Idaho Region
Jane Austen Birthday Tea with Author Pamela Aidan
December 8, 2007
The Grove Hotel Ballroom
JASNA's Idaho Region celebrated Jane Austen's 232nd birthday at Boise's Grove Hotel on Saturday, December 8, 2007. Ninety-four members and guests were greeted by music performed by a Boise High School string quartet, lovely Christmas trees, and tables decorated with poinsettias and framed quotations from Austen's novels and letters. Attendees browsed the book sale and raffle table, and sales at both were brisk.
Following a delicious tea and a ceremonial toast to our favorite author, celebrants enjoyed a lively and informative talk by Pamela Aidan, author of the "Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman" series. Ms. Aidan delighted the audience with her announcement that she is working on a fourth book in the series as well as a new novella series imagining Darcy's childhood and family. Ms. Aidan also discussed the "fan fiction" phenomenon, the challenges associated with self-publishing, and the satisfaction of having one's books purchased by a publishing house. Following her remarks, Ms. Aidan answered questions and signed copies of her books.
The Organizing Committee with
our speaker (from left: Carole Stokes,
Monica Van Bussum, Susan Durst,
Pamela Aidan, Susana Ossandon,
Betty Purdy, Caroline Grey-Tenne,
and Susie Multanen)
The tea was the Idaho Region's 14th annual celebration of Jane Austen's birthday.