An Interview with Syrie James, author of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen

Syrie James is the bestselling author of eight critically acclaimed novels, including The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë, Dracula My Love, Nocturne, Forbidden, and The Harrison Duet: Songbird and Propositions. Her books have been translated into eighteen foreign languages. In addition to her work as a novelist, she is a screenwriter, a member of the Writers Guild of America, and a life member of the Jane Austen Society of North America. She lives with her family in Los Angeles, California. Connect with her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.


An interview has been conducted with Syrie James, author of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen, and we have the exclusive answers to some of the questions.

Are there any fun facts readers wouldn’t know about you from reading your bio?

I was a gymnast in high school and college. I love watching the Olympics gymnastics, ice skating, and ice dancing competitions. My favorite foods are lamb chops, every kind of fruit, any kind of salad, and strawberry shortcake. I adore roses, lilacs, and orchids, and all flowers in general. Strolling through beautiful gardens and the woods is heaven to me—and as a city girl, I don’t get that pleasure as often as I’d like. I love spending time with children and senior citizens, who possess wise, unique, and valuable perspectives of the world. I once thought I’d be an elementary school teacher. I like dogs. I designed and maintain my own website. Scrabble and Rummy Royal are two of my favorite games. I am grateful every single minute of every day for the gift of being alive on this wondrous planet.

What Hollywood actors would you choose to play the characters who appear in The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen?

I wrote the character Anthony Whitaker especially for Rupert Penry-Jones, who I adore. I can envision Emily Blunt, Amy Adams, or Anne Hathaway playing Samantha; Mia Waskiowska, Carrie Mulligan, or Jennifer Lawrence as Rebecca Stanhope; Tom Wilkinson as Mr. Stanhope; Dan Stevens as Mr. Clifton; Robert Pattinson as Dr. Watkins; and Hayden Panattiere as Amelia Davenport. And of course I'd have to write the screenplay!

If you found a missing manuscript by Jane Austen what would you do with it?

I would read it with wonder and excitement. I'd publish it for all the world to read and enjoy, and make sure the manuscript found a home with a university or library where it would be preserved but also available to view and study.

If you would like to post a comment about the original content above or any of Syrie's novels then a copy of The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen is up for grabs and can be sent to you. The winner will be chosen randomly from those who comment, unfortunately we can only post a copy to people within the US. Sorry!

Pics: provided by Penguin Group USA