Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen : A Rational Attachment

A Rational Attachment by Lauren Gilbert

Publication Date: December 26, 2019

AuthorHouse

Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction

The daughter of a wealthy business man in York, Anne Emmons knows her father wants her to marry well. Anne, however, has always dreamed of marrying for love. Set in the Regency period, Anneâ€™s introduction to London Society is made difficult by her personal ambitions as well as her familyâ€™s lack of aristocratic connections. In time, Anne finds her way aided by family and friends and the surprising support of one of the Ton's leading figures. Will she succeed in finding the love she desires, or will she settle for a marriage transaction?

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An avid reader, Lauren Gilbert has always dreamed of writing books, and has written all her life. She enjoys non-fiction (especially history) and fiction alike. Favorite authors include James Thomas Flexner, Alison Weir, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and, of course, Jane Austen.

Lauren is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and has delivered presentations for chapter meetings, as well as a break-out session at the 2011 JASNA Annual General Meeting. Now semi-retired after a career spanning almost 30 years, HEYERWOOD: A Novel is her first published novel. Another novel, A RATIONAL ATTACHMENT, has just been released and a non-fiction work is in process.

Lauren is a contributor to the English Historical Fiction Authors blog, and has several articles in CASTLES, CUSTOMS, AND KINGS True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors volumes 1 and 2. Lauren Gilbert lives in Florida with her husband.

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1. The Regency period is one of my favorites to read about--how did you decide to wanted to research and write about this era of literature?

I grew up reading English authors with my mother and grandmother. English history has always intrigued me. The Regency period is interesting to me because it has much in common with our time: income inequality, job losses resulting from new technology, a desire for reforms struggling with conservatism, questions regarding the role of women…. When added to the beauty of the art, architecture, furnishings and fashion, and the glamour of Society, the Regency era is irresistible.

2. I visited York, England years ago, and I fell in love with the city. Have you traveled there, and if so, what were some of your favorite things?

I have traveled to England several times but have not yet made it to York (it’s on my bucket list). I did a lot of research, and have so many things I want to see with my own eyes! York Minster, the New Walk along the River Ouse, the Shambles, Fairfax House, the Jorvik Viking Center, the York Castle Museum and more. So much to see, so little time….

3. What or who inspired you to become and author?

My mother was a great reader and wrote poetry. She always encouraged me. I used to write books for my dolls.

4. Do you have any advice to give to upcoming novelists?

Write something every day, even if only notes of ideas and passing thoughts. Beware of predatory publishing companies.

5. I read that you are a member of the Jane Austen Society--how exciting! What do you love most about being a part of this wonderful group of people?

Our South Florida region and JASNA in general, is filled with interesting people with common interests. We not only study Jane Austen’s work, we study her life and time as well. The members of our local region present the programs, and the programs are a fascinating mixture that never fails to hold interest and provoke stimulating conversation.

6. I had the honor of visiting Jane Austen's home in Chawton, England--she is one of my favorite authors. What do you love most about her works?

The layers of character and meaning she managed to convey. I first read Jane Austen’s works as a teenager, and reread them periodically. Each time I pick up one of her novels, I find something I had not previous perceived. I love the books now as much as I did on first reading, but for very different reasons. The books in turn stimulate my curiosity about her life and times-she wrote for her contemporaries, who knew the jokes and the situations about which Austen wrote. The more I learn, the better I understand and appreciate her writing.

7. What books do you have planned for the future?

I am currently researching a non-fiction project due next year. I have also made notes for two novels: another set in Regency England, and a novel set in Tampa Florida at the end of the 19th century.

Monday, February 17 Review at Books and Zebras Interview at Passages to the Past Tuesday, February 18 Review at A Chick Who Reads Wednesday, February 19 Review at YA, It's Lit Thursday, February 20 Feature at I'm Into Books Interview at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen Friday, February 21 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Monday, February 24 Review at Passages to the Past

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