Florence Gold

Florence Gold’s existence is owed to Jane Austen’s timeless and invaluable legacy, which she bestowed upon the world two hundred years ago. I was raised on Austen’s books. 'Persuasion' and 'Pride and Prejudice' were constants on my grandmother’s bedside table. Although I read them from a young age, it wasn’t until I truly immersed myself in Austen’s literature that I understood why Granny Veronica liked the old lady and her 19th century literature so much. Strangely enough, more than a century after Austen’s passing, Granny found herself facing similar social issues to those of her favourite author—not being free to choose her own future or who to love, to fulfil her wish to study or have a profession. She was obliged to be a housewife like so many ladies at the beginning of the 20th century. One of the reasons I started my journey in Austenesque literature was to pay tribute to Granny Veronica and all the women whose dreams forever went unfulfilled. I have always written, yet for so long, I did not have the chance to write every day, to be a just a writer and live only for my books. This finally happened when I reached the age of a granny myself, although it was only possible because I had the chance to write in the digital age and because I am an IT specialist who contributed, during a twenty-five-year-long career, to the implementation of digital technology in education and culture. My encounter with Lory Lillian, a prominent figure in Jane Austen Fan Fiction, marked a turning point. This encounter gave rise to Florence Gold, elevating it from a mere pseudonym to a core aspect of my identity. Reflecting on five years immersed in Austenesque literature, I acknowledge significant growth both personally and professionally. 'Whispers of Pemberley' is a three-volume series that presents a dynamic and original reinterpretation of Jane Austen’s seminal work and timeless masterpiece, 'Pride and Prejudice,' spanning three distinct eras: the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. While Elizabeth and Darcy remain central characters throughout, only the first volume, 'E&D 1800,' is a direct variation of 'Pride and Prejudice.' The subsequent volumes craft standalone narratives, utilising coincidences and unique circumstances to maintain the names of the principal characters from the beloved Austen classic. Despite Florence Gold’s dominance in my real life, I still consider myself a romance writer. Over the years, I have published various digital and paper books, enjoying the unique advantages of each. I appreciate the versatility of the ebook and the ease of finding a connection in the digital world. However, I also like the idea of my readers holding a physical book in their hands that can magically transport them to a different universe. My restless nature has also driven me to explore under my other pseudonym, Ana Damian, where I delve into different literary genres and historical periods and settings. Although I also write short stories and poems, the novel remains my preferred mode of expression, and Ana Damian likes and writes romance. So, I invite you to discover Ana Damian’s debut novel, 'Scenario for Love,' available on Amazon.