Some time ago, I was perusing my social media feed, and an author with whom I wasn’t familiar captured my attention. And so began my interest in Martine Jane Roberts, otherwise known as the “Alternative to Jane Austen.” The fact that she crafts books in the style and time period of Jane Austen piqued my curiosity immensely. I reached out to her for an interview, and it is my sincere pleasure to share this talented author with all of my readers today.
RH: Please tell us a little about your background and how that led to you becoming an author.
MJR: I am the middle child of five, with two brothers and two sisters. I am a twin and am very proud of that. Twins run in the family, but seem to skip a generation. So, while I am a twin, it was my daughter who continued the tradition and had twin girls. I have been with Francis, my husband since I was seventeen. I have two daughters, and they each have two children. My paternal grandmother was a schoolteacher of English, and though she died when I was quite young, my father was well-educated and a voracious reader. I think it was from him that I gained my love of books and knowledge. At school, I was the girl who would turn a three-page essay into a six-page epic. As an avid reader myself, I was sometimes shocked that published books would have such poor storylines. I did not decide to write my first novel until I was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2014. With a lot of time on my hands, I decided to turn my passion for Jane Austen into a “what if” novel. That is how Mr. Darcy’s Struggle came about.
As you were not a full-time writer always, how did you make the change to becoming a writer?
I had dabbled in writing before, but nothing on the scale of a full novel. I had written a few articles for charities and private publication and kept my creative juices flowing by writing poems and odes for friends, family and work colleagues. However, being on bed rest for four months can be very tedious and mind-numbing. I read maybe a dozen Jane Austen alternatives, and suddenly my mind was full of scenarios of my own, all very different from the ones I had previously read.
What was the first book you published? Please tell us a little about how it came to be published.
My first book to be published was Mr. Darcy’s Struggle. Initially, I had no intention of publishing it. I wrote it purely for my own enjoyment. However, when a few friends and family read it, they said I would be crazy not to publish it. My biggest supporter, apart from my husband, was Lady Lacey Brooks, who supplied me with honest criticism and feedback.
Please briefly outline your other books that have been published and just a little about them.
I have six books published now; five Pride & Prejudice novels, and a small book of poems that I penned over the years. They are:
Mr. Darcy’s Struggle. Elizabeth refuses his offer at the parsonage, but somehow their argument escalates, and in the heat of the moment, they kiss. However, Mr. Collins arrives just at that moment, and they are forced into an engagement. Everything seems to be going perfectly, then Elizabeth gets another offer only days before their wedding. However, Darcy overhears them and assumes she is marrying him on the rebound.
Darcy to the Rescue. Mr. Bennet agrees with his wife and insists Elizabeth marry Mr. Collins, thus saving the family from the hedgerow, as Mrs. Bennet fears. Elizabeth tries to flee to Mrs. Gardiner in London, but it is snowing, and she misses the post coach. At that moment, the Netherfield party are also making their way back to London. In a blind panic, Elizabeth runs, thinking Mr. Darcy is a robber. She hits her head and falls to the ground unconscious, only to wake and find herself in a beaters cabin, snowed in, and with only Mr. Darcy for company.
To Love Mr. Darcy. Fitzwilliam Darcy can no longer ignore his feelings for Elizabeth Bennet and returns to Netherfield one week after leaving. However, their first encounter is disastrous and leaves Elizabeth in the same opinion of him as before. But Mr. Bennet insists on inviting him to dinner. While enjoying a brandy away from the womenfolk, Mr. Darcy confides to his host how he feels about Elizabeth. After some discussion, Mr. Bennet agrees that if Darcy can win Elizabeth’s love within a month, he will have his blessing. If not, he must leave Meryton, and Elizabeth, forever.
Mr. Darcy’s Proposal. With her father’s reluctant consent, Fitzwilliam Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet the day after the Netherfield Ball, but she is adamant in her refusal. Yet during his daily visits, as he slowly reveals his softer side, Elizabeth’s feelings begin to change towards him. Then, while on a visit to London to meet Georgiana, George Wickham appears, and with a secret accomplice. Their despicable plan threatens to destroy everything Darcy holds dear, including Elizabeth and Georgiana!
A Love Most Ardent. Fitzwilliam Darcy, encouraged by Elizabeth’s loving glances, sets out from Pemberley, intent on proposing to her for the second time. Unfortunately, he arrives at the Inn in Lambton just as Elizabeth learns of Lydia’s elopement with George Wickham. Powerless to make Elizabeth an offer while disgrace hangs over the Bennet family name, Mr. Darcy sets out to find the thoughtless couple and make them marry. But when he finds them, tempers flare, and someone is mortally wounded. Is it Darcy, is it Wickham; and where is Lydia?
SNOW! and Other Verse. This is a collection of twelve poems I have penned over the years. Some for my daughters, some for fun, and a couple of ones relating to my childhood. “Sweets” is one of my favourite ones because it has a twist at the end.
SWEETS
1.
Now I like sweets as much as any man
Sugar-coated almonds, or toffee in a can,
There is nothing I would really reject,
Though liquorice does have an unfortunate effect
2.
Now I like sweets as much as any girl,
Folds of melted chocolate that twist and twirl,
Blown rice puffs in every colour of the rainbow,
Perfect eyes and buttons for a man made of snow
3.
Now I like sweets as much as any boy,
Especially ones that have a concealed toy,
Chocolate-covered honeycomb that dissolves on your tongue
Another yummy treat for both old and the young,
4.
Now I like sweets as much as any woman
Almost as much as hotdogs by Trueman,
The chewy texture of a candy called Reece’s,
Though I wouldn’t share any of my yummy Piece’s
5.
Now I like sweets as much as all mankind
But I find buying them can be such a bind
Whether it’s toffee, honeycomb, or a tasty chocolate log
They are all out of bounds, for a sugar-hungry dog!
You are called the alternative to Jane Austen. How did that moniker come about?
I have always made my books available on the FanFiction site before I publish them on paying websites. I do this for two reasons. First, so that anyone who truly cannot afford to purchase a book, they are not excluded from reading my stories. Secondly, I have found most of the FF readers are very observant and will often help a writer with any inconsistencies or spelling/grammar mistakes the author may have missed. They are usually happy to help and be involved in the development of the book in return for getting it for free. It was on FF that a few kind reviews said they could almost hear JA saying my words. Also, I would like to think I am the alternative to JA because I have more freedom to express and explore the emotions and relationships of the characters, unlike Jane who was bound by the conventions of the day.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I have several WIP on the go at the moment–a children’s book, a non P & P regency romance, and my next Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet novel, which is only a few chapters away from completion. In this book, we go right back to the beginning, with Mr. Darcy being intrigued with Elizabeth right from their first meeting at the Meryton Assembly. However, it’s not until after she is engaged to Mr. Darcy, that Wickham warns her how ill he has treated him.
What is your typical daily schedule in terms of writing?
My writing schedule is very loose really. In the past, I tried to set aside some time every day for writing, with a minimum of 1,000 words my target. But I quickly learnt that creativity cannot be forced. But I do try to get at least 3,000 words a week. Having said that, when the creative juices are flowing, I have been known to write 5000 words in a sitting.
What is one author whose books you would like to emulate that you have not as of yet? Why do you choose that author?
I admire many authors, and apart from Jane Austen, I love Noel Coward. His versatility is amazing. From the comedy of Blythe Spirit to the drama of In Which We Serve, he never disappoints. I also enjoy reading Oscar Wilde and Lord Byron, but would not presume to aspire to their level.
I see you also like to dress-up in Regency style. What is your favorite dress-up of all-time for you?
I do enjoy dressing up. Every October 31st, I throw a Halloween party for family and friends. I have one rule; no costume, no entry, lol! We make brain jellies, worm cakes, and finish the evening off with some hot chilli and coconut rice. We dress the garden and house as a graveyard and usually have upwards of 100 trick-or-treaters. I am blessed with a husband and family that enjoy a day in costume as much as I do.
How does faith play a part in your life? Do you incorporate that into your books? Why or why not?
My faith is very important to me, but also very private. I was brought up a strict Baptist, but in my teens, I rebelled at the rigid routine and moved away from the church. Although I never lost my faith, it was almost twenty years before I returned to the church, deciding the Anglican faith suited me and my faith better. I think becoming a parent played a big part in me returning to church. I tend to not include religion in my books. As my readers come from all the corners of the world, I would not want to offend people of other faiths.
I simply adore the fact that Martine continues to write such winsome books that engender much pleasure from the fans of Regency Romance. Additionally, the idea that she hasn’t lost her penchant for dressing up is something that thrills me as well. In a world that is often too dour and serious, it’s a delectable treat to witness people like Martine, who are not afraid to relish this world in its fullest sense no matter how absurd it may appear to some. All too often, we lose that playfulness we savored as a child, and it is refreshing to witness just how much Martine not only loves writing tales of romance, but is also passionate about thoroughly luxuriating herself in all that life has to offer her. I am elated to delve into one of her novels very soon, and I hope that all of my readers will consider doing that as well. Additionally, I invite my readers to visit her links below, and Martine is sweet enough to even offer her books for free! Therefore, we have no excuse for not reading one of her brilliant books, and I encourage you to also consider following her social media accounts as well if you are so inclined. I am grateful that Martine was willing to share so much of herself, and I can hardly wait to see what other tales she writes in the months and years to come!
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