Eight years ago, this month, my very first book An Arranged Marriage was published. At the time, I thought I might sell ten books if I was lucky.Well, I sold a few more than ten and then a few more and then… Today, after having four more novels published, An Arranged Marriage still remains my all-time bestseller. When the book was released, I had no idea the event would change my life.
I wrote the story in 2004 and posted it online on a few Austen-based fiction sites. It wasn’t the first story I wrote, but it proved to be the most popular. I think it’s the title. Let’s face it―there’s just something about a couple who get along like prickly pears and refuse to admit they’re in love being forced to inhabit the intimate confines of an unwanted marriage. Don’t judge us―we just want to see what happens.
In 2011, out of nowhere, Meryton Press contacted me with an offer to publish. I had never heard of the company and assumed it was a vanity press. I ignored the email for a while, but finally, I mentioned the offer to Debbie Styne, who, at the time, was reading The
Child as a beta for me. She proceeded to set me straight. The rest, as they say, is history. I was shocked, but thrilled when people read my stories online. When readers actually paid money for them, I was blown away. Sometimes, I still can’t believe it.
My darling husband died three years before An Arranged Marriage was published. I regret that he didn’t live to see it happen because he would have been so happy for me. For years, I had dreamed of going to England and visiting some of the places Jane Austen wrote about. I began to toy with the idea in early 2012. While raising children, I had learned to be frugal, and even though by then I was an empty-nester with no one to support but myself, I couldn’t quite justify spending that much money on me. I was used to buying clothes and toys
for grandchildren. My oldest son and his wife came for a visit, and I cautiously broached the idea with them. I expected them to call their brothers and sisters and warn them, “You can’t believe what Mom wants to do now.” Instead, they both cried “Go for it!” Hot dog! I could go without guilt. My good friend Janet Taylor was glad to be my traveling companion, so we set off in August. We had a fantastic time and came home with a boatload of memories.
Publication expanded my world far beyond my little home office in Texas. Through the years, I’ve met people online from all over the globe, and I now cherish many of them as good friends. Our common love for Jane unites us. When like minds meet on Facebook, Twitter, or the various Austen blogs, there’s instant communication. We all know why we love Mr. Darcy. We can quote parts of his first proposal in our sleep. Captain Wentworth’s letter still gives us chills. We ponder why in the world Elinor and Colonel Brandon didn’t fall in love. We consider Emma a spoiled little busybody, but it doesn’t keep us from smiling when lovely Mr. Knightly confesses his love for her. Henry Tilney will always be the perfect gentlemen for many, and some of us will never believe Edmund deserved Fanny no matter how often we read their story.
I’m extremely grateful to Meryton Press, my editor Debbie Styne, and you, my readers, for all the encouragement and support you have given me. Thank you for reading my books. Thank you for leaving comments and reviews. Thank you for your emails and thank you especially for your friendship over the past eight years. May this love of Jane continue to bind us together.
~CELEBRATION TIME~
Meryton Press is celebrating the anniversary of Jan Hahn’s first book, An Arranged Marriage,
with a giveaway of the new audiobook that released July 12th, the same month eight years later, and a sale of the ebook!
The eBook is on sale for $.99 from July 18th through July 20th. If you have never read this popular novel, now’s the time to get it. Meryton Press is also giving away five audiobooks of An Arranged Marriage narrated by the ever-popular Stevie Zimmerman.
You may enter the giveaway two ways, doubling your chances of winning. (1) Leave a comment under this post on the Meryton Press blog, and/or (2) leave a comment under the celebration announcement posted on the Meryton Press Facebook page. The giveaway ends at midnight on the 22ndof July. Winners must be able to accept an audiobook from Audible US or Audible UK. Good luck to all.
If you have read this book, what’s your favorite scene? Can you describe it or name it with two or three words? Don’t give any spoilers! 😊
Sheila L. Majczan
I don’t remember my favorite scene which is no doubt due to my reading of so many JAFF books over the years. Maybe it is time to reread it. I would love to have an Audible copy as I listen to books while walking at the local grocery store almost daily. Thanks for the chance to win such.
Meryton Press
Sheila, it is understandable when one reads many books over the years. Two stand out in my mind, the Harvest Ball, and Lizzy in the gallery beneath Darcy’s painting. We hope you get a chance to listen to the audiobook while walking.
Jan Hahn
Hi, Sheila! I’m so glad to learn you like audiobooks. When I began the process of putting my books on audio, I wasn’t sure if many people listened to them. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the number who do. Good luck with the giveaway.
Kelly Miller
Congratulations, Jan, on your success with “An Arranged Marriage” as well as your other popular books. Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself and how your first book came to be published. Your trip to England must have been wonderful, with Janet as the ideal travel partner!
Meryton Press
You recently enjoyed your trip to England, didn’t you! Isn’t it wonderful! Thanks for stopping by, Kelly.
Jan Hahn
Thank you, Kelly! Yes, Janet is an ideal traveling companion. We laughed through that whole trip. I hope you had a great time on your visit ‘across the pond’ and came back inspired to write more Austen-based books.
Joanna Randall
I have not read this one yet, but my favorite Jan Hahn book is “The Journey” and I’m sure this one is just as good! It’s been on my list for a while and I can’t wait to read it! Hope I’m a lucky winner!
Meryton Press
The Journey is another excellent book by Jan Hahn. Do you have the audiobook for it yet? Since An Arranged Marriage eBook will be on sale for $.99 starting tomorrow, it will be the perfect time to grab it. Good luck in the audiobook giveaway!
Jan Hahn
Hi, Joanna! I’m thrilled to know you enjoyed The Journey. I had a lot of fun writing that book. Thanks for commenting, and good luck with the giveaway.
Chelsea
Thank you so much for this giveaway as well as listing the eBook sale, I will have to look into it. I have just recently started trying to experiment with Audible although I used to listen to tons of Audio Books on CD and still pull a few out to re listen to them a couple times a year.
That’s great that you finally got to go to England, I would love to go. My Mum went years ago before she really got into Jane Austen and she really enjoyed it although now wishes she could go again now that she would appreciate some of the things more but unfortunately she doesn’t have the energy at this point. Glad you got to enjoy it and even had a friend along as a traveling companion you could share it with.
Meryton Press
Hi Chelsea. It’s great to hear that you may start listening to audiobooks again. We hope you get a chance to read An Arranged Marriage and listen to it too! It was nice that your mum was able to go to England. It is beautiful country.
Jan Hahn
Thanks for your comments, Chelsea! I’m glad to know you like audiobooks and wish you the best of luck with the giveaway. It’s great that your mother had the opportunity to visit England. I hope you get to go someday. It’s more than worth the trip.
Anji
Many congratulations on being brave enough to take that first step, Jan. We, your readers, are eternally grateful to you! I can’t say I have a favourite amongst your books, though I’ve yet to read The Child. It’s great to see that Meryton Press has also ventured into audio publishing. Stevie Zimmerman is an awesome performer.
Meryton Press
Meryton Press appreciates your comments, Anji, and hope you get to read The Child soon, or listen to it. The narrator of it is male and he has a great voice. Stevie is a good performer!
Jan Hahn
Thank you, Anji! I really do appreciate your comments. Be on the lookout for more audiobooks by other Meryton Press authors in the near future. I know they’re in the works. And yes, Stevie knows her stuff when it comes to narrating (or performing). Good luck with the giveaway.
Suzan Lauder
When Darcy comes back during the Harvest Fair, of course! One of the best scenes in JAFF. And it’s been eons since I read it, so I hope I described it right. I do need a re-read, and perhaps I’ll win and listen to it on the plane on my way to England in a few weeks!
Jan, your books are all fantastic and I hope you’re enjoying some diligent writing on a new one. Congratulations on 8 years!
I love the story about how you dismissed the offer of publication when MP first came to you because you thought it was a vanity press! Hahaha!
Meryton Press
Isn’t that funny reading about Jan’s original dismissal.
Yes, the scene you mention is one of my favorites, too. There are two or three that really stand out in my mind, and that one truly does!Thank you for sharing yours with us.
Good luck in the giveaway! That would be a good listen on the way to England!
Jan Hahn
Thank you, Suzan! A number of readers have told me they love the Harvest Ball scene. It was fun to write. And yes, dismissing MP as a vanity press makes me laugh too. I’m just glad I didn’t immediately trash the email. Now that would have been a big mistake. Enjoy your trip to England, and please share pictures. I never tire of seeing them on FB.