As the Always Austen blog draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the many years spent typing away in the company of Darcy, Elizabeth, and an endless parade of tea cups. Writing Jane Austen fan fiction has taught me a few things—some practical, some philosophical, and some just plain ridiculous. Here’s a small collection of hard-earned lessons, for posterity (and amusement):
- When the writing bug hits, nothing can stop you. You can be elbow-deep in chores, running late for work, or battling another climb up Mt. Washmore, but if inspiration strikes, off you go! Some things matter.
- When inspiration is scarce, almost nothing will make your writing work. Trust me. Sometimes the words just refuse to dance on the page, no matter how many times you wave your metaphorical fan.
- Thankfully, inspiration can come from nearly anywhere. A walk, a song, a forgotten line in Pride and Prejudice, or a conversation with a friend can often do the trick.
- The most inspired moments of all come after reading a note of appreciation from a reader. There is no magic like knowing someone loved what you wrote!
- Details matter!!! Especially in the ever-vigilant JAFF fan world. Distances between Pemberley and London, the proper way a woman without a title is presented to a countess—these things matter to our dear readers, who will rain ill wishes a la Lady Catherine on the author who forgets these things.
- And yet, details don’t matter if the story is good enough. Paradoxically, if the story draws the reader into Darcy and Elizabeth’s world sufficiently, problems with story lines, geography, and improbable coincidences fade away. Readers forgive nearly any writing sin–except boredom.
- The page numbering function in Word is truly awful. Somebody should fix that. Seriously. Somebody. Please????
- A.I. is going to be the death of us. Or perhaps our salvation. I don’t really know which. Already, there are AI tools that can suggest plot twists, polish dialogue, or even “write” entire chapters. Will they one day replace the humble writer diligently tapping away at the keyboard? I hope not. If we’re lucky, they will become partners in creation, sparking ideas we never would have had on our own, but not entirely overtaking the creative process. Either way, watching AI’s advances into society is both exciting and disquieting, like meeting a clever, handsome and eligible. . . Mr. Collins. Eew!
- Last but not least: Colonel Fitzwilliam’s first name is, for now and forevermore, Richard. A pox on any author who names him otherwise!
Now, to the winners of the Such I Was giveaway! The following three faithful readers will receive either an electronic or paperback version of Such I Was after it is released, which I hope will be no later than the end of May. Congratulations to Pam Hunter, Christina, and Robyn G! I will reach out to you to confirm the details.
I close my last blog entry with a warm thanks to Sharon Latham, who first recruited me to this site, and to Regina Jeffers, who has done a magnificent job steering the ship through stormy waters, especially in recent months. A big thank you to my fellow JAFF writers, many of whom I have been thrilled to meet in person, for your advice and encouragement. You are a remarkable assemblage of talent! It has been my honor to be counted in your ranks. And a HUGE thank you to you, the readers, who have made this little corner of the web a warm and welcoming home for everything related to Jane Austen fan fiction!
And so, dear readers, farewell. May your Elizabeths ever be witty, your Darcys dashing, and your Lady Catherines never, ever proficient!
I hope to stay in touch with all of you via my social media pages: Elaine Owen on Facebook and @OwenElaineowen1 on X.
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