Chat with Sharon Lathan

Back Cover Blurb:

"I love you, my Elizabeth. You are my soul, my blood and bone, my very life."

Married life is bringing out the best in the Darcys. Their mutual attentiveness brings readers into a magical world of love and wedded bliss.

Elizabeth is growing into her role as Mistress of Pemberley, and Darcy has mellowed under her gentle teasing and light-heartedness. Pemberley becomes a true home and a welcoming environment for loving family and friends. The Darcys travel to the seaside, welcome their firstborn, celebrate their anniversary and second Christmas, and at every moment embrace the love gifted to them.


Sharon’s stories are fun forays into Regency England with one of the most famous couples in Romance. You’re immersed in the world of the time and living with the Darcy’s. Most of the conflict is the natural inner conflict of two adults adjusting to being married. Add a dab of family issues, problems with friends, a couple of scoops of adventure, and you have the life of the Darcy’s, Lathan style.

Lizzy is feisty, which she would need to be with a man of Darcy’s character. Lizzy is not a modern woman of our time dressed in costume, spouting Regency dialog, as is the case with many historicals today. Elizabeth Bennett Darcy is written as a woman of the era, yet she is still a strong woman. She has a great sense of humor (which we do pick up a bit from Austen’s original story), she makes me smile and laugh. I admire her strong streak of loyalty and love for her family and her friends—and of course a deep love for Darcy.

What I like is the depth Sharon brings to Darcy. In Austen’s stories, Darcy is almost two dimensional… in Sharon’s stories we catch a glimpse of what’s under the surface of the reserve and we see his heart. Most definitely three-dimensional character with a deep love of family and a very strong streak of responsibility for those he considers his.

Overall, the Darcy Saga is a beautiful example of Happy Ever After.

I had a chance to chat a bit with Sharon Lathan about her life and her series on Mr. and Mrs. Darcy as well as her latest book


Did you have a good holiday? Do anything special?


I had a fabulous holiday! Christmas is our favorite holiday, so it is always special no matter what we do. However, this year we decided to go all out. We bought annual passes to Disneyland and spent four days touring the Magic Kingdom the week before Christmas. It was truly magical and enhanced our holiday cheer tenfold. I highly recommend visiting Disneyland when their Christmas decorations are up. They are simply incredible and literally everywhere you turn. The day itself was quietly spent at home with lots of food and a ton of presents. My hubby bought me a Kindle that I am thinking I will like after all! Sadly our families are far away, so it was just we four, but after hours on the phone talking to everyone it almost felt as if they were there.

• Oh, what a lovely holiday tradition, Sharon. No one can do lights and magic quite like Disney. :-)

You work full time as a nurse? Is that correct? So how do you balance your career and writing?

I work just slightly less than full-time as an RN in a Neonatal ICU. I work 12-hour night shifts, so in one way that helps as it gives me many hours off. But the toll of working nights for 20+ years is beginning to affect me! It is very difficult to balance work responsibilities with my family and homemaking requirements while trying to write and maintain a dynamic website. Thankfully I am extremely organized, a hard worker, and passionate about both of my professions. Yet I still would not manage if it weren’t for the support of my family. They pick up the slack. And thank God they do or I am sure the house would have crumbled around us ages ago! Nevertheless, if anyone has any great tips on how to better do-it-all, I am all ears.

• Working with babies. Awww. No wonder your birth scene and the Darcy's reactions are so true to life. As far as suggestions to help with how to do it better with regard to organizing home and professional life, don't look at me. I find myself picking up the *crumbles* every now then. It's a juggling act, that's for sure. I have to admire anyone that can handle two professions as well as you seem to do.

Given your work and writing schedule, what do you do to relax and recharge?

I have to take time for myself. I am not a pampering kind of gal, so pedicures or long bubble baths are a rare relaxing technique. But I do frequently put it all aside to read a book, play brainless but fun computer games, go on a dinner/movie date with my hubby, and watch my favorite TV shows. Strangely I look forward to my nights at work. It may be busy, but I love the tiny babies. It is a wonderful diversion from the publishing and writing demands, plus it is my time to socialize with my friends. I also make time to hang out with the gals from my Romance Writer’s group. They are awesome and the support and friendship with people who understand this crazy business and the weirdness of a writer’s mind is invaluable!

You write Fan-fiction. Have you considered writing anything else?

Well, for the most part I feel as if my saga has moved way beyond pure fan-fiction. I have taken these characters far past where Austen left them, interpreted them to fit my vision, have created a vivid, complex world, and have invented a ton of characters uniquely mine. The main players may have the names and basic personalities created by Austen, but they are profoundly different, as their lives have evolved with time.

However, I do know what you mean, and the answer is yes. I am currently writing a novel that follows Georgiana Darcy. Yes, she is originally Austen’s creation, but my story is five years beyond the vague incarnation Georgiana has in P&P, so I truly feel as if this story is completely set apart and all mine. Beyond that, I love writing historical fiction so I am pretty sure I will stay within that genre. But at present my mind is too occupied with the Darcys to dwell upon anything else! We shall see!

• Now that one is one I'd love to read. I often wished that Austen had amplified Georgiana's role or done a sequel. But of course, that wasn't the way back then.

What do you like about your Mr. Darcy? What makes him different in your writing of him?

Austen’s Mr. Darcy is enigmatic and largely an unknown character. Of course that is fabulous for those of us who want to reinvent him!

My Mr. Darcy is on the one hand all male, commanding, domineering, forceful, and strong. He trains horses, is an accomplished hunter, flies falcons, avidly loves the outdoors, can fence proficiently, and adores swimming in the ocean. He is intelligent, an ardent reader, a brilliant manager of his estate, curious about new inventions, wisely aware of modern technologies and diverse business propositions, and keenly informed on current events.

Yet, at the same time he is loving, sentimental, and passionate. He is deeply devoted to his family, harbors a poet’s heart, and is fiercely protective. He is shy, reserved, controlled, and stoic, yet he has a quick wit, dry humor, and fiery temper.

Too perfect? Probably! But then do we not want that in our heroes? He does have flaws trust me. Lizzy, Richard Fitzwilliam, and Dr. Darcy love to point them out at every chance they get!


What was the most fun about writing this story?

• One: The characters – all of them. I absolutely adore them and am thrilled to give life to them.
  
  
• Two: Writing a saga-themed series of novels. I do not have to wind up the story in a few chapters or build up to one climax. My characters are allowed to grow and experience a host of adventures over a long course of time. And I am allowed to write dozens of interesting dramas within one book. How cool is that?
  
  
• Three: The history and research involved. I love history, always have, and now I am able to “live” in a past world, bring it to vivid reality, and share that knowledge with my readers in an entertaining way.
  


• Four: Presenting a positive story with a hopeful message. I won’t get up on my soap box, but will assert that I think the world needs more stories that tell of a happy marriage between two people who truly love, respect, and care for each other. And I also think there should be more books that inspire and encourage.

What scene do you like the best in your story?

Man, that is a tough one! I think in this latest novel – My Dearest Mr. Darcy – I would have to say it is the entire birth chapter, especially the very end. I am extremely proud of how that turned out. Plus, I had waited months for that baby to make an appearance! There is also a part earlier in the book where Lizzy shows her spunk and formidable strength against a certain someone. That was very fun to write and I am very proud of how Lizzy handled herself, even if Darcy nearly suffered a stroke!

What was the hardest thing for you to write in this book or this series?

I honestly can’t think of anything that was particularly hard. I have enjoyed the challenge of writing sequences that were a first for me, such as my first action sequence (a duel). I have enjoyed branching out to create new characters whose personalities and backgrounds are totally up to me. I did balk at writing conversations with a room full of people the first few times, but now it is fun to have each character speak in his/her voice.

Some research has been a trial, especially when I want to discover a specific fact and just can’t find it anywhere. Usually that falls in the realm of me wanting it to be in the story and not being able to verify the historical accuracy! Talk about frustrating!

There have been times when I found myself stumped, not knowing where I was to go next or unsure how to resolve a certain dilemma. But in all cases time and distance solved the problem.

Generally I prefer to write a trauma-free story, so adding unhappiness is not really easy for me. That being said, when I have strayed away from my patented hearts-and-roses plot line, I really enjoyed writing the dramatic stuff! Makes me wonder if I could tackle a pure adventure story… hmmm….


I know you are hard at work on another story. Can you tell us a bit about it and when it will be released?

The fourth novel in the Darcy Saga series – tentative title “Romancing Mr. Darcy” – is completed and my editor is beginning to do her thing. It will be released in October of 2010. I also have a novella that will be appearing in a Darcy Christmas themed anthology, along with Amanda Grange, to be released in November. That is written and will most likely be next on my editor’s agenda.

In between the editing process for those two projects, I will be finishing up “Darcy 5” (no title yet). I am more than two-thirds done, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. I hope! No hard date for release, but it will be somewhere in the Spring 2011 season. I am also finishing up Georgiana Darcy’s story. It is a pure romance, with strong history of course, and I have every reason to believe Sourcebooks wants it as my editor has asked for the synopsis and we have spoken about it frequently. But then, I am not counting those chickens as yet! Just trucking along and keeping my fingers crossed!

Thank you so much, Sia, for honoring me with the spotlight today. This was a very fun interview! I appreciate being able to talk about my Saga and the themes that are so important to me. I encourage anyone interested to click over to my website – http://www.darcysaga.net/ - where I have tons of information, photos, a glossary, and more.

• Sharon, you have a lovely website. I've enjoyed reading it! I also love the Book trailer of all three books there in one video. You have a bit of everything there and your blog too.
  

And thank you, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to be here today, to share the Darcy Saga with us.

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Sharon Lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. 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!

What I love About Coffee Get-Togethers

My guest Over Coffee is debut author, Marilyn Brant. Winner of the 2007 Golden Heart Award for Best Novel with Strong Romantic Elements.

• Marilyn tags herself as an introvert, a Mom with an unhealthy attachment to Carbs, requires excellent cookies, likes dangerous things like chocolate martinis, neighborhood relationship intrigues and '80s Music. Best of all, she won my heart, when she told me she loves chatting over coffee with friends.
  

Thank you, Sia, for inviting me here! It’s a pleasure to be a guest on Over Coffee today. :-)

It’s particularly exciting to get to take part in a coffee-talk gathering online because, in real life, this is one of my very favorite things to do. I have a few friends I love to meet for coffee. Some I’m able to get together with frequently, others only once in a while, but in all cases I usually leave our morning coffee dates feeling buoyant and primed to tackle my infinite writing projects at home.


What makes it even more special is that I’m a true introvert. Unlike my VERY extraverted mother (!!), I’m not typically energized by social gatherings. (And, oh, I have stories I could tell about the endless stream of social events I was dragged to as a kid…wanna hear about wild double weddings, anyone?) Parties and conferences and things like that take a lot of concentration for me, largely because I can’t stop my writer self from collecting details and feeling a bit pummeled by observations. This was true before I ever actually became a novelist, by the way. Once I started writing, I was relieved to finally have a place to put all of those observations I’d been accumulating for years and tucking into my mental anthology of human behaviors--LOL!


So, what I love about the coffee get-togethers with my friends is that I actually feel like an extravert for those precious few hours. Because we know each other well, we dispense with small talk rather quickly. We’re then able to delve right into some very meaty conversations and get to the heart of a deep philosophical and/or emotional discussion after little more than half a cup of hazelnut mocha and a few bites of a chocolate-chip cookie. (We go to a shop with EXCELLENT cookies. I consider this a requirement.) And I’ve come to rely on these meetings as a helpful—perhaps even essential—part of my writing process.

• Here’s why: I write women’s fiction. I’m passionately interested in women’s stories and our shared experiences. When my friends are telling me about their in-laws, their children, their wacky adult siblings…or they’re recollecting tales of old boyfriends or the qualities they love best in their husbands…I’m listening. I’m checking their stories with my own. Comparing them in the sense of discovering the emotions and reactions we have in common. They know this and, because they’re absolutely awesome, they enthusiastically help me make those connections.
  

Recently, one friend said, “So, okay, you’re a writer. Have you ever read any novels about a woman who’d lied to her entire family about having to go out of town at the end of November just so she wouldn’t have to suffer through another Thanksgiving dinner of being asked why she was still single?”

I said, “Got a call from your mother yesterday, huh?”

“Oh, my, God, yes!” she shot back. “I love her, but if she asks me about dating one more time—argh!!”

And so it begins, the fun and frequently funny back and forth banter between friends. The commiserations we share when we've had a crazy work week, an eye-rolling sibling moment or a feverish child. The innate understanding that each of us will pull together whatever knowledge, resources or background we can to help each other gain perspective on whatever might be perplexing one of us. It’s become such a powerful form of preventive medicine in my life that I look forward to it for my own mental health and, also, as a way to keep the pulse of my characters strong and true.

More than once, I’ve been the one to open our coffee conversation with something like:

• “Okay, I’ve got this one character. She’s 43. Divorced. Ambivalent about relationships. But then she meets a younger guy and, strangely, they hit it off. What are her hopes? Her fears?”

And a friend will say, “She’ll worry about needing a boob job.”

“Or a tummy tuck,” another friend will chime in.

“But mostly she’ll be concerned about her teenage son and his reaction to the new relationship…”

And, with that, they’ll set me on the road to making sure I create a character who feels real to them. One who’s almost as multifaceted and three-dimensional as they are. I’m so grateful to them for that. Not only do their insights improve my writing, but they enrich my life and my understanding of the people in it. I’d give up my computer before I’d give up my coffee dates!

• What about all of you? When you get together with your friends—over coffee, dinner, dessert or drinks—what do you tend to talk about? Work-related stuff? Kids and spouses? Sports, hobbies or pop culture?

• Have these discussions ever made you think about your writing, job, or your family any differently? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! :-)

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Marilyn Brant has been a classroom teacher, a library staff member, a freelance writer and a national book reviewer. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son, surrounded by towers of books that often threaten to topple over and crush her. A proud member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, Marilyn’s debut novel featuring "Jane" won the Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award. When not working on her next book, she enjoys traveling, listening to music and finding new desserts to taste test.
Readers can visit her website at http://www.marilynbrant.com/

In Marilyn Brant’s smart, wildly inventive debut, one woman in search of herself receives advice from the ultimate expert in matters of the heart…

It begins one day in sophomore English class, just as Ellie Barnett’s teacher is assigning Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. From nowhere comes a quiet “tsk” of displeasure. The target: Sam Blaine, the cute bad boy who’s teasing Ellie mercilessly, just as he has since kindergarten. Entirely unbidden, as Jane might say, the author’s ghost has taken up residence in Ellie’s mind, and seems determined to stay there.

Jane’s wise and witty advice guides Ellie through the hell of adolescence and beyond, serving as the voice she trusts, usually far more than her own. Years and boyfriends come and go—sometimes a little too quickly, sometimes not nearly fast enough. But Jane’s counsel is constant, and on the subject of Sam, quite insistent. Stay away, Jane demands. He is your Mr. Wickham.

Still, everyone has something to learn about love—perhaps even Jane herself. And lately, the voice in Ellie’s head is being drowned out by another, urging her to look beyond everything she thought she knew and seek out her very own, very unexpected, happy ending...

"Marilyn Brant's debut novel is proof that Jane Austen never goes out of style. This is a warm, witty and charmingly original story of a modern woman coming of age and finding her own happy ending--with a little help from the ultimate authority--Jane Austen herself."~Susan Wiggs

Learning to Juggle—Writer's Style

Today my guest is Sharon Lathan, who has joined the ranks of fan fiction writers. Her debute novel is entitled, Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One. Sharon talks a bit about a reoccuring theme that seems to resonate with all writers, balancing life and writing.


I can barely manage to toss one ball into the air and catch it without stumbling, let alone two or three. So, no, I am not talking about that kind of juggling! Rather, I am talking about writer’s juggling. This is a phenomenon that I would hear other authors talking about but until recent months I did not comprehend for myself. I suppose it has many names – a friend called it ‘deadline hell’ – and can involve different aspects of the publishing/writing/life game, but it amounts to the same thing: Finding some way to ‘do it all’ and not have your head explode! The kids may find that amusing, but you and I know who would have to clean up the mess.

I got a hint of it last year when I had to pause in writing new material to focus on the editing stages for my first book. It wasn’t too bad, though, since I was given plenty of time. In addition, the edits were relatively minor and the whole process was so new and thrilling that I delved in with gusto!

Then followed several months of nothing - the “lull” I called it. I am a novice, a publishing virgin as it were, but I had gleaned enough of the process to know that craziness was acomin’! So I took advantage of those months, immersing myself into the Darcys and writing furiously. It was fantastic. So fantastic that it was like a cold slap of water in the face to have to put that creativity aside.

2009 had loomed in my mind for ages. That was the year when my fortunes would change. *she hopes* March (and then again in September) are when my first novels would arrive. In my enthusiasm there were moments when I thought the days would never pass! Then Father Time did his thing and the calendar flipped over – it was January and barely had the first week ended before my Inbox was inundated with emails: My publicist telling me about the guest blogs, interviews, and ARCs sent out; my editor sending me the first editing notes on my second novel; other Sourcebooks staff asking me for a synopsis, photographs, and book cover ideas…….

It was a bit overwhelming but thrilling nonetheless. I was forced to buy a planner as the small pocket-type calendars that I had used for years were inadequate. Fortunately I am blessed with extreme organizational skills. Alright, OCD! Call it what it is, Sharon! I probably spent way more time than necessary writing notes and studying each website I was to guest on, but I think it paid off in the quality of the essays I wrote. I had determined to do whatever it took, to go well above the requirement, exhaust myself even. I never wanted to look back upon this time with regrets or the fear that something I did or did not do had lead to the failure of my novel.

That is where juggling became a vital skill. Discipline became extremely important. I am a highly disciplined person by nature, thank God, but in my writing I had not been forced to apply the talent. I love to write of the Darcys and I love the research, so if anything the difficulty arose in pulling myself away from the laptop to do laundry or vacuuming – blech! But now I had serious timeline and deadline issues. On the upside, I also had a ready excuse NOT to do the laundry or vacuuming! Ha! The family fell for that one and pitched in big time….shhh!

I wonder how actual jugglers feel as they train and perform. Is it a combination of exhilaration as the items whirl through the air, moving with the precision they work so diligently to attain mixed with the heart-stopping, jittery anxiety that they will mess up with bowling pins crashing onto their heads and the audience laughing in ridicule? I have no idea (remember, she can barely throw a ball), but the analogy sound apropos. And then there is the possibility that an incredible feat of aerodynamic dexterity will be accomplished only to have the crowd stare blankly, utterly unimpressed. Ouch!

Now I am on the downward slide. It is March 18 and the book has officially been out for some 3 weeks but actually for sale since late January. The guest blogs are written and have mostly all posted. The bulk of reviews have come in. Essentially the marketing machine is running on its own steam.

And I have mixed feelings about it.

One the one hand it is a tremendous relief as I was frankly exhausted and literally my health was suffering. Plus, for nearly two months now I have been unable to even consider writing new material. Now I am able to turn back to what enticed and captivated me in the first place: writing of the Darcys.

Yet, on the other hand it is like when the party ends or the visitors finally leave. Bittersweet. I already miss the heady excitement and zeal. Will it ever be this way again? I’ll let you know in September, but a tiny part of me knows that an experience the second or third time around is never quite as amazing as the first.

So I am very glad for the notes and calendar markings and blog pieces and photographs. They are a solid reminder of this incredible period of my life, no matter what happens with my book. I think the bowling pins fell on my head a time or two, but I have learned so much and would not change any of it for the world.

Thanks, Sia, for hosting me. It has been fun to talk about me for a change rather than just my saga! LOL. But, just so everyone knows: “Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One” is available everywhere. Details about my debut novel and the entire series are found
on my website: http://www.darcysaga.net/




Sharon Lathan is a native Californian currently residing amid corn, cotton, and cows in the sunny San Joaquin Valley. 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!

A little bit about Sharon's journey in writing Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One:

Over Thanksgiving weekend of 2005 I entered a movie theater with my best girlfriend and teenaged daughter to watch Pride & Prejudice starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

To my stunned amazement I walked out of that theater not only sporting a heart swelling with romantic sentiment and warm fuzzy feelings running amok, but I would soon embark on a pathway that would change my life.

I spent two months reading everything by or about Jane Austen (including Pride & Prejudice), and perusing the scribblings found on the plethora of Austen related websites. Always I was searching for the tale of Lizzy and Darcy’s subsequent life as I imagined it. I never found it. Finally, almost as an epiphany, but with a heavy dose of self-amusement and doubt, I deliberated writing down what I saw flashing endlessly through my brain. Thus, on a lark and with nary a shred of future consideration, "The Wedding Night" was written as a short story. The positive response was enormous, so I continued on. Before I fully understood what I was embarking on, I was wholly immersed. Like Mr. Darcy and his love for Elizabeth, I was smack in the middle of it before I recognized what I had started!

"Two Shall Become One" was born.