Kia ora

If you're following me on Instagram you might know I have what I think is a new theory about Austen's writing. The general consensus is that Austen "didn't write" between Steventon and Chawton because of the lack of a settled home.

BUT, she sells Susan while she's living in Bath, then chases the publisher just as she's leaving Southampton, six years later. What if her "lack" of writing was because she was waiting on the fate of Susan??

Is that new information? Has someone else already thought of it? Let me know your thoughts.

Speaking of me getting super excited about things ... sometimes I jump three steps ahead...

I've booked a house for a reading retreat in March 2027, and my credit card is screaming about it.

So, wanna help me out? You can book (and pay) for your spot before they're publicly available.

What: a weekend to read in quiet

When: 5 - 7 March 2027

Where: Karori, Wellington (large house with vintage features, outdoors area, two lounges)

Spaces: 5 (queen bed in your own room, self-catered)

Day passes (Saturday): 5 (9am-5pm)

Current price: $500/room or $40/day pass

Plus, since you're helping me out, you get 40% off a single virtual coaching session with me. Reply to this email if you're keen to come (you can even forward it to someone else) and I'll reserve your room.

I feel like this email is very Wellington focused because now I need to remind you of the Austen Society's first in person meeting coming up on the 23rd. Rachel, co-host of The Amateur Austenite podcast, will be discussing diverse retellings of Austen novels.

But I'm open to speaking with people from anywhere in the world for my market research of neurodiverse people who sometimes get stuck in writing - please send them my way! As a thanks for helping me out, they'll get a free 30 minute session based specifically on their needs. (I'm also super excited about this too and learning so much - I don't want to overload you, but email me if you're keen to hear about it!)

PS. remember if you do a coaching series with me this year, you can get a 10% discount (just because you're on this list)

Ngā mihi nui,

Frances Duncan (she/they)

Author, Austenite, Life Coach

Upcoming Events

(subscribe to the Austen Society calendar)

23 May Beyond the Bookshelves: Diversity in Austen Retellings with Rachel Pilois of Unity Books

25 May Virtual monthly writing group (fingers crossed I'll have a new audio and room to launch!)

8 June Austen virtual monthly discussion: alternative fates "happiness in marriage"

22 June Virtual monthly writing group

8 July Austen virtual monthly discussion: alternative fates "all the single ladies"

18 July Talk for Virtual Jane Con "Is Charlotte Lucas aromantic?" - TBC

20 July Virtual monthly writing group

Coming up on the podcast: Marianne and Willoughby have been misbehaving, roaming strange houses unchaperoned (chapter 13 of Sense and Sensibility)