Q & A

In fact, it is preferable. SLUT IT UP!!

(at least they got one thing right in Becoming Jane)

Q & A

You remind me of a young woman who was once very unsure of herself. No one ever supposed Fanny Price to be a heroine. She was poor and often considered plain by her wealthier relations. But of course, there’s more to being a heroine than having money and conventional beauty.

Fanny’s journey is about gaining confidence in herself and her convictions. By the end of Mansfield Park, she has to be up front about her sense of self worth. We learn that loving oneself first will lead to the inevitable reward of being able to share love with another. Realize that you have the right to go after what you want no matter what society tells you is out of your reach due to shallow considerations.

I hope that you will soon see your own beauty and brilliance (for, I flatter myself, if you are reading my novels, you must be very bright indeed). On your journey, try getting in touch with this boy to catch up on ‘old times.’ Use these modern social networking sites to write notes/messages to him on occasion. Get to know each other once again! You never know what love could blossom from there.

Q & A

As I wrote to my niece, Anna, who asked me the same question, ““Three or four families in a country village is the very thing to work on.” Write about something you know well or can do research on. Do not write out of your depth. Any inconsistencies will distract from plot and character. Simple, real people in realistic situations.

Q & A

Ah, a non-romantic question! :)

How long have you been at your university? Do you feel like you have given it a chance? More than a semester or a year? If so and you are still not happy with your program, then MAKE HASTE and transfer to do something/be somewhere you love. If you do experience any trouble during the transfer process, you’ll hardly remember it once you’re in your new program, loving life.

Q & A

Firstly, pretend for a moment that he is not an older man. Ask yourself if you are attracted to him mostly due to his seniority over you. This type of dominance could hurt you over time if you do not protect yourself.

Then evaluate the potential relationship like you would with any other person. Is he in love with you? Are either of you married? Would being together cause more hurt or happiness to both of you and those around you? You should have a nice balance of sense and sensibility. Love who you will as hard as you possibly can, but make sure that it will be worth it in the long run.

And if you ultimately feel that being together would be a positive experience for both of you, I say TAP IT.

Q & A

Many literary critics draw parallels between the experiences of contemporary queer people and those of 18th/19th century ladies and gentleman. My novels are filled with characters who love but are hindered by class, finances, and families who disapprove of a match on those bases. Exchange economy for sexuality, and you have the 21st century LGBTQ experience.

Imagine yourself as Anne Elliot. You are in love with someone who your family and society says you shouldn’t be in love with. But don’t let yourself be persuaded out of your love and your sexuality, because we all know that did not make Anne and Frederick happy in the slightest. They made the mistake of trying to live up to societal standards and ended up living seven miserable years without each other.

If your family loves you and is worthy of your love in return, they will eventually see that you are happiest when you are true to yourself and your feelings. And if they want to keep you in their lives, they will learn to love who you love completely, without coolness. Be strong. The best thing you can do to persuade people out of prejudice is to be the happy, wonderful person you are.

Q & A

My quill. It makes an excellent weapon to do away with pesky tumblr trolls…

Q & A

Have you ever read the metaphysical poets? John Donne suggests that love for another person can reach far beyond that of physical affection. The physical can be very important to many relationships, but it is not absolutely necessary. In my own life, I did not have the option of constantly being around those I loved, therefore correspondence proved to be a more than adequate way to keep certain people in my thoughts (and hopefully me in theirs). One of my closest friends was a governess who had to move far away from me, and because of our limited freedom/finances, we were not able to see each other. I wrote to her until the day I died.

Remember, your love is no less important or real. In fact, you may be connecting with this person more so than people who do have the option of seeing each other physically every day.

Also, I hear that you all have these nifty little things called phones and webcams. If you ever want to pursue the physical in your relationship, use technology and your imagination. ;)