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THE QUILL COLLECTIVE Series

We read in bed because reading is halfway between life and dreaming, our own consciousness in someone else’s mind. —Anna Quindlen

The Darcy Monologues bookcover
The Darcy Monologues
  • ISBN-10: 0998654000

  • ISBN-13: 978-0998654003

  • Kindle, paperback, hardcover, audiobook, Whispersync

"You must allow me to tell you..." For over two hundred years, Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy has captivated readers' imaginations as the ultimate catch. Rich. Powerful. Noble. Handsome. And yet, as Miss Austen's Pride and Prejudice is established through Elizabeth Bennet's fine eyes, how are we to know his mind? How does Darcy progress from "She is tolerable: but not handsome enough to tempt me" to "I thought only of you"? In this romance anthology, fifteen Austen-inspired authors assemble to sketch Darcy's character through a series of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times—from faithful narratives to the fanciful. Herein The Darcy Monologues, the man himself reveals his intimate thoughts, his passionate dreams, and his journey to love—all told with a previously concealed wit and enduring charm. Stories by: Susan Adriani * Sara Angelini * J. Marie Croft * Karen M Cox * Jan Hahn * Jenetta James * Lory Lilian * KaraLynne Mackrory * Beau North * Ruth Phillips Oakland * Natalie Richards * Sophia Rose * Joana Starnes * Melanie Stanford * Caitlin Williams

Publish date: May 2017

Rakes and Gentlemen Rogues book cover
Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues
  • ISBN-10: 0998654019

  • ISBN-13: 978-0998654010

  • Kindle, paperback, hardcover, audiobook, Whispersync 

“One has all the goodness, and the other all the appearance of it.” —Jane Austen


Jane Austen’s masterpieces are littered with unsuitable gentlemen—Willoughby, Wickham, Churchill, Crawford, Tilney, Elliot, et al.—adding color and depth to her plots but often barely sketched. Have you never wondered about the pasts of her rakes, rattles, and gentlemen rogues? Surely, there's more than one side to their stories.
It is a universal truth, we are captivated by smoldering looks, daring charms ... a happy-go-lucky, cool confidence. All the while, our loyal confidants are shouting on deaf ears: “He is a cad—a brute—all wrong!” But is that not how tender hearts are broken...by loving the undeserving? How did they become the men Jane Austen created?

In this romance anthology, eleven Austenesque authors expose the histories of Austen’s anti-heroes. Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues is a titillating collection of Georgian era short stories—a backstory or parallel tale off-stage of canon—whilst remaining steadfast to the characters we recognize in Austen’s great works.

What say you? Everyone may be attracted to a bad boy…even temporarily...but heaven help us if we marry one.

Stories by: Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Amy D'Orazio * Jenetta James * Lona Manning * Christina Morland * Beau North * Katie Oliver * Sophia Rose * Joana Starnes * Brooke West * Foreword by Dr. Claudine di Muzio

Publish date: November 2017

Rational Creatures book cover
Rational Creatures
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-9986540-6-5

  • Kindle, paperback, hardcover, audiobook, Whispersync 

“But I hate to hear you talking so, like a fine gentleman, and as if women were all fine ladies, instead of rational creatures. We none of us expect to be in smooth water all our days.” —Persuasion

 

Jane Austen: True romantic or rational creature? Her novels transport us back to the Regency, a time when well-mannered gentlemen and finely-bred ladies fell in love as they danced at balls and rode in carriages. Yet her heroines, such as Elizabeth Bennet, Anne Elliot, and Elinor Dashwood, were no swooning, fainthearted damsels in distress. Austen’s novels have become timeless classics because of their biting wit, honest social commentary, and because she wrote of strong women who were ahead of their day. True to their principles and beliefs, they fought through hypocrisy and broke social boundaries to find their happily-ever-after.

 

In the third romance anthology of "The Quill Collective" series, sixteen celebrated Austenesque authors write the untold histories of Austen’s brave adventuresses, her shy maidens, her talkative spinsters, and her naughty matrons. Peek around the curtain and discover what made Lady Susan so wicked, Mary Crawford so capricious, and Hetty Bates so in need of Emma Woodhouse’s pity.

 

Rational Creatures is a collection of humorous, poignant, and engaging short stories set in Georgian England that complement and pay homage to Austen’s great works and great ladies who were, perhaps, the first feminists in an era that was not quite ready for feminism.

 

“Make women rational creatures, and free citizens, and they will become good wives; —that is, if men do not neglect the duties of husbands and fathers.” —Mary Wollstonecraft

Stories by: Elizabeth Adam * Nicole Clarkston * Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Amy D'Orazio * Jenetta James * Jessie Lewis *  KaraLynne Mackrory * Lona Manning * Christina Morland * Beau North * Sophia Rose * Anngela Schroeder * Joana Starnes * Brooke West * Caitlin Williams * Foreword by Guggenheim Fellow and Austen scholar Devoney Looser

Publish date: October 2018

Yuletide book cover
Yuletide: A Jane Austen-inspired Collection of Stories
  • ISBN 978 0 9986540 9 6
  • E-book, Paperback, Audiobook, Whispersync
 
“I went up to the Great House between three and four, and dawdled away an hour very comfortably...” –Jane Austen

A holiday short story anthology with some favorite Austenesque authors, Yuletide is inspired by Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, and the spirit of the season. Regency and contemporary alike, each romance was dreamt to spark love, humor, and wonder while you dawdle over a hot cup of tea this Christmas.

Stories by: Elizabeth Adams * J. Marie Croft * Amy D’Orazio * Lona Manning * Anngela Schroeder * Joana Starnes * Caitlin Williams

All proceeds to benefit Chawton Great House in Hampshire, former manor of Jane Austen’s brother Edward Austen Knight and now the Centre for the Study of Early Women’s Writing, 1600-1830.
Publish date: November 2018

Elizabeth Obstinate Headstrong Girl book cover
Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl
  • ISBN 978-0998654058
  • E-book, Paperback, Audiobook, Whispersync
 
“Obstinate, headstrong girl!”
For over two hundred years, the heroine of Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet has enchanted and inspired readers by being that “obstinate, headstrong girl” willing to stand up to the arrogance and snobbery of her so-called betters. Described by Austen as having a “lively, playful disposition,” Elizabeth embodies the perfect imperfections of strong-willed women everywhere: she is spirited, witty, clever, and loyal.
 
In this romance anthology, ten Austenesque authors sketch Elizabeth’s character through a collection of re-imaginings, set in the Regency through contemporary times. In Elizabeth: Obstinate, Headstrong Girl, she bares her most intimate thoughts, all the while offering biting social commentary about life’s absurdities. Elizabeth overcomes the obstacles of others’ opinions, not to mention her own flaws, to find a love truly worthy of her—her Mr. Darcy—all with humor and her sparkling charm. “I think her as delightful a character as ever appeared in print…” wrote Jane Austen in a letter to her sister Cassandra, January 1813―and we think so too!
 
Stories by: Elizabeth Adams * Christina Boyd * Karen M Cox * J. Marie Croft * Amy D'Orazio * Leigh Dreyer * Jenetta James * Christina Morland * Beau North * Joana Starnes * Foreword by NY Times & USA Today bestselling author Tessa Dare  
Publish date: February 2020 

Praise for THE DARCY MONOLOGUES

...there really is something here to suit all tastes, and to delight any diehard Darcy fan. —Jane Austen Regency World Magazine 

Written with expressive prose, thoughtful renderings, and charm, this anthology gives readers an intimate look into the thoughts and feelings of the illustrious and proud Mr. Darcy. Who wouldn't want to spend more time in Darcy's head?!? Austenesque Reviews (FAVORITE READS of 2017; also, Austenesque Reviews READERS' CHOICE FAVORITES) 


...an extraordinary piece of literature written by a very talented group of authors and edited by someone who knows exactly what the readers are looking for. From Pemberley to Milton (2017 FAVOURITE BOOKS)
 

There's nothing more addictive than a collection of fresh, heartwarming stories about one of the most beloved classic book boyfriends. Prepare to fall in love with Mr. Darcy over and over again. —Of Pens and Pages (2017 FAVORITE READS) [of audiobook] ...this is the closest I can get to have him whispering sweet nothings in my ear and thoughts I imagined Mr. Darcy would say. Of Pens & Pages 

From the angst to the swoons, this book delivers! 
Margie's Must Reads (TOP TEN OF AUSTEN 2017)
 
...will make readers weak in the knees...deftly portrays an endearing and passionate Darcy.
Diary of an Eccentric (TOP TEN FAVORITE BOOKS of 2017)
 
What a fantastic group of authors, each delivering their own delightful spin of Darcy from his point of view...
More Agreeably Engaged (FAVORITE ANTHOLOGY of 2017)

 

...best thing about the book, it doesn't ruin the characters. It doesn't make Darcy into someone else. Silver Petticoat Review 

...not only is this something I will be reading over and over again, I can already think of several propel who will be receiving this as a birthday or Christmas gift. Jane Austen Runs My Life

Top Picks of 2017 Babblings of a Bookworm

Praise for DANGEROUS TO KNOW: Jane Austen's Rakes & Gentlemen Rogues

For everyone who harbours a soft spot for a rogue, this entertaining anthology of "back stories" and parallel narratives really hits the spot. Jane Austen Regency World Magazine

...start to finish, insightful, brilliantly plotted, and layered with that terrific combination of emotive tension and dry humor that Austenesque readers find so entertaining. Just Jane 1813

 

I know this was a book about the gentlemen, but I was very taken by some of the female characters, that on many occasions were the perfect match for the men. authortranslatorOlga 

I tried to pick a favourite story, but I couldn't as there are at least 5 which could qualify for the 1st prize. Obsessed with Mr. Darcy

...scoundrels and gave them new life! I mean really, who here doesn't LIVE to LOVE a bad boy? Margie's Must Reads (TOP TEN OF AUSTEN 2017)

Redemption is a difficult word for characters that you have already "judged" but some of these stories are difficult to ignore... My Vices and Weaknesses

I also appreciated the fact that not all these characters were redeemed, and not all lived their lives happily-ever-afterthey can't be like Jane Bennet and make them all good. I admired the honesty about characters and their natures, but I must admit, my romantic heart loved seeing some tender tales of how the love of a good woman can irrevocably change a man. Austenesque Reviews (BEST OF 2017)

...what surprised me is the ability of these authors to make me feel some compassion for the characters I love to hate, like the heartache experienced by George Wickham and Tom Bertram in their stories, which emphasized the complexity of Austen's characters. Still others will never change, but I felt like I understood their motivations a bit more. Diary of an Eccentric

Even if we hate the characters about whom we are reading, we are still captivated by their story...it is not so much about the characters but about their stories and Austen's world. From Pemberley to Milton

Praise for RATIONAL CREATURES

This impressive anthology introduces the works of 16 gifted Jane Austen–inspired authors, whose short stories reimagine adventures of Austen’s characters and glow with the beloved novelist’s timeless blend of romantic intrigue, witticisms, and biting social commentary on...While these reimagined characters’ domestic situations vary—unmarried, married, widowed, spinster—they are Austen-esque in principle, desiring men who respect their intellect and strong character. Each author’s style matches the elegance of the Regency period; Austen fans will be pleased. —Publishers Weekly 

Imaginative cornucopia...16 writers who together celebrate Jane Austen's 'strong women'—and it's a satisfyingly strong collection...comical, disturbing, moving. —Jane Austen Regency World magazine 

Audiobook: Victoria Riley effortlessly transports listeners to England and brings to life all these amazing characters. Each story and character within has its own voice so there is no confusion on who is speaking which creates an enjoyable listening experience. The pacing, the emotion, and the articulation are done well for an almost flawless performance. —InD'Tale Magazine

Praise for YULETIDE: A Jane Austen-Inspired Collection of Stories 

This anthology was the perfect book to finish my year, it is diverse with a little bit of everything but also consistency in the quality of the writing and the ability to keep the reader engaged. From Pemberley to Milton, Favourite Books of 2018

...like snowflakes, each story of this collection is wonderfully unique and distinctly beautiful! And the whole collection together is an enchanting and exquisite Christmas scene that truly is a generous gift to all. Austenesque Reviews

...readers who are addicted to the Hallmark Channel Christmas movies will expect there to be plenty of treacle and twee, while those who prefer the deeper message of A Christmas Carol will require some substance. I am happy to say that there is a mixture of sentiment and parable in YULETIDE...plotting, character development, and resolution was textbook and really made their stories sing. For me, they were the big red bow that made this anthology a gift. Austenprose

This is a must-read if you love Pride & Prejudice-inspired stories, and it would make a perfect Christmas gift for the JAFF fan in your life. 
Diary of an Eccentric 

Praise for ELIZABETH: OBSTINATE, HEADSTRONG GIRL 

A wonderful collection for Elizabeth Bennet admirers everywhere. Mimi Matthews, USA Today bestselling author

The Quill Ink has done it again, in a splendid anthology of new stories reimagining the most delightful creature ever to appear in print. 
Devoney Looser, author, editor, Guggenheim Fellow

Austen fans, you are in for a treat. 
Marilyn Brant, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

...enjoy following one of Jane Austen's favourite heroines as she is superbly portrayed across a selection of tales set from the Regency era to the present day. 
Cass Grafton, bestselling author 

...all beautifully written. Each one feels true to the time in which it is set...a fun and interesting collection of stories that take a different look at characters we all know and love. 
Readers' Favorite
 
Edited by Christina Boyd, Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl is an endearing and spunky anthology of short stories by a group of fine writers whose understanding of Elizabeth shines. Readers will fall in love with our obstinate, headstrong girl in all her many avatars including suffragette, a football expert and speech pathologist in training, a stage actress breaking into films at Pemberley Pictures, a teenage Elizabeth looking for love in the wrong places as well as much older and wiser Elizabeth who muses on the love of her life, Mr. Darcy.  A cozy and heartwarming read, Elizabeth: Obstinate Headstrong Girl is a worthy companion to Boyd's earlier anthology The Darcy Monologues
Soniah Kamal, award winning author

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