Interview with Victoria Connelly

Why Jane Austen books?

There is something so special about Jane Austen's novels. I first discovered Pride and Prejudice when I was seventeen and I've been hooked ever since. First of all, she writes wonderful love stories. Her characters are so believable and she allows them to make horrible mistakes which feel very real. The stories are also written with such warmth and wit and there are some of the best villains in literature too like Mr Collins and Lady Catherine.

Who is your fave Austen character?

It would have to be Elizabeth Bennet because she's such a wonderful heroine whose sparkling wit dances across the page. She is also deeply loyal to her family and is willing to acknowledge her mistakes which makes her very endearing.

Have you ever been to the places mentioned in the books?

My Austen Addicts’ Trilogy was inspired by my visits to several Jane Austen locations such as Hampshire which was the setting for A Weekend with Mr Darcy, Lyme Regis which was the setting for The Perfect Hero/Dreaming of Mr Darcy, and Devon and Bath where Mr Darcy Forever was set. I was lucky enough to spend time in each of the settings in my books and they were all stunningly beautiful.

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Chocolate – every time!

What are you reading now?

I always have several books on the go at once. I'm currently reading Jane Odiwe’s Searching for Captain Wentworth - a gorgeous Austen timeslip. I'm also reading Ronald Blythe’s books about his life in rural Suffolk, and Jessi Bloom’s lovely book Free-Range Chicken Gardens.

What is your fave movie? 

Truly, Madly, Deeply - I adore this film. It's moving and funny with wonderfully warm characters and it always makes me cry. It's been my favourite film for a long time now but I also love anything starring Doris Day, Gene Kelly and Marilyn Monroe, and a good Jane Austen adaptation never fails to hit the spot!

Pride and Prejudice ( Colin Firth or Keira ) ??

It's got to be Colin Firth! He is the perfect Mr Darcy but, if you haven't got six hours to set aside, the Keira Knightley version is beautiful too with a gorgeous soundtrack, stunning cinematography and a deeply romantic ending. I would agree with you on both of these.

Thanks for being here Victoria and I too love Jane Austen novels. Victoria also have a novella coming out and its here 

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