Writing Jane Austen (36 page)

The great delight of Jane Austen’s novels is that they’re as fresh today as when they were written, and in some ways, we read her as though she were a contemporary novelist writing historical novels. But of course, she was a contemporary novelist, writing about her times and mores. I’m a twenty-first-century novelist, whether I write historicals or contemporary fiction, and I thought it would be fun to write a novel set in the present day, but with Jane Austen books as a central theme.

The secret of good novels is the same across time and genre: characters that jump off the page, whether they’re likeable or not, and a lively plot which keeps the reader guessing. With historicals there has to be a strongly researched background and a linguistic style which echoes the language of the period, whereas contemporaries need to capture life and language of today.

Your previous books about Jane Austen have been very successful. Why do you think Jane Austen has such appeal? How is she relatable in the modern-day world?

Jane Austen’s appeal is the same as that of Mozart—she was a genius, whose writing speaks to the soul while it enchants
and delights. Her characters spring from the page, and have an integrity and reality that make them our friends (and foes—think of Mrs. Norris in Mansfield Park!). Because of her deep understanding of human nature, and her portrayal of the
comédie humaine,
she transcends the gap of two centuries between then and now.

You studied Jane Austen at Oxford, including with her biographer Lord David Cecil. How has that helped you in writing your novels?

The rigour of those studies of the novels, the language and the background, have been tremendously useful. As has the study of Jane Austen’s contemporaries and the familiarity with the cultural, intellectual and social milieu of her life.

Could you relate to Georgina’s desperation over attempting such a daunting task? Have you ever suffered from writer’s block?

Writing any book in that kind of time frame is difficult. It’s possible when it’s the culmination of months or years of brooding over characters and plot, but from scratch? Very hard! And in another writer’s style is even harder.

Like many writers, I procrastinate. I might call it writer’s block to gain sympathy from friends and family, but they don’t believe a word of it!

How long does it take you to complete a novel from start to finish? How much research do you do for each book?

Some books have been rattling round in my head for years, others a few months. At any time I have about six ideas on the go. Getting
words down on the page for a first draft is something I like to do at speed, and that takes weeks, not months. Then comes the hard work of revising and rewriting and editing. With a historical set in the early nineteenth century, I have years of general research and knowledge behind me, so I write the book first and then research all the extra facts and details and background I need.

Which Austen novel is your personal favorite?

Whichever one I read most recently! But I have a special affection for
Pride and Prejudice
.

Would you ever accept the task that Georgina has been charged with, and finish a Jane Austen novel?

No!

Apart from Jane Austen, what other writers do you read and admire?

That’s a very long list indeed, as I’m a voracious reader in all kinds of genres, fiction and non-fiction. As a writer and reader and Jane Austen enthusiast, I’m a huge fan of the historical novelist Patrick O’Brian—and Jane Austen was the author he most admired.