Mundie Moms

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Author Interview & Giveaway with Elizabeth Eulberg

To say we're very excited to have Elizabeth Eulberg on our blog today would be an understatement. We adore her newest release, Prom & Prejudice. If you haven't picked it up, we highly recommend it.

We admired how you kept the rhythm of the original Pride and Prejudice plot but allowed for changes to modernize it and make it fresh. How did you decide what to keep and what to change?

Thanks! It really boiled down to what makes sense for the situation that I put my Lizzie in (being at a prestigious boarding school on scholarship). As much as I love Mr. and Mrs. Bennet from the original (there’s so many classic, hilarious scenes with them), it didn’t make sense for my Lizzie’s parents to have the same characteristics. Probably the biggest plot element missing from mine is the influence Lady Catherine de Bourgh has in the plot. My characters had enough obstacles that I really didn’t need her getting in the way. I did, however, name one of the minor characters, Cat de Bourgh, in homage to her.

We adore your Lizzie and your Darcy but don't want to give away spoilers, so if Lizzie were to see Darcy for the first time, what three words would she use to describe him? And in turn, what three words would Darcy have used to describe Lizzie?

Oh, this is good. Lizzie would call Darcy “tall, dark and brooding.” Darcy’s a little more difficult because I have to erase away what he knows about her (and I’m used to seeing things through Lizzie’s eyes). So just him seeing her it would be “beautiful, unique and shy.” He definitely senses something different about her, but not necessarily in a bad way. Also, Lizzie isn’t really shy, but given the circumstances she’s in my book, she isn’t really forward with people she doesn’t know. All I’ll say is that she’s learned her lesson from first semester!

What did you admire most about your character Lizzie? What did you admire most about your character Darcy?

Lizzie’s pretty gutsy. She leaves her comfortable life to go to a boarding school so she can pursue her dream of becoming a classical pianist. She’s put through a lot (especially bullying) because she’s on scholarship, but she does her best to not let them get the best of her. I don’t know if I could be so strong.

Darcy is incredibly loyal. In the original and in my retelling, he moves heaven and earth to protect the person he loves (and her family/friends). Even though he’s a bit stubborn, he’s able to get past his prejudices and do the right thing.

So which is your favorite adaptation of Pride and Prejudice? The A&E

Colin Firth version or the Keira Knightley version and how many times have you seen it?

I like both, but the Colin Firth version (technically the BBC, I know, I’m such the snob!) is my favorite. They were able to fit a lot more of the book into their adaptation. And of course, there’s the infamous pond scene (which wasn’t in the book!). I’ve watched the BBC one twice and the Keira Knightley version 2.5 times (I can’t seem to click away from it when it’s on TV).

What's your favorite classic to read?

Is it too predictable for me to say Pride and Prejudice? I had to read it a few times over the past couple years for work on my book. I also like to reread Little Women since it has a special meaning for me because I’m named after Beth (and I have a sister Meg). I do like to tease to my mom every now and then with (spoiler alert!): “You name me after the one who dies?!?!”

What 3 books are you looking forward to reading this year?

I’m shamefully behind in my reading – I have a to-read pile on my nightstand for books that I really want to read in the next couple months and then a to-read shelf for books that I want to read someday! And then I keep buying books! But I am really looking forward to Sarah Pekkanen’s Skipping a Beat (her debut novel, The Opposite of Me, was one of my favorite “adult” books last year), Sarah Mlynowski’s 10 Things We Did (But Probably Shouldn’t Have) and Ally Carter’s sequel to Heist Society, Uncommon Criminals. As you can tell, I really like fun, contemporary fiction!

Thank you Elizabeth for joining us today! We're with you, we enjoy the BBC/Colin Firth version the most too. We completely relate to the ever growing to read pile and the urge to keep buying more books. I feel better knowing I'm not the only one.

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You can read Sophie's 5 star review of it here- http://tinyurl.com/4pvm4ll

Be sure to visit Elizabeth's site here http://www.elizabetheulberg.com/

Thank you to Elizabeth, we have 1 copy of Prom & Prejudice we're giving away!! Please fill out the form below to enter-

15 comments:

  1. Loved the answers and always but always the A&E/BBC version has to win out!!!

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  2. Hi :)
    Thank you for the interview with Elizabeth and thank you to Elizabeth for sharing here. I really enjoyed her answers & I'm looking forward to Ally's new book as well.
    All the best,
    RKCharron

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  3. Great interview!I agree the A&E/BBC version is better. BBC makes the best movies that are based on books. I can't wait to read this book. It sounds really cute :) Thanks for the chance to win!

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  4. Such great answers!! :D
    I really hope I can get this book soon, It's at the top of my To-Buy list.

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  5. Thanks for the giveaway! Loved the interview. I've seen the 2005 version, but never the BBC one. Guess I'll have to see if my library carries it so I can check it out since you ladies all rave about it. lol :D

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  6. Thanks for the interview and I agree with loving the infamous pond scene - (and a wet Colin Firth)!

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  7. I love the Keira Knightley version, but I haven't seen the BBC version. I really want to read this book. My library doesn't have it... GRRR!!! I might have to buy this one. It sounds fabulous!

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  8. I've never read Pride and Prejudice or the retellings, but I have seen the Keira Knightly version and loved it. I now want to see the other version.

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  9. I love the Keira Knightley version, but I haven't seen the other version.

    Great interview and the thanks for the giveaway!

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  10. Wonderful interview! I'm so looking forward to this book (and to the Sarah Mlynowski title Ms. Eulberg mentioned as well.)

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  11. I have to read Pride and Prejudice soon. I hear so many amazing things about it that I really think I am missing out.

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  12. Great interview! Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I'm going to put this book on my wishlist.

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  13. Being a real fan I am a BBC all the way kinds gal! Great interview.

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  14. This is so exciting! I love the Keira Knightley version best.

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