I first learnt about the book blogosphere event *Austen in August* last year when I was a 1st Year Book Blogger, an event that I was truly over the moon in happiness to have discovered as I have been a Janeite ever since I first came across the collective works of Jane Austen. I would go so far as to say I was a bonefide Janeite even prior to having read her works! I have attempted to read a portion of her novels and the after canons which have followed centuries later each August in 2013 and 2014. Life has a funny way of interfering with your plans, as twice now I have had to put aside my goals for my readings and simply ride out the wave life was bringing into my life instead!
Aside from this small blunder of not being able to fuse my passion for Austen during one particular month of the year, I have started to collect her works in various editions – the most recent of course were gifted to me by my Mum & Da in celebration of my 1st Blog Birthday on the 6th of August, 2014! What an unexpected joy for me to not only realise I was being thrown a ‘surprise!’ blog birthday party but I was being given two novels by Jane Austen I do not know as much about: Mansfield Park & Northanger Abbey! I have slated to read both of these in November, as I personally would like to read Jane Austen this year even if I am outside the scope of a celebration of Austen! I already had planned to read Persuasion for the first time, and it’s quite fitting to add two more to the mirth of joy!
Today, the joy for me in hosting Mr. Southard is getting the chance to celebrate the continuing legacy Jane Austen provides to all of us. My absolute favourite thus far in my readings is Pride and Prejudice due to the nature of the Bennett family and the connection between Lizzie and Darcy. Mr. Southard has written such a wonderful new novel that takes us into the heart of Jane Austen herself and gives us a magical entreaty into her life, world, and a plausible thread of narrative which could have been lived if circumstances had gone differently within her own life. I love the beauty of the scope and the heart of the depth within this novel, and it was an honour to interview the author! Regrettably, I was not able to review the novel as a print edition was not available during the tour.
Book Synopsis:
Read an Excerpt of the Novel:
All her heroines find love in the end— but is there love waiting for Jane?
Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.
Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years—did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us—to a greater or lesser degree—are head over heels for Jane.
NOTE: An audiobook version is in the works by the publisher!
Author Biography:
Scott D. Southard, the author of A Jane Austen Daydream, swears he is not obsessed with Jane Austen. He is also the author of the novels: My Problem with Doors, Megan, Permanent Spring Showers, Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, and 3 Days in Rome. With his eclectic writing he has found his way into radio, being the creator of the radio comedy series The Dante Experience. The production was honored with the Golden Headset Award for Best MultiCast Audio and the Silver Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Audio Production. Scott received his Master’s in writing from the University of Southern California. Scott can be found on the internet via his writing blog “The Musings & Artful Blunders of Scott D. Southard” (sdsouthard.com) where he writes on far-ranging topics like writing, art, books, TV, writing, parenting, life, movies, and writing. He even shares original fiction on the site. Currently, Scott resides in Michigan with his very understanding wife, his two patient children, and a very opinionated dog named Bronte.
As you were previously asked in an interview, which novels of Jane Austen inspired your own novel “A Jane Austen Daydream” I was curious how you quickly mentioned that each volume of the text stirred your thoughts towards three separate novels of Austen. What do you think is etched inside “Emma”, Pride & Prejudice”, and “Persuasion” to have captured your heart and attention over her others?
Southard responds: Interesting question and a very technical one. Well, in writing Daydream all of Jane’s writing had an impact, from her letters to her unfinished novels. And excerpts from each (or influences or indirect quotes) snuck their way in at some point or another. But when I was mapping out my final outline for the work, I really began to see my three volumes each encompassing one aspect of Jane’s growth.
The three books you mentioned were the greatest influences on the different volumes. That is not to say the plots or surprises are the same, but there are more “nods” there for the experienced Austen reader. I wanted Jane to seem over confident and sure of herself in the way of love (to the point of being foolish) and that just screamed Emma for me. For the second volume, I needed to have a Jane that is a little older and wiser, but still fascinated by love; and that meant Pride and Prejudice. Finally, for the third volume, Jane had to be… well… I don’t like to say broken, but hurt by love, a little more reflective. And that could only be Persuasion.
I have to ask, were the Bronte sisters the inspiration behind naming your family dog? And, if so, do you think you might spin a tale that pays homage to them like you have with Jane Austen?
Southard responds: Bronte the dog! That is great! Yes, the name is from the sisters, but my wife picked it out. I didn’t even know we were getting a dog until I came home one day to find that she bought a dog bowl and collar. My wife actually did her thesis on the Brontes, creating a dance inspired by the themes in their books (she got her MFA in dance from the University of Michigan).
I don’t think I would do something like that about the Brontes, but they are in my mind. When I wrote my novel My Problem With Doors, I actually cut out a scene that was to include the Brontes. My character Jacob was going to seduce all three of them. Kind of a scandalous idea now thinking back on it.
I thought it was keenly interesting that a Professor inspired your reading of “Pride & Prejudice” whereas I simply felt attracted to the story’s premise, as I share your ‘first’ of Austen but I was curious, have you equally been keen to start to watch the motion picture adaptations based on Pride? If so, which stood out to you for either the choice in actor or in delivery of the story?
Southard responds: I was lucky enough to discover Jane first through her books. To be honest, I find a lot of adaptations of her work to be quite hit or miss. I think the mini-series of Pride and Prejudice done in the 90’s (with Colin Firth) to be the gold standard for Austen adaptations. Honestly, I turned off the film version of Pride about 20 minutes in. The film version of Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow I think is wonderful as well. I think that screenplay really captured the energy of the book.
I saw a connective thread in your previous interviews, of your passion for classical literature, as I am a new member of The Classics Club (a world-wide group of devoted readers to the Classics), do you oft find others to share in your joy of reading classical literature? And, have you noticed a renewed passion for reading classical literature now as compared to when you were in college?
Southard responds: One of the things I do on the side, which I really love, is the book reviews for my local NPR station. I appear on WKAR’s radio show Current State every other week or so (you can hear my past book reviews via links on my site- sdsouthard.com). The producers have really been great about letting me play with the selections for the reviews, which means I have done some classics. For example, I’ve reviewed Dickens, Austen, and this September for Banned Books Week I will be reviewing Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. So in a way through those reviews I am sharing my love of classics.
In regards to your second question, I can’t remember a time I really wasn’t interested in books. So there is no passion to renew. It’s just part of my hardwire, I guess.
What did you find to be the hardest part of harnessing your vision for the story inside “A Jane Austen Daydream”? What did you learn through the process of writing the story as a whole?
Southard responds: The hardest thing was finding the courage to do the book. Let’s be honest, it takes a lot of arrogance (for lack of a better word) to say “I’m going to write a novel starring one of the most important people in literature… and look what I am going to do now with her!” I’m still floored I did it.
In many ways, it was my Mount Everest and I sat on the idea of the book for many, many years. There were five books written between the time I got the idea for Daydream and my completing it! I think after climbing that “mountain” I am more confident in my ability. I’m not scared by big ideas like I used to be. So I learned to trust myself. Now it’s just a matter of finding the time.
I love your approach to writing as to create convicting story-lines outside the box of ‘genre-specific’ literature, whilst writing an organic vein of thought that curates your own style out of your imagination. I, personally, appreciate this as I’m a genre-bender writer at heart too, but even moreso than that, I like seeing how a story can illuminate different perspectives yet remain true to its core. Out of all the combinations you’ve written thus far, which stories are motivating you to explore next or to re-approach in a new way once again?
Southard responds: For me, I always love to be swept away by a story and surprised. I like to think I did that with the twists in Daydream. My hope is that if people pick up one of my books they won’t know what to expect and that is kind of exciting. So every work of mine is very different from the others, and hopefully different from others in a genre.
Honestly, I can only think of one time when I went into a book with “genre” on my mind and that was my novel Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare. In the beginning it has all of traits of a classic gothic mystery (foggy London streets, etc.)… but then things change.
I have a new book being published by 5 Prince Books sometime later this year called Permanent Spring Showers. It is a contemporary tale. I’m really proud of it and I look forward to hearing what people think of it. It is probably the biggest cast I have played with in a novel. I don’t think I can easily point to any influences on the work (maybe Woody Allen?). I will say that I like to think of it as an anti-romance, since everything that shouldn’t be romantic strangely is.
Whilst you were mentioning your favourite writers, you predominately named classic authors in your repertoire of beloved novelists; do you have any contemporaries that lit the same spark for you?
Southard responds: One of the perks of doing the book reviews for WKAR is I get to read a lot of books and many times before they are released. There has been quite a lot I have been impressed by. I loved The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. I also enjoyed The Circle by Dave Eggers. I’m floored by the imagination of Neil Gaiman and Christopher Moore can always make me laugh.
When I read about the kind of readership you were hoping to find your novel, I remembered my viewing of “Lost in Austen”, and thought perhaps there is a new era of taking our love of certain author’s collective works by placing our own spin on them. Do you take stock of expressions of story craft like “Lost in Austen” or do you not see the same similarities?
Southard responds: Honestly, I didn’t see Lost in Austen. I’ve heard about it of course, just haven’t gotten around to it. Too busy watching Doctor Who probably. (Now why isn’t there an episode when the Doctor meets Jane? She would be a great companion.)
It’s difficult to talk about the twist in the book without ruining the surprise (which I think is what we are referring to), but I will say that the idea came to me back when I was in college (around 1995, like I said I had the idea for a long time) and that was more around trying to figure out who would be a good match for Jane. It began as a joke and strangely it stuck because it was such a unique idea.
I think Kurt Vonnegut’s work could be considered an influence for the idea as well.
Did you keep the interior of Austen’s life in tact in your novel? As to her close connection to her family but go out from there, to encompass a wider part of her life we all hoped she had lived? I ask this as I was not able to read the novel in time for the blog tour and I was curious about this one point of the story.
Southard responds: My hope in writing Daydream was to give Jane an adventure she would have written for herself. So her books influenced my choices more than her life. And right from the start, I give enough signs to the Austenites that this is something very different (with how I organize the family and their ages, etc.). In many ways Daydream is a daydream.
I loved the spunk of Jane Austen’s personality (perhaps it reminds me of my own!), how did you take elements of her personality and transfuse this as a character we might not have seen previously?
Southard responds: I included a lot of her own “words” into Jane. Sometimes they are direct quotes, sometimes they are playful variations. I like to think of it as a treasure hunt for her more devoted readers. Yet, if I did it right, it shouldn’t be obvious. Also, in many ways, her heroines influenced different aspects of her personality.
Jane is definitely spunky, her letters really helped introduce her character to me, but sometimes you had to read between the lines. She was spunky, witty and definitely the smartest person in any room.
Did you find it easy to bring the century Austen lived into the forefront of your story or did you find the historical aspects a bit more daunting than you first imagined they would be?
Southard responds: My main focus in Daydream was on the characters and the story. So while capturing the period is important, I didn’t want it to overwhelm the story. I don’t get into lengthy descriptions of a ball for example. The first draft of the book was over a hundred pages longer than the final draft, and a lot of that work was around me seeing what I could cut. The story had to come first.
I think historical fiction as a genre is always difficult. And it is very easy for a writer to overkill it making a work too daunting for a contemporary reader. It is a careful balancing act.
I read in an interview you re-read Austen’s novels whilst you wrote the manuscript, I was curious did you read the Collective Letters of Jane Austen, or letters and/or biographies associated with her as a living person rather than as a beloved author? How did you find the balance between focusing on her through her fiction whilst adding elements of her person?
Southard responds: I kind of answered this one above, but her letters and fiction all influenced her as a character. We are all complicated characters, never easily fitting into a category and Jane is the same way. And the more sides and aspects to her character the more real she will seem to the reader (or at least I hope). There are a lot of elements that come together to make my Jane in the book.
There is a blogosphere event each August, entitled: Austen in August, generally hosted by Roof Beam Reader but this year is hosted by Lost Generation Reader. Do you ever participate in blogosphere events like this and/or regional events where readers, Janeites, and Austenites gather to share their conjoined passion?
Southard responds: I actually took part in Austen in August last year! I wrote a post for Roof Beam Reader and even reviewed Pride and Prejudice on WKAR. I’m always happy to take part in literary events. It’s a lot of fun and it is always an honor to be asked.
I am most curious if you left the door open for a sequel or if you wrote a resolution rather than a cliffhanger at the end of the novel. Do you strive to keep your novels as standalones or would you encourage a sequel if you felt the characters needed a second novel to tell their stories?
Southard responds: No, I am not planning a sequel in the future and Daydream is a very standalone work.
But I will say when I sit down to write a book I usually do enough planning that I could tell you what would happen if there were to be other “adventures” for my books. And I will tell anyone what that is if they ask.
I like to create unique experiences with each work, so the idea of a sequel would feel like repeating something I did, a skip on a record. I completely understand why some readers and writers like it, but, honestly, sometimes stories can suffer because of it. You can tell when an author is holding back their punches because they are planning that next book.
It would have to be a really great idea for me to do one, but it hasn’t happened yet.
In your own mind and heart, what do you feel is the mainstay of attraction for each of us who has found Jane Austen in our lives at one time or another? How do you feel she has endured through time?
Southard responds: This is a hard question to answer since there is so much I can say here. I think there is a lot of honesty in her books (no one is perfect and everyone has different aspects to their personality) and that makes everything feel that much more real. It is a world you can return to.
I think her wit is also key. She can make you laugh out loud.
One thing I always love about Jane’s books (and one thing true in each) is the importance of kindness. A kind deed is always a standout moment in her stories, even if it is a small little act. Kindness always means something to Jane.
I think Jane is one of those writers who will always be in fashion. I think there is a stereotype that some may feel, but it is usually thrown away once someone actually reads her books. For me, it was fun to play in her world for a few years.
Author Connections:
Site | @SDSouthard | Facebook
Converse via: #JaneAustenDaydreamBlogTour & #AJaneAustenDaydream
I would like to take a moment to give my gratitude to the author, Mr. Southard for giving me such a wonderful chance to interview him ahead of being introduced to his novel! I was celebrating the fact we’re both Whovians and come to mention the fact about not having a thread of narrative on the series that involves Jane Austen is quite incredible! I would have felt the series writers might have worked her in somehow as they are always imaginative about having well-known British figures featured in the episodes! I was also overjoyed in getting to know a bit more about his writing style and the genesis of his stories – I have a feeling that this is only the beginning of what I will be reading of his in the future! His responses were a wonderful joy to receive because I appreciated the time he put into what he gave back after receiving my Questions.
I was very thankful I could have a spot on the tour to celebrate A Jane Austen Daydream in lieu of reading the novel myself at this point in time! I did want to let him know I did attempt to request a purchase for this novel at my local library (which has not yet been acquired) as much as I attempted 5x to ILL (inter-library) loan this novel from out-of-state. I was a bit surprised the ILL did not go through as it clearly stated the book was available yet I have a feeling the home library does not lent the novel out from their own system. Therefore, despite my best efforts I have to wait a bit longer to consume the beautiful story and dig into a narrative that has enchanted my heart and mind since I first learnt of this novel’s appearance on tour! The publisher by which A Jane Austen Daydream is published is one that I have had my eye on for awhile, as I stumbled across Castles, Customs, and Kings: True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors whilst making my rounds in the book blogosphere last year! Likewise, I also am keen on the author of The Widow’s Redeemer! I can foresee in the future I will be spending quite a bit of time soaking into the offerings of Madison Street Publishing, and I encourage my readers to seek out their site to learn more about their authors!
Blog Book Tour Stop,
courtesy of Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Virtual Road Map of “A Jane Austen Daydream” Blog Tour found here:
See what I’m hosting next for:
Reader Interactive Question:
What do you find the most incredible about the amount of love and joy Jane Austen can provide to all of us in the modern age? What do you find is the key that draws us into her works and still encourages our mind to entreat inside after canons and sequel authors whose inspiration from her own works have crafted their own vision for either her directly or one of her stories? Do you have a particular penchant for one style of sequel / after canon story-telling? Share a bit of your own Austen joy in the comment threads!
Similar to blog tours, when I feature a showcase for an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog.
{SOURCES: Book Cover for “A Jane Austen Daydream”, Author Photograph of Scott D. Southard, & Author Biography were provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and used with permission. Blog Tour badge provided by Parajunkee to give book bloggers definition on their blogs. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Jorie asked to host the author ahead of reading the novel as she is most keen on Jane Austen & the sequel authors who give us such a wonderful joy to read their literary muse after being inspired by Austen herself; she was most happy to receive his replies from the Interview through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours via the author himself.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2014.
Thanks, Jorie :) And as much as I’d love to “breeze” through a read by Shakespeare, Austen and the like, I simply don’t have the time to spend on it. I could do it if I wanted to double my reading time in that way. I can barely get through the books I have and am coming to terms with all the books I will never have time to read. There are simply too many demands in life to allow for it. That’s fine. I just want to enjoy whatever I DO read and will no longer give books a chance if they don’t grab me right off. I only push if the book is by someone I actually know, and it’s only “pushing” if I’m not enjoying it. I recently read a book by an author I know and I LOVE the book! Don’t know if I mentioned it to you (I’m mentioning it quite often since I read it), but it’s WHEELS OF CHANGE by Darlene Beck Jacobson. Just love it :) It’s a middle-grade read, btw.
This sounds like a WONDERFUL take on Jane Austen, and certainly something that would honor her. I tried to read her books, but the vocabulary had me in the dictionary too often (I have trouble recalling definitions, plus used then is different than now), so it took away from the pleasure of reading. Her language is SO beautiful though. I wish I could read her!
Hallo Ms Donna!
I have felt bad that you have struggled to read Jane Austen due to the language of the vocabulary inside her novels; I remember most of my classmates struggled whilst reading William Shakespeare as well; even though for me personally, the words lifted off the page which such startling clarity that I was even surprised by the way I could answer the Discussion Questions our English teacher was asking of us! I fully understand how difficult reading can become when there is a language and/or learning difficulty that prevents the joy — as you know, I had my own hard road to overcome in reading & therefore, I appreciate your willingness to be as open about your issue with Jane Austen’s written voice as much as I decided to be vocal about being a dyslexic writer! :)
I am hoping to have the chance to either read or listen to the audiobook of this novel at some point in the near future and then, I can better help you know if the words were more Contemporary or a throw back to Austen’s era.