in bed.”

“Mother!” admonished her scandalized daughter. “He has not yet declared his feelings for me in any way. Such talk is entirely premature, as well as offensive. Sir Lewis has been a thorough gentleman in all our interactions.”

“Oh yes, I can see that he has been, or your embarrassment by such talk would have eased by now. You young people are so puritanical in your notions. What a very dull world we shall have when you are in charge! With any luck, I will have seen you all married, greeted my grandchildren, and moved on before that sad day.”

The anticipated proposal took place the day before Sir Lewis’s departure. Having followed form by soliciting the earl’s permission, he proposed in the arbor, where the two often strolled. He was accepted graciously, and if the bride were not in raptures, her satisfied smile provided sufficient gratification to the young knight’s sensibilities. As his carriage lumbered away the following morning, the combined promise of an elevated marriage and bountiful dowry saw him both complacent and sanguine about his prospects.         

As for the future bride, she refused to allow herself any reservations regarding the change coming upon her in a few months’ time. The prospect of being mistress of her own home, the renovation of which Sir Lewis had promised to allow her the direction, was diverting enough to keep her mind from any sense of discontent. Further, the attention her engagement garnered from her friends was pleasing. Lady Anne sent an enthusiastic letter, complete with visions of their children playing together in the years to come. What having said children might entail was banished from Lady Catherine’s mind; she would contend with such unpleasantness when the need arose.

In the meantime, Lady Cat had mercifully left off tormenting her daughter, as her mind was more happily engaged in buying clothes and planning the wedding breakfast. Catherine let her mother have her own way in all such matters, so happily did they keep her occupied. It was left to her only to complacently accept congratulations, receive presents, and count the days until she was her own mistress and could forge herself a place in the world. She would be a wife but Lady Catherine still, and the permanence of that title and identity swathed her in an immutable sense of security, one she could carry with her into the future, always and forever.




The rest of the book has been removed for enrollment in the KDP Select program. To continue reading, please download the complete novella at Amazon.

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Monday, October 23, 2017

Twisted Austen Starts Tomorrow!

Tomorrow the fun begins! Please check in everyday to read the entire story for free before it disappears. It will become available for purchase on Halloween at Amazon. You still have an opportunity to win I am Lady Catherine plus all three other Twisted Austen tales at AustenAuthors.net, but the giveaway ends tomorrow so hurry up and enter if you're interested. Happy Halloween my fellow Janeites!


Friday, October 13, 2017

Twisted Austen 2017: I Am Lady Catherine

Twisted Austen is back! It's been two years, but I've finally adjusted enough to my trans-Atlantic move to pull together a story in celebration of Halloween. I am Lady Catherine delves into the mind of Lady Catherine de Bourgh, starting at the time when she meets and marries Sir Lewis de Bourgh and continuing through the events of Pride and Prejudice. In my opinion, this story is a bit more hilarious than horrifying, but it keeps with the notion of offering a very different look at one of Austen's classic novel. The fun begins on October 24th and lasts through Halloween, with one part of the tale posting each day. As usual, the complete story will also be released as an ebook on the 31st (it is available now for pre-order if you just can't wait). I hope you'll join me!


Sunday, September 24, 2017

Four Year Anniversary Giveaway: Holidays at Pemberley


Wow! Four years ago today, Holiday at Pemberleys, or Third Encounters: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice Concludes, was published, completing my first "What if?" conception. To celebrate, all three books in the trilogy are free for Kindle at amazon.com tomorrow. I just realized today was my book anniversary, or I would have been on top of this and had the giveaway scheduled for today. C'est la vie.

I'm also marking the occasion by announcing my intention to rerelease the entire series as a single volume next year. I've been meaning to do this for sometime. First Impressions, particularly, has some grievous editing problems that I've never bothered correcting. The whole thing is going to be polished up and chronologically ordered into a single tale. Not sure what the new title will be, but my money's on simply Tales of Less Pride & Prejudice, which will hopefully make it crystal clear that this is, at the end of the day, the same story, with only minor alterations. Of course, the whole project is predicated on me actually being productive postpartum (little Jack is due on January 4th). Fingers crossed I'm more focused than after Eliza's birth.

Be sure to take advantage of this offer while it lasts!
https://www.amazon.com/Alexa-Adams/e/B003HSCV6S/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Darcy in Wonderland Review at Laura's Reviews

Come by Laura's Reviews to read a beautiful review of Darcy in Wonderland. May favorite bit:
I found this novel to be very enjoyable with charming illustrations. One of my favorite scenes was the tea party in Wonderland which was a fantastic comedy of manners with Mr. Darcy trying to maintain good manners, which is increasingly hard to do with the Mad Hatter in attendance. I thought this novel was a perfect blend of both tales. 
Come by to read more!

http://lauragerold.blogspot.ch/2017/08/darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa-adams.html 

Austen in August at The Book Rat

I'm participating in The Book Rat's annual Austen extravaganza - Austen in August - with a guest post and excerpt from Darcy in Wonderland. Please stop by and check out my contribution, plus all the other excellent happenings:

http://www.thebookrat.com/2017/08/the-perfections-of-pemberley-guest-post.html

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Savvy Verse and Witt Guest Post, Plus an Excerpt at My Love for Jane Austen (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

The Darcy in Wonderland blog tour wraps up at two wonderful blogs. First I'm discussing poetry and parody in the book at Savvy Verse and Wit (home of one of my beta readers and fabulous poetry editor - isn't that sophisticated? - Serena Agusto-Cox). Next I have an excerpt at For My Love of Jane Austen. It shows what happens just after Darcy comes crashing down through the rabbit hole. Lot's of fun to conclude an awesome two weeks. Thanks to all who participated!

https://savvyverseandwit.com/2017/08/guest-post-wonderlands-poetry-by-alexa-adams.html

http://forloveofausten.blogspot.ch/2017/08/darcy-in-wonderland-blog-tour-excerpt.html

Friday, August 18, 2017

Babbling of a Bookworm Guest Post and Excerpt (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

The penultimate day of the blog tour takes me to Babblings of a Bookworm, a blog which I have long wished to visit. Come by to read about my history with Alice in Wonderland and read an excerpt from Darcy in Wonderland:

http://babblingsofabookworm.blogspot.ch/2017/08/darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa-adams-blog.html#more

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell Review (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Today Darcy in Wonderland has a review posted at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell. It includes a rather interesting prediction:

"I think Alice will grow up to be an author. I am sure of it."

Read the full review at the link below!

http://books-forlife.blogspot.ch/2017/08/darcy-in-wonderland-alexa-adams.html

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

My Jane Austen Book Club Guest Post and Giveaway (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Wow! We're starting to wind down. A few more days of the blog tour (honestly, I need the rest!), and one more giveaway, today at My Jane Austen Book Club. Have you been curious about the fate of the other characters from Pride & Prejudice, a few decades on? Come and learn where the Collinses, Miss Bingley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam landed, plus enter the international giveaway:

http://thesecretunderstandingofthehearts.blogspot.ch/2017/08/guest-post-and-giveaway-alexa-adams.html#more

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

More Agreeably Engaged, Conversation with K. Wiedemann and Giveaway (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Today's stop on the blog tour is at the fabulous blog More Agreeably Engaged, home of Janet Taylor: Austenesque artist extraordinaire.  It only seemed appropriate when visiting Janet to use the opportunity to showcase my sister's illustrations for Darcy in Wonderland. Join us for an international interview and a conversation between Katy Wiedemann and myself about the process of creating the images.

https://moreagreeablyengaged.blogspot.ch/2017/08/ever-since-alexa-adams-mentioned-idea.html

Monday, August 14, 2017

Diary of an Eccentric Guest Post and Giveaway (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Today takes me to the blog of my fabulous editor, Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. I've spent a lot of time on the Darcy in Wonderland blog tour focused on Darcy and Alice, as well as the other children, but today I've made Elizabeth my subject. Stop by to see how masterfully she mistresses Pemberley and enter the international giveaway.

https://diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com/2017/08/14/excerpt-giveaway-darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa-adams/

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Musings from the Yellow Kitchen Review and Recipe (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

I love scones! And I love tea parties. So does Alice, which makes it infinitely appropriate that my hostess today at the beautiful blog, Musings from the Yellow Kitchen, should include a delicious looking scone recipe along with a delightful review of Darcy in Wonderland. Here's a snippet. Continue reading at the link below:
But the character who steals the show is little Alice. She is a delight – headstrong and imaginative, with her mother’s impertinence and a sense of wonder that is infectious.  She has no trouble offering her opinions, even when they are not wanted, and is happy to allow her curiosity free reign. While her poor father frets over the bizarre events around him in Wonderland, Alice happily accepts a world in which animals talk and people can grow and shrink with a nibble of food or a sip of some potion. From her first impulsive dash after the White Rabbit to her bewildered participation in the Queen of Hearts’ croquet game, she is never without something to say.
https://musingsfromtheyellowkitchen.wordpress.com/2017/08/13/book-review-and-a-recipe-darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa-adams/

Saturday, August 12, 2017

"Sofa Chat" with Sophia Rose at Goodreads (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Whew! We're half way there.

Today the blog tour takes me to Goodreads for a sofa chat with the delightful Sophia Rose. She has been supportive of my books from the very beginning and has also posted an excellent review of Darcy in WonderlandHere is just a quote (read the complete review here).
From the moment I heard of Darcy in Wonderland, I was drawn to it. I thought it exciting that the talented author was turning her attentions to writing a mash-up of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. Full of curiosity and anticipation, I began and I only set it down twice before finishing it on a note of complete satisfaction. 
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/15524579-sophia-s-sofa-chat-with-alexa

Thursday, August 10, 2017

From Pemberley to Milton, Review and Giveaway (Darcy on Wonderland Blog Tour)

The Darcy in Wonderland blog tour rolls on! A second day at From Pemberley to Milton brings us a beautiful 4 and a 1/2 star review from hostess, Rita Deodato. I think she described the book particularly well in this passage:
Darcy in Wonderland is not a romance, and readers who merely want an Elizabeth/Darcy story will not find it here, but they will find a beautiful sequel showing us how delightful their life was after they married, and how funny their household became over the years with so many different children. The relationship they established with their children is endearing, and we also have the pleasure of seeing how happy and content they are as a couple.
Also readers may enter for a second opportunity to win the international giveaway of a copy of the book. Please join the fun!

https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/2017/08/10/darcy-in-wonderland-review-giveaway/

Wednesday, August 9, 2017

From Pemberley to Milton, Guest Post and Giveaway (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Today I'm having my first visit to Rita Deodato's fascinating blog, From Pemberley to Milton, where I am excited to be sharing information about Alice Liddell, the young girl for whom Lewis Carroll wrote his memorable tales. It's a strange story, full with lots of questions, but it's also fascinating, if a tad sordid. As well as the guest post, there is also an international giveaway on the table.  Come join us!

https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpress.com/2017/08/09/darcy-in-wonderland-guest-post-giveaway/

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

Just Jane 1813 Interview, Review, and Giveaway (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Today Claudine at Just Jane 1813 was kind enough to interview me, write a lovely review, and host an international giveaway of Darcy in Wonderland. Please visit her beautiful blog for more, but I just had to include a bit of the review:
This is also one of those heartfelt stories where we’re able to catch up with the Darcys many years after their wedding, and not only enjoy their happiness, but also see how the bonds of parenthood have changed them throughout the years. Readers are reminded once again why we have such high hopes for their marital felicity when we close the final pages of Pride & Prejudice. Alexa Adams’ new story allows us to experience their parenthood in a highly imaginative way.
http://justjane1813.com/2017/08/08/darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa-adams-a-review-an-author-interview-giveaway/


Monday, August 7, 2017

Austenesque Reviews Guest Post and Giveaway, Plus Excerpt at VVb32 Reads (Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour)

Join me today at one of my favorite blogs, Austenesque Reviews, where I am offering an international giveaway of Darcy in Wonderland and introducing you to the six Darcy children: Bennet, Ellie, Helen, Rose, Cassie, and, of course, Alice. Don't miss out on the fun!

http://austenesquereviews.com/2017/08/guest-post-giveaway-author-alexa-adams-2.html#more-20058

Also today find a short except from the book and a preview of one of the illustrations at another delightful blog I have been visiting for years: VVB32 Reads.

https://vvb32reads.blogspot.ch/2017/08/guest-post-darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa.html

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Laughing with Lizzie Guest Post and Giveaway - First Stop on the Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour!

The blog tour is off and running! The fun begins at Laughing with Lizzie, where you can read a guest post about combining the worlds of Pemberley and Wonderland and enter an international giveaway to win a copy of the book. Don't miss out!

https://laughingwithlizzie.blogspot.ch/2017/08/blog-tour-darcy-in-wonderland-by-alexa.html

Friday, August 4, 2017

Darcy in Wonderland Blog Tour

My new book is out! The ebook was released two weeks ago, the paperback one, but as I was traveling in the United States at the time, I did not get a chance to properly announce and celebrate. So here it goes. Yippee! My first publication since the "big move." Thank goodness I am finally back in the game.

So on Saturday I officially launch the book with a two week blog tour. Here is the schedule. Lot's of chances to win copies of the book, read about the writing process, and examine excerpts. I hope you will join me as I visit many old friends (and some new ones) to spread the world about Darcy in Wonderland.

August 5th - Laughing with Lizzie
August 7th - Austenesque Reviews
                     VVB32 Reads
August 8th - Just Jane 1813
August 9th - From Pemberley to Milton (Guest Post & Giveaway)
August 10th - From Pemberley to Milton (Review)
August 11th - Austen Authors
August 12th - Sophia Rose's Blog (Goodreads)
August 13th - Musings from the Yellow Kitchen
August 14th - Diary of an Eccentric
August 15th - More Agreeably Engaged
August 16th - My Jane Austen Book Club
August 17th - Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
August 18th - Babblings of a Bookworm
August 19th - Savvy Verse & Wit
                       For Love of Austen

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Friday, July 14, 2017

Posey and Parody

My 7/14/17 post for Austen Authors! Check out the original to join the conversation:  http://austenauthors.net/poesy-and-parody/

My new book, Darcy in Wonderland, come out tomorrow! Well, the ebook does (paperbacks to follow soon). Next month we'll have a giveaway and release party, but today I just want to step back and reflect on how much fun I had writing this book! Though the book is both a Pride and Prejudice sequel and an Alice in Wonderland mashup, I've filled it with references to other Austen novels, some more obvious than others. In particular, I had an amazing time taking the poems that occur throughout Alice in Wonderland and parodying them with a twist of Austen thrown in. Lewis Carroll's poems are parodies themselves of verses that would have been quite familiar to his Victorian audience, so it felt like a very natural place to go a bit wild. Here is a couple of my favorite. Do you recognize the references? Also get a glimpse of some of the original illustrations by K. Wiedemann featured in the book. Share your thoughts and insights on both in the comments!


‘Tis the voice of the Lobster: In tones not muted,
‘Take no pleasure in novels? Intolerably stupid!’
Like a lady when shopping for muslins and lace,
Our minds shout agreement, even as our hearts race.
‘Little boys and girls should be tormented,’ he said,
But only so long as it is good for their heads:
‘To torment or instruct: words found synonymous.’
All precision of language has now simply gone amiss.

I passed by his garden, and to my surprise,
Something shocking indeed was happening inside.
‘Indeed! Of what nature!’ The questions were fret.
‘More horrible than anything we’ve met with yet.’
‘Good heaven! A riot? Give me peace of mind!’
‘I expect murder and everything of that kind.’
 Laughing, ‘The riot is only in your own brain!
The confusion there might drive anyone insane.’

Know the scene and place? Well this one is a bit more tricky:

They told me you had writ to her
And mentioned me to say,
Good things about my character:
That she should hear me play.

She then sent word that I should come
And be her governess.
The offer like a cherry plum.
Refusal, stubbornness.

I gave her one, and then two more,
And yet three more in time,
Excuses, each that she ignored,
And yet I still opined.

We learned through hearsay, during tea,
Just after I gave in,
A sickly woman ceased to be   
To no one’s great chagrin.

This obstacle now done away,
He only needed come,
To Mrs. Suckling’s great dismay,
I passed the cherry plum.

In wedded bliss I soon shall bask,
At Enscombe, a few miles hence.
Not of you shall I ever ask,
Nor give you recompense.

And let's wrap up with an easy one. Everyone should get this:


“You are old, Lady Catherine,” the young girl said,
“And your hair has become very white;
Yet you improved Rosings alone, you swellhead!
Do you think, at your age, it is right?”

“In my youth,” Lady Catherine said to the girl,
“I’d command someone else to do it;
But since the first time that I gave it a whirl
I know no one more equal to it.”

“You are old,” said the girl, “as I mentioned before,
And your bones have become quite brittle,
Yet you goad your relations, prompting uproar —
Don’t you fear it will end in committal?”

“In my youth,” said her ladyship, a frown on her face,
“I’d lambaste you for speaking so shrill;
But now that death and I shall so soon embrace
I’ll simply write you out of the will.”

“You are old,” said the girl, “and your jaws are too weak
For little else other than pudding
Yet you told off the Rector, the Cook, and a Sheik —
Why so disagreeable, woman?”

“In my youth,” said the Dame, “I knew it my call,
And argued with all and sundry.
And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw
Allows me to keep speaking bluntly.”

For more fun, order the book from Amazon today: https://www.amazon.com/Darcy-Wonderland.

And check out more of my sister's amazing artwork as www.wiedemannillustrations.com and katywiedemann.com.

Friday, April 7, 2017

First Impressions Birthday Giveaway WINNER!

And the winner of the three paperback and ridiculously adorable Easter ornaments is ...

The Anglophile

Congratulations! An email is coming your way to confirm mailing details.

Thanks to everyone who entered! Now that I know how popular my Swiss goodies are, I'll be sure to include others in future giveaways.

And just a heads up: most of my books, including the Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice trilogy, are now available on Kindle Unlimited. Enjoy!

Friday, March 31, 2017

The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen by Ada Bright and Cass Grafton

My deeper relationship with Austen began when I was in college. We were reading Persuasion in a Romantic Literature class (the first and only time I encountered Austen on a syllabus), and I began to imagine Anne Elliot walking beside me across campus or sitting in a lecture hall, and what she might have to say about our modern world. This was long before I knew anything of fan fiction, other than that it existed. These memories came back to me with sharp clarity when I read this scene:

They continued in silence for some distance, though both of them cast a meaningful stare at No 4 Sydney Place as they passed, but as they reached the Beckford Road and began the ascent, Rose turned to Jane again. 

"Does the noise bother you? The road? This is a main route to Warminster and beyond and has such heavy traffic." 

Jane smiled. "Much is altered." She looked around and gestured with her arm. "Naught but open fields bordered the Gardens." Her expression sobered. "My disinclination for our removal to Bath was much compensated for by our pleasing situation in Sydney Place. One does not feel - did not - feel so confined be the city on its outer edges." 

"Then shall we walk along the canal?" Rose pointed to the gap through which the towpath could be seen, winding its way towards Bathampton. It was a route she had often trod in the summer months when still living at home. 

"As you wish." 

They fell into step again, continuing to walk side by side at first for the width of the path permitted it. 

"I did not answer your question." Jane glanced at her, and Rose frowned. "Noise emanating from these modern conveyances does not trouble me, for it is merely different. The constant rumble of wheels over cobbles, the clatter of hooves is not so much lower in volume than your modern conveyances. 'Tis why I prefer the country; the disturbance of silence has a more natural source: birdsong, flowing water over stones, the bray of a lamb... these things I miss more than any other." 

Rose glances around. It was peaceful by modern-day standards on the towpath, with a few ducks swimming in the canal and very few people about, but just then a light aircraft came overhead, it's engine chugging away, and she glanced at Jane as they walked. 
"And what do you make of our 'modern conveyances'? You must have seen the trains passing through Sydney Gardens, too, if you've been here a while, and noticed the planes flying overhead?" 

Jane looked up as the small plane sailed out of view. "If I may fly through time, why should man not have discovered how to fly though the air?"

A few months later, I myself was wandering over the streets and paths so meticulously detailed in The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen by Ada Bright and Cass Grafton (visit them at TabbyCow.com), at the 2016 Jane Austen Festival in Bath. I sighed just now as I wrote those words. They are a vivid reminder of how much blogging I have neglected. I never got passed the National Portrait Gallery (got a bit bogged down there, I know, but it was so awesome!), and failed to share anything of my fabulous stay in Bath here. Nor did I ever write this book review. I am a big believer in better late than never. Good thing, too.

Anyway, when I was in Bath last fall, this book was like a mental guidebook: its scenes reenacting themselves before my mind's eye. It was my first time in Bath, and when I got lost a few times, this ability was quite useful! If you have long yearned to make the pilgrimage to the Festival, as I did, than this book is honestly the next best thing. It takes place during the festival. The main character, Rose, walks in the promenade. How eerie was it for me, following in her footsteps, and knowing that one of the authors, Cass Grafton, was somewhere in the crowd! I have had the pleasure of getting to know Ms. Grafton over the past two years, as she lives not far from me in Switzerland. Her presence was just another layer adding to my glee in being where I was, when I was. The only thing missing was the fair weather Rose and her friend Morgan enjoyed during their promenade (fortunately, like Captain Wentworth, I had "equipped myself for Bath" and purchased an umbrella).

The story is one of time travel, friendship, and not taking anything for granted. Thematically, it reminds me in many ways of my own Being Mrs. Bennet, the second draft of which I was completing when reading this novel, though on the surface they are wildly different stories. Rose Wallace has always lived in Bath or its environs. Her future is there, even if a few demons from her past still haunt the ancient city. Her encounter with a time traveling Jane Austen, in whose adventure she becomes totally enmeshed, teaches her many of the same lessons hard-learned by an Austen heroine (or two).

The Particular Charm of Miss Jane Austen is such a great title for this particularly charming novel. It has such a mix of things going on: an homage not just to Jane Austen, but also to the fantasy genre. Other reviews I have read of this book compare it to a wild variety of other stories, and that's because there are so many influences informing the action. It's apparently clear that, just like Jane Austen, Ms. Bright and Ms. Grafton share a passionate love for books of all sorts. This novel is not fan fiction, but I think it is no less a book for fans. The enthusiasm of fan culture permeates it. To me it felt like the authoresses had taken Hermione Granger's time turner and transmuted it into an amber cross (there is an awesome moment in the book when Rose gives Jane a copy of The Philosopher's Stone to read). Such fun! I do hope there will be a sequel. The end leaves an opening for one. I feel like the adventure has only just begun, and I definitely want to be on board when it continues. Highly recommended!

Thursday, March 30, 2017

First Impressions Birthday Giveaway


Yay! Today is my first baby's birthday! Seven years ago, I published my first book, First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice. I wrote it very quickly, with no idea I would ever publish. It was really, in conception, more of a reaction to the world of JAFF than a new story. I had only recently found and immersed myself in the world of Austenesque literature, and it was only when I started running out of new books to read (a thing that could still happen back then), that I was driven to write something myself. I had no idea it would turn into a trilogy, let alone a major life's passion. Jane Austen was always important to me, but since I published that first book, her influence has penetrated my entire world. Now I think, breathe, and live Austen. I used to only read her.


To thank all who have purchased, loved, and supported both First Impressions and my other scribblings, I want to offer one winner the complete set of books in the Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice series (either paperback or Kindle, winner's choice), along with these absolutely adorable, wooden Easter ornaments, which I fell in love with at my local supermarket here in Switzerland (I bought two sets: one for me, and one to share). Simply leave your email address in the comments by April 7th. Double entry if you share the giveaway on social media, but you must let me know you did so in your comment. This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you all, for so much.