It seems 2019 is the year of serendipity. After some inadvertent Austen encounters in the UK, another one happened back home in Austria. I bumped into Mrs Bennet. (Otherwise known as actress Alex Kingston, who played Mrs B in 2008's Lost in … [Read more...] about Meeting Mrs Bennet
Random musings
Everything from early-morning thoughts to late-night questions, with a small break for afternoon tea and cake.
Accidental Austen journeys
Now and then, fate raises her delicate hand and gently ushers you somewhere you didn't expect to be. And so it was a few weeks ago when holidaying in the UK. It was meant to be a couple of days walking the North Downs Way in Surrey with old … [Read more...] about Accidental Austen journeys
Introducing “A Third Proposal”
Sometimes all it takes is a few pages to tell a story. And so it is with A Third Proposal, a vignette from the life of Mr Bennet as he returns to Meryton from a trip to London. All is not well at Longbourn and Netherfield. But who's to blame? And … [Read more...] about Introducing “A Third Proposal”
Season’s greetings
The snow outside my window tells me the end of the year is close here in Vienna. Which means it's time for me to wish everyone the very best for the holiday season and the coming year. I hope your 2019 is filled with good books and entertaining … [Read more...] about Season’s greetings
Meeting Jane (almost)
Writing Austenesque fiction means the ghost of Jane Austen always feels near. (Hopefully not preparing some deliciously cutting remark on the impropriety of this young* man who dares play with her characters.) Ms Austen never reveals herself, … [Read more...] about Meeting Jane (almost)
“A male writer needs to be…aware of the dangers of writing female characters”
Most fiction in the Jane Austen universe focuses on the gentry, much like the original novels. So I was intrigued to see Don Jacobson's recent Austenesque publication - paired novellas in Lessers and Betters - also includes the servant … [Read more...] about “A male writer needs to be…aware of the dangers of writing female characters”