P. O. Dixon Interview Published on: 25, Oct 2024

Watching the 2005 Pride and Prejudice film countless times was my initial spark of inspiration. I became captivated by the 2005 adaptation's breathtaking cinematography, its atmospheric beauty, and the palpable tension between Elizabeth and Darcy. That fascination eventually led me to read the original novel, which subsequently opened the door to an entire world of Pride and Prejudice variations. I devoured every version I could find online, exploring how other writers reimagined the beloved characters and their stories. Eventually, I realized I had my own ideas and perspectives to offer, and that’s when I decided to write my own variations. It’s been incredibly rewarding to contribute my voice to the ever-expanding world of Austen adaptations.

Austen's Pride and Prejudice is timeless because it explores basic human truths—love, pride, misunderstandings, and personal growth. When adding my own twists to Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, I always keep those core themes in mind. I often ask myself, "What would Mr. Darcy do in this situation?" It's important to maintain the essence of who these characters are, their motivations, and their emotional depth, even if the circumstances I place them in are different from the original. I look for moments where their personalities might evolve in new directions, while still respecting the traits that Austen crafted.

Adapting a classic like Pride and Prejudice for modern readers presents the challenge of balancing faithfulness to the original while making the story accessible and engaging for today’s audience. The language, social norms, and pacing of Regency-era novels can feel distant, so my goal is to retain the essence of Jane Austen’s wit and character dynamics while carefully adjusting certain elements. I work to ensure the emotional depth and tension resonate with modern sensibilities, especially when it comes to the expectations around love, marriage, and independence. However, I’m always mindful not to stray too far from the original, as much of the charm lies in the authenticity of Austen’s world. It’s a delicate balance—honoring the classic while keeping it fresh and relatable.

Balancing the original themes with my own style involves a careful blend of respect for Austen’s work and a desire to offer readers something fresh. Austen’s wit, social commentary, and exploration of love and character growth are timeless, and I always aim to preserve those elements. However, I like to inject more intensity and tension into the relationships, pushing the boundaries of what the characters might experience while staying true to their personalities.

Historical accuracy is incredibly important to me when writing Regency-era fiction. I believe that the authenticity of the setting, social norms, and details like clothing, language, and even the way homes were lit, helps immerse readers in the world of the story. It allows them to fully experience the characters’ lives as they would have been in the early 19th century. I pay close attention to ensuring that the customs and behaviors are true to the time, while still crafting a compelling and relatable narrative. That said, I also know that the heart of the story—emotional connections, personal growth, and relationships—needs to resonate with modern readers, so I try to strike a balance. By being as historically accurate as possible, I give my stories a strong foundation, and then I build from there to keep the plot fresh and engaging.

My writing routine is pretty relaxed. I don’t have strict rituals or specific times when I sit down to write—I just do it when inspiration strikes or when I feel like getting some words on the page. If an idea is really pulling at me, I can lose myself in writing for hours, but other days I might not write at all. Of course, if there’s a deadline looming, that’s when I get a bit more focused and disciplined. In those cases, I’ll set aside time and push through to make sure I meet the deadline, but otherwise, I prefer to keep the process as natural and spontaneous as possible. I think that approach helps me stay creative and keeps the joy in the writing.

Among all my adaptations, my favorite scenes are definitely those between Darcy and Elizabeth. I love exploring their complex relationship, especially the moments where their emotional walls start to come down. One scene I particularly enjoyed writing was when they confront their misunderstandings and vulnerabilities, revealing the depth of their feelings for each other. Capturing the tension and chemistry between them is always exhilarating, whether it’s a heated exchange filled with sarcasm or a quieter moment of connection where they see each other in a new light.

I like to think everyone is entitled to his or her opinion. There are so many variations and interpretations of Austen’s stories, and that diversity in creative expression means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. I remind myself that while not every reader will resonate with my take, there are many who do, and that’s what keeps me motivated.

My advice to aspiring authors looking to write adaptations or spin-offs of classic literature is to start by thoroughly understanding the original story and its characters. Familiarize yourself with the themes, nuances, and context in which the work was created. This knowledge will serve as a solid foundation for your writing and help you stay true to the essence of the characters while exploring new angles.

Additionally, it's crucial to be aware of genre expectations. Readers of adaptations often seek a blend of familiarity and fresh perspectives. While you can introduce new plots and character developments, maintaining the original tone and style is essential to resonate with fans of the classic.

While my deep reverence for Pride and Prejudice has fueled my passion for adaptations, I am more focused on crafting original historical romance stories in the future. This direction allows me to create new characters and narratives while still capturing the charm and nuances of the Regency era.

I started writing Simply Beautiful: A Novel after contemplating an intriguing twist on the lives of Darcy and Elizabeth. The idea struck me when I imagined a scenario where Darcy’s parents were alive and had taken Elizabeth in as their ward. This premise allowed me to explore how their shared upbringing and experiences would shape their relationship and individual identities.

I found it fascinating to consider how being raised together would influence their perceptions of love, duty, and societal expectations. With both characters navigating the complexities of their emotions in a setting that feels familiar yet fresh, I aimed to create a story that reflects the richness of their connection while also delving into the impact of family and upbringing on personal growth. This unique angle provided a solid foundation for the narrative, allowing me to craft a story that honors the essence of Austen while offering new insights into these beloved characters.

It’s rewarding to create stories where characters navigate obstacles and misunderstandings, ultimately leading them to discover their true selves and each other. This journey not only offers readers a chance to escape into a beautifully crafted world but also reinforces the belief that love can prevail, providing a satisfying and uplifting conclusion that resonates long after the last page is turned.

When it comes to character development, particularly with iconic characters like Darcy and Elizabeth, I start by acknowledging the foundation that Jane Austen laid for them. Her nuanced portrayal of their personalities, desires, and flaws provides a rich framework to work with. The challenge lies in staying true to their core characteristics while allowing their paths to diverge in new and unexpected ways. Even if they encounter obstacles or evolve in ways that seem unfamiliar, I always aim to ensure that they ultimately find their way back to the essence of who they are.

In my adaptations, I hope readers can appreciate the diversity of experiences and opinions that influence how we view love and relationships. I want to encourage reflection on different perspectives and invite readers to think about the characters' journeys in new ways.

I was introduced to AllAuthor as a platform that allows authors to connect with a broader audience, and I have found it to be incredibly helpful. It provides an affordable way to showcase my stories and reach potential readers. The tools available on the site have been instrumental in bolstering my marketing efforts, allowing me to effectively promote my work and engage with a wider community of readers.