Kia ora ,

Tomorrow I head to Coolangatta for our first Austen retreat! Part of the purpose is to get out of the Wellington winter but it's been oddly warm lately. Quick on the heels of that is the Austen monthly discussion group, a theatre outing, then the two group reads...

A quick overview of this email (scroll for details):

• Writing - I've started a new book!

• Austen - we'll virtually discuss widows, then we're onto discussing Emiko (also virtually), I gave a talk for Virtual Jane Con

• Life Coaching - I now offer in person sessions as well as online

I've accidentally stumbled into a group where I've felt uncomfortable, even discriminated against, in the past. It's interesting observing my defence mechanisms: wanting to say less, to make myself smaller and more palatable. But I'm observing, rather than allowing these feelings to take the wheel. It would be so easy to slide back into past patterns, instead I'm feeling the discomfort, and continuing on anyway.

Ngā mihi,

Frances

Book a time with me

Writing

I'm starting a new Sense and Sensibility inspired novel.

Here are some highlights so far:

• a character named Elle Wood, like the one from Legally Blonde (and an upcoming series??)

• chapters themed by a quote from each song on Taylor Swift's latest album

• an awkward guy who's into old movies

• an empty shop full of possibilities

• a broken arm

The virtual monthly writing group was last night, our next one is 17 August, I'd love to see you there :)

And if you know any neurodiverse writers who sometimes struggle with writing you're welcome to invite them to book a call with me

Austen

Saturday was Jane Austen's death day, 208 years since she died. It was the start of Virtual Jane Con and I had the honour of being the first talk. I discussed whether Charlotte Lucas could be aromantic. You can watch my talk here.

Beach, reading, quiet, talks with other Austen nerds, plus a wee escape from winter in Aotearoa. Bliss. If the first retreat goes well I'm planning to do them every second year - if it sounds like your kind of thing, you can join the retreat mailing list to keep up to date.

The virtual monthly discussion group meets twice in August! (630pm NZST / 630am UTC the day prior)

3 August: Widows in Austen.

My fave question: who'd enjoy being a widow?

31 August: Marry no one but herself

My fave question: Is there a potential better match for any of the characters?.... oooh controversial

I've been sitting on my hands to not read Emiko before we meet her in the group read that starts 5 August - come discuss a modern version of Emma with us online over 10 weeks.

Wednesdays 630pm NZST / 630am UTC day prior (30 mins) Sign up here

Thursdays 7pm / 6am UTC day prior (60 mins) Sign up here

This might be the last year I offer the group read in this format - next year I'm thinking about doing one in person session and one online session.

Life Coaching

I've started at Body of Work so if you're around Wellington you can coach with me in person by booking here and of course I'm still offering online coaching series and individual sessions (book a discovery call)

I'm noticing a lot of blue and green links which makes me wonder if I should be hosting some sort of events related to life coaching to balance it out with some pink. If I were to do that, what would you like them to be about?

Reply to this email and let me know

Upcoming events

3 August Virtual Austen discussion group: Widows

5 August Emiko mini group read starts

6 August Emiko group read starts

17 August Virtual monthly writing group

31 August Virtual Austen discussion group: Marry no one but herself

Looking for something? Here are all my Links