Writing Jane Austen

by Elizabeth Aston

Georgina Watson has writer’s block. After a critically acclaimed debut novel, she cannot seem to get past the first chapter of her second novel.

There’s no need to worry because her agent has a new project for her: a novel written in the style of Jane Austen. The first chapter of a never published Austen novel has been discovered. All Georgina has to do is write the rest of it.

One problem: Georgina has never read anything written by Jane Austen. Ever. Moreover, she is an expert on literature of the late 19th century, not the early 19th century. Nevertheless, she accepts the challenge and spends the majority of our novel procrastinating. Clearly, this gig is not for her. Or is it?

This novel starts out slow and frustrating, but eventually picks up speed and interest. It pokes fun of the Austen industry, which includes the author herself. I’ve got to appreciate that!

6/21/10