I am an old fart, living in England, and writing for my own pleasure.

I have loved The Scarlet Pimpernel since I read the book at the age of 11 and for years wrote fanfiction, especially prequels, in my head. It is only recently that I have discovered that I am not alone on this and have found as a home for my scribblings.

I am available as a beta reader in this and any other 19thC-based British fandom since, unlike many here, I know the difference between peaked, peeked and piqued; their, there and they're, hair, heir and hare and that the word "gotten" should appear in British fics only in the phrases "ill-gotten gains" and "That's another fine mess you've gotten me into".

I have just embarked on my first Jane Austen fic, and think it might be time for me to set out how I work.

I re-read every already published chapter when I sit down to write a new one. I do not hesitate to edit the old chapters and heartily recommend my readers (you dear, brave, souls) to start from the beginning before you read any new additions, or at least start a few chapters back.

The disadvantage of this scheme is, of course, that the early chapters are much the best edited of the opus but at least some of them have the advantage of scrutiny.

I can confirm that "Fair Stands the Wind" has been withdrawn for publication and has been published under the pseudonym "Catherine Lodge.

Oh, and for the benefit of readers of "A New Beginning", Meopham is pronouced Meppam - it's a place in Kent, I really should have chosen a more sensible name.