Kara Louise knows what she’s doing when it comes to writing an Austen inspired novel. Her latest book, Only Mr. Darcy Will Do is hitting the shelves now. What does an expert in Austen adaptations really think about regency customs? And what do men really think about Mr. Darcy.
Where do your ideas come from?
If I had a hard and fast formula, I might be rich by now. Or at least have an idea for my next story. Having said that, I do have a couple ideas I’m playing with. Inspiration has come from many sources, mainly from Jane herself. In reading Pride and Prejudice (or another Jane Austen novel) over and over, I might see something that jumps out and makes me wonder, ‘what may have happened behind the scenes here?’ or ‘what if that didn’t happen?’ or ‘what if this happened instead?’ In coming up with the premise for OMDWD, I considered that in P&P Mrs. Bennet not only wants her daughters to marry well, but needs at least one to marry someone well off enough to be able to provide for the family if the unthinkable happens and Mr. Bennet dies. In OMDWD, the unthinkable does happen. I then have to think through all the ramifications of that and how it affects the family and the story.
I have also picked up ideas from other books, movies, songs, and even a trip I took. What I find really exciting, though, is to be in the middle of a book and have something come to me out of nowhere that adds the perfect element, tying things together. In OMDWD, it happened with the idea of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy enjoying a game of chess at Pemberley, and the conversation they have while playing. As they talk, there is hidden meaning unknown to those around them. In fact, it is so hidden that Elizabeth is not really certain Mr. Darcy means what she thinks he means! I have to confess, though, that I don’t play chess, and while I knew something about the game, I had to look up the rules. When I discovered a type of play in the game in which the pawn can actually become the queen, I was thrilled! It becomes a picture of someone low in society’s eyes becoming an esteemed person of the upper class. In OMDWD, Elizabeth has become a governess, so she is in an even lower station than she had been when Mr. Darcy first proposed.
What do you think men, in general, feel about Mr. Darcy? Have you encountered any opinions on the subject?
I can’t speak for all men, but I think most of them don’t get Jane Austen, let alone Mr. Darcy. However, I do know several men who enjoy Jane Austen (just found out about another one this week!), and I must give praise to my husband who has not only read each of my books, but most of hers, as well. As for his feelings about Mr. Darcy? Well, he recently got a personalized license plate without telling me, and I couldn’t believe it when I found out what it was. It was ‘FITZWM’. He tells people that he is to me what Mr. Darcy is to Elizabeth Bennet. Everyone say, “Ahhhhh!” If men were smart, they would look to see what women see in Mr. Darcy and perhaps try to change themselves for the better for their loved one as Mr. Darcy did for Elizabeth.
When it comes to Regency customs, what do you find most charming? What do you find most appalling?
What I love is the emphasis on manners and civility. We have lost so much of that today. Back then, people had to learn all the rules of behavior so that they would not act inappropriately in a particular situation. If they broke any of the rules, their reputation and standing in society could be ruined. Today, people pretty much think that they can do as they please, be as rude as they want, and treat others very inconsiderately. I think that is very sad.
What I find most appalling, however, is the way these same rules for good manners and behavior went far and beyond what was sensible and even fair, affecting how those in the upper classes would not tolerate associating with someone of a much lower class. There was very definitely a distinction among the classes and one was expected to know and behave in such a way that you do not cross that invisible boundary.
You have quite a few Austen inspired books under your belt, do you find yourself running out of steam when it comes to this genre?
I go through ups and downs. I have a couple other ideas for stories not related to Austen, another based on P&P, and then one based on a different Austen novel. Sometimes I feel like I’ve done all I can do, and then I’ll read something or get involved in a discussion, and I’m ready to keep on going!
Besides Jane Austen, who is your favorite author?
Last year I began reading Georgette Heyer’s books and just love them! I have read about 15 of them and definitely have my favorites, but I enjoy the ride she takes you on. Unlike Jane Austen, she was an author who was able to write a lot of books and there are still many more for me to enjoy! My husband has enjoyed reading her books, as well, and we would just laugh at some of the slang words she used to describe people and situations. I am looking forward to beginning my next one!
What's next for you?
Right now I’m waiting on word from Sourcebooks as to whether they are going to pick up any more of my self-published books. They had originally offered me a contract for Assumed Engagement, but when I told them I had just self-published Something Like Regret, they decided to pick it up instead (re-titling it Only Mr. Darcy Will Do.). I’m hoping they’ll come back and at least publish Assumed Engagement, as they had originally planned.
Read my review of Darcy's Voyage, another Kara Louise novel.
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