An “Emma” Vagary

The manuscript is finally with the editor. The nail biting has now begun. This stage in the process is the most unsettling. It has “my baby is leaving home” vibes all over it! Putting eighty thousands words down on paper, worrying about points of view, gaps in the story line, or the character’s arc is nothing compared to this stage. Soon, I will receive the manuscript with the editor’s corrections and suggestions—and the real work will begin.

I can’t wait to share this new story with you! A cover and title reveal is coming soon; but for now, I can only say: expect an Austen vagary. I know some of you will say, “What? Another fan fiction?” Some of you might ask, “What is a vagary?” Still others will ask, “Why??”

Jane Austen is known for her six published novels, however, she had been writing and compiling her work since she was eleven years of age. There are three bound notebooks containing twenty-nine poems and short-stories, now referred to as the Juvenilia. There are letters to family members and unfinished manuscripts. Since Austen’s death, her devoted fans have crafted stories to honor her wit and beloved, enduring characters.

Jane Austen Fan Fiction, also known as J.A.F.F. is a world-wide phenomenon. Some authors are passionate about including their culture or ethnicity into their stories. Others focus on secondary characters and reimagining plots to better suit their own creativity or tastes. As one author stated, readers have more options now. They can choose from “drawing-room” romance or “bedroom” romance or anywhere in between. The irony is that Jane Austen did not write “romance novels,” nor did she consider herself capable of writing such stories! That is the beauty of fan fiction. In writing a vagary or variation, the author is retelling a cherished story in a new light, with new characters, locations, and plot lines.

I, too, have written six books, including “The Meyerson’s of Meryton,” which is a variation-continuation of “Pride and Prejudice,” and “Celestial Persuasion,” which is a prequel of sorts to Austen’s “Persuasion.” This new book, number seven, is an “Emma” vagary.

The idea came to me in a dream one night. I recall waking the next morning and having to jot down the thought, before it became nothing more than a vague, ethereal memory. I quickly scribbled two or three sentences and they stared back at me from that white sheet of paper—every.single.day.

They were a constant reminder that I hadn’t written any more.

Well, now I have! Practically seventy-five thousand more words…on paper—waiting for the editor’s red pen and anticipating the delete button.

Thankfully, some of the suspense has been relieved by several lovely people who have volunteered to be “beta-readers.” These readers have pointed out the typos and grammatical errors, the nonsensical wording and aggravating gaps. However, they have also provided me with encouraging words, words of appreciation—words to inspire me to work harder still.

Pamela said: “Believe me when I say that I RARELY cry over a book, but reading that letter towards the end, must surely touch the heart (and tear-ducts) of all readers!”

Delia said: “A fascinating, surprising story of Harriet’s family history, new-found faith, and a maturing love.”

I suppose that’s enough coddling and “high-fiving” for now. I’m off to face the editor…

Wish me luck!