3 Jane Austen Fan Fiction Recs

💌And an invite!

As someone who has worked alongside writers of all genres for years, I've developed a special appreciation for the unique challenges and contributions of fan fiction authors—particularly those inspired by Jane Austen's timeless world.

Crazy story, but when I was starting my business, one of my earliest clients was an author that couldn’t find anyone else to help her because she wrote fan fiction. Well, jokes on them because 5 years later she has build a rock solid publishing career and I’m so lucky to have been able to be by her side every step of the way.

Writers of fan fiction aren’t simply copying another author's work—they're extending a world loved by so many readers while maintaining the delicate balance between honoring the original and creating something fresh.

They need to deeply understand the established characters' authentic voices while developing them in new directions that feel both surprising and inevitable.

This is not easy work.

But it’s SO much fun to read!

Yet too often, fan fiction authors don't receive the recognition they deserve for keeping classic literature alive and accessible to new generations of readers. Their books are a celebration of classics and a bridge to help new audiences who might otherwise never discover these worlds.

Within my business, The Literary Assistant, I've helped many authors find success in the publishing world, including those releasing Austen-inspired fan fiction.

I've witnessed firsthand how fan fiction authors frequently face unique marketing challenges:

• Building an audience that spans both dedicated Austen enthusiasts and general romance/historical fiction readers

• Positioning their work in a crowded marketplace

• Developing sustainable business models around their creative passion

• Balancing authenticity to the source material with their unique creative voice

These challenges require specific strategies and support—something I'm passionate about providing.

Today, I want to share a few of my favorite reads with you. If you write JAFF (Jane Austen Fan Fiction or you know someone who does, be sure to stay to the end for special invite!)

📖 3 Jane Austen Fan Fiction Books To Check Out This Month

A new release from Heather Moll. Heather’s books never disappoint! I’ve been an avid reader of her books for years.

Becoming a wife has cost her everything. Are his unflinching promises enough to make her risk the dangers of love once more?

Elizabeth Fitzwilliam, née Bennet, doesn’t believe she will ever trust. Left destitute and pregnant after her colonel husband dies on the battlefield, the once-lively widow is horrified when her brother-in-law threatens to seize custody of her child. So though she doesn’t have faith he’ll keep his word, the heartsore mother throws herself on the mercy of the one man who offers to help… the sternly handsome Mr. Darcy.

Fitzwilliam Darcy is unrelenting in matters of honor. And although he’s too busy mourning his relative to fully appreciate his guest’s quick wit and bright eyes, he finds unforeseen comfort in their blossoming friendship. But as their attachment grows deeper, he’s perplexed by her broken-hearted confessions and staunch refusal to even consider another courtship.

Torn between her desires and her experience, Elizabeth’s careful plans shatter after a shocking betrayal. And while he yearns to take her hand in marriage, Darcy fears she may value her independence more than his proposal.

Will betrayal and broken hearts stop their romance from blooming?

This Pride and Prejudice variation contains open door content and mention of an OC's off page miscarriage.

Check it out HERE. (also available in KU)

If you are looking for a quick but poignant read, I was reminded of how much I enjoyed The Longbourn Quarantine by

Don Jacobson

when he talked about it one of his recent posts. Think of this book as Pride & Prejudice meets the pandemic. Perfect for enjoying in one sitting.

For all their riches, the Darcy’s and Bingley’s could not escape epidemic’s dark hand. Netherfield is reduced to rubble. Refugees flood the roads. A feared illness sickens and kills. Anyone who could flee did. The only sanctuary is Longbourn, where, once there, all were barred from leaving by a fortnight’s quarantine.

Forced into each other’s company, Darcy and Elizabeth set aside pride and abandoned old prejudices to face their grief. Together, they forge ahead, knowing that love unexplored is love lost: that words must be said lest they remain unspoken in the time of smallpox.

Check it out HERE. (also available in KU)

Do you have that one book you are always recommending when someone asks for a recommendation? Well, whenever I’m asked about JAFF, I always recommend Murder at Northanger Abbey as a favorite that needs more love. As my friends will tell you, I’m more than a bit of a Henry Tilney fan, and getting to see Catherine and Henry post-wedding is a treat! Not to mention with a murder thrown in!

Newly married to her beloved Henry, Catherine’s eyes are now open to the grownup pleasures of wedded life. Yet she still hasn’t quite given up her girlhood fascination with all things Gothic.

When she first visited Northanger Abbey, she only imagined dreadful events had occurred there. This time the horror is all too real. There’s been a murder, and Henry has fallen under suspicion.

Catherine is determined to clear her husband’s name, but at the same time, she’s afraid for her own safety, since there’s a very good chance the real murderer is still in the house.

This delightful sequel reprises the mischievous spirit of Austen’s original spoof on the Gothic novel, while giving Catherine a genuine murder mystery to unravel.

Check it out HERE.

Are you a Jane Austen Fan Fiction author or do you know one? Pass on this invitation to them for our special author only event!

A Special Invitation for Austen-Inspired Authors

I'm thrilled to announce a collaboration with Caroline Jane Knight, Jane Austen's fifth great-niece and the last of her family to grow up at Chawton House.

Together, we're hosting an exclusive event for authors of Jane Austen-inspired fiction:

An Evening with Jane Austen's Family: Celebrating the Legacy of Fan Fiction Writers

This intimate Zoom gathering offers a rare opportunity to:

• Hear first hand stories of growing up at Chawton from a direct Austen descendant

• Discuss the unique challenges and rewards of writing in Jane's world

• Learn about building a sustainable creative business around your Austen-inspired work

• Ask questions directly to both Caroline and myself

• Connect with other authors who share your passion

• Enter our special prize draw exclusively for participants

This isn't just another webinar—it's a celebration of your important contribution to keeping Jane Austen's legacy alive and evolving.

Reserve Your Spot Now (Limited spaces available)

In this 250th anniversary year of Jane Austen's birth, there's no better time to recognize and support the authors who ensure her characters and worlds continue to resonate with new generations.

* for every membership updated to $5, I donate a historical fiction or romance book to a local women’s shelter. Want to choose what book is donated? Just send me a message after you subscribe.

The Literary Assistant is Reader-Supported! Thank you so much for being part of this community! If you love the recommendations and would like to show your support, it means the world to me—THANK YOU! 💛

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