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Christian
Is from: The LOVELY state of Washington, USA
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"Where do I begin" I'm what you call a watcher. Nothing twisted about that, I just enjoy watching people and discovering life from different points of view. Which is why I love JA.
As for who I am, here are the basics.....
Although my name is spelled with a "C", I am a female: which caused a lot of trouble growing up because I was placed in "the boys dorm" at summer camp every year from age 13 to 16. Lets see, I'm in my late twenties, raised in the great Pacific Northwest, educated enough to use spellcheck and not wise enough to always to use the dictionary. Goodness that sounded like a personal add!!There are monents in my life when I speak like one of the characters Miss Austen writes about, which makes no sense to anyone, except to those who know me. My close friends and often get together to read aloud or engage in what Sir Thomas Bertrum considered "imporvements" when he retruned to Mansfied from West Indies. What can I say, most of our group have known each other since the age of six; when a horrible debalce (involving many colors of paint) broke out in our Kindergarden class over who got to use the yellow paint first. Needless to say, no our kids, neices, and nephews have the same encounters now. This along with the fact most of us are in one of two fields: education (three men included) or public service.
As you can see I love my friends, they truly are my family.
BTW: My dad called me Lady when I was litte.
My cousins called me Prissy Chrissy.
So when I began climbing trees still wearing the
pretty pink dresses my mother insisted I wear,
My dad thought it would be funny if people were going
to call his little girl "prissy", then they
needed to add Lady in front of it: Lady Prissy Chrissy
Over the years people finally dropped the
, and my mother insisted for everyone to start calling me by my "Christian name", so since I was
fourteen I had the nickname of Lady Christian.
So if you see something by Lady Christian.....it's just me.
Discovery of Jane Austen:
My best friend gave me his mom's copy of Sense and Sensibilty on my twenty-first birthday and I have been hooked ever since.Favorite JA novel:
Whithout a doubt Pride and Predjudice. Or is it Sense and Sensibilty?I have seen all of the JA adoptations except the 1940 version of P&P. My Favourite would have to be Sense and Sensibilty directed by Ang Lee. I watch it when ever I need to relax and have worn out two cd's of the soundtrack.
Literary and cinematic favorites:
Books: Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, Picture of Dorian Gray, le Comte de Monte Cristo (Count of Monte Cristo), Romeo and Juliet, East of Eden, Twenty Years Later, and Color Puprle.Favorite films:
Like water for Chocolate, The Red Violin, Willy wonka and the Chocolate factory, The Dekalog, and too many others to list.
Christianne
Is from: Philadelphia, PA; Clearwater, FL
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Birth date: 01/23/80
Born and raised in: Harleysville, PA (suburb of Philadelphia). Lived there until 2000, moved to Boston, MA, then to Clearwater in August, 2000.
Current home: beautiful Clearwater, FL. Plan to move back to Philly or NYC with my husband whenever the time is right.
Current occupation: College student - graphic design major
Favorite JA novel: Persuasion (my choice changes monthly)
Favorite JA adaptation: P&P2 (how could I pick anything that didn't include Colin Firth?!)
Found out about site through: Republic of Pemberley. I had to get some relief when they took down BoI, and followed the link to DWG. I've been enjoying the stories here ever since. One day I'd like to try my hand at writing my own fanfic.
Christine
Is from: Memphis, TN, USA
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Birthdate: July 12, 1975
Marital status: Married to Andrew since Sept. 18, 1999
Education: BA in psychology, MA in speech pathology
Occupation: violin and piano teacher (you figure it out, I can't)
Favorite TV show: Law & Order
Favorite books: JA (of course) and Rex Stout
Pets: 3 cats, Kitnik, Snowy, and Jenni, all residing at my parents' house
Music tastes: Classical and country -- meaning that I like it if it has violins in it.
What else I can think of to say: Nothing.
Cindy C.
Is from: My mom - no, seriously, from Florida
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Hi - My name is Cindy, and I add the C. for my last name, because there are so many of us Cindys/Cyndis/Cindis/Cindies out there in this great big world, and I don't want to be confused with anyone else. Cynthia has already been taken, or I could use my full name. But I don't like it, really, because it sounds so snobby (no offense, Cynthia, I'm sure you aren't like that).
I'm pushing 40 and I'm a Sagittarius, born in December, about a week before Christmas, so I am garrulous by nature, a reader and a learner, and someone who gets most of her presents in just one week out of the year. It sucks, but I have no choice. I blame my parents.
Because of my unfortunate birthdate, I decided the best thing to do was have a child, so I could get Mother's Day presents sometime in May each year, and so my husband and I, who have been married almost 20 years, have an almost-11-year-old son. He's a December baby, too. I don't blame myself for that one, either - he was born a month early. I had planned for him to be born in the middle of January. He had other plans, and continues to thwart me in all things, even to this day.
To get away from the high testosterone level in my house, and to be able to afford mortgage payments on a house I need to get away from, I go to work every day at a newspaper, where I am a copy editor and page designer. That is a fancy name for the person who decides how best photos and words fit together on a page, and then has to make it all fit. I love my job, though. It's fun and different every day.
I had taken journalism in high school and hated it - I said that famous last word ("never") and said I would never, ever work for a newspaper! I got a degree in library science instead. Then I got a part-time job at a newspaper, writing obituaries and doing a lot of typing and answering phones. Then I became the full-time news assistant, and then a part-time copy editor and production person in features, because I wanted to learn how to do that, and because I could make more money working half as many hours. Too bad that only lasted a couple of months...but then I was offered the full-time community news editor job, which was even more money (and lots more work!), and I took that.
I did that job for 9 years, going to charity balls and fancy luncheons and taking photos and writing about the events. Hey, it's a tough job, but someone has to do it! But, finally burned out on too much chicken salad and creme brulee, I stepped down for a breather and became the community news page designer. Boring. No real variation on layouts, and having to put out completely different community pages for five different editions, seven days a week. Boy, was I glad almost a year ago, when the paper decided to open another branch that was not only closer to home, but also would produce a full-page section once a week about things in the eastern part of the county. And guess what? They needed a copy editor/page designer! Yup, I got the job, and I'm so happy, I could spit!
Being closer to home helps when you have a husband who has a chronic illness and a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. If it weren't for the DWG, I would go nuts! For entertainment, when there is time, I am the cubmaster for my son's cub scout troop, and I love to read romance novels. I have several unfinished Regency romance stories cluttering up my home, and I was so proud of myself for actually finishing a story on this site! Imagine my surprise when I found myself writing contemporary stories here - me, who always tries to take situations and manufacture them into Regency plots! I also crochet, and sell books online, and also sell odds and ends on eBay.
I would give my preference for music, art, movies and books, but I'm not very particular about any of them - I love 'em all! I do like country music, though, although I've only been a convert for the last few years.
Claire
Is from: Cheshire (v. near Derbyshire!)
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Name: Claire Victoria McGough
Age: 15 1/2 (Born 21.01.87)
Occupation: Full time studentHobbies: Reading, watching costume dramas, watching all films with Colin Firth in, visiting DWG and RoP,and going to the theatre, playing the piano.
Loves: Pride and Prejudice, Colin Firth, Bridget Jones, Jane Austen novels, movies etc.
Fave Book: erm......guess!
Fave film: P+P2, Bridget Jones, Fever pitch, Persuasion, Emma.
Things that make me laugh: Mr Collins, Mrs Bennet (HeHe).
Things that make me cringe: the 1970's version of P+P! It's too painful to watch.I must confess that i am obsessed with all things Jane Austen, especially all things Pride and Prejudice. I have bought all the sheet music for P+P, the soundtrack, have both DVD and Video, film tie-in book etc. I have visited all the filming locations, as they are only about 30 minutes from where i live. My parents think it strange that i suddenly have an urge to visit National Trust sites (Lyme Park, a.k.a Pemberley, being my fave).
I got all excited the other day when my English Lit teacher announced that we would be studying P+P for coursework. There is a little group of us in our class who are just completely obsessed as well, reciting all the words to the film in class and annoying our classmates (who, by the way, have also fallen in love with the book) to the point of distraction. I could go on all day. my friends think i'm unhinged, and i'm starting to think so myself. If anyone out there is the same, please e-mail me as a sign of reassurance, or I shall go mad!
ClaireH
Is from: Alexandria, VA, USA
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Hello! 7/10/1976 = 25 years old presently.
I am a little nervous, I must admit. One of those rare times where words fail me. My full name is Jennifer Claire Hackney, please call me Claire or ClaireH. I have never been called Jennifer; using variations thereof will get you nowhere , I'm programmed for Claire.
I currently live in Northern Virginia, by way of North Carolina and Alabama. Yes, I have an accent; no, I won't say "d-o-g." I am the oldest of three children and the only girl. My brothers call me the golden child. You can't call me that either.
I don't like watching a lot of TV. It makes me feel unproductive, but I do make time for BtVS. I have a BS in Political Science from NC State University. Frankly, I am bored with it and want to go back and get a Masters/Doctorate in Horticulture/Botany.
I don't plan on staying in Northern Virginia, the "culture" here is a bit rough for my delicate southern sensibilities . Unfortunately, my line of work is predominatly here (federal defense policy).
I have a dog named Dixie, who is my joy. I have no plans to get married, children scare the bejesus out of me. In my spare time, I construct stained glass windows, cook, shop and competitively kickbox. I look forward to posting a coherent, flowing story on the DWG. Someday...
Coleen V.
Is from: Michigan, USA
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I am 21 years old and currently in my third year at Michigan State University. My major is psychology and I hope to attend grad school for developmental psychology.
I first became addicted to Jane Austen's novels in high school. Pride and Prejudice was the first one I read although I can't recall why I picked it up. All I know is that once I began reading it, I couldn't put it down! Reading is a favorite pastime of mine, and I love just about every genre there is.
The martial arts is about my only other major hobby. I'm training in Taekwondo and Judo, both of which I love to death. When I'm not in classes, on the computer, or reading, I'm usually at the dojang! :-)
Corinne
Is from: Rochester, New York, USA
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I am married (to a husband who doesn't understand all this fan fiction stuff AND reminds me of Darcy at times), have 2 girls (ages 7 and 5), and work full time writing process control software. So, between the family and work, I barely have time to read all the wonderful fan fiction, let alone try to write some!
My interests are reading (favorites: Austen of course and Georgette Heyer), sewing, (kids clothing and quilts), computers, and retiring early (so far no luck on this one). I also keep volunteering for various community projects and afterwards repeating to myself, "I'll never volunteer again". But I do. :-)
My background is engineering, so I have really surprised myself with my interest in Jane Austen and other writers of her period. I just wish I had more time to read more of them. Oops, we are back to that early retirement subject again.
Crysty
Is from: Originally, MI, but now at Boston, MA
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Here's a pic:
And a link: Crysty's web site.
I would stun you of my feats of being a world-famous foot model; unfortunately, my ice hockey career (which lasted 3 weeks) has ruined any hopes of my ever being able to grace my foot anywhere other than in my mouth.What can I tell you?
FAQ about Crystal Shih: (yes, Crystal, but I use Crysty because I like "y"s (Just LOOK at the names of my characters in my stories)
If I were a bird, what bird would I be?
I'd say flamingo becuase it's pink, but I'll chose magpie instead, because I talk too much.If I could be any heroine in any novel, who would I be?
Why, Emma Woodhouse, of course! Who else can be such a collection of contradictions? Beauty, selfishness, wit, charm, with the ability to hurt and care deeply. Plus, she gets Knightley (hurrah!) and she only has a chapter or two of angst. She's also very imaginative and always very determined in whatever she does, even if it is wrong (if you're going to be wrong, be wrong with conviction!)What song would describe me the most?
Van Morrison's "Brown-eyed Girl" (mainly the Sha-la-la part)What book would depict my life?
Emma (I do try, I do!)Here random FACTS:
1) I am a student at MIT, class of 2003. I major in chemistry, and enjoy biology and ecology and Japanese on the side.
2) My birthday is March 27, 1981, checks can be made out to "Crystal Shih's I want a Pony fund"
3) Fav JA novel: Emma
4) I like to read, write, and be introspective. I like rain, autumn, and hot cocoa. I love pretty things, and I smile too much.Thanks to all the DWGgies who took their time to get to know me, to answer my stupid questions, and be friendly. You've made being a Janeite VERY fun.
The picture is of my one and only love affair; alas, it was not meant to be. Henry's home at Walden Pond is just WAY too small for me, and I don't like to watch ants.
Cynthia
Is from: Toronto, ON, Canada
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Birthday: September 1, 1979 (gonna be 22 this year....getting old!)
Education: Queen's University, Kingston. Will be getting my B.A. Honours in History and Drama the Spring of 2002 (and no, I do not know Tina and Jackie writers of Escribo Ergo Sum)
Favourite JA book: P&P. It was the first JA book I ever read, introduced to me by my grade 10 English teacher.
Favourite JA movie: P&P2 and MP (1999)
Favourite non JA book: Circle of Friends (Maeve Binchy), A Prayer For Owen Meany (John Irving), This Side of Paradise (F Scott Fitzgerald)
Favourite non JA movie: Bridget Jones's Diary (does that count as non-JA, considering that BJD is based on P&P? ), Snow Falling On Cedars, Shakespeare In Love (I LUV Joe Fiennes!)
Comments: I love MUSICALS!!! Les Miz is one of my favourites (as you can probably tell by my email address) as well as West Side Story and Miss Saigon. I have been taking music lessons since I was four, though I stopped playing the piano when I was 17. I started singing lessons when I was 13 and I still take them. I had the opportunity to sing in Jazz Choir this past year and sang in choirs throughout junior high and high school (I didn't sing in choir my first two years of university though)
Connection to JA: I went to a Catholic school for five years and had intended to stay there until I graduated from grade 8. That would mean that I had to be confirmed. I was going to take on the name of Elizabeth. However, I transferred to a girls' private school in grade seven (non Catholic)and never got confirmed.
Another Connnection: I was at the British Library the Spring of 2001 and saw a display that was supposedly a desk that Miss Austen used!
Daisy
Is from: Fairfax, VA
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And a link: Pride, Prejudice, and the Oregon Territory
I think I'm one of the young'uns posting here: only 15 years old, but I'll turn 16 (and get my driver's license!) on May 5, 2001. Right now, my fav. thing (besides reading the stories here) is driving! Anyway, so go read my story!
DanielleL
Is from: Fredericksburg, Virgina, USA
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I'm originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Penn State University. I am now employed as Software Applications Analyst in Washington, D.C. After highschool I spent 2 years in the Army before going to college.
I am hopelessly bound to DWG and feel no remorse in my predicament nor eagerness to lose my ties! I love this place!!!
Delwyn
Is from: Liverpool, originally. Edinburgh currently
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I was born in Liverpool 8 July, 1982. My parents, two sisters (I'm the middle one) and I moved to Tallahssee, Florida when i was four and have lived there until August 2004, when I finally fulfilled my wishes and moved back to the UK. Having completed a Sociology & Anthropology degree (with a Women's Studies minor) at a tiny college (550 students total) on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, I then moved to the University of Edinburgh to do a Masters in Social Anthropology, living right in the historic Old Town with an amazing view of the castle from my window.
I started writing in 8th grade when i ran out of books to read. I completed six novels before putting my first work in public via DWG. Never Been Kissed would really be the best bio to read of me, since I basically created Elizabeth as me in the whole first part. I have also completed five other longer stories here and a few short stories. I love reading Epilogue stuff, but don't have the skill to write it. Requires me to be... factual!
I play the piano and the organ, and I love singing alto (harmony), I like watching happy movies but not corny/sappy ones. I love reading Anne McCaffrey and Tamora Pierce along with Austen, but I don't get much opportunity to since I become addicted to reading and then stay up all night - literally - and neglect my work. I also play football (soccer) and support Liverpool!!The animal I most identify with is the badger. It's nocturnal and grumpy. But I would love to someday have a few cats and dogs. First cats, while I live in small spaces. Then dogs when I'm rich and have moved into a thatched cottage in a country village. And while I'm there, I may as well own a horse and ride that around.
Denise F.
Is from: East Tennessee
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My first experience with Jane Austen was not until over a year after I graduated high school (none of my English teachers had a JA book on their curriculum). It was in 1997 I first saw the movie Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow. I thought it was a good story and seeing it was based on a book by Jane Austen, and knowing the books are generally better than the movies, I went to B&N and bought a three-in-one book (Emma, S&S, and P&P). There began my love of Jane Austen.
My favorite JA book is Pride and Prejudice. Persuasion is a very close second, though.
My favorite movie based on her novels would be P&P with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth. It followed the book more closely than any other movie I have seen.
I am a stay at home mother of two precious boys (8 and 5). I like to read, hike, crochet, cross-stitch, play cards and board games and I love genealogy. I have a strange obsession/ love for Cary Grant, which also led to my love of older movies. I like books based in olden days and greatly prefer them to more modern stories. I enjoy other authors for example: Bronte sisters, C.S. Forester, and L.M. Montgomery to name a few.
Diana LR
Is from: Grand Rapids, Michigan
My full name is Diana Lynn Rittering Cook. I am 15 years old and am a sophmore in high-school.
I love to read Jane Austen, fanfic, almost every 19th century author, Shakespeare, and poetry.
I spend my time reading, writing, doing homework, going online to read all the wonderful fanfic and envy the creativity:), running, walking, watching movies, listening to music, singing off-tune, and dancing very badly.
I first fell in love with Jane Austen when a very good friend told me that I had to read P&P. After that I fell in love with all her novels and their adaptions which I watch every chance I get.
I love art and photography.
I am a Christian and attend a very small, private school that has a very strict uniform.
I have three brothers and two sisters, no pets(although I do wish for a dog) and I have one mom and one dad.
I hope to be an English Lit. teacher one day, but now just content myself with reading it.
I love soccer, football, hockey and baseball.
My birthday is December 22,1984.
My favorite person in the world is Abby E.(I do not know if she would appreciate my telling you all about her but she is the one who introduced me to P&P)Diana
Is from: Minneapolis, MN USA
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And a link: How Swelegant!
Well, I didn't even know until recently I was supposed to make an apearance here before posting on the boards. So I'm playing a bit of catch-up.
I have turned 21 today (November 17th). I'm a student at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus. I really love living here, but I would be ok with living in New York, Chicago, Seattle, or San Francisco, too. I am majoring in MIS and minoring in Spanish. I also run the gymnastics club here at UMN.
I like a lot of things: spaghetti, my cat, opera, Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams, Nicole Kidman, Baz Luhrman films, gymnastics, Spanish, any other romance language including Romanian, the color red, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, making websites, tiramisu, snow, world travel, my family, my friends, Saturday Night Live, Russian novels, "English class reading" in general, pineapple-orange-banana juice, cranberry orange bread, Trivial Pursuit.
Diane E. Sadiq
Is from: Georgia, U.S
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I'm Diane Elizabeth Sadiq and I'm from Georgia. I love Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books since 6th grade. I'm 14 years old and in 10th grade. I love reading stories in the Fantasia Gallery. I have two brothers, Rafay (age 18), and Mustafa (age 8). I also have a twin sister, Katrina Emma Sadiq.
Elana
Is from: Pennsylvania
Age: 19
Birthday: April 22, 1981
Fav. authors: Jane Austen(of course), Baroness Orczy, Pat Conroy, Daphne DuMaurierFav. Austen books: Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion
Fav. all time books: Pride and Prejudice, Beach Music, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Rebecca
Fav. Show: Star Trek TOS (The Original Series)
Fav Movies: The Scarlet Pimpernel(Anthony Andrews version), P&P2, The Princess Bride, While You Were Sleeping, The Philadelphia Story, and almost any musical.
I absolutely love to read. Beside reading my main passion is singing. I love music, especially Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Broadway and movie musicals. I'm going for my B.M. in music therapy.
Elianna
Is from: England-oh I wish that were so!
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Hello everyone here!
I am not really from England, but I am loath to say my real location but it is in southern America (somewhere around Arkansas...)
I love to read, in fact that is how I spend most of my time and procrastinate on other things. Jane Austen is by far my favorite writer, after her probably Shakespeare. Both are intelligent witty poeple and I love their material.
I also love plays and movies-I am an aspiring film and theater producer. So when you get Jane Austen and Movies together I go silly
Also BROADWAY ROCKS sorry about that I just love broadway music soo much I listen to it constantly. Scarlet Pimpernel is the best!
Please soemone e-mail me if you love any of the same things that I do I love to get e-mail OH and please read the story that I am posting on this sight. It's called When Love wasn't enough and e-mail me if you liked it (or if you didn't)
Thank you all for making this page!!
Elisa
Is from: Canada
And a link: http://www.geocities.com/brevityandwits
Now that I am halfway through the eighteenth year of my life--and it seems that being eighteen is a big deal in Canada--I can finally say goodbye to grade 13. Yes, I live in the weird province of Ontario, where Grade 13, or better known as the OAC year, still exists. Does that make me feel any stranger than my peers in other provinces, nay, in other countries? Unfortunately, yes--It makes me feel academically inadequate and somewhat of a dunce, even though the only subject I couldn't tackle in my five years of high school was chemistry. Now, I get ready to tackle university. "Jitters" is my middle name. (Okay, so I don't have a middle name.) But, putting aside my insecurities temporarily, I think I can safely say, without fear of further flip-flopping, that I am an aspiring writer.
Since the time my teacher made me write stories in elementary school, I have flirted with the idea of becoming a professional writer. That is one of the reasons why I have kept all my writing assignments since grade 2. Of course, digging out my fourth grade "novels" from the bottom of my desk drawer is a lesson to be learned in many ways. First of all, I didn't have a clue what a plot was--My idea of a story back then seemed to amount to five pages of description about my main character, often named Leora. Secondly, my handwriting was ludicrously atrocious--I couldn't believe my teacher would write "Neat!" in the margin of every story I wrote. Thirdly, since the time I resolved to be a writer, I have only been "published" twice: once in a school yearbook, and another time in a letter to the editor of the local newspaper. Hmm--this isn't a very talented girl, albeit her "enthusiasm"--there are complications here.
Perhaps, the biggest pill to swallow was that, upon graduation from my K-8 school, the same teacher wrote in my yearbook: "Keep on writing stories, Elisa!" Well, I don't know what I would call my assignments from his class. That's why I certainly hope that, after so many years of mandatory English classes, my writing has finally ameliorated. I know that my current stories are far from being polished, and that I have yet to write an original piece that will amount to something. Nonetheless, I indulge myself in writing Jane Austen-inspired fan fiction, and in absorbing as much as I can from favourite authors like Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, Thomas Hardy, Agatha Christie, Daphne du Maurier, and, our dear good friend, William Shakespeare. I also note wryly that despite my patriotism, I have not read much Canadian literature except selections of Margaret Atwood, Rohinton Mistry, and L.M. Montgomery.
When I can manage to tear myself away from the computer this summer, I will most likely be moping over the end of my high school band experience, learning to play the first movement of the Waldstein sonata, kneading Sculpie clay till my fingers turn red, reading some plays, dreaming of going to the Stratford Festival, sneezing my head off from the stupid weeds at the side of my house, and worrying myself sick about university-level history and social science. I don't imagine that I'll ever become an amazing historian or a vocal politician from my extra-curricular or educational experience (in fact, I am far from being a vocal person), but I'd like to think that the next several years' worth of tuition will be an investment towards my future masterpiece. Will I ever be a famous writer in my life time? Will I suffer the fate of being published posthumously? Or will I simply stop writing?
Dear respected spirit of Jane Austen, ...
EliseR
Is from: A small country town called Northampton in Western Australia's midwest region.
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Well...
My first contact with JA was a spur-of-the-moment decision to buy P&P for $2 from Bookclub just so it'd look impressive on my bookshelf. I was 13 at the time. Eventually I thought I'd better start reading it, so I did - and being the young, naive tween I was it took me about 6 times to start the book before I actually finished it. But by the time I had, I was in love (with Mr. Darcy, of course! :p). So from then on I've read it constantly and my vocab has improved considerably!
June last year I was in a video shop looking for "Bridget Jones's Diary." During my hunting I came across the A&E adaptation of P&P and rented it with the sole intention of criticising everything and everyone in it. Well - you should of seen me that night. Couldn't tear me away from the tv screen! The next day I watched BJD, put 2+2 together (with re: CF) and my Mr. Darcy obsession just went to incredible new heights. So I got on the net, did my research and found this site among a whole heap of others I regularly visit.
I'm 16 and just about to start my final schooling year. From there I plan to defer for a year or two and then go to Uni to do PR with a major in something to do with Web Design (I forget what the formal name is.) Incidentely, I got the idea to pursue this from Judy-Lynne's story "Fitzwilliam/Fitzwilliam." I decided to look more into this profession and decided it suited me to a Tee! So, for this month at least, all thanks go to Judy-Lynne for helping me to decide on a career path after years of stressing!
Of all JA's novels, I've only read P&P, Emma and Persuasion. I have the P&P adaptation now (we're inseparable :p) and the Gwyneth Paltrow "Emma" adaptation. I'm keen to read the all the rest, and will as soon as time permits and I can tear myself away from P&P. :p
I love books, movies and music and am the ultimate dreamer. If I could have the choice of any career in the world I'd be a voice-over artist for Disney animations. My home town is a lot like Meryton which has made me eager to get out and see the world. But if the names Daniel Chick and Paul Haselby mean anything to anyone, they come from Noro!
If I was ever asked if I could have anything in the world, I'm sorry to say it wouldn't be world peace (it's never going to happen, and shows like JAG and THE PRACTICE would become non-existant... nooooooo!): it would be a Ferrari.
Eliza Christine
Is from: Los Angeles County, California
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- I always fancied myself holding a rather successful position in the world when I had graduated from a prestigious Ivy League or perhaps, a university in England, such as Oxford. However, I grew up. Not as cynical as I may first appear... In fact, I picture myself as a dreamy sixteen year old simply caught in a paradox, only understood by G-d, and least of all, by me.
- For those of you who are conjuring up the image of a mentally disturbed girl, I shall try to put such worries aside though I may indeed do quite the opposite. A California native my entire life, I have seen little of the world around me. (And at times, I do find it quite mundane here. I am far from being impressed by Disneyland and shopping centers... Perhaps, I've been spoiled by their convience though I still love the Ahmanson theatre, courtesy of "Les Miserables.") My mind is always somewhere else. London, New York, Paris, Vienna, Florence and such. That may have been the beginning of the end to my childhood hopes of a stunning career in medicine.
- Do you need an explanation? I see myself as a shameful procrastinator. This is the girl who sleeps in Chemistry and annoyingly, gets an A despite it all. Nevertheless, this is the same girl who falls short of expectations because she never follows through. Someday I may get my head out of the clouds and actually gain such achievements which I have no right to envy. However, the part of me which wants to remain a dreamy sixteen year old seems to say, quite logically might I add, that there's so much beauty in this world and so much for me as a person to enjoy that a Master's from Harvard would mean so little in the long run.
- Thus, I've grudgingly settled upon a future in a UC school, though I once pondered NYU which wouldn't be such a horrendous idea except I couldn't afford such a move. I don't think my parents will even give me the money for the application! If I'm trying to make anything worthy of my high school career, it's to be Valedictorian (though my laziness may prevent this from actually occuring) and be impressive enough in the academic sense to gain a Regent scholarship. Oh, and be Captain of the cross country team. Then, I will begin the road to the world and find myself incredibly unprepared to fulfill my ponderings about becoming a conservationalist, an environmental or domestic lawyer, or perhaps a physical engineer. Who knows? I'll probably end up selling stocks or something! Heavens, I hope not...
- Anything else except the basic information that can be wrung out of a survey? Probably not. Though for those who are curious (or crazy enough if you're this far in my bio!), I adore Pride and Prejudice and intend to read all of Austen's novels. I'm an avid reader and have a wide range of interests from Dicken's A Tale of Two Cities and Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment to the modern suspense writers and Jacque's Redwall series (yes, they're children books!). I especially enjoy Russian and British novels. I suppose it has something to do with the fact they're foreign . I listen to country (favorites include Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and LeAnn Womack) but I also follow Counting Crows, U2, Green Day, Papa Roach and such. I'm not much for bubble gum teen pop but I don't hate it. I'm actually very tolerant of all types of music. Favorite song at the moment: Train's "Drops of Jupiter." All time might just be GooGoo Doll's "Name" or "Black Balloon."
- I try to be worldly and cultured and remain five years old all at the same time. (I said I was a paradox, didn't I?) I'm itching to go sledding at the moment or jump in a pile of leaves, but I'm reading about the Belgian Congo and its road toward a shaky independence right now. Go figure. I find myself sarcastic but somewhat shy. There are many fears which I've yet to face and my inability to do so is a noticeable flaw in my character. Such flaws don't usually bother me until they get the way. And this gets in the way! Hmmm, that's about it... Though I've probably bored you to tears.
- By the way, Eliza Christine is a derived name. Mine is too boring and just because I'm not of W. European decent (though my obsession with it says otherwise) or even close, it doesn't mean it's not pronounceable in English! Actually, it's an Old English name, though growing up (and I suppose I'm still trying to do that), I used to have people ask my what my "real" name was. Does that make any sense to you? It doesn't to me but as Clarke Gable says, "I'm a little screwy sometimes!"
Elizabeth Kigar
Is from: Ohio
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Naturally, I love writing, and Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book ever. I'd like to think that I live up to my name in regards to Lizzy's sense of humor and ablity to laugh at herself, but I'm probably closer to Darcy, bad company, aloof, and like Georgiana, too shy.
Elizabeth Marianne N.
Is from: Georgia@hotmail.com
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that a woman with the names of Austen heroines would love the DWG.
JUST LIKE ME!
I have been in love with Jane Austen classics since I was in middle school and that love has faltered even when I am now in college. Hmmmm, now how should I describe myself? Well, I have a twin brother who is name is Charles Fredrick and a sister named Emma Mary. (a bit of advice, my mom name is Jane and she is an Austen maniac) I have green eyes and black hair and I am 18. My fav Jane Austen novels are Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion.
I AM NOW READY TO BE A DWIGGIE!Elizabeth S
Is from: So.Calif, USA
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Age: 20
Occupation: Junior at UC Riverside. By 2003 (hopefully) I will receive a B.A. in Neuroscience. I hope to pick up a minor English. Future:pediatric oncologist hopefully , but lately thinking of going to grad school for Neuro, even thought about Peace Corps...so many choices...ahh the burden of being an adult....wish I were 12 again
Nicknames: Family and friends call me Lizzy. Most friends call me Liz. And other people call me Elizabeth (I get tired of saying 'Hi my name is Elizabeth but you can call me Lizzy or Liz'. If you want me to respond, do NOT call me Beth.
Likes: T.V., music, movies, books, watching plays and muscicals
NonJA books: BJD and EoR-they were so funny!, anything by Lurlene McDaniel and R.L.Stine(mostly when I was younger), John Saul, Anne Rice (only read the Vampire Chronicles-anticipating the movie Queen of the Damned),older British lit-Charles Dickens, Bronte,Haywood,Shakespeare...
Poems:Shakespeare and Byron
Music: all kinds, pop, hiphop(Aaliyah, Lauren Hill..), rock/alternative (Lincoln Park,Bush...), a little country (Shedaisy,DixieChicks), some classical, spanish rock
Fav's: Grease,Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis (just recently)
Plays: Shakespeare - seen As You Like It(Cambridge), King Lear(the Globe), Twelfth Night(Stratford on Avon)
My JA history: I first read P&P as a junior in high school and fell in love. I have read the book so many times, usually just skipping to my fav parts. In class, I saw 2 versions of it on tape. Later in high school, I would rent P&P2 a couple of times. Then in Jan '2001 I found out I was going to Cambridge for the month of July so I got P&P2 on DVD to watch on my laptop while in England. While in Cambridge, I met fellow P&P lovers and one friend recommended RoP and introduced me to the world of fan fiction in July '2001 and I have been hooked ever since. I just recently found DWG, around Christmas break or a little before. When I was in Cambridge, I read Sense & Sensibility. When I got home, I read the rest of her novels except her minor works i.e. Lady Susan...
Fav JA books: P&P of course, Northanger Abbey
Fav JA characters: Darcy - he is my ideal, Mr. Knightly, Mr. Tilney and Catherine.
Fav trip: Cambridge, England of course!!! Got to see a bit of Scotland while I was there. It was absolutely gorgeous!!I also took a road trip from Orange County(an hour below LA)to No. Calif near Eureka, passing thru San Francisco and Napa. I totally recommend it. Also a road trip in Mx about two summers ago, went thru Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, Guadalajara, Monterrey - totally beautiful!!
Fav moment: watching As You Like It in King's College Rose Garden,Cambridge - it smelled so good there!!
Fav general: Anything British!!!!Ellie
Is from: England
I am a singer and is having difficulties looking for a piano peice of my song so the teacher could play for us...but i cant find. WHAT SHOULD I DO? e-mail me if ur smart enought o give me good ideas--even though ur not, just go ahead and advice, im a sweet person; i love everyone! I LOVE YA!
Emily Elisabeth
Is from: Tempe, Arizona
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And a link: Em's Whirligig of Fun
Birthday: December 16, 1982
Favorite Authors: Jane Austen, J.D. Salinger
Favorite Books: Pride and Prejudice, Nine Stories, The Metamorphosis, London (by Edward Rutherfurd)
Favorite Movies: P&P2, Much Ado About Nothing (Branagh), Sleepless in Seattle, Henry V (Branagh), Emma (Gwyneth Paltrow)
Favorite Food: Fresh peaches
Favorite TV show: The West Wing, although Buffy is a close secondHi! Okay, so the above information pretty much says a lot about me. I like my books and movies and tv shows and have a hard time deciding on an absolute favorite. Anyway, besides all that, I love music! I've played the piano for several years and the organ for about 6 or 7 years. I used to play the flute, too. Now my main instrument is the bassoon and I'm absolutely in love with it! Seriously, if you can't quite think of what a bassoon sounds like or even what it looks like, you should listen to a recording. Once you realize what the bassoon sound is, you'll start hearing it everywhere! Okay. Enough raving about the bassoon. What else about me? I love cats, even though I'm allergic to them. For some reason, I always speak to cats in French. I'm not sure why, but that's just what comes out when I'm near cats. Hmm... Well, I had better stop here, before I make myself sound too incredibly insane!
Emma EA
Is from: QLD Australia
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Here's a pic:
My full name is Emma Elizabeth Anne. Although my parents never intended the connection, I was rather excited when I realised I shared the names of three of my favourite JA heroines. (If I were to possess the names of my three ultimate favourites, however, I would be called Elizabeth Elinor Anne...)
I think this Bio may end up rather serious, which is a poor reflection of me as I'm not generally a serious person, but that is how this is turning out so why fight it?
I'm 18 years old, and the photo was taken at my 18th birthday celebration. I'm Queensland born and bred, and I'm studying Arts (British Lit., Philosophy and Journalism) at the University of Queensland. I'm still thinking about upgrading to Vet Science next year - we'll see...
Well, here are some facts which might shed a little light on my character, but don't get your hopes up 'cos it's a rather unfathomable one, even to me. Especially to me.
I love ice cream. And my cat. I love music that makes me dance, sing, cry or smile. I love books. I love writing. I love reading. My favourite writers are Gerald Durrell, Oscar Wilde, Shakespeare, John Keats, Isobelle Carmody, Charlotte Bronte, Terry Pratchett, WIlliam Wordsworth and Douglas Adams. (Austen is, of course, a forgone conclusion). And the more I read, the more authors I add to the list.
I love beautiful things. I love the ocean, animals, views, gardens, coastlines, jewels, beautiful clothes and paintings, cows on hillsides. I love my friends, and my family, and watching them together.
I love romantic movies. I love Disney. I love comedy: Monty Python, Blackadder, Good News Week, the Goodies, The Late Show [D-Generation], Vicar of Dibley, Absolutely Fabulous, you get the picture! Some of my favourite movies are Room With a View, Anna and the King, The Man From Snowy River, Star Wars, Indianna Jones, and most productions that manage strong doses of Romance, Adventure or Comedy. Or even better - all three.
Some weird things I do. Umm. I sit on the windowsill of my window at college to swing my feet in the open air. I talk baby talk to my cat, but I cringe when I see others do the same. I like having the windows open, even when it's cold. I stand in the rain. I like to walk by myself. I laugh at things that no one else finds funny. I have an ambition to live on a farm. I believe all religions are one religion. I love the smell of summer and the smell of wet earth. I write bad poetry. I love to dream. I had a teacher in the eighth grade who told us all that the most wonderful gift we have is our imagination, because it can take us anywhere and enable us to be any one. I like to think that he was right. I read romance novels. I had a great childhood. I want to write. And most of all, I want to fall in love.
And that's all.
Emma Mary N.
Is from: Georgia
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First of all, if the name and e-mail address sounds familiar, it's cuz I'm Elizabeth Marianne's kid sister.
Here's something's about me:EYE COLOR: VIOLET (I know, kinda scary)
HAIR COLOR: BLOND
AGE: 17 AND 5 MONTHS
HOBBIES: READING, PLAYING PIANO, PAINTING
TALENTS: PIANO, VIOLIN, PAINTING, AND BASKETBALL
HEIGHT: 5"11 (now you know why i play b-ball)
FAVORITE AUSTEN NOVEL: PERSUASION, EMMA, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
PERSONAL: I HAVE AN OLDER SISTER NAMED ELIZABETH MARIANNE, HER TWIN BROTHER CHARLES FREDRICK, AND A CAT NAMED ELINOR (WE LIVE IN AN AUSTEN FAMILY). MY BEST FRIEND IS DIANE E. SADIQ, SHE'S ON DWG TOO, BUT THAT'S NOT HER REAL NAME.Well, that's me. I'll be posting a story soon, be on the lookout.
EmmaLouise
Is from: Stockport/Nottingham, England
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I first encountered Austen through the 95 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Something tells me I'm not alone in that! After an unfortunate incident when my dad accidentally taped over my recorded-from-tv copy, he was forced to buy me the official release however the quality of that is certainly not "as it ever was" and in fact every time I watch it I'm half-afraid it might snap! Luckily I now have the DVD version which should last me longer than either of my previous versions.
Ever since watching P&P I've been a passionate Austen fan and have devoured not only her novels but also the works of other authors from the period - and I have a growing collection of books about the period too. If I were by some fluke able to achieve a first in my English degree at Nottingham I would be applying for the Chawton MA in a heartbeat!
Outside of JA, my passions include reading (anything available to me), music and film. I did a Film Studies A Level at 6th Form and loved every minute of it, perhaps one day I'll write a version of P&P for the stage/screen... just don't mention the 05 version of P&P to me!
I think thats all...
Emmy
Is from: BC, Canada
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Well, as of this moment, I'm a 17 year old grade twelve student who can't wait to get out of school! I'll be going away to university next year, hopefully to study International Relations, if all goes as planned. I'm a Jane Austen freak, as all my friends and family well know.... the fact that I can recite P&P2 is the subject of many family jokes :) Pride and Prejudice is my fave JA book, but I'm also very fond of Persuasion. My other fave books are anything in the Anne series (mainly Anne of the Island), The Tennant of Wildfell Hall, Bridget Jones's Diary and A Room With A View. Aside from that, I'm a diver, I play the piano rather pitifully, I study, and I don't mind going out with my friends everyonce in a while :-)
Erica R.
Is from: Manila, Philippines
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While I'm not a true pinay (American actually - sorry, pinay means Filipina), I consider the Philippines my home since it is where I was born. I'm 15, currently a sophomore at Brent Int'l School Manila, and ready to die of joy after discovering the DWG and RoP. I believe I will turn into a frequent lurker (that's all I can do, seeing as I have limited creative writing skills) and silent fan of many authors. My favorite book, of course, is Pride and Prejudice while my taste in music is ecclectic at best. I'm a great fan of Greek and Roman mythology and many elements of the supernatural (even though I have no belief whatsoever in them). Thats about all I can say about myself, and so I will leave you on this note:
Think the Chipmunks and the Chippettes singing "We Are The Girls/Boys of Rock and Roll" from the acclaimed film "The Chipmunk Adventure".
Erica
Is from: Tasmania, Australia
Hi there
I am a high school (ages 12-18) teacher and I teach Technology (Wood, Metal and Graphics) at a School in Devonport on the North West Coast of Tasmania.
I have loved Jane Austen since I was about 14 and could finally understand the copy of Pride and Predjudice that I had received for my 12 birthday!
I have always loved P&P and out of all the Jane Austen stories and Elizabeth is my favourite heroine.
I also love reading the stories on the Derbyshire writers board. They have given me able sources of delight! Who knows one day I might try writing one myself.Erin H
Is from: Australia
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Being sixteen years old, I am still at school. This year I will be in year eleven, but I am also an accelerated student in Ancient History. My disposition often reverts from being shy and timid, to laughing ceaselessly and being a bit extroverted, depending on the company I keep. Laughing is the one trait that I seem to have out of control, as well as this obsession I have for reading and JA ;) . There is nothing I love better than reading, as most of my acquaintances can attest.
Of all periods of time in history , I favour most the Regency & Victorian ages. There is just something in the society and all that I love. I mostly read classics, and most of them are based around this time.
Favourite authors include Charlotte and Anne Bronte, Fanny Burney, Shakespeare (just love 'Much Ado'), E. Gaskell, Dickens & A.C. Doyle. Tolstoy's epics, though really long (esp. War & Peace) are good too. My favourite non-JA novels would be Evelina & Jane Eyre. But there exist six wonderful books by a most beloved author, who rank above all others (both the author & the books). And of those six novels, the one towering at the highest peak (IMHO, of course) is Pride & Prejudice (followed by S&S). But I loved the Juvenilia and all the others too.I was first introduced to the marvellous Miss Austen through Emma Thompson's Sense & Sensibility in 1995. I read a copy of S&S when our school library *finally* got one, and I found that JA had written several other books too! (Happy indeed was the day I found that out =) ) While reading P&P I absolutely fell in love with it, and have been obsessed with it and JA ever since.
My favourite adaptions are S&S (for sentimental reasons) and P&P2 (for wet shirts among other reasons ;) ).
Film-wise, I loved Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado About Nothing. But then, who didn't? And Titanic too, though I don't watch it over and over as I do with some other movies. On a modern note, I seem to still go for either comedies or romances.
It is so nice to come to such places as here, where we will not be criticised or mocked for liking JA. Some people just don't realise what they are missing out on!
Erin A.
Most people here know me by my penname, Nerin, which is what my mother called me when I was younger for reasons known only to herself.EvaI have been a fan of Austen's novels for years and have been haunting this website since high school. In fact, it is what my old homeroom teacher remembers most about me: during homeroom I would sit at her computer and just read and read and read. I first began reading Austen when I was twelve, when a friend recommended Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility to me. I devoured them both and became instantly addicted to all things Austen. My favorite Austen book is Persuasion because it has such a poignant, warm, mature, autumnal feeling.
Here are some basic facts about me:
DOB: Dec 28, 1983, which makes me 24 at the time of this posting.
Occupation: English eacher
Current Location: Hwaseong-si, South Korea
Background: Born in North Carolina, raised in West Virginia.
Education: Bachelor's in English Literature, with minors in
Business and Music, from West Virginia Wesleyan College
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Very dark brown
Height: 5'2"I can't list favorites in music, movies or literature because my tastes vary so much. As an example, my music collection includes Mozart, Eric Whitacre, Britney Spears, Tom Waits, and Boston.
I have been remiss in my duties at the DWG, but now that I have time to relax and breathe at night, that will not be the case. I hope I shall get to know you all much better!
Is from: Perth, Western Australia
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Well, I'm a second year arts/law student who is really from Albany, which is five hours drive south of Perth. I tend to get incredibly obsessed about things, but the Jane Austen obsession is the first that has lasted four years (since P&P2 came out, though I'd read the book before). I have a brother (13) and a sister (16) and a dog (?), and a violin named Greta (as you do).
I read too much, and I read almost anything, but recent favourites include Memoirs of a Geisha, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Vanity Fair. Some movies I love are The English Patient, The Princess Bride, Room With A View, Much Ado... and LA Confidential. I love lots of others too, but I hated Titanic!!!
I'm a chocoholic and also addicted to Diet Coke. I found this site through my friend Jen, for which I am eternally grateful to her for. ;) I come in at all hours of the day, and my odd sleeping hours may explain some of my craziness. The rest is the drugs. Joking.
Evangeline
Is from: South Carolina
Send an emailActually my name would be Margaret Caroline, and since I find that incredibly unromantic, (except the Caroline part) I decided to adopt a different name. I'm seventeen, soon to be eighteen come April. I am obsessed with all things Regency and Victorian. I am an afficionado of vintage clothing and have two Victorian gowns in my possession. I adore JA (I am the all authority on her life and works at my school) and of course I am a regular visitor to this page! :) I love P&P, its my all time favorite book (right up there with Jane Eyre) and I have had to have watched P&P2 a thousand times (believe me I can quote it). Other movies I like would be anything romantic and set in a historical time period, but my favorites would be the Scarlet Pimpernel (A&E), the Buccaneers, anything that plays on Masterpiece Theatre, and anything Monty Python, especially the Search for the Holy Grail. Diverse I know. Oh well, I think that about sums it up for now....
Eve
Is from: Taiwan / Virginia
I was born in Taiwan and lived there till I was 7. Due to my Dad's job we moved around a lot when I was a kid, eventually settling in northern Virginia when my teenage / need-steady-environment-for-good-grades-for-college-application phrase hit. I went to college in Pittsburgh. As of 2004, I am in graduate school to pursue the impractical delights of intellectual stimulation =P
Obviously I love Jane Austen's writings. At the same time I also enjoy many other authors, although Harry Potter is the only other fandom that I am paying attention to at the moment. Mostly I just lurk around here, but let me just say now that I love this site. Thank you Ann and the archivers for your work.
Evey
Is from: n.Ireland
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Full name is actually Evelyn Ellen Elizabeth Smyth. Am 23 years old and am currently a student at uni.
I first fell in love with P&P when I was 11 years old and I read the book, after the miniseries I was hooked. I am shamefully addicted to fanfic and have been reading the DWG for about two years before I plucked up the courage last week to write my own story-Gin&Tonic(loved the feedback)
So now I'm just wondering about aimlessly but having fun along the way.
My favorite sweet are Malteasers although I used to be hooked on Vice Versas until they stopped making them, And I absolutly can't resist THORNTONS chocolate which rules the world.
I have 3 major weaknesses
-chocolate
-hot jam doughnuts with a G&T
-the snooze button on my alarm clock
Really love the DWG and dwiggies are so nice.(im smiling)
Hope to make more friends soon.
If you have anything incommon get in touch.Femke
Is from: Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands
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Hmmm... well I've got two interests: reading at DWG and ballet... yeah, you read it correctly, I do ballet.
However, I am more occupied by reading than I am with ballet.As you can see I am from Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands, and for those who don't know where that is, does Holland rings any bell? Well anyway, I enjoy Zwijndrecht, we have all we need here, even a mall! (yeah, the town isn't that small). We have a few neighbouring little towns of no importance, but Rotterdam is near, and that's where many a sunday is spent .
I'm still at school, so that dominates my days. Nothing to fancy on that score.
I also have two big sisters, one is still at high school with me, her name is Maaike, but the eldest is a first year student at the moment, her name is Anniek. At home we also have a very old cat, Caesar, he's 23 years old(!), and an old dog called Toby who's 13 year old. They are both very sweet.
I am/was a big fan of Five (they've split up! *sob*). My favorite books can be guessed... any novel of Jane Austen of course! I like them all, but I think P&P is my favourite. If you don't count JA's novels, my favourite book is The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley and the Adventures of Taran by Lloyd Alexander.
So, bye all, and remember: DWG ruleszzz!
Fran
Is from: Florence, Italy
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Hi everyone, my name is Francesca and am a 26 year-old Austen addict from beautiful Florence.
I found out about Jane's works only quite recently: after reading BJD, I was really curious to see what Bridget was so obsessed about and I bought P&P2 at Amazon... We haven't had it here on Tv, as far I know, and it is such a shame! Well, anyway, I loved it so much I went and bought the book, and then got Emma, and S&S and all the rest. I am in the middle of Mansfield Park right now, and I like it too, though I must say P&P is my favourite.
Got to Austen.com quite by chance, and have not stopped visiting since. Love the stories here so much, I only wish I was as talented as all of you are, and that my command of English was such as to allow me to share all the fanfic stories that regularly pop into my head. Oh, well, anyway, I am far too fickle and would end up starting ten and finishing none...
Thanks to everyone who do share their stories!GKay
Is from: USA, SE
B.Year of the Snake, Never m., Sans p.
Long-time JA fan and gentlewoman-about-town. Was in London once anyway. Have trod upon the stars that line Hollywood Blvd. and eaten burritos under the glittering overhang of theatre marquees. Have my own ideas about how Mr. Elliot was very much underhung.
Strong need to build my retirement fund but determined to do so in the laziest possible manner, as befits a poet of my stature and talent. Am to the manner born but not the manor, being of middle class origins.
Am over-educated in the liberal arts and sadly lacking in the native cunning of my forebears.
Have inherited the Wimsey hands, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. No family portraits to dispute the point, cf, middle class origins, above.
Presently enjoy good health and a deplorable lack of regular exercise. If anyone should desire to provide me with a suitable mare, for the purpose, I shall ask my landlord to add on a stable to the condo.
Hobbies: reading, writing and fooling around.
GailW
Is from: Mass, USA (suburbs of Boston)
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Upon reading other bios here, I find myself older than the rest - mid 40's, I must confess. But still a romantic.
Married for 18 years
2 teenaged children - boy 15 and girl 14After over 20 years of working full-time in a corporation I now work as a Human Resources consultant/contractor on a part-time basis and love the freedom it gives me (and more time to read DWG stories!)
I love all things Austen and love to read anything and everything, especially mysteries and DWG stories. I carry something to read everywhere and will read while in the supermarket line or in the car waiting for the kids (with 2 teenagers I do a LOT of chauferring). I have watched P&P2 over 20 times and recently received the Paltrow version of Emma as a gift from my son. I just discovered the DWG and BOI about 6 months ago and have greatly enjoyed reading everything on these sites. My family thinks I'm crazy and/or going through a mid-life crisis.
I have to say I am very impressed with the caliber of writing on DWG. Even more so upon reading these bios and finding many of you are teenagers. Most stories are very well thought out and intelligent. Some are truly exceptional. I'd like to name names but don't want to offend anyone. I tend to wait until stories are complete (love to see those dots appear) as my poor old brain gets too confused reading lots of different story installments. But I check DWG and BOI every single day to catch a completed story and I immediately print it out to read. My thanks to all of you who write stories and to those of you who work so hard to maintain this wonderful site.
Genette
Is from: Greensboro, NC
Born and raised in Greensboro, NC. 31 years old. I am married to a wonderful man (Dan) who gives me the certainty that there is someone who loves the me hidden deep inside and who encourages me in everything. We have 2 cats (Barnum and Perdita) whom we spoil shamelessly.
I work in marketing/publications for a company that provides Ministry Outreach Tools to churches. Have been at it for about 4 years and love it. Always busy, never bored! Visit the company home page(www.churchimpressions.com). The page is just getting going, but I have great plans for it over the next few months!
I first read Pride and Prejudice at age 11. It was a present from my oldest brother... (God bless the bookstore clerk who decided that a young man seeking a gift for a sister nearly 11 years his junior should give her such a lovely book!) The 1995 adaptation led me to RoP and then to Austen.com.
I also love Persuasion, Sense and Sensibility, and Northanger Abbey (hilarious).
I'm a big fan. In addition to all Austen, I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Star Trek (esp. Next Gen), and Lois & Clark the New Adventures of Superman.
I enjoy writing fan fiction when my schedule permits.
Grace
Is from: Vancouver BC Canada
I was born on Aug. 5, 1981.
Let's see... nothing interesting happened in my life until I moved to Canada in 1992. Hmmm... nothing interesting really happened after that either.
Anyway, I first read P&P when I was in 6th grade. I didn't understand a word, and didn't like it. Well, it might have been because my English wasn't too great at the time either. I read it again in 10th grade and have been hooked ever since. I found the DWG a little over a year ago and have been so hooked that I have to visit at least once, if not several, times a day. That does not go well with having a ton of homework to do. Oh yeah, I'm currently in my second year of Computer Science at Waterloo. Fun stuff, that, except for all the math that goes along with it (which sometimes makes me wonder why I'm in this field to start with).
My hobbies include reading, hanging out with friends on weekends... and I would have more if I had time. I'm currently working on Persuasion after having read S&S and Emma over the summer.
I have an obsession with Lord of the Rings.
I hate East Coast weather.
I tend to procrastinate quite badly.
I have very random thoughts, as you can see.
Grania O Malley
Is from: Dublin,Ireland
Hey all!OK,so my name isn't really Grania o Malley.I was christened Grainne Catriana Hampson but Grainne is such a dull name.You can't make a nickname from it(My friend Aoife tried using 'Gra' but stopped when we realised it was Irish for 'love')and when,while using Via Voice Gold,the computer typed my name as 'groin year' I was put off it forever.Grania O Malley was actually an Irish pirate queen who lived in the 1500's.I figured her name was more interesting than mine.Hope you agree.{:-)
And now onto the boring facts about myself.I was born at 3:23am on the 18th of July 1984,two minutes after my twin sister Ashling(She's not a Dwiggie but is really into Romance and Sexual Tention so she loves watching the P&P and Emma videos)I've no other siblings (much to my dismay)but three fun loving dogs help to make up for that.I'm fifteen years old,but at heart I'm an irresponsible, immature,childish 12 year old who bears no resemblence at all to the common teenager.My friend Aoife(also a Dwiggie,known as Janey Mack)introduced me to P&P and DWG(Thanks Janey,I owe you).Ever since then our internet bill has doubled and I've added Jane Austen to my list of obsessions which include Star Wars,Buffy the Vampire Slayer,The X-Files and Yelling out Irish Rebel songs at the top of my voice.I make it a point to surround myself with friends who are as strange and obsessed as myself.Hence "Insufferable Man","Use the Force" and "The Truth is out There" are common everyday phrases with us.I'm in thrid year at school in Killester,Dublin.I love maths,Irish, English,History and Art.My hobbies are basketball, Judo,reading,surfing the internet and hanging out with my friends.I'd like to work as an accountant,a vet or an Architect,but change my mind every day(A while ago I wanted to work at N.A.S.A.).My fave books include P&P,Brigid Jone's Diary,White Fang,Gone With the Wind,Stephen King books and any and all Star Wars Books.
Well,that's all there really is to know about me.I'd like to eventually write a story for DWG but haven't really had the time to yet(Janey,are we ever goin to write that story?) so for now I'll stick to leaving the odd message at the Tearoom.Hope I haven't bored you too much.
(BTW,Janey,I'm gonna get you back for that Hurricane Floyd joke){:-DGwyn
Is from: Newcastle, Australia
My Name
My real name isn't Gwyn. It's Jennifer. But you already have many Jennifers, and variations. I then thought to be Gwen, because I am in a Mediaeval society, and my persona is Gwen. But you had some Gwens as well. Then I remembered that I had originally wanted to be Gwyn, but didn't because it was a boy's name and I wanted a female persona. I feel alright using the masculine form of Gwen, because many people call me Gwen (including my in laws), everybody I know also knows me as Gwen, and there is very little difference between Gwen and Gwyn.Some Details
I was born in 1977, and have a very practical, and literal turn of mind. At times this makes me overly negative, and sometimes a bit tactless, although I don't do it deliberately. I am currently a postgraduate student in Chemical Engineering. It is interesting at times, but as any researcher can tell you, the interesting parts are well spaced with long stretches of tedious work.Jane Austen and the DWG
I can't remember where I first came across Jane Austen. It was most likely due to my Mother (who is an English teacher). I became addicted to Jane Austen, and the DWG because of being a postgrad. Here we have little supervision, bulk time and free internet access. To get a break from engineering I would often go to the library (which I have since finished reading anything even remotely interesting and quite a few things that aren't interesting). With the library read out, I was forced to the net. Eventually I found my way here, and haven't looked back. I probably won't ever post much, since my imagination runs towards dark and horrible fantasy, but I will spend a lot of time reading the stories here, and posting encouragement (I hope).Hannah Amelia
Is from: the absolute Middle of Nowhere, WNC
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And when I say middle of nowhere, I mean middle of nowhere. We have to drive half an hour for groceries! Which means that it's lovely to have this wonderful site full of people to talk to and share stories with. Well, mostly read other people's stories.
I have been hanging around here for several years now and it just occurred to me that I haven't put a bio up! So, here's me.I was born 5/6/89, so at present am almost seventeen. I have lived all over North Carolina, but for the last 10+ years have lived in the Appalachian mountains, near the big one. I have a dog name Cassia, who is a yorkie but not as yappy or hairy as most, and quite sweet mostly. I love to walk and swim, and am an obsessive reader. If I can't get books, I'll read cereal boxes. I enjoy reading almost everything except mechanical manuals, which haven't got a plot at all and so are rather unpleasant for bedtime reading. I enjoy hiking and swimming, and live by a lovely river. My room is painted caramel latte and apple crisp, which translate into orange and mustard and I was hungry when I chose the colors, but luckily I like them anyway. Photographs do not capture any portion of my wondrousness, and since I only get a halfway decent one every seven years, I shall refrain from attempting to show my visage through this unhappy medium. I have a large collection of craft supplies and stationary, and recently procured starters for illuminating manuscripts. I love manuscripts. Manuscripts are marvelous. Give me a nice crumbly one any day. I can't translate 'em yet, but I hope to be able to soon!
And now for something completely different. And cooler! The JA stuff!
My seven year fascination with the works of Our Beloved Authoress began with a viewing of P&P2, which set me to reading that wonderful book. I think I have read it over twenty times by now... I have slowly corrupted all my friends until they are almost as obsessed as I am. I get strange looks from my family almost constantly as I compare real life to the books (isn't it strange how similar they can be?).
And then I discovered the rest of them! Since then, I have loved S&S, Persuasion and Emma. I have hated NA and MP. Since then, I have changed my mind a bit. Now Emma is at the top of my list of Beloved Books and NA is not far behind. I still hate MP, though...Anything else about me? Umm... I am allergic to pollen and many plant smells but love gardening, and also herbals, which are often highly amusing and present intriguing interpretations of the plants I know and love. Cooking is my delight and my downfall - too much baking... I have a tendency to become bored with computer games very fast. I draw maps of places. Actually, my dad is a cartographer. I had a bakery for five years and a beauty products business for three. I want to go to Oxford for college.
And that, in short, addresses the principle points of me. If anyone wants to e-mail me, please do! I love to correspond, esp. about JA!
Oh, and BTW, I answer to the names of Hannah, Nina and Neener, but please don't call me the last!
Hannah
Is from: Philadelphia, PA.
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(aka. Hannah E.)
12/28/84, so I’m 17 and some.
Philadelphia, PAI’m a happy student almost done her junior year of high school. I discovered RoP in 1998, joined in the fall of 2000, and have been writing for BoI ever since. In earlyish 2001 I decided to visit the DWG link at Pemberley, and was pleasantly entertained. After some great recommendations of stories by another BoI author I began to come more often, and now check multiple times a day (when I can!) for my favorite stories. While I like the BoI a great deal, I’d also like to be able to write modern fanfics, as I ‘d like to be able to illustrate a world I know more about.
I read my first JA books in 7th grade (P&P and S&S), but happily had been exposed to it for years before that by my excellent mother and likewise excellent sister. Emma and Persuasion were next, then the History of England, MP, NA, Sandition, and the other assorted bits and the Juvenilia. My favorite two books are Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, though I like the liveliness of Pride and Prejudice nearly as much. Mansfield Park I also find fascinating.
Apart from my interest in JA, I am interested in Scottish history and literature after a wonderful term at a girl’s school in Edinburgh, where I discovered the RoP. I am interested in history in general, as well as latin, art (drawing) and I enjoy reading. I played field hockey for six years as a defense player, that’s just the person I am. I’m not terribly aggressive. I enjoy hiking in Vermont, being able to drive (it’s still a novelty), writing, curling up with a good book, being around dogs, and I am a confirmed techie. Then, I’m aggressive, and deadly organized. Anything backstage (or in catwalks if they have rails) of plays is pure joy for me.
I’m a decidedly cheerful person, (except in the morning) though rather given to complaining. I do like to laugh, though, and am always ready to be entertained. I also like to sit and think, though sometimes I just fall asleep.
Other literary favorites include Dorothy Sayers, Dorothy Dunnet, Carola Dunn, the Harry Potter books, Macbeth, all of the Flambards books except the third (I do like the fourth), Mary Stewart, Alice in Wonderland, Through the looking Glass, Gregory Macguire's Confessions of An Ugly Stepsister and Terry Prachett's Discworld books. I’m always looking for more books to read, though!
Haru
Is from: California (originally)
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Here's a pic:
I can't bear to say "Washington, DC," even though that's where I've lived the past few years!
I found the RoP way back in March 1997, and that alone probably delayed my completion of my dissertation by several months! I came over here when the modern stories were evicted from that site.
I was introduced to Jane Austen in 1980, when I saw the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. Since then, I have been a JA addict. I also enjoy other 19th century British literature and books on women's studies. Equal treatment in the working world for women is a very important issue to me!
I'm married, with one son, and I work full time as an economist.
Heather
Is from: Bradenton, Florida (Sunshine State)
I live in Paradise, if you have a high number SPF sunblock. Married with children. Husband: Michael, 4 kids: Bryan 11, Cameron 9, Tayler-Shea 7, and Baby Michaela "Mikki" 14 months. Most of my time is spent cleaning-up after the kids, and hubby, too. In the off-time, I'm a Family Practice Nurse--working 40 hrs weekly outside of the home.
In the remaining hours, I spend the time driving kids to Soccer practice, gymnastics, ballet, beaches, Busch Gardens, the park, etc... you get the idea. And when night falls, and everyone around me is in bed...I get to chat with all the nice people in JA chat room!! A special "hello" to my dearest friend, Dawn. She turned me on to DWG site and I thank you. (PS. I think I'm ready for some additional computer/internet lessons)
See ya in chat!!HollyJ
Is from: Australia
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I'm fifteen years old and live in Australia, just north of Sydney.
I discovered Jane Austen about four or five years ago when I went to the movies to see Emma Thompson's S&S. I fell in love with the story, the characters, the way they spoke, the beautiful costumes and the breathtaking scenery. Soon after, the BBC's P&P was released and I was a complete Austen addict.My favourite books are Tomorrow When the War began, S&S, P&P, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
There is a much longer list for my favourite films. Little Women, Titanic, Ever After, The Horse Whisperer, Strictly Ballroom, Clueless, Hilary & Jackie, The Truman Show and 10 Things I Hate About You.
Hope (Gabby)
Is from: Lake Worth, FL
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I am 17, and cannot drive. :p I love musicals - singing, listening, acting, whatever. I am trying for a piano scholarship (lots of work. yeesh) so I can major in music and theater (theatre?). I was born in Detroit, and my whole family (immediate, that is) moved to Florida when I was around 11-12. I hate messes, but I also hate cleaning them up, so I'm torn in that area. I have two cats, and a puppy - even though I'm allergic to dogs. I was introduced to Jane Austen through Emma Thompson's S&S adaptation. My dad brought the first half of P&P2 home from Blockbuster the next week. We waited quite a while for the second half. :p I've read all of Jane Austen's completed books, and cannot pick a favorite. I force (for lack of a better word) my interests on my siblings, so they're all sick to death of Jane Austen and musicals. I have almost converted my youngest sisters, though. If you want to know more, you'll have to catch me in chat sometime. :)
Gabby
Hope Gabrielle
Is from: Lake Worth, Florida
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Okay, I decided to do this over. Ask anyone who's experienced "me": if I do anything, I will redo it sometime. Call it perfectionism, lunacy, whatever. Anyway, onto the "more important" information, otherwise known as "trivial details in the life of Hope Gabrielle ------ (sorry, that last name is privileged information. I'd tell you, but I'd have to kill you. Actually, it's just awful, so never mind)
Name: Hope Gabrielle "Punkin" (I think I mentioned the former two before, but the other has been forgotten with time. I've never been called Snookums, and will not tolerate it.)
Birthdate: October 6th, 1981 (the day Anwar Sadat was assassinated, but never mind again)
Birthplace: Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA
Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown Nationality: American mutt with a mix of English, Scottish, Irish (gotta love that temper!!), and a teeny bit of Cherokee) I'm probably more, but they haven't been discovered yet. :)
Talents: piano, and hopefully voice. I enjoy writing, but am not sure if I have a talent for it, or if it's merely the result of reading too much as a young'un. I like baking, too. Brownies, cookies, cake, and especially chocolate marble cheesecake. Now I'm hungry.
Pet peeves: I am as of Tuesday, April 27, 1999, 17 years old. I cannot drive, and I wear braces. These are my main ... whatchamacallits. (Hey, it's a word, okay?!) My brother should also be listed here. Also, I have yet to see any show whatsoever this year, and I am broker than any guy who comes against Walker, Texas Ranger.
Dreams, Goals, Aspirations: I want to be one of three things (maybe two, or even all three) 1. a singer/actress on Broadway 2. a music critic (go to a show as work, and get paid for telling what you thought of it...sounds good to me) 3. a piano soloist (If I get really good, I could get $30,000 for one show. Also sounds good. However, if I'm bad, nobody cares.) And if none of that works out, I'll be content to be Mrs. Whoever (Hopefully with a really nice last name), with two or three beautiful kids, in a beautiful home... Oh, wait, I'm waking up now... Well, enough about that. I'm getting depressed.
Now, you might have noticed I like music. I'll elaborate on that: music is my life. I've just started becoming interested in classical. Actually, I've been *interested* for years, but I've only recently started actually looking into it. So, now I like Broadway (Les Miserables, Ragtime, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Jekyll & Hyde [with Anthony Warlow, I have as yet to experience it with anyone else, and don't really want to.], Miss Saigon, West Side Story, D*mn Yankees, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's okay, but I don't like Cats or Aspects of Love, or Jesus Christ Superstar. The rest are okay. Bear with me, I'm still discovering new things.) classical, Christian music, and rock & roll, sometimes.
Favorite Performers: Lea Salonga, Linda Eder, Anthony Warlow, Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael Ball, Colm Wilkinson, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Holly Jo Crane, Michael Card, Keith Green (even if he is dead), Ruthie Henshall, Matt Cammelle, 4Him, Avalon, Rebecca St. James, Point of Grace, not necessarily in that order. And there are probably more, but I can't exactly list them all here.
Favorite Books: just about anything. I like Jane Austen, of course; no particular preference on which one - I like 'em all! I like Mark Twain, especially Huckleberry Finn. I like Louisa May Alcott. Charles Dickens, especially A Tale of Two Cities. Les Miserables is good, but I knew the story before I read it, so I don't really know if I like the book or not. And that's true, I don't know. I loved Johnny Tremain, and I like Alexandre Dumas's stuff. Frances Hodgson Burnett. To Kill a Mockingbird. Jane Eyre. Gone With the Wind. Anne of Green Gables. Shakespeare ... just about any play. The Cross and the Switchblade. And a lot more that I either can't remember, or haven't read yet. Bible stories are awesome, too.
Favorite Movies: well, I don't really like movies, but the stuff I'll watch gladly are as follows: P&P2 (duh), The Shawshank Redemption, Lady & the Tramp, Stalag 17, Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Audrey Hepburn. Sleepless in Seattle. While You Were Sleeping. Oscar. a few more.
Favorite Food: chocolate and cheese (not together)
Favorite Color: who cares?
I think I'm done. Besides, I have to eat. :)
Jack C.
Is from: Covington, LA
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How ya'll are?
I'm Jack C., a 48-year old economic developer working in the New Orleans, Louisiana area. I am married with 3 sons, two in college and one that will finish high school next May. Strangley enough for a business major (MBA from Tulane) I have been active in community theatre - acting and directing - and have written a play. My other loves are golf, travel and history.
I've enjoyed JA for almost 30 years. My favorites are Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion.
This Cajun is currently writing a fan fiction piece named The Three Colonels, set during the time of Waterloo.
Jackie
Is from: Maine, USA
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Let's see... I was born 5-23-1981 right here in Maine, where I have stayed and where I plan to stay for some time. I am currently going to Bates College, but this is soon to be an outdated statement, as I am graduating with a BA in Spanish and English this May (2003).
I'm also getting married June 1st of this year to a wonderful guy, whom I have been dating since three weeks into our freshman year (he lived two doors down on my freshman hall). I did not set out, when I went to college, with any intentions of getting my "MRS degree", as some people have snarkily suggested; in fact I did not even necessarily intend to have a boyfriend, since I felt that unless it was really a serious thing, I had way too much other stuff to do!
Among that other stuff: I work in the college's theater department as Asst. to the Costume Shop Supervisor, which means that I sew... quilting has become a favorite pastime, and I am making my own wedding gown (I should probably get started on that... I'm a bit of a procrastinator). I love love love animals, I have threee horses and three cats, and would dearly love to get a dog.
After graduation, I'd like to teach high school english for a couple of years (I have my fingers crossed that I'll be able to land a job where I might get to teach J.A.!) and after that I plan on going to Veterinary School, as that has been my aspiration since Junior High (don't ask me why I chose to be an English / Spanish double major).
I've loved Jane Austen for a wicked long time (there's some Maine-speak for you), and I spend way, way too much time on this site. My SO thinks I'm nuts, but I'm hoping he'll come around; he's absorbed enough P&P2 through a strange sort of Jane Austen-osmosis-like process that he gets most of my references, or asks for explanations on the more obscure ones. I've even caught him watching P&P2 when I wasn't home. Wow. I'm hoping it wasn't just for the decolletage.
Please feel free to email me, or if you should be lucky enough to catch me on AOL IM, my username is jax412.
Jaja S.
Is from: South East Asia, Malaysia
Greetings to all
I am a female, late twenties, with an addiction for good food, good books, and latte @Starbucks... Ohh the apple crumble pie there is heavenly too..
Read Jane Austen during my teen years... (that was the time, when no internet existed in my country yet) And, a few years back, I re-read P&P, and fall in love, head over heels with Mr. Darcy.. **sigh...
Found out about this website, from another P&P fan-fic website.. and has been a devoted web-surfer ever since..
Love all the stories written here, be it an epilouge or fantasia novella..
Cheers to all !
Archives pages:
A. Laura Michelle - Chez
Christian - Jaja S.
Janet - LeiaLeona - Nicole G
Nicole - SusanCEC
TabbiW - Zeb