Be More Jane by Sophie Andrews - Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I'm pleased to be welcoming a new author to the blog. Although Be More Jane is Sophie Andrews' first book, many of you will be aware of her, as a blogger over at Laughing With Lizzie, and the creator of the Laughing with Lizzie Facebook page. Sophie is a very keen Janeite and she has created a gorgeous book, with illustrations from the very talented Jane Odiwe, who is a wonderful artist in addition to being a talented author. Let's have a look at the blurb to get a flavour of what Sophie's book is about, and then I will hand over to her for a guest post, excerpt, and a chance for you to win a copy of the book!

Book Description

Are you more Marianne than Elinor, Lydia rather than Lizzy? Be More Jane will teach you to address life with more sense and less prejudice, taking useful lessons from the novels and letters of Jane Austen, one of the world’s best-loved writers. Times may change, but many of our problems remain the same. Sophie Andrews, a young Janeite, knows from personal experience that in times of trouble, or just on matters of friendship, family, and love, answers are to be found in the pages of Miss Austen’s novels.

Guest Post from Sophie Andrews and Excerpt from Be More Jane

Thank you so much, Ceri, for welcoming me to your blog. I am excited to be sharing an extract from my new book with your readers today. The extract I have chosen is from the chapter entitled 'Be More Lizzy'. Elizabeth Bennet has always been a huge inspiration for me, not to mention my blog persona as well. I find her such an admirable character.

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Be More Lizzy

“I dearly love a laugh.”
(Pride and Prejudice)

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bennet is one of the most well known, admired, and popular of Jane Austen’s heroines. Witty, independent, intelligent, loyal, and a loving daughter and sister, she is perhaps the character most closely linked in the reader’s mind to Jane Austen herself. Since my first introduction to Lizzy, when I was just 16, she has been my inspiration. She has been my blog persona for a number of years and, from her, I have picked up invaluable tips on how to be more of a “Lizzy” in my own life.

Life can be tough, so try to make it fun and enjoyable more of the time. Lizzy herself declares, “follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can” and we should do the same. Lizzy always searches for the funny side to any situation, which is a sensible approach to life, for laughing is proven to be good for us. In today’s challenging world, where we are faced with negativity on a daily basis, it is essential to find joy in as much as we can, to keep us smiling.

Lady Catherine confronts Lizzy

“You have widely mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these.”

These are Lizzy’s defiant words during her clash with Lady Catherine de Bourgh, after rumors reach her ladyship of an engagement between Lizzy and her nephew, Mr Darcy. Elizabeth is a wonderful example of someone who knows her own mind and will not be persuaded to do anything she does not believe in. She is even strong enough to stand up to Lady Catherine, a formidable character, of far superior rank in society—no mean feat! Lizzy is someone who will always fight her own corner but is not afraid to support others when needed. She shows real courage and commendable strength of character, particularly for a woman in the Regency era. We can follow in her footsteps, be true to what we know is right, and stand up for our beliefs.

These are the two principal lessons to be learned from our inspirational heroine, and they are two that have particularly helped me.

Lizzy walking to Netherfield
"six inches deep in mud"!

But it also seems to me that occasionally walking through a muddy field, as Lizzy famously does, might not be such a bad idea when seeking to impress! And perhaps she knows a trick or two when, out of curiosity, she unexpectedly goes visiting a rich man’s house and estate and successfully wins his love (and his fortune!).

BE MORE LIZZY
Seek out the fun in life.
Stand up for what you believe in.
Don’t worry about getting a bit of mud on your shoes!

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This is just one of many topics I touch on in the book, and I have  also had a little extra fun along the way, by writing 'vignettes' as some of Austen's most beloved, often comic, characters - who mistakenly believe they have their own sensible advice to share!  I do hope you all enjoy my new book, 'Be More Jane'.  And thank you again for letting me stop by.

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About the Author

Sophie Andrews
(photo by Brian Hubbard)

Sophie Andrews is a founder member of the Jane Austen Pineapple Appreciation Society, and organises events such as picnics, balls and house parties for her fellow Austenites. Sophie started her blog, Laughing with Lizzie, in 2012, aged 16, after studying Pride and Prejudice at school. She has been attending Austen-themed events since then, and was featured in the BBC documentary “My Friend Jane” which focused on the fun and friendship she has found with her fellow Janeites. She lives in Berkshire and has over 100 different editions of Pride and Prejudice on her bookshelves.

Contact Links:

Laughing with Lizzie Facebook page / Laughing with Lizzie Instagram page / Laughing with Lizzie Twitter page

Buy Links:

Be More Jane is available to buy now!

Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Goodreads

Giveaway Time!

CICO books are very kindly giving away a copy of the book at each of the blog stops (there's a list below). The giveaway is open to readers in the US, Canada and Europe. To enter, just leave a comment on this blog post by the end of the day on Friday 19 April. You can leave contact details here, such as a twitter name or email address to be notified if you are the winner, but if you'd rather not publish this info, then follow comments on the post, and I will pop in a comment once the winner's name is selected.

Thank you so much to CICO books and to Sophie Andrews for visiting Babblings of a Bookworm with this beautiful book!

Be More Jane Tour Schedule

April 8          Regency History / Q&A & Giveaway

April 9          Diary of an Eccentric / Book review & Giveaway

April 10        More Agreeably Engaged / Book review & Giveaway

April 11        Babblings of a Bookworm / Excerpt & Giveaway

April 12        My Love for Jane Austen /Guest Post & Giveaway

April 14        My Jane Austen Book Club /Book review & Giveaway

April 15        So Little Time / Guest Post & Giveaway

April 16        Austenesque Reviews / Book review & Giveaway

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