Just came across this essay by Michael Thomas Ford, author of JANE BITES BACK (Ballantine, 12-29-09) in The Huffington Post, and it made me laugh, so I had to share! Also, for a well-written review of the book, Laurel Ann at Austenprose has up a terrific one. Here's the beginning of Laurel Ann's review so you can get a sense of the story's premise:"Jane Austen's novels brim with irony, witticism, and in the end, a gentle reprove or two. It is why I love her writing. Few authors can deliver this dry, deft and wickedly funny style. Michael Thomas Ford is one of them.
His latest novel Jane Bites Back is more than a gentle joke, it is a sly wink at the Austen and vampire industry. The clever title alone tells us that Ford has more than a keen sense of humor. The story concept is even better. Nearly two hundred years after her reputed death and burial at Winchester Cathedral in 1817, Jane Austen is actually not dead, but a vampire living in Brakeston, a small university town in upper-state New York. As the owner of Flyleaf Books she watches with irritation and frustration as other less talented writers make a killing off her novels and characters with sequels, spin-offs and absurd self help books. To add insult to injury, Constance, the last novel that she wrote before her turning remains unpublished after two hundred years and 116 rejections."
LOL! What writer wouldn't relate to those 116 rejections?! And, um, what writer of Austen-related fiction wouldn't be able to imagine Jane's annoyance with...well, all of us who've messed with her characters and plotlines?
After having had a less-than-spectacular reaction to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES, I'm already far more optimistic about Ford's offering. The humor in his Huffo piece alone had me heading to Amazon to order a copy.
Hope your 2010 has been off to a great start!
17 comments:
I have Jane Bites Back on my wish list. I look forward to reading it.
This book looks like so much fun! Thanks for sharing :)
I just read the article. I'll wait for you to read Jane Bites Back and see if you like it. I do love the bit about the rejections. I certainly identify with that.
Hi Marilyn, Jane Bites Back is a gem. Michael Thomas Ford is a hoot! Glad you found him and enjoy the book.
Cheers, LA
Even though I'm looming dangerously close to a deadline, I took the time to read this book. It's very cute! Fast paced and snarky. I really liked it:)
Rain Maiden~Hope you'll enjoy it, too!!
Alita~I thought it sounded pretty funny ;). Thanks so much for stopping by!
Edie~LOL, I *know*... Poor, poor Jane, being among the undead and, to add insult to injury, getting rejections, too!
Laurel Ann~I'm really looking forward to reading it. Thanks for your wonderful review on the book--it really piqued my interest in the story :).
Maria~Oh, good! Another thumbs up for Ford. So glad to hear you liked it!!
Hi Marilyn, this sounds like a real hoot and as for Jane's imagined rejections um...I have about six times that right now-lol. I plan on bringing them all in for my workshop at Spring Fling. (I got that inspiration after your talk where you brought in your manuscript and galley's as visual aids.) Have a great week!
Oh, this looks delightful! And yet another book to add to the TBR pile. Ah well, such is life, no?
And 2010 is starting off wonderfully! A registration to Chicago North RWA's Spring Fling is just the ticket to get those juices flowing!
Oh my gosh! What a great premise - I love it! Thanks for the introduction!
Nancy~I was thinking the same thing about my rejection pile--I've got 'em in paper format, via email, etc., etc. WAY more than 116!!
Pamela~Did you not get my email with the gazillion !!!!!!! about you coming to Spring Fling?! I am SO excited to see you ;).
Robin~I thought it was a pretty hilarious premise, too! Hope you're having a wonderful week!
That sounds awesome. And definitely one of those "I wish I'd thought of that" things.
I love it. Thanks for the post.
Maureen~Me, too!! Can't wait for my copy to get here. ;)
Tina~You're welcome, First Sale Girl!!! (Congrats, again, sweetie! :)
Hi Marilyn
The mail just brought your wonderful prize package. That I won on your December contest. I'm very happy. Tonight it is movie night with lovely chocolates, yummy. Thank you so much!
Silvia
Silvia, I'm so glad it got there!! Hope you will enjoy your movie night and the treats, too. ;) xo
I can SO relate to the two year thing, too :O
I wonder how many twists on Jane Austen before it's saturated.
Hi L.A.~probably more twists than I'd like ;). I don't care what anyone says, I'm not reading about Sea Monsters--LOL!
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