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You are invited to write what your passions are about Jane Austen and/or her books; your favorite characters, the character you like to laugh at, favorite books, movies-like or dislike and why. This includes the offshoot books and movies that are related to Jane Austen i.e. Lost in Austen, Stefanie Barron’s Jane Austen mysteries, Death Comes to Pemberley etc.

Your name, address, email, tele. # in upper left hand corner. Your Bio- 50 words or less.Send one item of unpublished prose (essay or personal thoughts) up to 1500 words; or send up to 5 poems, no minimum number of lines, maximum of 50 lines or less, each: Write THE END at the end of each piece submitted. This will be removed before publishing.

Send as a word attachment.Deadline of March 31, 2021 midnight. Acceptance letter will be sent by April 15, 2021.

You, as the author retain copyright for your work, permitting PurpleStone Press to publish it.The copyright for the anthology as a “collective work” belongs to PurpleStone Press.

The book will be available to purchase by May 30, 2021.   Please send your submission to: arlenebice1633@gmail.com as an attachment as soon as your piece is completed and edited. The first 10 accepted submissions will receive a complimentary copy within the continental USA.

All accepted submissions will have a one-time offer to purchase anthologies (as many as you want 1 –100) at less than retail price.

Questions? I’m always delighted to answer questions. Send them on…  Arlene S. Bice

1. Lost is Austen film for Jane Austen fans gives me deep belly laughs even though the American version cuts out some great scenes.
2. Deadlines for February are met.
3. Bitter cold weather has left us for this year.
4. Scratching posts for indoor cats
5. Artists who make life better because of their artwork.
6. My days last week without electricity are over.
7. Other writers.
8. TED talks.
9. Holidays, all of them, they give us a break in daily living.
10. All the people in my life.

The Ocean

arlene s bice

Created of small drops of water

a salted sea that fills the world

its ebb and flow

like thoughts of the mind

rise and crash of waves

like changes of heart

constant movement

inspirer of dreams

whether seaside or sailing across its surface.

1. Repairmen/women
2. Electricity
3. Internet
4. Candles
5. Flashlights
6. Afghans
7. Fireplace
8. Books
9. Tuna fish
10. Canned salmon

Why is the first time for any experience, good or bad, always remembered vividly when brought to mind.

Easily, this one popped into my head with electrifying response from just a word.

I remember this one so well, joyfully, of a foot -long, fat, cardboard tube.

It was placed into my hands with instructions to look into the tiny hole and twist.

I was a youngster of under 10 years of age holding an amazing, new object setting my imagination awhirl.

The kaliedoscope was a world of color, shapes, and marvel, changing as I twirled with such ease, just like my life has done since those early years.

The snow falling ever so gently coming down

Brought memories of youth, country and town

Snow angels, snowmen and ladies, too

Brought joy, wet mittens and hands so blue

Times change and with it, my new snow plow

Brought growing up, earning money somehow.

I walked into town to stretch my legs a bit

Especially on such a beautiful day

Just to window shop, which is my way

Of saving money or at least not spending

But one shop called me to a huge, lucky sale

I knew it would lift my spirit, never does it fail

And help this small business, too. (C)

1. My car, it’s small, it fits me, reliable, has get-up-n-go, doesn’t hog gasoline and it even shows a smiley face.
2. Poetry- it wasn’t my first choice to write, but it has so many benefits in writing or reading my own or someone else’s.
3. My writing groups. I dearly love my –two writing groups.
4. Reading other peoples’ posts. Loving the Jane Austen –related ones right now. I have been a Janeite for a long time.
5. Re-reading Stephanie Barron’s Jane Austen mysteries-so well written in JA style and vocabulary, intricate story and accurate JA life entwined.
6. The promise of warmer days ahead.
7. Being a member of TAF.
8. The ability to read.
9. The ability to write.
10. The new heater I am still paying for a year after it was installed. Thankful for the warmth.

“You mark my words!”

She said.

Pointing an angry finger at me.

I did.

Then proceeded to do what I wanted. And it was good.

Pretty pastel candy hearts
Words, sweets and tarts
Bring back school days of old
Teasing, pleasing, many bold
All counted at the end of the day
How many did you get?