Yours Faithfully, Amanda

July 18, 2017 Dear Jane, It is a truth universally acknowledged that one would be remiss if one did not pay tribute to you on this, the 200th anniversary of your passing. This day, whilst sorrowful, is one of great celebration around the world and I can't help but wonder what you would think of the accolades you are receiving two-hundred years after your untimely death. It is quite a marvel to behold Jane! Social Media (for your own sake, I shall not explain this institution as it can be quite frustrating at times) is aglow with praise of you!  Photo Credit: Amanda Forker This day is one of great importance as you have been such a constant friend and inspiration to me over the years, Jane. Your novels bring me hope, joy, understanding and just plain happiness. I must confess, however, that I had great hopes of travelling to England this summer in order to partake in the many celebrations occurring all over Hampshire in your honor, but sadly, the opportunity did not ari...

March 27, 2017 Dear Jane, In case you are not familiar with the story of "Beauty & the Beast," allow me to give you a short summary before I begin my above-mentioned review of this classic, tale as old as time, "boy meets girl" story... Summary: It is a truth universally acknowledged...just kidding! Please, read on, my friend. Enchantress curses cruel, unfeeling Prince, transforming him into Man-Beast and his servants into household objects that retain the ability to speak. Girl is bookish outsider living in small town and has a Pompous Suitor. Girl's father gets lost and stumbles upon Man-Beast's Castle. Girl goes in search of Father. Girl saves Father and meets/is imprisoned by Man-Beast. Man-Beast learns to love Girl. Girl cares for Man-Beast but is eventually released from castle. Girl accidentally incites angry mob of villagers led by Pompous Suitor to attack Man-Beast's Cast...

March 23, 2017 Dear Jane, I thought I might share with you a poem I wrote about a year ago and it just so happens that it was inspired by the beloved heroines of your treasured novels. Since it is Women's History Month and the world celebrated World Poetry Day this past Tuesday, it seemed fitting to share a poem about my favorite authoress and her divine leading ladies.  Now before I share my poem, I find myself remembering a humorous and lively conversation between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy from Pride & Prejudice :  These two love birds can't fool us.     "And so ended his affection," said Elizabeth impatiently. "There has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!"    "I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love," said Darcy.    "Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Ev...

February 11, 2017 Dear Jane, By now you must think that I have completely forsaken you, my dear friend, but pray, believe me when I say that nothing could be further from the truth. I confess that I have been overcome by this newest transition in my life and I could not find it within myself to sit down and write you a letter before now. Transistions, as you know, can be very difficult to come to terms with, Jane. Moving away from my little abode in Queens, coming home to Connecticut and performing in three different productions and now searching for a new job has quite taken up all of my time. (Though I dare say since my productions have come to a close, I have not been always using my time as wisely as I could have...my mother will no doubt agree most heartily with me on this subject.) Anyway, where to begin now that I have begun? I do feel such a connection to you, Jane. You once wrote the following in a letter to your sister, Cassandra, on the eigth of February in the Year-of...