Jaime Loves Stuff : Interview with Sharon Lathan and Giveaway!


Interview with Sharon Lathan and Giveaway!






I am so excited to present to you an amazing author of a fantastic Pride & Prejudice sequel, "Loving Mr. Darcy", and her name is Sharon Lathan. I am so honored to be graced with her presense and have enjoyed getting to know her. So, ladies and gentleman, without further adieu- introducing Sharon Lathan!!!!



When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

This is an interesting question because I came at the whole "writing thing" in such a surprising way. The full story can be read on my website, but I often jest that I was rather like Mr. Darcy and his love for Elizabeth in that I was smack in the middle of it before I realized what I was happening to me.

I began writing as a hobby. For 25 years my profession has been nursing and I never searched for a different occupation. The occasional stories I fabricated in my mind were for my own entertainment and, as silly as it probably sounds, I never considered writing them down! What began as short stories relating the after-marriage honeymoon life for the Darcys, posted on various Jane Austen fan-fiction websites for like-minded readers, gradually morphed into one long story over several months. Initially I was writing just for fun out of my mutual love for Pride and Prejudice and history. For a long while I was perfectly content to freely share my chapters with satisfied readers, knowing I was creating a well-written and researched story, but not precisely thinking of myself as a "writer" in the full definition of the word. Even after I began to seriously pursue publishing, it was strange to think of myself as an author. The turning point for me, when I finally recognized and admitted that I was in fact a writer, was when the first rejections came back! It was then, with over three novels under my belt, that I KNEW I could not give up no matter what anyone said. The desire to see my words in book-form and to continue telling the stories that incessantly swirled in my brain was uncontainable. I have never been one to take no for an answer and I have tremendous self-confidence. The negativity and rejection only strengthened my resolve to prove that I WAS a writer. And here I am!

How often do you write?

It varies. Once upon a time I managed to write nearly every day. Of course, those were my before-publishing days! As all published authors learn, the demands of editing, marketing, maintaining a website, etc. take a great deal of time. And then there is the “real” job and the responsibilities of family life, so fitting in writing new material does get waylaid. Plus, I am the type of person who must focus on the task at hand. When I have edits to complete or guest blogs to write, I have to devote my energy and get it done before I can clear my mind to write. I am gradually learning to compartmentalize my time and organize more efficiently, but no matter how perfectly I plan, there are only 24 hours in a day! When I do clear the schedule and focus, I can write for hours on end.

Are you working on any books right now?

I have 3 WIPs going! The first is a novella that is part of a Christmas-themed anthology that will be published next November. I am very excited about this for many reasons, not the least of which is that I will be published in a book alongside Amanda Grange. The fifth novel in the Darcy Saga series - as yet untitled - is more than 2/3 complete. It is under contract for a tentative release in spring or summer of 2011. I also have a companion novel to the series focusing on Georgiana Darcy, Mr. Darcy's sister, in the works. It is nearly complete, but I had to put it aside to work on the novella. So far it isn't under contract, but my editor is very interested, so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Do any members of your family read your books?

My sister is one of my biggest fans, and this is a huge compliment because I know how discriminating a reader my sister is! We have been avid readers for as long as we can remember, sharing our passion for reading fantasy and historical novels especially. Frankly I did not think she would care for my novels since they have a strong romantic element mixed in with the history, but she loves them! I think we have both learned to appreciate the romance genre as it has evolved over these past decades. Her husband will literally read anything if it is well written, and he enjoyed my books, his stamp of approval also cherished. My 21-year-old daughter, who is a voracious reader of romance, refuses to read my books because - and I quote: "It is too icky to read a sex scene written by my mother." Understood! My mother loves my books, but admits that she skips over the sensual moments for the same reason. LOL! My husband has read portions, but romance is definitely not his cup-o-tea.

What is your favorite film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice?

Without a doubt it is Joe Wright's excellent adaptation from 2005. It is the first P&P rendering I saw and I absolutely loved it. Everything about that movie is perfect to me: the actors, the cinematography, the music, the costumes, and how the story was told. I truly believe it is brilliant both in its own right as a great movie and as an adaptation of the source material. Since then, as my love for all things Austen has grown, I have seen the BBC miniseries as well as the entertaining, loosely based movies like Lost in Austen and all the other Austen novel-to-film versions. I love all of them for their unique ways of bringing Austen's timeless tales to life. But the 2005 movie with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen will always be my favorite. I unapologetically am inspired by the film as I carry on the life of the Darcys and their family in my Saga.

If you could be any one dessert- what would it be?

Oh my! I have never gotten this question before! Kudos. Let me see... I am not very good at analogies, but I suppose I would be a thick cake with one layer angel cake smeared with sweet vanilla custard and the other a rich, dark chocolate slathered with gooey fudge, topped with tart berries. I'll let you figure out the symbolism.

That was so fun! Thank you, Jamie, for hosting me today. I appreciate the chance to share a bit about my novels and myself. Hopefully I have intrigued your readers enough to dash out to the nearest bookstore! Or at least to click over to my website and learn more about my romantic, historical series of happily-ever-after for Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy: www.darcysaga.net


About the Author

Sharon Lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny city of Hanford. She divides her time as homemaker nurturing a husband and two children, plus the cat, dog, and fish; while also working as a Registered Nurse in a Neonatal ICU. Somewhere in there she finds time to write! Sharon Lathan can be found on her website/blog at: www.darcysaga.net, on Facebook as “Sharon Lathan, “ on Twitter as “@SharonLathan,” and on the Casablanca Authors’ blog at: http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/








I hope you all have enjoyed reading Sharon Lathan's questions as much as I have! What another wonderful author we get to meet, nothing makes my day (ok besides curling up with a good book on a rainy day) then getting to "meet" these creative minds behind the books we love so much! I was given the fantastic opportunity to read and review "Loving Mr. Darcy" *cough* review is coming *cough* I promise *cough cough cough* Anyways, I LOVED it! I know you will too! You will get to know another side of Mr. Darcy's and Elizabeth's relationship *giggles devilishly*


An enormous thank you to Sharon Lathan and how can we forget the lovely lady who made this possible, Danielle at Sourcebooks? Thank you ladies!!!

Courtesy of Danielle, I am able to host a giveaway for a set of Mrs Lathan's first book, "Mr and Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy" AND "Loving Mr. Darcy".

1 winner, U.S. & Canada only!

To enter:

Leave me a comment answering this question: If you could be any ONE character from a Jane Austen novel, who would it be and why?

OR

If you have never read a Jane Austen book but want to, what hero/heroine from any book would you want to be and why?

Following is not required but it is recommended as I will NOT contact the winner, the winner will be announced here on this blog and it will be the winner's responsibility to contact me within 48 hours of the win being announced.

Giveaway ends on September 30, 2009 at midnight, PST. Winner will be chosen independantly via random.org

Thanks again and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!










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30 comments:

  1. Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice. I love her sass and spirit....and she gets to marry Mr. Darcy!

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  2. I would so be Elizabeth Bennet. She's so unconventional for her time, and I love her for it. She kicks verbal butt and ends up not only getting, but also humbling, the most eligible bachelor around. She's strong but not too tough, and she's pretty, even if Darcy doesn't see it at first. Plus I'd love to live at Pemberley.

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  3. Hi all! Glad I checked in before I hit the hay. Did not expect the interview to be up already!

    Thanks for the amazing welcome, Jamie! I am honored to be given the spotlight here on your website. And I have to say that your background graphic is far and away the prettiest one I have ever seen. I love it!

    Thanks to Mary S. and Niveau for chiming in so quickly. Lizzy is a character to aspire to. I love her and have a great time writing her as a maturing wife and then mother.

    I'll be back in the am, Pacific coastal time, to join in the fun. Keep the comments rolling!

    Nighty night. Sharon

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  4. OMG! I just realized you found my video trailer! It took a few seconds to load. Amazing as I just posted this earlier today. Thanks Jamie! You are really on top of things. :)

    Isn't it great? I love it! You are the first blog, besides mine, to show it. A memorable moment. :)

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  5. Mary D
    zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

    Well, here's 3 for 3 to be Elizabeth lol! I love her intelligence, spirit and spunk - plus she's a lovely woman. And who wouldn't want to live at Pemberley OMG ?!!! Wouldn't that be an awesome experience :)

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  6. Hi Sharon!

    I am so glad you chimed in! I figured I had better get it up last night before I hit my classes today :)

    Yes, I saw on Twitter your link to the video, and I HAD to put it on here, just wouldn't be a complete post without the video. So fitting and complete. I love it!

    Lizzie is an awesome role model from Jane Austen's books. However, I read "Emma" when I was pregnant and named my daughter Emma and it's so fitting. She is just like Emma! If my daughter had been serene, she would have been a Jane or Lizzie from P&P. Actually, she is kind of like Lydia from P&P, a free spirit. lol!

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  7. Well, it's hard to want to be anyone besides Elizabeth, isn't it? I'm afraid I will have to jump on the bandwagon. Or I could just be Mr. Darcy himself!

    Amanda
    fitz12383(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  8. I think I'd like to be Anne Elliot from Persuasion. She has such a sweet spirit. Plus, I love reading her love story. She went through a lot of pain and waiting, but it was definitely worth it, in the end.

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  9. Good morning! I am on the west coast so just rising and still sipping the espresso. Lets see how I do half asleep (thank the maker for spellcheck, amen?)

    Hi Mary Ann. Yes, it is hard not to pick Lizzy. But Austen's books are filled with such great women. It is true, I think, that a large part of Lizzy's appeal is that she gets Mr. Darcy AND Pemberley!

    Thanks again, Jaime, for posting the video. And it is good to know that someone actually sees what I tweet on Twitter! I never know if some of these things are a monumental waste of my precious time. LOL Emma is a great name. My daughter is Emily, and I love the sound of those old style names. The character Emma is fabulous because she learns from her mistakes and grows.

    Amanda, I get asked the question of who I am most like quite a bit and I always say that I wish I could be Lizzy but the truth is I am Darcy! I think that is why I love writing him so much. Thanks for joining in.

    You know, Melanie, I think in all honesty I would chose Anne as well. I love the whole concept of Persuasion. The constancy of love, the belief in that one person who is so perfect for you with a pure love that you would rather be alone then with someone who pales in comparison. Great story!

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  10. Hi:) I always read your blog and can't believe I wasn't a follower...well I am now!!

    so for your question: I took that Austen test and sure enough, I'm Emma- I can so see myself as her (in my... hmmm..bit younger days:)
    Thanks for this fabulous giveaway:)

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  11. I would definitely want to be Elizabeth Bennett from P&P. Loved the book...loved the movie.

    Enjoyed your video, Sharon, I am really jazzed to read your books!

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  12. Hands down I would choose to be Elizabeth Bennett. I like how she is quick witted and she gets to marry my character crush Mr. Darcy.

    jen4777[at]hotmail.com

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  13. Hi Ms. Lucy. Thanks for stopping by. Emma and Lizzy seem to be winning the contest today. :)

    Thanks Stacy! I love the video too. Very jazzed about it myself - and THAT is a slang that takes me back a decade or so! LOL

    Character crush away, Jenny! You are in good company.

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  14. I would like to be Elizabeth because she found such a great guy (just as I did in real life!!)

    wandanamgreb(at)gmail(dot)com

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  15. I would be Elizabeth because I would get to be with Mr. Darcy
    throuthehaze at gmail dot com

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  16. I would pick Anne Elliot. She manages to finally be confident enough to overcome the gossip and choose Capt. Wentworth. While maybe no Mr. Darcy, is pretty darn exciting too!
    Thanks for the giveaway!
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

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  17. I think I would want to be Elizabeth Bennet not only because she gets Darcy but because she is a spunky person.

    Thanks,
    Stormi
    ladystorm282001[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  18. I would probably be Elizabeth Bennet. I like her wit and she's smart so that's a plus. :)

    pls enter me into this contest!

    sensitivemuse at gmail dot com

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  19. I would be Miss Bates from Emma.
    Even though she is a minor element, she seems one of the most honest real characters. Easy to identify with.

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  20. First of all, Jaime, great interview! Thanks Sharon for the link. ;)

    I would so love to be Elizabeth Bennet, of course. Who doesn't? In my opinion, she's the best heroine/iconic/fictional character Jane Austen has ever written. I love her strong-willed, intelligent, stubborn, charming, lively, playful and witty personality. Not too mention, she ends up with the handsome and enigmatic Mr. Darcy and gets to live with him in his gorgeous state in Pemberley.

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  21. Oh my! How remiss of me! I did not realize ladies were still stopping by! *bad Sharon*

    I love all the comments! It is hard to resist wanting to be Lizzy. But it is nice to see Emma and even sweet Miss Bates get a few votes. The quiet, reserved one often get ignored.

    Thanks all! Good luck in the giveaway!!

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  22. Thanks for the giveaway. Please enter me. If I were a character from one of Jane Autsten's novels, it would have to be Elizabeth Bennett. She gets Mr. Darcy!

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

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  23. I've always felt that I relate best to Elizabeth Bennet (I hate myself a bit for giving such a cliche answer, but it can't be helped!). My only hope is that I get a Mr. Darcy someday! lol

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  24. I think it'd be rather interesting to be Mrs. Bennet and know what it feels like to have 5 daughters all unmarried. I wonder what her life story was before the girls were born and if Mr. Bennet and her were a love match. Hmmmm - One could only wish to know the interworkings of Jane Austen's mind.

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  25. As much as I'd love to be Lizzie, I think I'd be more of a Jane, somewhat shy, loving heart and just waiting for the right man to sweep me off my feet, lol.

    Thank you,
    Dina

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  26. It would be Elizabeth Bennet hands down because she is spunky and so unconventional. I love her character so much!

    Thanks for the wonderful interview with Sharon!

    rubymoonstone at gmail dot com

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  27. martinack_75 AT hotmail DOT com

    I think I associate most with Anne Elliot and Fanny Price :)

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  28. Elizabeth Bennet from P&P. She stands her ground, speaks her mind, and refuses to marry because it is expected of her. And her life ends up rather happy in the end with Mr. Dracy. ;)

    knittingmomof3 (AT) gmail (DOT) com

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  29. I would be Emma. Only because it seems we have a lot in common, trying to please everyone at once! Thank you for doing this giveaway, I have read every book that relates to Jane Austen...

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  30. Elizabeth Bennet cause she gets Mr. Darcy! :P

    Marie

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