Hello fellow readers! I am so excited to be interviewing five
wonderful JAFF authors on my blog today, Maria Grace, Abigail Reynolds, Cassandra Grafton, Susan Mason-Milks & Monica Fairview. I am so honoured that they would
condescend to stop by my humble blog to talk about The Darcy Brothers! First
conceived as an interactive group writing project on Austen Variations it has
since developed into a full-length novel featuring the charismatic Theo Darcy. Each chapter was written by a different author and at the
end of each, readers would be given three options on where they would like the
story to go next.
Welcome ladies!
Are your views on Darcy's character similar? Do
you debate over whether Darcy would or would not act a certain way? Do you
refer back to P&P to argue your case or are you all quite agreeable?
Maria: I guess makes some sense that we
essentially saw Darcy in the same way.
We really didn’t have too many disagreements about what his behavior
might be.
Abigail: I agree with Grace that we agreed pretty
easily on Darcy’s behavior. It was interesting to discuss the backstory that
led to the differences between the two brothers.
Cassandra: I don’t recall any of us questioning
Darcy’s behaviour very much. I am sure, had we needed to, we would have used
P&P itself to support why we thought what we did, but I think as authors we
all pretty much understand Darcy sufficiently well to be able to write him in a
way that he evolved quite naturally from chapter to chapter.
Susan: I’d
agree with everyone. We essentially see Darcy in much the same way. There were
some points in the story where we discussed what Darcy would do, how he’d act.
It wasn’t a matter of deciding if he would do or not do, say or not say
something. It was more a discussion about what would fit best with the story
we’d envisioned.
Monica: Surprisingly, we all had a very similar vision
of what Darcy himself was like. From the beginning we wanted to allow enough
leeway for each author to use her own imagination, but as we went through I do
not recall a point at which we questioned the portrayal of Darcy himself. All
of us have read Pride and Prejudice many times, so we were not choosing from
different film portrayals (Colin Firth vs. Matthew MacFadyen). Perhaps that
helped.
You had a blueprint of Darcy's character from Austen.
How did you create one for Theo? What was your vision for him? Did you want him
to be loved just as much as Darcy? Did you want him to have some of Darcy's
traits?
Maria: We all agreed that Theo would be a
loveable character, but designed to be exactly the kind of younger brother that
would drive a man like Darcy crazy. We wanted him to be appealing to readers,
so he couldn’t really be a rake, but at the same time, he would be far more
‘fun’ that Darcy.
Abigail: We talked endlessly about the kind of person
Theo was. On the surface, he and Darcy are very different, but in essentials,
they’re similar. Both are honorable, loyal, and trustworthy. Theo went through
a period of sowing wild oats as a young man, and Darcy can’t see past that, but
we can.
Cassandra: It was really fun to pool our ideas and
thoughts on who and what Theo would be (even down to choosing his name!), and
it was lovely seeing him come to life through each individual author’s hand and
evolve into the Theo Darcy we, as authors, have all come to love. His character
feels so real to us now, we find it hard to believe he doesn’t exist! It was
important to us to hit the right balance, as the others have said, so that he
was enough of a contrast to Darcy but not so extreme that people wouldn’t find
him likeable on some level or other. Yes, we wanted him to have some of Darcy’s
traits, such as his innate ‘goodness’, but Darcy just cannot see this at first.
I do know some readers found him a bit immature, and I think it may seem that
way at the beginning of the story, but I believe his true nature emerges as the
story progresses.
Susan: I’d say
Theo and Darcy are similar in many ways. They reacted differently to events
that occurred when they were boys and that ultimately helped to shape them.
Also, I think Darcy’s position as the eldest made him feel he had to be more
serious, more responsible. He had to hold the family together at certain times
and this weighs heavily on him.
Monica: As the other members of the team have said, we
knew there were certain characteristics we were looking for right at the
beginning. The first chapter set the blueprint in many ways. Theo has a
distinctive personality, but he is also quite driven by his affection for his
family members. He craves Darcy’s approval. While he can be quite spirited at
times, there is not a harmful bone in his body.
Who is your on screen Darcy? Why? Does this effect how
you write or see Darcy? Who would you like to play your on-screen Theo?
Maria: Colin Firth is definitely my on screen
image of Darcy. I’m not sure how much
this effects how I write Darcy as I’ve also seen Colin Firth in many other
movie roles. This lets me imagine Darcy in many situations. As for who to play Theo—I’m terrible with
actors, so I don’t have a clue.
Abigail: I don’t actually have an actor that I picture
for either one of them! My vision of Theo is very much the portrait we picked
out to represent him.
Cassandra: I don’t have a preference for any one over
another! I love both Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen’s interpretations for
different reasons. I think David Rintoul actually did one of the best
book-to-screen transitions, though I didn’t personally find him attractive
(sorry, David!) I can’t remember Laurence Olivier’s, it’s so many years since I
saw the 1940 film. I think my least favourite was Matthew Rhys in Death Comes
to Pemberley, and though I love Lost in Austen, I’m torn over Elliot Cowan in
the role. An on-screen Theo? Like, Abigail, it’s hard not to think of Theo’s
portrait for his features, though I’m having a nice time right now thinking of
lots of hot, young British actors who might make the cut!
Susan: There’s no question that Colin Firth is my
favorite Darcy. I have to differ from Cassandra, though, about Matthey Rhys
(Death Comes to Pemberley). I thought he was quite good as an older, more
mature Darcy. As for Theo, one of us found the portrait that has become Theo to
us. Once we saw it, I don’t think we even considered another one.
Monica: A couple of readers have commented that Theo
resembles David Tennant, so perhaps there is a possibility there. I can see
David Tenant with that mischievous twinkle in his eye, but I do love the
portrait we have. It certainly embodies Theo. As for Darcy – Colin Firth is my
favorite, though I also like the more vulnerable Darcy played by Matthew
MacFadyen.
How did you create the three options at the end of
each chapter? Were they visions the author due to write next had? Or a
collaboration?
Maria: Usually the current writer would
collaborate with the next author on what the options could be. In a previous project we’d had a little
experience why no doing so was a bad plan, so we were pretty committed to
making that a collaboration.
Abigail: We tried to avoid picking options that the
next writer felt she couldn’t work well with or that would paint us into a
corner plot-wise.
Cassandra: Very much a collaboration in most cases,
though I do distinctly recall one chapter where I had written the ending of it
and someone came up with three options which we all approved, none of which
were anything like what I had in mind for the story when I wrote that particular
scene! That’s the joy (and the challenge) with writing a story in this way! You
can only have a very vague outline plot!
Susan: I agree it was a collaboration. Usually the
current writer and the next writer discussed it–often with input from everyone–so
we could come up with some options that both fit the story and inspired the
next writer. Occasionally, we’d have an idea that was fun but ultimately
wouldn’t work or would lead the story off in a strange direction so we’d have
to eliminate it as a possibility.
Monica: Yes, it did have to be something that everyone
was comfortable with, while at the same time it fitted in with our overall idea
of where the novel was going. Having said that, I think there was an occasion
when the readers chose our least favorite possibility and we had to go with
that. It was challenging, but I loved all the input and the multiple
possibilities. It makes you think outside the box.
What is it like to work with others who share your
love of Darcy, do you revel in being able to talk about P&P and Austen
without someone rolling their eyes or saying "who's JA," "no,
never read P&P". What is it like to be around like-minded people who
won't get bored of you talking about P&P all day, everyday?
Maria: Working with other writers was a
wonderful experience. Writing, by its
very nature can be a very isolating task, and getting to share the journey with
others, was energizing.
Abigail: It was fabulous to work together and to share
ideas. Even more than talking about loving Darcy, we all talked about how much
we loved Theo!
Cassandra: I started my writing hobby by co-writing
Harry Potter stories with a friend, so it was a real pleasure to return to this
way of writing after so many years writing solo, so much so that I enjoyed
creating the shared chapters where we each contributed scenes much more than
when I had a whole chapter to myself. There is never a lack of energy or
creativity, either, because even if one author isn’t feeling it, someone else
will be, and that keeps everyone on track.
Susan: I think The Darcy Brothers story is so much
richer for our having shared ideas. Often one person’s idea would spark
something in someone else’s and we’d be off in a new direction!
Monica: Of course it is wonderful to be part of a
community that loves Pride and Prejudice generally. Being part of a group that
is writing a variation goes a step further. I would say it was exhilarating. I
learned so much from my fellow authors!
Each choose five words to describe Darcy's character,
did you come up with any that were the same? If Yes what were they?
Maria: Proper, dutiful, reliable,
strong, capable
Abigail: Honorable, honest, socially inept (ok, so
that’s two words!), loyal, guarded. Unlike Grace, I wouldn’t call him proper;
he’s constantly pushing the limits of propriety in Pride & Prejudice.
Cassandra: Introverted, reliable, loyal, honest and proud!
Susan: Honest, loyal, intelligent, controlled,
introverted
Monica: Honest, loyal, impulsive (the opposite of
Susan), complex, honorable
If it had been you, (you'll have to imagine you've grown
up in the Regency era, lol!!!) at the parsonage would you have said NO!
Maria: That’s a really good question. But I’m so stubborn, I just might have.
Abigail: I hate to admit it, but as someone who
worries a lot about the future for family as well as myself, I just might have
said yes for my family’s sake.
Cassandra: I have trouble saying ‘no’ to ordering a
dessert, so when it comes to saying ‘no’ on weightier matters, such as these
were in the Regency era, and bearing in mind I don’t have Elizabeth’s
confidence, I fear I may have said yes. Of course, this is all rhetorical,
because if I genuinely did have that much trouble saying ‘no’, I’d be Mrs
Collins before Darcy could even ask! What a horrid thought. Where’s that slice
of cheesecake…
Susan: I wouldn’t have any trouble saying “no” to Mr.
Collins but for the sake of my family, I might have gone along with Darcy’s
proposal, but not before telling him what I thought of his behavior. Unlike
Elizabeth, I would tend to give him the benefit of the doubt and actually ask
him about the concerns I had, for example, what really happened with Wickham.
If he was honest with me, I’d have difficulty saying no.
Monica: I would have said no to Mr. Collins because I
would not have believed at that point that he was the best possible option. Don’t
forget, Elizabeth was quite charmed by Wickham at the time. However, I would
have felt very guilty about it afterwards. I would not have said no to Mr.
Darcy because, let’s face it, Mr. Darcy is a hero and you’ve got to love him. I
would have married him, then convinced him that keeping Bingley from marrying
my sister was absurd.
Do you think Darcy was going to propose at Lambton? And
your reasons for or against?
Maria: After he was so soundly turned down, I
don’t think Darcy would have rushed into another proposal. I think he would have been far more careful.
Rejection isn’t something that a man like Darcy would rush in to face again.
Abigail: I do think so, or perhaps something in that
direction, like asking if he could call on her at Longbourn. Darcy doesn’t have
terribly good control of his impulses where Elizabeth is concerned, and I don’t
think he’d want to let her leave without saying something.
Cassandra: Funnily enough, it’s not something that
crossed my mind before I started to read variations! Now, it seems quite
possible that he may have done, but what we don’t know, had Elizabeth’s visit
not been interrupted, was how the re-acquaintance may have progressed in
Derbyshire. Would the Gardiners have been persuadable to staying longer in the
area if Mr Darcy’s preference for their niece became detectable – would Darcy
try to do the persuading, even?
Susan: I think he wanted to but would have waited. I
can’t believe he would attempt another proposal without being more sure of her.
Monica: Like Abigail, I think Darcy is impulsive when
it comes to Elizabeth. I definitely think he would have tried to approach the
subject.
There are countless literary heroes that have been
swooned over, but why do you think no one can knock Darcy off of his pedestal?
Do you think Theo could in the sequel you have planned? Do you think that
without Elizabeth, or if it had been a differently-written female character,
Darcy would be what he is today?
Maria:
Darcy is a very unique hero, with timeless qualities that set him apart from
many others. I think it is also
interesting that there are so many interpretations of the character. I tend to see him as a socially awkward, intense
man, with strong principles and unwavering loyalty to those he cares for. I
personally don’t see that he changed for Elizabeth, but rather that he recognized
how he misunderstood the situation and set about correcting the mistake. I think she was the one who changed. But there are others who would strongly argue
quite the opposite. I think the fact
that the character can be interpreted in so many ways contributes to his power
with so many readers.
Abigail: The
thing that puts Darcy on his pedestal for me is that he falls in love with
Elizabeth for her intelligence and wit despite not finding her beautiful. And
there’s something about the chemistry between Darcy and Elizabeth that’s just
perfect. It wouldn’t be the same with a different woman.
Cassandra: One
could be cynical and firstly say, well, he has those three all-important
attributes for any hero with longevity: he’s handsome, rich and intelligent. Clearly,
this isn’t enough, as it’s somewhat stereotypical where a successful ‘hero’ is
concerned. I think it’s a real combination of things, from his being unable to
stop himself falling in love with Elizabeth, his positive long-term response to
being humbled by her and the constancy of his love. It’s more than enough to
make me swoon! I simply can’t imagine Darcy with anyone but Elizabeth, or that
he would have fallen so hard or so fast for anyone else.
Susan: I love
Darcy’s quiet strength and the fact that he’s such an honorable man.
Ultimately, it’s his weaknesses that make him the most appealing. He can’t help
himself when it comes to Elizabeth, and he’s willing to move mountains to win
her. Plus, he doesn’t want her to know about how he helped Lydia. Other men
would have told her in hopes it would influence her, but he wanted to win her
with no strings attached. I think that’s really hot!
Monica: The
first aspect of Mr. Darcy’s appeal is that he is willing to set everything
aside for love. In that sense, his first proposal, no matter how clumsy, is
very romantic. The second is that he is more interested in ensuring Elizabeth’s
happiness than his own. He rescues Lydia but does not make a point of it. Add
to that the fact that he is loyal to a fault, honest and chivalrous and you
have a perfect hero. Is he only appealing because of Elizabeth? Well, they are
the perfect couple. They bring out the best in each other, which is what makes
their romance so appealing.
Well I don't know about you readers, but I certainly enjoyed reading and laughing at all the wonderful answers Maria, Abigail, Cassandra, Susan and Monica's delighted us with. Thank you ladies it was an absolute honour to have you stop by. If you would like to see where these lovely authors hang out please click on their names below their pictures.
Readers as always I love hearing your thoughts, please feel free to join in the conversation. I am currently reading The Darcy Brothers and am pleased to report, that I am thoroughly enjoying it! Review to follow soon!
BOOK
DESCRIPTION:
Theo
Darcy is everything his disapproving elder brother, Fitzwilliam, is not –
easy-going, charming, and full of fun. A tragic event as children severed their
bond of friendship, but now they are together again. They are still at odds,
though, this time over the love of Miss Elizabeth Bennet and the truth about
George Wickham. Will Wickham manage to divide the brothers again? And more importantly,
which Mr. Darcy will Elizabeth choose?
Find
out as the two brothers lock horns in this unique Pride & Prejudice variation collectively written by five
respected authors.
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The Darcy Brothers
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Dee
Wallain lives in Richmond, Virginia, the happiest city in America, with her
husband, Jim, and Wally the rabbit. They laugh together every day, mostly
because they like to have fun. Ordinary life is full of comical things; they
laugh at themselves and especially enjoy the antics of Wally. He showed up on
Easter Sunday, a runaway domestic rabbit who chooses to live in the “wild.” He
knows his name, comes when called for meals, and entertains the neighborhood
with his “sightings.”
