Let’s Learn About Jane! – The Life and Writings of Jane Austen
Mary C. M. Phillips, contributing writer of Bad Austen-the Worst Stories Jane Never Wrote and a proud member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, presents a 40-minute educational and interactive journey through the life of Jane Austen and her six brilliant novels: Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion and Emma. A workshop is also available upon request through BOCES Arts-in-Education.
Originally published anonymously, Austen’s novels have captivated readers for nearly two centuries and have been the inspiration for modern day works such as Bridget Jones’ Diary and the Twilight Saga.
The program explores:
- Jane’s early beginnings and personal struggles
- The importance of values throughout her works
- Her influences and inspirations
- The impact of Jane Austen on literature
Mary’s enthusiasm for Jane Austen is contagious and will serve to motivate today’s young adult readers to delve into the classics; and perhaps encourage young future writers!
Kelly Tanza will also accompany on keyboard creating a Georgian musical environment.
Appropriate for grades 9-12 (and adults of all ages) and a perfect presentation for Women’s History Month or National Book Month!
Library Event!
Preview The Life and Writings of Jane Austen
Friday, March 16th, 2012 at The Malverne Public Library
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mary cm phillips
Musician, Kelly Tanza, will also accompany on piano-forte/keyboard.
Appropriate for grades 9-12 (and adults of course) and a perfect presentation for Women’s History Month! 
- Kelly Tanza & Mary C. M. Phillips
A happy birthday wish to one of the world’s most widely read writers in English literature.
One cannot have too large a party. A large party secures its own amusement. – from Emma
I will not be throwing a party of any size; just turning the pages of one of my favorite books.
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Jane Austen (16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817)
A big Pemberley-style thank you to everyone who attended the book signing for Bad Austen-The Worst Stories Jane Never Wrote at Barnes and Noble last week.
It was such a happy day all around! Friends, books, and of course
talking about Jane Austen. It doesn’t much better than that!
Thank you once again and I will certainly keep you posted on any future Austen-esque stories that find their way into the bookstores.
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Let other pens dwell on guilt and misery. - Jane Austen
Dear Cassandra, Thank you.
Ever notice how often some people change their profile photos on facebook?
Jane only had one profile photo.
Thankfully, her sister, Cassandra, had Jane pose for a portrait. It was drawn in 1810; Jane was 35 at the time.
One has to wonder what Jane actually looked like.
Both she and Cassandra loved books, music, and drawing which leads me to believe that Cassandra was able to capture at least some likeness of Jane in her drawing.
I read today in the paper that a new drawing of Jane has been discovered in the UK. The owners of the drawing and an auctioneer believe that it is Jane Austen, but it has not been confirmed. And it very well may be, but I’m skeptical, as I always am.
All I know is that this drawing (primitive as it may be) is how Cassandra saw Jane and I trust Cassandra.
Her loving sister knew her better than anyone and they both seemed satisfied enough to hold on to the drawing through the years.
That’s good enough for me. This is Jane. Thank you Cassandra.
Talking About Jane
A train ride (with one connection) took me into downtown Manhattan today to join twenty other women with one purpose in mind.
To talk about Jane Austen.
I attended my first JASNA (New York Regional Chapter) luncheon today.
We discussed, among other things, Mr. Darcy, Catherine Morland, Mrs. Bennet, Captain Wentworth, and Fanny Price.
“I can’t stand Fanny Price,” one Janite observed. ”She’s such a goody-two-shoes.”
I have to admit that she’s correct and pointed out that the movie, Mansfield Park, portrays Fannie in a completely different light. She actually has some pizzazz and boldly speaks up for herself at one point in moving; giving a major slap down Mrs. Norris.
My Janite luncheon companion asserted that it made sense; that Fanny would most definitely have to be played differently as she is completely and altogether unlikable. I agreed. She’s a wimp.
“But,” exclaimed the more senior Janite (who is on the Welcoming Committee), “when Fanny’s uncle tells her that she must marry Tom Crawford, she shows much courage and total conviction by refusing him.” Well, I must say, I had not thought of that.
I left the luncheon elated, having spent a couple of hours happily engaged in conversation full of Jane Austen’s characters; in fact; a slight feeling as though they themselves (Austen’s characters) were amongst those inside the restaurant; and I left our meeting having made new friends and having a slightly less negative opinion and better impression of our unlikable heroine, Miss Fanny Price.
