Jane Odiwe is an author of captivating sequels to some of Jane Austen's most beautiful classic works, an artist in her own right and a woman well deserving of what Mr. Darcy would consider accomplished. Living in North London and Bath, England, Jane Odiwe is situated in just the right place to produce brilliant works relating to Jane Austen.
Jane Odiwe on her new Book; Mr. Darcy's Secret
Suite101: Your newest book, Mr. Darcy's Secret, was just released. Can you tell us what scene in the book is your favorite?
Jane Odiwe: I loved writing the scenes in the Lakes when lots of the characters are appearing "onstage." I especially love writing the character parts like Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Caroline Bingley, and putting them into a setting they haven’t been before. It’s in these sections I try to inject a bit of humour, which I love writing.
Suite101:How did you make the effort to keep Mr. Darcy's Secret true to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice?
Jane Odiwe: Well, I love Pride and Prejudice. It’s that simple, and it’s very important to me that I stay true to the book. I’ve read the book so many times, I know it very well, and refer to it constantly when I’m writing a book that has so many of the same characters.
Suite101: What made you write more about Georgiana in Mr. Darcy's Secret and how did you choose such an appropriate secret for Mr. Darcy?
Jane Odiwe: I wanted to give Georgiana a happy ending because she had had a tough time with Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice. But, as Jane Austen likes to give her heroines a struggle, I wanted to do the same with Georgiana. Torn between duty and desire, she eventually follows her heart, but more than that, I shall not give away.
Jane Odiwe on her Writing
Suite101: How much research do you take on for your regency romances?
Jane Odiwe:I do a lot of research. Because Pemberley is in Derbyshire, and I wanted Elizabeth to also enjoy the trip to the Lake District, which she was promised, but didn’t quite get in Pride and Prejudice, I visited both fantastic areas. One of the best things about writing for me is the research, not only of the settings. In Mr. Darcy’s Secret, I referred to poetry and painting, the Romantic movement that was happening at the time. I do have to be careful because sometimes it’s easy to get completely carried away!
Suite101: Which book has been the most challenging to write and which book is your favorite? Why?
Jane Odiwe: I think Mr. Darcy’s Secret was the most challenging because I have a lot of beloved characters that people recognize, and I wanted to make sure I get them as right as I could. I held off writing about Elizabeth and Darcy for a long time – I wanted to be sure I gave them my best effort.
Suite101:Who has been your most challenging character to write?
Jane Odiwe: To be honest, I find them all equally challenging. One doesn’t really stand out from another.
Suite101: Are you planning to write another Jane Austen sequel? Can you tell us about it?
Jane Odiwe: I’m writing a book inspired by Persuasion at the moment, but it’s not really a sequel this time. I have a short story coming out in a lovely anthology called Jane Austen Made Me Do It, which has been compiled by Laurel Ann Nattress and is to be published by Ballantine Books in October.
Suite101: What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Jane Odiwe: How compulsive writing is and how important it is to me in expressing myself creatively. I’ve always enjoyed writing from when I was a small girl and never imagined that it would become such a large part of my life.
Jane Odiwe on Movies and Painting
Suite101: If you could cast your own Mr. Darcy and Lizzy in a movie who would you choose – and what about Mr. Butler and Georgiana?
Jane Odiwe: I’d have Richard Armitage as Mr. Darcy and Carey Mulligan as Elizabeth Bennet. I think Mr. Butler and Georgiana would have to be young actors just starting out – maybe unknowns.
Suite101:You are also an exceptional artist whose illustration book is unfortunately no longer available. Will Effusions of Fancy be available again anytime soon for fans who missed out on it, like myself, and can we expect any more art work from you?
Jane Odiwe: I have no plans to publish Effusions' again, but I’d never say never! At the moment I’m so busy writing, but it often works this way. When I want a break, I’m sure I shall go back to my painting.
Suite101:And last but not least, is there anything else you would like your readers to know about you or the books you write?
Jane Odiwe: I just want to thank everyone for the enormous support they give me, and for telling me how much they enjoy my books. Without readers, I’m sure I would still write, but it would not be half as enjoyable!
Jessica Hastings - Jessica Hastings is a published author/poet, professional reviewer, and avid reader. Schooled in journalism and creative writing, she ...
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