Everything I Learned about Writing Romance, I Learned from Jane Austen
Nov 7th 2009
Sabrina JeffriesGoddess Readers Speak Out & On Writing! & Sabrina Jeffries
Okay, maybe not everything, but a lot. And since her birthday is coming up in a month, I thought I’d share. For example, I learned:
Rich men need wives, too.- Nothing complicates a plot better than a wayward sister.
- Love should never be too easy.
- Nothing is funnier than a man of low degree who thinks too much of himself
- Even funnier is a woman of high degree who thinks too much of herself
- Weddings make satisfying endings to books.
- Sometimes the bonds of family chafe, which is where the hero comes in.
- Sometimes friends don’t know what’s best for you.
- Sometimes family does.
- Talking trash about a woman in her hearing is a guaranteed way to delay your HEA for … oh, at least 300 pages.
- Colin Firth, Matthew MacFadyen, and Jeremy Northam are HOT! Oh, wait, I didn’t exactly learn that from Jane, but it’s true.
So what have YOU learned from Jane Austen? For that matter, what have you learned from reading romance? The names of those who comment will be put into a drawing for an autographed copy of Snowy Night with a Stranger. And whoever’s comment I deem the best will win an autographed copy of the galley for my upcoming book, The Truth about Lord Stoneville.
77 Comments »
77 Responses to “Everything I Learned about Writing Romance, I Learned from Jane Austen”
B on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:16 am #
Ehh, I never really read Jane Austen. I know I should. Really! My mom tells me to all the time. I just never did! *hands head in shame*
I don’t read my romance either. Why am I commenting here? Because I like you, Sabrina, (I think you’re squeeshy, remember?) and your posts, and I wanted to say hi
Kim on 07 Nov 2009 at 3:52 am #
I’ve learned Rupert Penry Jones is also HOT — even hotter than Colin Firth in my books. LOL.
Not something I’ve learned, but the reason I love romantic fiction: No matter what “issues” the H or h has, no matter how wounded, how much emotional baggage, they are loved and desired for who they are. The characters manage to find partners who love, honour, respect and trust them, partners who will be monogamous for the duration, through all the ups and downs.
Real life is not so kind.
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 4:12 am #
B, I agree with your mom, you should read Jane Austen. I recommend it warmly to you.
I love Jane Austen too and Sabrina, I think like you, Colin, Matthew and Jeremy are very Hot and in my opinion, Colin Firth is the best Mr. Darcy… I love him in Proud and Prejudice and in Bridget Jones, especially the way he looks at her… mmmhhhmmm
Anyway here are what I learned from reading Jane Austen and romance stories:
- Love comes first
- I prefer the brown men before to the blondes or red-haired (well, I knew it before but reading romance confirmed it to me)
- The arrogance can be charming, only if the man who is arrogant is really… hot
- It’s better a strong man than another weak one
- It’s better to lose the virginity with an expert man who with one inexpert one (much better)
- It is important to learn to dance vals
- I didn’t know the “assets” that were the english private gardens….
- The cognac is a very famous drink
- And finally, I have learned that cannot be lost the hope, by many problems that you have, you will be able to surpass them. It is necessary to be POSITIVE…. (I think this is the main reason because romance stories make me happy)
Emmanuelle on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:08 am #
Loved your post !!
Well, well, well… what I learned from Jane Austen ?
Here is my take (in english
- Finding your perfect mate isn’t easy, for anyone. Even rich, gorgeous, intelligent men can struggle to find it.
- Drama (even just a bit) is essential to a good entertaining romance.
- Even silly ideas, like strolling around a room while men are talking just to be seen, can be helpful in acquiring a spouse.
- Lack of money and status don’t always prevent you from being obtuse and prejudiced.
- Kindness in a man sometimes hides a weakness of character.
- When you spend so much energy trying to find something, you often miss what is just under your nose.
- Brooding heroes are sexy (excuse the anacronysm please).
And at last,
- Finding love makes the best of subjects for a book. Why would I read one that isn’t a Romance?
Archer on 07 Nov 2009 at 6:43 am #
Sometime just touching hands can be extremely sexy
Must’ve watched Matthews version at least 50 times.
I have learned a lot of historical facts from reading romances. I read a lot of historicals and since I read mostly on my computer I look up a lot of things that catch my attention.
I am currently in Scotland and its so much fun to think of how it used to be in the 1800s
Lisa H on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:14 am #
I have nothing to add, but what a great blog Sabrina.
Lisa H on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:16 am #
Just encountered my first person who thinks writing romance is a bit beneath all other writing…I find this difficult to swallow especially because it is a person I have always held in high esteem… Somehow I feel there is a paralell between this and P & P…
Julia London on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:29 am #
A man in a suit of clothing with a British accent is adorable. Even the Willoughby’s of the world.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:36 am #
All right! Keep them coming! As you can tell, I’m not an early bird (well, sometimes I am, but clearly not today).
B, you read KarenR’s books and they have romance in them, so what have you learned from that?
Kim, I think that one’s really important–that people should be loved for who they are–and I’m proud that romance promotes that.
Trini, I LOVE your line that “arrogance can be charming… only if the man is really hot.” LOL!
Emmanuelle, this is SO true: “When you spend so much energy trying to find something, you often miss what is just under your nose.” We all do this in life far more than we should. We need to pay attention.
Archer, I confess that I love the Matthew version a lot myself. Not that I don’t love the Colin version, too, but I love them in different ways. Lisa H, there IS a parallel. Because inevitably people who dislike romance have ether never tried it or have very rigid ideas for what is “acceptable” fiction, and rigidity is never attractive in a person (see Lady Catherine–how’s that for linking it?
)
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:36 am #
Amen, Julia, amen.
LoriHandeland on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:43 am #
That even if you add zombies to her books they’re still funny.
Cail on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:14 am #
Great blog! LOL Lori! My friends have been reading all the updated Austin books. They’re apparently very funny.
I’ve learned a lot from Jane Austin (especially about the sexiness of men!) but what resonates the most is that few things are more satisfying to escape to than a witty tale of love and the calamities that lead up to the HEA.
Also, do not just a person on first appearances, true love comes with all manner of people.
alisha on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:26 am #
I have learned that there is hope for us all. The heroines Jane creates always have something about them that makes it difficult to connect at first with the hero. They may be prideful, or give of an arrogent aire, listen to much to what other people say….there is a variety of things. All which were not good in the time of the stories. Love grows over time, you might fall in like at first sight and think Hmm, I think maybe I could fall in love with this person. It is the journey to love that makes it so special. Mr. Darcy didn’t want to love Elizabeth, but there was that passion there beneth the surface. Emma had known Knightly all of her life, yet she didn’t realize her love for him till she thought someone else was going to take it away. I will restate what it is she taught me true love is worth the wait… If I was in Jane’s time I would be considered a bluestocking spinster firmly on the shelf. For that reason I glad I am in our time where being a bluestocking is not neccessarily a bad thing, and you can be over one and twenty and not be a spinster.
Tracy Pohl on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:41 am #
What I love about Historical romance is that at the end of a stressful day I can curl up on the couch and throw myself into 1800 London. By the end of the book I love how you’ve cried, laugh and even hated how stupid the male was being.
I think what I’ve learn is that it doesn’t matter what you look like there is always someone out there for you. I’ve read a few books where the girls weren’t what society thought was pretty or the toast of the ton but there was that one guy who saw something that he liked and went after it. Society hasn’t changed much over the yrs, girls are still expected to look a certain way, but when reading these books, I think it reminds women that it’s ok to look the way you do and know that there is someone out there that will look you for who you are.
Nancy Lee Badger on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:44 am #
I have never read ‘Pride & Predudice’. There! I have admitted it in public! All I have learned about Jane Austen is from the movies. P&P with Colin First is my favorite and I pop it in the laptop whenever I need inspiration while I am writing! But, please do not beat me because I JUST BOUGHT THE BOOK and plan to sit down and REALLY find out how well JA wrote in her young life, so long ago. The list you shared is completely true, and I can see a bit of influence in how you characters relate in your own books. Thanks for sharing!
alisha on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:15 am #
Tracy Have you read Oliva Parker’s new book. It is of the premise of the goodlooking hero who is in love with the wallflower with glasses. It is a really good book. It is called Too Wed a Wicked Earl.
Pesky on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:20 am #
*cough* I don’t think we should be discussing in public what I learned from romance novels…
Oh wait! I had a very enlightening discussion on “Man Hands” with the guys I hang with after reading one of Rachel’s books.
Helped me crack the man code.
Kathleen on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:41 am #
-I have learned that the “ton” have very dull lives and that they must gossip to keep from dying of bordem.
-You must have a skeeming mother to help find you that “rich” husband
- That life is full of misunderstandings and trials.
- That the good girl fall in love with the Rogue… and they always marry..
Jane could always do these things very well.
And I have to agree that Colin Firth played the best “Mr Darcy”.
I just finished reading such a book.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:49 am #
Several of you have said this in some form or another, but I think it’s true and bears repeating: there is someone for everyone, no matter how you look, no matter who you are. The trick is in finding that someone. And I will admit that that part is hard. It is, especially in this day of less person-to-person interaction. But I think it happens all the time.
Cail, when you say “updated,” are you talking about the Jane Austen zombie books? I still can’t bring myself to read one.
Alisha, I would definitely be a bluestocking in the Regency. And probably considered pretty scary, since I seem to speak my opinion at the most inopportune times.
Tracy, YES! I hope to remind women to be proud of who they are, whoever they are.
Nancy–no P&P? You simply MUST try it! Just remember that the style is not what we are accustomed to reading.
Pesky, cracking the man code is always good. I think it helped that I have brothers. I hear the “man code” all the time.
Kathleen, I do think good girls have a weakness for rogues. I certainly did. And that’s all I’m saying.
Kathleen on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:54 am #
Ditto Sabrina on those rogues…
Paula on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:57 am #
I agree with Kim, Rupweert Penry Jones is HOT, in fact so HOT he’s positively smoldering!!!
Freshechelle on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:59 am #
I learned:
It’s ok to have an unexpressed thought.
Gossip has a ripple effect.
Not every attempt to bait you requires a response.
Silence is golden.
Subtlety was gone out with decline of hand written correspondence.
Sometimes doing the right thing means you don’t win.
Empire waist lines can hide only so many gastronomical sins.
Not a lot of men can look good in double row button-front pants.
Paula on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:00 am #
Ooops!! that should be Rupert Penry Jones
Claudia Dain on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:06 am #
That first impressions can be dead wrong.
That gossip is corrosive.
That waiting for the right one is always better than settling for the convenient one.
Pesky on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:15 am #
Claudia! The last one is perfect! Sums up what I learned. It’s better to wait for Mr. Right then settle for Mr. Right now.
Maureen on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:24 am #
I’ve learned that family and friends should sometimes be seen and not heard.
There is no such thing as a convenient marriage.
Heroes should beware when their heroine is described as “high-spirited”.
B on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:28 am #
Sabrina, you just want to drag it out of me, don’t ya? I should stop here before going to bed (or just after waking up for that matter). I make no sense.
Oh, this will sound so corny, but, I’ve learned to have hope and to be patient. That even when I hate myself so much, there “could” be someone, a guy, willing to ‘teach me how to love’. Someone who would be willing to take the raw person I am, and help me to become something else. I read all these books with heroines as messed up (sometimes even more) and cold as I am, and they get the hot guys, so, why can’t I? I just have to make sure I don’t believe in it *too* much so I won’t be disappointed when I end up alone. But, yeah, hope is good. Told you, corny.
I know! There’s something I’ve learned from romantic suspense: the best way to forget about the serial killer who’s stalking you and killing people you know and love is to have hot, crazy, amazing sex on the kitchen floor (or about anywhere else, really).
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 11:16 am #
I need help, you know I’m spanish and my english vocabulary is very short…. please, be patient with me… so, there’s someone who could tell me the meaning of “LOL”???… I suppose that it is the abbreviation of several words but I can imagine what words are….. I am quite clumsy…. Thank you very much
B on 07 Nov 2009 at 11:19 am #
LOL = Laughing Out Loud, Trini.
English’s my second language, too. I’ve learned most of the English I know by reading books and watching tv
Gwynlyn MacKenzie on 07 Nov 2009 at 11:33 am #
Jane Austen taught entire generations love has no socio-economic boundaries, and that despite the penchant of the upper-ten thousand for dynastic marriages, true love does, in truth, conquer all. She also taught that sexy is not an overt flaunting but, rather, a subtle hint, a coy peek, that let’s the mind fill in the blanks. (Yes, Virginia, the human mind is still the most potent of all human sex organs—oh, and yes, there IS a Santa Claus!)
Janae on 07 Nov 2009 at 12:13 pm #
Great blog Sabrina!
There’s something about a man in uniform that’s highly appealing,regardless of his character.
If he doesn’t respond to your letters(or call, text, email – communicate), he’s probably not as interested as you think – poor Marrianne.
Primogeniture isn’t fair, but it’s great for the plot, especially when you have 5 daughters to marry off.
Claudia – the last one is SO true. I shudder to think of having to live with the odious Mr. Collins – or even hear him speak. Tom Hollander nailed him in the ‘05 adaption.
Kathy on 07 Nov 2009 at 12:35 pm #
hmmm. that arguing with someone can be great foreplay!
An my vote for 3rd hottest Darcy after Firth and MacFadyen, is Eliot Cowen.
Lost in Austen is quite sigh worthy.
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 1:08 pm #
Many thanks B
Madeline Hunter on 07 Nov 2009 at 1:29 pm #
That parents should listen when a sensible daughter advises against sending a flighty daughter off to Brighton. Sisters know each other better than parents do.
That not having gainful employment or a serious avocation can be burdensome and boring for anyone, male or female.
that my father, who identified rather too well with Mr. Bennett because they were both bookish and blessed with four daughters, was a saint.
Madeline Hunter on 07 Nov 2009 at 1:31 pm #
Mr. B had 5, of course, but they both had 4. Dad still though Jane had somehow time-traveled and based Mr. B on himself
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 1:33 pm #
Paula and Kim, who is Rupert Penry Jones? What was he in? What am I missing??
Fresh, I really need to remember this one when my brothers are around: “Not every attempt to bait you requires a response.”
Claudia, as always you are so right.
Maureen: “There is no such thing as a convenient marriage.” That is SO true! Marriage takes work, but it should be fun work.
B, nothing wrong with being corny! And yes, I do think hot sex is the cure to getting stressed over serial killers, LOL.
Gwynlyn, Jane was definitely the master of the subtle attraction.
Janae, I confess to having used the primogeniture angle a few times myself–it’s so much fun!
Ooh, Kathy, I keep hearing about Lost in Austen. I’m going to have to check it out.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 1:35 pm #
Madeline, spoken like a true sister! Yes, sisters do often know each other better than their parents do. And God knows I know my brothers better than my parents do!
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:02 pm #
Sabrina, Rupert Penry Jones… I knew him today too… He is a british actor and he is Capt. Wentworth in Persuassion… and I have to say many thanks to Kim for introducing him to me… I love this kind of movies and I didn’t know anything about this one… I saw the trailer and I can’t wait to see this movie. As I can see, Rupert is a great Capt. Wentworth….
Kim on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:35 pm #
Yes, Rupert Penry Jones starred in the recent version of Persuasion. He also was St. John Rivers in the 1990s version of Jane Eyre. He didn’t really catch my eye then, other than to think he was beautiful, but a decade has aged him nicely, given his face more character. His wife is a lucky, lucky woman — at least from the perspective of eye candy. He also was in Spooks, a British TV series that I’ve never seen, though I know his character was killed off. I normally don’t go for blondes, but I’d make an exception in his case. He’s the ultimate YUM for me. LOL.
BTW, no one has mentioned Ciaran Hinds, who was wonderful in the 1995 version of Persuasion with Amanda Root. He was older then, of course, but still dashing. And I loved Amanda Root’s Anne Wentworth; her performance was brilliant, IMO.
Kathy on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:38 pm #
Sabrina, if you’ve seen the Four Feathers, Mi-5 (also known as Spooks) you’ve seen Rupert.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0672303/
and if you gethe chance to watch Lost in Austen, do it!!! I’ve recorded it onto dvd so I can watch to my hearts desire
Lynn on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:42 pm #
I’m probably Very much cheating here — but I would really love to have a galley proof for my Sabrina Collection!! One thing I’ve learned from Jane Austen, which was actually vicariously through a modern-day young British lady, is that all writers need a moor to run across to chase away any angst that will not go away. There … you need to have moors for the heroines to turn to when the dashing young man is being a total irritation.
Kim on 07 Nov 2009 at 2:43 pm #
BTW, this is a great topic!
I have to disagree, though, about their being someone for everyone. I think whether you attract a healthy, loving relationship has a lot to do with where you are inside–your own emotional, mental, spiritual health. And frankly, fate or luck is involved too!
I can promise you that there isn’t someone for a long-divorced woman with serious trust issues, who’s now in her mid-40s with 30 extra pounds, sagging skin, crow’s feet, stretch marks and cellulite. (Me, of course.) It’s a very, very, very rare man who can look beyond the surface–at least in my experience. And frankly, middle-aged men are divorcing their wives to chase after the 20- and 30-somethings. That’s reality.
Bottom line: You need to be content with yourself first and foremost, because someone can enhance your life, but they can’t *make* your life, they can’t heal you, and they most definitely can’t make you happy. Once the romantic infatuation wears off, people return to the emotional and mental state they were at before the relationship, by and large.
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 3:35 pm #
I hope you like it… only for your eyes…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U2Qjre0jHs
Freshechelle on 07 Nov 2009 at 3:56 pm #
Kim, I’m a huge fan of the Hinds/Root version of Persuasion, the evolution of Anne from background to leading lady is so subtle and un-Hollywood.
Amy Pfaff on 07 Nov 2009 at 4:06 pm #
From Jane Austen and Romances, I’ve learned
* To expect happy endings even if you have to make them happen.
* People watching is an age-old past time and very entertaining.
* There is a little of Mr. Darcy and a bit of Mr. Elton in every true hero.
* It is possible to live by the pen, eventually.
And the number one thing I’ve learned from Jane Austen is to follow your dream, no matter what others think. Walk the path towards that dream and you will be successful.
amy
B on 07 Nov 2009 at 4:13 pm #
Kim, I didn’t learn this from romance (obviously!), but I have learned that happily ever after doesn’t necessarily involve a guy. There are many HEA in which the person is happy with themselves and where they’ve come in life. It’s like you said, *you* have to make your own happiness, because, in the end, if you’re not happy with yourself, it’ll end up affecting the relationship anyway. And, you know, maybe men aren’t *looking* for what you said, but there are many of them that would be happy if they found it. I know lots of people who got married again years after they got divorced — and with people their own age. Maybe you should move to Brazil
I believe in happy endings, whether they involve a man or not…
Noelle Pierce on 07 Nov 2009 at 4:31 pm #
I’ve been reading historical romance novels since I was 14 (we won’t get into how many years ago that was…) and I can truly thank them for two things:
1. My A in high school history. Somehow, when the history is the backdrop to a romance novel, I remember it. Not like those very boring, very stiff textbooks.
2. Raising my standards for men so I could toss the frogs before kissing them…and find my prince. I never settled and if I didn’t see a glimmer of what my romance men had in the guys I was dating, they were out. My dad called me fickle. Yet when I met my husband, I knew in a week. 10 years, 2 kids, 3 cats, and a dog later, we’re still going strong.
TrishD on 07 Nov 2009 at 4:40 pm #
Wonderful topic!
I’ve learned that you have to be true to yourself.
I learned that from reading romance… have never read any Jane Austen… hanging my head in shame.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:01 pm #
Trini and Kim, I think I SAW that version. Was it one of the new ones on Masterpiece Theater? If I remember correctly, I liked it, but I’m not sure. It’s been a while.
Kim, I confess I LOVED the movie Persuasion, too. It really is my favorite. The only thing is, Ciaran Hinds doesn’t wow me. But Fresh is right–Amanda Root does that transformation thing so subtly and well that I just adored her. I still re-watch that from time to time.
As for whether there’s someone for everyone–I do believe there is BUT I also believe some might prefer to be alone, and if they do that’s okay, too. I love and adore my husband, but if anything happened to him, I don’t know if I’d remarry. Not sure. I mean, it would be really hard to top him! But yes, you do need to be content with yourself. That’s most important.
But then, I’ve always liked the book a lot, too. My favorite Austen is probably P&P, with Emma and Persuasion coming in a close second, then Sense & Sensibility, then Mansfield Park, and then Northanger Abbey. Read them all years ago.
Trish, it’s okay you haven’t read them–but if you get the chance you should try! They’re all available free on the internet.
Betty on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:08 pm #
I have learned that I need to be true to myself first. There are many types of men out there and NOT just one “right” one. I have also discovered that you are never to OLD for love.
Paula on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:21 pm #
I am another who must shamefully say I haven’t read Jane Austen. I must get my act together and read her books but my favourite authors keep writing must read books that are in my TBR pile!!
barbara on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:32 pm #
I’ve learned that most real men just don’t measure up to the heroes in books. They are flawed, just like me.
Guess I’ll stay lonely and just keep reading.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:33 pm #
Trini, thanks for the link–you reminded me! Yes, I saw it and liked it a lot, and I certainly loved him. The only thing I didn’t like was at the end, where he gets her old home back for her. Um, you couldn’t do that in the Regency. If it was entailed on the cousin, then he couldn’t just sell it. But other than that, I liked it.
Here’s a link for all of YOU: http://www.cartenoire.co.uk/persuasion It’s Greg Wise reading the letter scene in Persuasion. Greg Wise, you may know, played Willoughby fabulously in the Emma Thompson version of Sense and Sensibility. Apparently, he played him so fabulously that he won the director’s hand, since he’s now Emma’s husband. *G* You might check the other readings on there, too. They had Richard Armitage reading, too, but it’s not up anymore.
Amy, it IS possible to live by the pen. Though it depends on how well you want to live sometimes. *G*
Noelle, thanks for that wonderful paean to romance! I certainly write in hopes that women will hold out for the hero, even if he’s near-sighted, pudgy, and has a big nose. Because the best men all have heroic qualities. I’d like to think the best women all have heroine qualities, too.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:36 pm #
But then, I’m widely known as a starry-eyed optimist!
Betty, you’re right. I do believe that there’s someone for everyone, but definitely not only ONE someone. And no, you’re never too old for love. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that everyone on here who’s looking for love finds it, because you’re all wonderful ladies who deserve to find it!
Barbara, flawed is okay. It’s the vicious or cruel or pompous ones you want to avoid. *G*
Kathy on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:36 pm #
I have a much-loved but unread 1955 pocket copy of P & P. unread because it reeks of musty mold. I have a severe allergy and would wheeze my way through the book. I have a modern copy to read.
the antique one is teeny and beautiful though.
BTW, I have another antique book from 1900 on China with photos of beheaded prisoners and unwrapped bound feet. fascinatingly morbid stuff.
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:38 pm #
Paula, have you seen any of the movies? We’ll count that. Although honestly, if you haven’t read Austen, you don’t know what you’re missing!
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 5:49 pm #
Lynn, it’s great to see you here! This is a fun blog, so be sure to come back. It’s not cheating at all for you to come here! (Just so y’all know, Lynn and I used to work together when I lived in New Orleans).
And yes, moors are handy things. Must put more moors in my romances.
Trini on 07 Nov 2009 at 6:59 pm #
Sabrina, thanks for the link. I think the Capt. Wentworth’s letter is one of the best love letters I’d ever read before….
Anyway here’s another link…. but now is a tribute to the women of Jane Austen…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lK7hVzkdX8&feature=related
I can’t avoid it, I really adore Jane Austen’s books and movies…
Jan Chalkley on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:09 pm #
OK – I hate to admit but I’ve never read Jane Austen – I have seen the movies. I guess everything I’ve learned about Romance writing has come from Sabrina Jeffries! (and Johanna Lindsey too.) My sixteen year old son’s required reading this past summer as “Pride & Prejudice” – I laughed when he told me it was a “Chix Flix” in book form. I think it’s ironic that Science Fiction is now reworking Ms. Austen works to attract readers with – “Pride & Prejudice & Zombies” and now because it sold so well – “Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters”. I wonder how Jane Austen would feel about these works?
Louisa Cornell on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:22 pm #
Great topic ! I started reading Jane Austen when I was nine and I haven’t stopped! What I have learned from reading Jane Austen / Romance Novels :
1. Every woman deserves a hero and shouldn’t settle for anything less.
2. Every woman’s idea of a hero is unique and so long as SHE sees him as a hero, that’s what he is.
3. More often than not we don’t fall in love as much as we travel to it. It’s a journey and if you’re lucky it never ends.
4. Mother isn’t always right. Sometimes she is just so darned persistent you THINK she’s right.
5. If you’re the smartest sister in the family the chances of any family member actually listening to you are practically NIL !
6. The richer the man, the more insecure he is about why a woman loves him.
7. Polite society in any age is more society than polite!
8. You will always know how to settle everyone else’s problems far better than you know how to settle your own.
9. Sometimes a man’s suitability can be improved exponentially by the depth and width of his adoration of you.
10. Happily ever after is not the end of the story. It’s just the beginning.
Samantha Grace on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:33 pm #
I learned from Jane Austen that witty dialog is a must. All the action in the world cannot make up for lame conversation. Oh, wait. Maybe I learned that from Cinemax After Dark.
Great blog. And I love Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is my favorite, but I also love Sense and Sensibility.
Lisa G on 07 Nov 2009 at 7:43 pm #
I loved you blog! Too funny! I loved Jane Austen! I appreciated them more when I grew older.
1. What I learned from her was that the oldest sister didn’t always get married first.
2. Being overly dressed doesn’t mean it’s underly sexy.
3. Good men always have their own sword.
4. In Austenville, one must be able to sing, dance, read poetry and play………. the piano (had you there,
didn’t I.
5. And most important. You can’t keep a good man down (I’ll let you figure that one out for yourselves
ladies!!!)
Heather on 07 Nov 2009 at 8:50 pm #
Oh — Austen — how I loved my college Austen classes. . .
I think I learned that some sisters really should be locked in a room cause they’re an embarrassment, but eventually, you’ll get your happily ever after anyway. And there is a difference between being perfect at something and being horrible, but passionate. Passionate wins out every time. And if you are absolutely certain that you will never ever want to marry — especially not the handsome, but partially stuck up guy you know, you will marry and it will most definitely be him.
I just wish I could find my paper on Romance and forced marriage in Austen. . .damn computer crashes.
Tina on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:07 pm #
I also have not read Jane.
I have seen a few of the movies, Emma is my favorite.
Louisa Cornell on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:11 pm #
Just found out that the lovely and talented Julia London will be the speaker at the Heart of Dixie Romance Writers luncheon in May ! SQUEEEEE !!!
stacey smith on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:12 pm #
Never Read Jane Austen.But I learned that your never to old to fallen love from Romance and to still keep your hopes up that you will meat the right guy some day.if your lucky.and all the lead man in the books are good looking.
sasluvbooks@yahoo.com
Sabrina Jeffries on 07 Nov 2009 at 9:41 pm #
Jan, glad to know you learned something from me!
Tina, the movies are wonderful (to varying degrees), so if you can’t read her, you can at least enjoy her stories.
Louisa, boy, you learned a LOT! And this one was great: 7. Polite society in any age is more society than polite! How true!!!
LisaG, I loved this one: Being overly dressed doesn’t mean it’s underly sexy. Amen, sister!
Heather, passionate does count a lot, IMO.
Stacey, I heartily agree–you are definitely never too old to fall in love again.
What great things we’ve learned from romance (and Jane), eh, ladies?
Pesky on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:06 pm #
I’m not sure if I learned this from Jane Austen or Into The Woods….
1. Ernest men aren’t always the most outgoing of people, but they mean what they say.
2. Prince Charming was raised to be charming, not sincere.
ladydawgfan on 07 Nov 2009 at 10:37 pm #
What have I learned?
1. Sometimes it’s okay to be a spinster, so long as you do so with character (or be a character while being a spinster . . . )
2. Family and friends are EVERYTHING when you are in trouble or lonely.
3. A pet can substitute for a friend, but never for a spouse.
4. ALWAYS remember to lock the drawing room windows (unless you are expecting a certain handsome Viscount or Duke to drop by in the middle of the night).
Patricia Barraclough on 07 Nov 2009 at 11:29 pm #
The first thing I learned, was I wish I had started reading them sooner. I’m sure my husband would have appreciated it.
I learned that good relationships manifest themselves in many different ways. They are all headed for the HEA, they just get there by a different road.
Pesky, I love your comment about Prince Charming. So true.
Have really enjoyed reading everyone’s responses. Thanks for a fun post, Sabrina.
Michelle B on 07 Nov 2009 at 11:34 pm #
Well, I am glad to see here that I am not the only one who hasn’t read Jane Austen. I’ll admit I have been tempted by Mt. Oly because Austen is mentioned a lot here and I should see what I have been missing. A couple of my book clubs always want to read a “classic” and that has bored me so I am a little gun shy.
What I have learned from reading romances is that there will be suffering but always a silver lining. That happy endings are a must. I love to escape into a historical romance, there is real comfort in knowing there will be a HEA. The ride getting there is always a thrill.
Karen Hawkins on 08 Nov 2009 at 12:52 am #
Great blog, Sabrina! I’ve learned a ton from Jane A. One of the biggest is this: the best humor has heart. She had such a delicate hand when it came to crafting a humorous scene or moment.
Patricia B, that’s a very astute observation. I think you’re quite right. I also like that in every book Jane A writes, her characters undergo changes/emotional growth. People can and do change — most of them do, anyway. There are always one or two that remain the same and they’re usually villains or not central to the plot. I like that!
TammyR on 08 Nov 2009 at 2:31 am #
I couldn’t resist adding a few after reading so many;
What I have learned from J.A.
1. The “Perfect” man is never perfect.
2. People only have the power to hurt you if you let them.
3. Love letters are so so so absolutely wonderful!
4. There has to be a villian! Without the villians in the world we wouldn’t grow to be who we.
5. Matchmaking is a serious business and should be left to a professional!
6. Beware the man who seems to have all the troubles and sad tales to tell!
7. And, don’t simply jump to conclussions about anyone, ever! (refer to #1.) *GRIN*
Sabrina Jeffries on 08 Nov 2009 at 6:52 am #
Pesky, I love #2! It’s so true.
ladydawgfan, spinsters with character are the most fun!
Patricia, you’re right–they do all get there by a different road.
Michelle, I won’t claim that Jane Austen is for everyone. Her prose can be occasionally dense. But they really are romances in the best sense of the word, and funny ones at that, so they’re worth the effort, IMO. You should make your bookclub read one! They are, after all, classics. *G*
KarenH, that’s so true–her characters do grow and change, which is one of her great strengths as a writer.
TammyR, I love #6!!! Yes, definitely beware the man with the troubles and sad tales to tell. So true.
Thanks, y’all for such great responses!
Cheryl M Kaplan on 08 Nov 2009 at 8:31 am #
What I learned from Jane Austen…
That all of us are dreamers…sometimes
That regardless of the era you live in, desires and actions may be similar…sometimes
That unmarried ladies who lived 200 years ago can be wicked (at least their thoughts)…sometimes
That a great story usually stays great, often stays great, most of the time is great, with Jane…always.
Cheryl in Central NJ
Jen on 16 Nov 2009 at 10:23 am #
I have learned that Brandy can cure any problem. Men almost never do what you want them to do at first even in a fictional book. You need to loose your chaperoning maid/mama/aunt/sister/dog, to have any true romantic moments.
But most of all I have learned that I love to get lost in a good story!
Louisa on 24 Nov 2009 at 5:34 am #
I learned more about my personality from Jane Austen. I discovered I’m a lot like Marianne Dashwood, and I like to think I’m a little like Tinker Bell as well. I only ever have one emotion at a time and they’re always in extremes. Mostly, I learnt that when it comes to love, you will never know yourself, Lizzie and Marianne both thought of themselves one way and the second they fell in love their entire personality changed. As for romance in general, and by the way I have been reading your books since I discovered Only A Duke Will Do when I was 14, is pretty one everything I know about love and sexuality. It was almost like having (or in my case not) the birds and the bees talk through the characters in the book.
Can’t wait to read the Hellions series!