Fan fiction

Austen is a favourite companion of mine. I feel quite sure that I belong in the pages of her books (Pride and prejudice, if I could take my pick). I've read her stories so often, it is very like revisiting an old friend each time I slip between the pages. A rainy day indoors? A cup of tea and Austen of course! Feeling blue and lonesome? Try some Sense and sensibility! Not quite sure what to do with yourself and need some distraction? Go for Emma. Feel the need for a satisfactorily happy ending? Persuasion, of course!

Jane Austen has a place in the canon of classic English literature, though she is overlooked by many because her style is simple and straightforward (compared to, say, Tolstoy) Her stories deal primarily with family, life, and love. I think her genius lies in the simplicity, familiarity, relatability and humour of her style, and she has such a light, deft touch with description and dialogue that it is easy to overlook the craftsmanship required to carry off that very lightness. People also belittle ABBA for their seeming simplicity - but try to sing their songs well, and you'll discover how complex the structure is, and how gifted a singer you really have to be. Austen is only easy to read; she is not easy to imitate.

A genre of writing has developed called 'fan fiction' in which 'fans' (supposedly capable authors in their own right) rework a plot, or carry on the story of an object of their affection (a book by Austen - usually P+P). It quickly becomes clear that devotion to their muse does not imbue these writers with the ability to imitate her. Admittedly, it takes a great deal of gumption to place your writing in direct comparison to someone like Austen by continuing the story of Elizabeth and Darcy for example. I'm currently reading one of these homages to Jane Austen's 'Pride and prejudice' (or I was, until this happened!) I've read a few over the years; some are successful and enjoyable, but many, I'm sad to say, are neither - being rather plodding and self-consciously period-y (sorry, but sometimes a made-up word is the best word under the circumstances!)

Among the successful is a series of three books by Pamela Aidan, which tell the story entirely from Mr. Darcy's perspective: An Assembly such as this; Duty and desire; These three remain. This author captures Austen's voice closely enough that the tone isn't an obstacle to enjoying the story, and she is true enough to the Darcy revealed by Austen that even the bits she invents are convincing.

I've been tempted to try some fanfiction of my own, or to adapt a book into a screenplay, but after reading so many dismal attempts from other people...maybe the best thing to do is just read the original again. Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but I think sometimes it's best to not mess with perfection.