Meet Debut Author Sharon Lathan

Sharon Lathan describes herself as the “average American woman.” In one area, however, she’s anything but. Her love of Pride and Prejudice knows no bounds, as the title of her debut novel proves. Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One, the first book in her Darcy Saga, was released by Sourcebooks on March 1, 2009. She’s contracted for an additional four titles.

Sharon is a native Californian currently living amongst the orchards, cotton, corn and cows of the sunny and hot San Joaquin Valley. She’s been married to her own version of Mr. Darcy for over 23 years. Their daughter is in college and their son in high school. A cat, a dog, and a ton of fish round out the picture.

By profession, Sharon is a Registered Nurse. For the bulk of her twenty-five-year career, she’s specialized in Neonatal Intensive Care. She adores the tiny babies and thrills at the excitement of high adrenaline in a field she finds incredibly rewarding.

When not at the hospital or attending to the oft times dreary tasks of homemaking, Sharon is generally found reposing in her comfy recliner with her faithful laptop. She somehow finds time to read books written by other authors, see the occasional movie, keep up on her favorite TV shows, teach preschoolers at her church and enjoy the life gifted to her.

Join me as we learn more about Sharon and her journey to publication.

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Sharon’s Journey Begins

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•Your journey is unique. Unlike many writers, you didn’t harbor a burning desire to tell stories. In fact, your desire to write wasn’t sparked until Thanksgiving 2005. What happened at that time?

It is still somewhat of a mystery to me! I saw Joe Wright’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, absolutely loved it, and before I gave the miracle any serious thought, I was writing fan fiction! Everything about that movie, from a cinematic standpoint, is brilliant to me. It touched me in a way no movie ever has and utterly captured my heart. I talk about this at length on my website, so won’t bore your readers here!

•Wow! Sounds like you were seriously smitten with Darcy. You’re in good company. Jane Austen’s hero has secured a spot in many a romance reader’s heart. What did you do with your newfound love?

Indeed, I was smitten with Mr. Darcy! LOL! But of course it wasn’t just him. As amazing as Matthew’s portrayal of this iconic character is, it was the entire story that overwhelmed me. Specifically in how it was brilliantly captured on film, but also in how the original was written. I fell in love with Austen, the world of Regency England, and romance all in one fell swoop. The story of happily-ever-after could not be contained inside my brain and heart, so I wrote. The online community of JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction) gave me the confidence to tell my vision, the place to share it, and the support to keep going.

•I understand a day came when you realized you had more to say than could be dealt with in a few chapters and decided to write a book. When did this take place and what were your feelings at the time?

Originally, it was simply a matter of necessity. The dozen chapters/short stories I had written were following a pattern and needed a cohesive name. Two Shall Become One was my first title, but I did not think of it as a “book” for a very long time. And by then I had enough material for three books! As you said before, my journey is a bit unique. Frankly I was totally clueless.
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Sharon’s Process

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•Any writer must perform research, especially one writing stories set in another time and place. How did you go about conducting yours? Do you do most of your research before you start your stories or on an as-needed basis?

It has largely been on an as-needed basis. By nature I am not a halfway kind of gal, so I never wrote a single word without carefully considering and researching it. But in the early days of just having fun, I wasn’t as precise. My innate love of history aided me over time. The more I read, the more I loved the Regency world. The more I learned, the more I poured into my writing. What I learned took the story into organic directions, but there were also many rewrites of early material!

•You face a major challenge. Your story centers on characters beloved for nearly two hundred years. How much time did you spend getting to know Austen’s stories and characters before beginning your saga? Do you add characters of your own?

I have gradually found the balance in respecting and following Austen’s creation while also forming my own interpretation and world. It is indeed a tremendous challenge that all JAFF writers face. But in the end these characters become mine; the unique story is mine; the voice is mine. I am not Jane Austen. I am Sharon Lathan. And, yes, I have a load of characters created entirely by me.
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Soaring to the Heights

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•You met with some success early in your foray into fan fiction. How did the favorable feedback of your online Austen-ophile buddies come into play?

It was the 100% incredible, overwhelming positivity that kept me going. I have hundreds of devoted fans, many who are now dear friends, whose constancy lifted me up above my doubts and the criticism.

•After several unsuccessful attempts to sell your saga, you decided to self-publish. What led to this decision, and how did it feel to see your books “out there?”

Ignorance of the business was the biggest impetus to self-publish. That and a lingering self-doubt due to how suddenly my desire to write hit me. I honestly figured it was just a fluke! Why not get this epic I had written out there for a few folks who would want a book in their hands rather than on a computer screen? And, I am a very impatient, take-charge, STAT kind of woman. I have to confess, seeing your hard work in a bound form, no matter how it gets that way, is thrilling beyond words.

•Although you’d given up hope of attracting the attention of a traditional publisher, you had a wonderful surprise in store. On June 25, 2007, Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks-Casablanca called to make you an offer. However, I understand you almost slept through The Call. Please share this story complete with the sensory detail and emotions we writers love.

The complete story? LOL! OK: The two emails received from Deb (before she read the manuscript) were positive, but the honest truth is that I never really expected her to say yes.

On the day in question, I had worked the night before and was sound asleep. Now, after 20 years on the night shift, my kids know that they are NEVER to wake me unless, 1- the house is on fire, or 2- a limb has been severed! So my daughter dutifully took the message, writing it on the frig board.

By a total bizarre, or I think Divine, coincidence, my husband came home for lunch that day. This is a very rare occurrence, mind you, as he works 30 minutes from home. He took one look at the message and started shouting. “Did you wake Mom?!” When the answer was a decided, “Are you kidding me? Wake Mom and face instant death?” he rushed into the bedroom screaming and thrusting an already ringing phone at my ear.

Well, I was largely incoherent, but I do vividly recall Deb saying, “I love your book and want to publish it.” Luckily she repeated it many times and we still laugh over how insane I was in our first conversation!

•You’ve received some glowing reviews. Which have meant the most to you?

They are all so special to me that I am not sure I can pinpoint any one. In general, it is simply knowing that my tale of happiness and positive life has brought a measure of joy to a reader. I love it when a reader “gets it” – that is, they comprehend that I love these characters and only want to give them the life I believe Jane would have wanted for them. I want the reader to feel warm, hopeful, and satisfied when they finish my book, and most people do. This author asks for nothing more.
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Plunging to the Depths

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•Between your online success and your sale to Sourcebooks, you dealt with rejection. You’d even given up on going the traditional route. What was life like in this down time? Did disappointment stem the creative flow, or were you able to change your strategy quickly and remain productive?

There were many rough patches, I cannot deny that. There still are tough times. And, yes, the creative flow has been dampened. But never for long because I am unbelievably stubborn! And I know in my heart that what I have written, and what I am still writing, is worthy and good.

•While you have some readers who can’t say enough good things about your story, you also have those who have taken serious issue with your interpretation of Austen’s characters and their futures as depicted in your books. Receiving those one-star reviews on Amazon had to hurt. How do you deal with such harsh feedback? Who or what sustains you through your tough times?

I will never understand negative, nasty, hurtful people. I will never understand “fans” of Austen who want to see her beloved characters miserable. And I never want to. It hurts, absolutely, but I recognize it for what it is. And then it makes me more determined to spread light, happiness, the concept of marital affinity, and romance into a world that desperately needs it. I am sustained by my faith, my family support, and the far larger community of decent people who love my work.
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Partners on Sharon’s Journey

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•Unlike many writers, you don’t have a dedicated critique partners. What you do have is a staggering number of cyber friends, fans and fellow writers who have enthusiastically embraced you and your stories. How did you come to have such a strong, supportive following? How do you maintain so many online relationships?

My “following” comes from the truths I have held as stated in some of the questions above. More people want to read a happy story. That is why romance is the top selling genre across the literary market and why sales are up over 40% even in these economic down times. And the truth is that I have reaped an immeasurable benefit by conversing and being open with my readers. I am honestly a nice person! And there are uncountable numbers of people out there as nice or nicer than me! I love meeting people and making friends. It is totally the bomb!

•I’ve heard becoming a Sourcebooks-Casablanca author is like joining a new family. What are some blessings of being one of this group of talented writers?

One, the support and awareness that I am not alone. I can’t stress how important that is. Second, being introduced to the world of romance reading, not my previous preferred genre. Man, Casablanca has some smoking hot writers! Third, the friendships. I truly, down to my toes, love these gals and am so honored to call them my friends. But the thing is, it is the whole romance writing community. It is a “family” that is so supportive of each other as a whole. It is staggering.
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Sharon’s Journey Continues

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•You’ve sold five books to Sourcebooks. How many are in your editor’s hands? Which book are you working on now?

The first four are complete and with Deb. The first three are totally done with the editing process, but the fourth has not yet been read by Deb. That will happen soon since the release of The Family Darcy: Seasons of Romance is set for Sept. of 2010. The fifth un-titled novel is about 2/3 done, but I have time as it is scheduled for a spring of 2011 release.

I am concurrently working on a novella that I can’t talk too much about yet, and a companion novel centering on Georgiana Darcy. Beyond that it is thoughts in my head, many of which I have discussed positively with Deb.

•What do you plan when these books are finished? Will the Darcy Saga continue?

I do hope so! As I said, I have a number of ideas for the Darcys and their various friends. I love the idea of writing more companion novels about secondary characters. But I also believe in keeping my options open and allowing inspiration to guide me. I could easily see myself writing historical novels not related to the Darcys, or maybe even a contemporary someday. Who knows?
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Sharon’s Debut Novel

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•Please tell us about Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One. Since book two in your Darcy Saga, Loving Mr. Darcy ~ Journey Beyond Pemberley, is due out September 1, please tell us about it as well. And how about a teaser for book three while you’re at it.

The first novel is clearly the honeymoon stage! Not that I envision Lizzy and William ever not being passionately in love, but I think most of us know how it is in the early days of a relationship. *wink* It explores their relationship, but also the life of an estate during that time of history. The history is very important to me even while centering on the romance. It is a very leisurely walk, time taken to simply enjoy this new love and life together. Admittedly nothing of serious action occurs until toward the latter third when more characters arrive to upset the private honeymoon and then a villain raises his ugly head.

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Loving Mr. Darcy moves away from Pemberley, as the subtitle implies. History of the day is a driving force as they interact with dozens of people all over London, Hertfordshire, and Derbyshire. So much happens that I hardly know where to begin. My signature, if you will, is one of taking the reader along for the day-to-day events that shaped life in the Regency. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of that world are premiere with always the love between Lizzy and Darcy the foundation and theme. About six months is covered, this novel taking up immediately where the first ended.

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The Darcys at Year’s End is the third book and will be released on Jan. 1, 2010. It takes up immediately where the second ends, continuing the one-year examination of Lizzy and William’s marriage. And, most importantly, we finally greet the Darcy newborn!

I have detailed synopses and excerpts at my website.
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Five Facts About Sharon the Writer

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~ I use a MacBookPro that I love! She is my baby. I move her from the comfy recliner to my desk depending on the mood.

~ I have no routine. My life as a nurse and mom and wife means I hit the writing whenever I can. And of course some of my best ideas come while in the car or asleep or sitting in the doctor’s office or at work. How annoying is that? I need an iPhone…

~ Research inspires whole plot points, although I have to be careful not to get lost. I love history and frequently forget what I was even searching for. Oh, and Wikipedia is my friend. 🙂 It gets me started before I hit Google or the over 100 bookmarked sites.

~ I am seriously in love with the thesaurus. More than my Mac! Well, it is a toss up. I love vocabulary and always have. Many minutes are lost searching for just the right word, and tears have been shed when I find out the perfect word did not exist in the early 1800s!

~ I write instinctively and organically. I do not believe in “rules” but in writing what comes natural born out of what I love to read. Art is about diversity and finding ones own gift.
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Five Fun Facts About Sharon the Person

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~ I adore being a nurse and adore my babies. Big patients scare me! Gotta have them under ten pounds, preferably four pounds or less.

~ Until recently I rarely read romance. I am a sci-fi/fantasy nut! I have a cat named after a wizard and a dog named after another fav character. I have one whole room decorated with Lord of the Rings movie memorabilia, and more of it spilling out into the rest of the house.

~ Nothing in life is more important to me than my faith in Jesus. The church is central to who I am and my life. After that comes my family, specifically my husband and kids. My Mr. Lathan is truly my soul mate, so I know happily-ever-after comes true.

~ I grew up in the mountains where it snowed, a lot. And I hate the snow! Give me warmth any day. I was a total tomboy back in the day, climbing trees, riding motorbikes, building forts, etc. It was a great childhood.

~ I am actually quite shy. I was painfully so as a youngster, but have learned to overcome the trait. But stick me in a roomful of strangers and the wallflower me reemerges.
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Sharon’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Sharon. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. And now it’s your turn to ask your visitors a question. What would you like to know?

Thank you so much for having me, Keli. I had a blast answering your questions.

OK, as we all now know, I am a believer in happy-ever-after and true love. But I know it comes in various forms and isn’t always the stuff of Cinderella fairytales. Yet if you think hard enough, I bet all of you, no matter what fate has dealt your heart, can think of at least one real-life tale of love. Maybe it is you or someone you know or even a family legend. Share with us a personal tale of true love.
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Learn More About Sharon

Visit her Web site – The Darcy Saga
http://www.darcysaga.net

Friend her on Facebook – Sharon Lathan

Join her Facebook Fan Page – The Darcy Saga Fan Page

Follow her on Twitter: SharonLathan

Visit with her on the Casablanca Authors Blog
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Leave a Comment for Three Chances to Win

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Sharon’s Drawing
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Sharon has generously donated an autographed copy of Mr. & Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy ~ Two Shall Become One to be given away to one lucky visitor.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on Sharon’s post by midnight August 18th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On August 19th, I’ll post the winner’s name here.
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Keli’s Regular Drawing
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My next drawing will take place August 20th. The winner will receive a metal bookmark from Hallmark that reads, “Miracles begin within.”

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Miracles begin within.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by August 21st and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On August 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!
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If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and August 30th. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On September 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of several covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)