Kathleen Norris meets Bridget Jones

So, this is the big idea for this book:  Kathleen Norris meets Bridget Jones (with a good dose of Frances Mayes, as well).  If that's possible and I can pull it off, that's what I'm aiming for.  There are lots of biographies about Austen, and lots of fiction based on her writing, and everyone's writing a memoir these days.  But, as far as I know, there aren't any memoirs based on the writer's interaction with Austen and her material, which is what this will be.

And while there are some great Austen biographies, I don't think there are any that fans of her writing have devoured.  I want this to be that book.  It will be well researched, but it's not a straight-up, academic, let-me-tell-you-all-the-details-of-Austen's-life biography.  It's one devoted fan sharing the aspects of Austen's life that are most interesting to her, and that, I think, will be most interesting to readers as well. 

It will be about love, heartache, family, the meaning of home and community.  Independence, marriage, children, learning, work -- a woman's place in the world.  And writing and creativity, and even a little jealousy and fame. 

And it will be about faith.  While Austen didn't record anything about her own spiritual journey that we know of, except for a few references in her letters, she was immersed in the Anglican church.  Her father and two of her brothers were rectors.  She penned a couple prayers which survive.  And her faith evidences itself in a gentle way in her writing.

Mostly it will be about faith because I can't write about my own life without writing about my own delights and struggles in my relationship with God.  I've recently found a home in the Anglican church, and it makes me happy to feel some sense of connection with so many of the writers I love, including Austen.  How does my faith differ from hers?  That question may be impossible to answer, but I will investigate it.

Lastly -- or perhaps primarily -- it will be about travel.  The narrative progression will be based on the month-long trip I took in July 2005 to follow Austen's life through England.  Lovely Bath, gray Lyme, the quiet Hampshire countryside, me nearly losing my way on a solitary trek through the fields around Steventon, and hitchiking in the rain, and finding comfort and solace in evensong at Christchurch Cathedral.  I love Austen, and England -- and I hope this book will be a trip many Austen fans will want to take.

Comments

[Kristine]

I'm going to have to go out and read some Frances Mayes and Kathleen Norris now! Thanks for the links to their books.

[john paget]

I have a lot of unaswered questions about Jane Austen. I mean, I read Pride & Prejudice in college and really enjoyed it. (is it OK for a man to admit that?)But I have never understood Austen fanatics...what is going on there?Perhaps your writings will indirectly answer that.I don’t look down on them or think they are nuts or anything.(For goodness sake, anyone who has defended and tried to explain Elvis impersonator fanaticism has no right!)But I think you really may be on to something with your concept for the book, and I wish you luck!

[Lisa of Longbourn]

Lori!

I just finished reading your book this week (basically read it in two sittings). I feel like I know you. It was such a wonderful book, and I already wrote a list of friends in the back of the book with whom to share it. So varied in its relevance, describing contemporary Christianity, singleness, girl-talk, England, and of course, Jane Austen. Thank you so much for sharing.

I pray God continues to rain His good gifts on you, and immerse you in His grace.

Thanks for the blog, too. And the quotes. I enjoy your site.
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn

[Lori Smith]

Lisa -- thank you!!

[Kristen Elise]

I feel like Lisa of Longbourn has already written most of what I wanted to say.... But I'd like to share my thoughts anyway.

I read your book this weekend (it actually started because I'm a fresh-out-of-college aspiring writer, interested in writing about the 19th century, and I needed Jane Austen inspiration). It's hard to get into that frame of mindset when you're surrounded by modern technology... and "modern people."

Needless to say, I connected with your story on so many levels.

Earlier this summer I requested travel brochures on the Peak District (actually, for research) and instantly became resolved on visiting England's countryside, renting out a guest house for a few weeks, while I toured the area. Frankly, I feel disconnected with the large, urban city I've lived in all my life.

Then I remembered that I was a college grad in debt.

So, while attempting to write my novel and get that oh-so-desired career under way, I started reading almost anything about the 19th century and Jane Austen (I'm currently in the middle of Sense and Sensibility), and I found your book. I admire your courage to take that trip and share it with others, fulfilling your goal of becoming a writer. I must admit, I lived vicariously through it, and it helped me a lot.

There's been many a time when I've felt a sense of nostalgia over that distant time period we've come to associate with a sort of elegance (and Mr. Darcy), despite the social growth women have achieved since then, and the conveniences technology has brought along in recent times. I've even went so far as to purchase several Regency dresses just for the sake of having them. And I wore one of those Regency dresses on my 21st birthday. Crazy, I know, but I feel more connected to the 19th century than the 21st.

So, to prevent this from being a massively long message (which I'm afraid it already is), I'll end by saying thanks for your story-- and I'm sure you already know this, but there are some of us who've felt the same way-- about basically everything.

I wish you the best of luck in all that you do, and I look forward to reading your other works!

God bless,
Kristen