I cried on Instagram
Jan 19, 2026 8:01 pm
Kia ora
So...did I overshare?
The world is a mess, as much as I try to ignore it, plus I overdid it (multiple times) and Pat, my long time writer friend, died. Additionally, I realised "normal" work is no longer for me, employers - sadly, even a disability support service - are unwilling to accommodate my needs. I love my writing, Austen work and coaching, I'll be focusing on them for a sustainable income.
I did a podcast interview - as the guest, for a change - and discovered my 2026 word: Pause. Eventually I'll post on it, but it boils down to the host advising me to pause when I made a mistake for editing purposes, and it sounded like good advice all around.
All of this (once I stopped crying) helped me form my 2026 goals:
1. find a volunteer event manager for Austen society meetings
Wanted: Volunteer Events Manager to keep events running smoothly, support volunteers, and step in wherever needed. You’ll free up the host to run the meeting with confidence while you manage everything else, and help each meeting be welcoming, inclusive, and stress-free. If you're someone who notices what needs doing, sets healthy boundaries, and makes people feel valued, please get in touch
2. finish Between The Scenes
I got so caught up in Call it Hope (on sale at Copperfield Collective ahead of general release 13 March) that I neglected my little slices of Austen, but I'm determined to show them the love they deserve.
3. implement rest time
Because I'm not good at switching off and very good at over doing it, I now have a siesta in my calendar every day. The concept of siesta is so well known, I never need explain myself.
4. Retreat
Not a battle cry, but recognition that the retreat in Australia requires time and focus. My brain has been brimming with plans for future ones (a quiet reading one close to home in 2027, another in Australia 2028 and a huge stretch to one in the UK 2030), I'm holding off planning till the first is done.
5. plan for breast surgery
A decade ago I had a breast reduction to ease chronic back pain. They've grown back and the pain with them, so I'm considering another surgery in the future.
Want to support my goals?
- Share the "advert" for the events manager (Wellington based and online)
- Book a writing session: if you write, so do I
- Join the retreat (tickets close March!)
What are you focusing on in 2026? If you're a little stuck, let me help.
Ngā mihi nui,
Frances Duncan (she/they)
Upcoming Events
(subscribe to the Austen calendar)
Feb 16 online: Austen monthly
Are men capable of change?
March 8 in person (Paraparaumu Beach)
March 16 online: Austen monthly
A comfortable home (for characters)
March 28 online
Jane Austen & Bodily Diversity, Kathleen James-Cavan
Persuasion: Linger & Gaze Retreat in Australia July 24-31
There's space for 3 more Austenites to reconnect with Persuasion and escape the winter. Expect beach walks, naps, book discussions, and adaptation viewing.
Get your ticket now (closing March):
- includes 30% off virtual monthly meetings
- we won't do it again till 2028
- get in before price increases
A society digital print of Sense and Sensibility
We're creating an aesthetically pleasing, collaborative edition featuring:
- Unique cover illustrations and internal design by society members
- An introduction written by a member (or members)
- Thought-provoking questions posed by members