Wednesday 2 January 2013

SYRIE JAMES DISCUSSES WHY JANE AUSTEN CAPTURES HER WRITING IMAGINATION - WIN "THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN"


Syrie James, author of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, a brilliant Austen-inspired novel (my review) ,  is my guest today to discuss  why Jane Austen captures her writing imagination. Take your chances to win a copy of the book using the rafflecopter form below. The contest is for US readers only and ends on January 10th. Good luck!

I love Jane Austen because her books transport us to another world, another time and place—that doesn't seem that far away. Jane Austen doesn't need elaborate plot lines, exotic locales, or a lot of action to create the most engaging, entertaining, funny, and insightful stories I have ever read.

It doesn’t hurt that Austen wrote about the English gentry class at a time when men had impeccable manners and wore tight breeches, tailcoats, and cravats (which are eminently sexy), ladies wore bewitching, gossamer gowns, and the primary social entertainment was to dance at a ball. But it’s the stories themselves that make Austen great, and more importantly, the characters she created.


Austen is an acute observer of people. Although her novels take place two hundred years ago, her characters are people we recognize; they all wrestle with social and emotional problems that we still confront on a daily basis. She sees straight through people’s pretensions, hypocrisies, politeness, and correctness to reveal their true opinions and motivations. Her characters’ inconsistencies and absurdities become fodder for her wit and humor—sometimes, they are so subtly drawn that it can take a while to truly appreciate what makes them so memorable and marvelous—but memorable and marvelous they are.

Austen makes me laugh. She makes me cry. She says the things you wish you had the nerve to say, in a way that's (sometimes) just a little bit snarky. She writes with a brilliant sense of realism, a superb narrative technique, a brilliant understanding of character, and a wonderful sense of irony.

Reading Jane Austen’s novels makes me feel that I’m in communion with a rarely gifted, wise, and subtle mind. But ultimately, what attracts me to Austen is probably what’s been attracting people to her for two centuries: she reminds us of what really matters in a relationship when two people are falling in love. Anyone, at any time, can relate to that.

 Syrie James


Syrie James is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, Dracula My Love, Nocturne, Forbidden, and The Harrison Duet: Songbird and Propositions. Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages. In addition to her work as a novelist, she is a screenwriter, a member of the Writers Guild of America, and a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Connect with her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter. 


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14 comments:

junewilliams7 said...

she reminds us of what really matters in a relationship when two people are falling in love.

Yes! Question: of all the couples in Jane Austen's novels, which do you think would have the strongest marriage? Darcys, Brandons, Wentworths, Knightleys....

Heather M. said...

I haven't read anything by Syrie James yet, but this one caught my attention. The title alone makes me want to read it. Who wouldn't be thrilled by the idea of discovering a long-lost Austen manuscript?

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

KaraLynne and Andy said...

Really interesting idea for a book - cant wait to read it
okmackrory(at)gmail(dot)com

Danielle said...

After reading The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen I must read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and the story. I am so glad I gave up my aversion to JAFF. And I'm sure Amazon does as well. :-)

Lia Christo said...

Have you read other novels by Syrie James? Which was your best favourite ? If you haven't, why would you like to win this book?

I have not read any of her books, and so I would like to win this to give your writing.

Lia Christo
www.docesletras.com.br

patricia F. said...

I am eagerly anticipating reading your new book :)

Kelli H. said...

I am so excited to read this new book. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it. I loved The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen and The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte. They are two of my favorite books! Thank you for the giveaway!!=))

Cj said...

I received The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen as a gift some time ago and enjoyed it very much.
I was quite pleased this evening to find that she has another out (I was searching for some new reading material for the new year....) and happened upon your blog review of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen. In looking around your site I found this entry.
No matter, I'm delighted to have found your blog and quite thrilled to add it to my blog reading list. I adore all things Jane Austen, Jane Austen-esque.
I've wished list this book on my Amazon account (hint hint to my kids) :) I look forward to a cup of tea, a soft blanket, and this very good book!
Thank you for the opportunity. Reading (and movies) are my favorite types of "me" moments :)

Maria Grazia said...

Welcome to My Jane Austen Book Club, Christine! If you like The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, I'm sure you'll love The Missing Manuscript.
Reading and movies ( and blogging of course!) are my favourite types of "me" moments too :-)

LisaS said...

I would love to get a copy of this book. I have yet to read any of Syrie's books but this one caught my attention after reading an excerpt at Austen Authors. I just love the idea of the missing manuscript being based on some of Jane Austen's own writing.

RivkaBelle said...

I haven't read any yet, but I have 2 of them on my To Read shelf! And why do I want to read this one? Because it's about my beloved Jane! ;o)

Thanks for the giveaway

quarterback.girl[at]gmail[dot]com

MonicaP said...

This will be my first Syrie James book. It's high up on my to-read list and I'd love to win it. How exciting, the thought of a new Jane Austen story being discovered!

MonicaPerry00 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

How exciting! I would love to read this book....looking forward to reading all of Syrie James' books :)

Rita Barrafato said...

How exciting! I would love to read this book....looking forward to reading all of Syrie James' books :)