Life is not always as rose-colored as we would like in Regency England without modern conveniences. LAN: Both of your American heroines from each of your novels: Jane and Charlotte, escape a crisis in their lives and travel to England to enter a world that any Jane Austen fan would give their most cherished copy of Pride and Prejudice to visit. And I could call it all research! I love my job. I read lots of Agatha Christie as well as contemporary mysteries and relished gothic tales like Rebecca, The Haunting of Hill House, and Jane Eyre. I infused my reading with mystery and the gothic while writing this novel. Were there any mystery novels or authors that inspired you? Gothic fiction played an important part in Austen’s creation of Northanger Abbey. LAN: Midnight in Austenland is not only a romantic comedy it is a mystery, with spirited allusions to Jane Austen’s gothic parody, Northanger Abbey. I want to say more, but I’m afraid I’d get spoilery! I wanted Mallery to start at that place but mixed in a little more Rochester and Heathcliff–a dark hero with a bit more bite.

SH: Thank you! I was thinking about how Jane Austen was in many ways commenting on the gothic romances of her day in her stories, even with Mr. Can you give us any insight into your inspiration for his character and a preview of your deliciously moody hero? LAN: There are many interesting and entertaining new characters in Midnight in Austenland, but the standout for me was Mr. Wattlesbrook, the proprietress, and her handsy husband are there, and Colonel Andrews, whose parlor mystery game created the story that I couldn’t wait to follow. I love writing her dialog, and I felt like her character had more to explore. The idea made me laugh, so I had to do it. SH: Miss Charming, who was a guest in the first book, is still there. LAN: Do any of the original characters from Austenland make an appearance in Midnight in Austenland ? If so, can you share who and why you chose them? I was delighted! I’d never thought to return. That story became Midnight in Austenland. Then when I wrote up a character sheet for my co-writer, I stumbled upon a new story idea. SH: I was writing a screenplay for Austenland with Jerusha Hess and really enjoying returning to the story and the characters. This is the second time you have taken readers to that special place, Pembrook Park, the Regency-era theme park in Kent, England designed for Janeites. LAN: Thanks Shannon for joining us today to chat about your new Austen-inspired novel, Midnight in Austenland. She has graciously fit us into her very busy promotional schedule and answered a few probing questions about her new Austen-inspired novel, Midnight in Austenland, and the new movie in production of her first novel in the series, Austenland. Please help us welcome New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale. We have a special treat in store for you today.

Midnight in austenland