A Lesson in Perseverance from Jane Austen



Jane Austen, writing, mindset



A Lesson in Perseverance from Jane Austen, mindset, writing
Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence is a biography of Jane Austen. The book offers an interesting look into Jane Austen's life and the elements in her background and family that shaped this remarkable woman and author. It also paints a realistic picture of life in Georgian and Regency England. Despite the manners and elegance or these eras, they were very harsh time periods, especially for widows and children without money. However, these difficulties gave rise to a great deal of strength and resilience.


The book is not only a lesson on Jane's life but an inspiration. The spirit and fortitude shown by the women in Jane Austen's family is remarkable. For example, orphaned Phila Austen, Jane Austen's aunt, was penniless with little more to look forward too than a career as a Milner in sketchy Covenant Garden. Instead of accepting fate, she made the brave decision to travel to India and create a new life for herself.

Stories like Phila’s remind us that we achieve success by rising to the challenges of life instead of avoiding them. This is an excellent lesson for writers since the writing and publishing process is full of challenges. Jane herself must have learned this lesson from both her own life and the lives of her remarkable female relatives. I’m glad she did. Where would we be if she had given up? Imagine a world without Mr. Darcy, Persuasion and Sense and Sensibility.

I've face a number of obstacles in my own writing career. Instead of allowing them to stop me, I've worked to overcome them in order to achieve my dream of being a published author. It isn't always easy but, when the alternative is to stop doing what I love and to give up, I refuse to allow the setbacks to stop me. I also try and see each problem as a learning opportunity that will help me grow as a writer. So, when the going gets tough and you think of giving up, rise to the challenge. You never know what greatness awaits you.

If you like strong women who don't give up then check out my books. There area  lot of strong women in my stories.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

I often wonder how single women coped in Jane's world. What pressure to marry or to find a 'position' that they could make a living out of. Women today are incredibly lucky. Thanks for the reminder

Anonymous said...

Becoming Jane Austen is an interesting biography and it might be an easy read. However, I would not call it non-fiction (or at least it is not 100% non-fiction), because unfortunately, Mr. Spence indulged in several speculations which he treats as if they were facts.

Unknown said...

Well that's what writers do to make things entertaining

Dara said...

There is a pretty cute movie made of the book, starring Anne Hathaway. :)

Michele said...

It sounds like you have been inspired by Jane Austen. What is not to love about her work and her ability to rise from times that were challenging for women. We could all learn some perseverance.

Katrin@northernfeeling.com said...

I love Jane Austen, I haven't read this one though! But I love the motto: when the going gets touch rise to challenge! Of course it's easier nowadays for us then it was then, but it's inspiring!

Anonymous said...

Jane Austen is an amazing author!! Her books are timeless classics and her life is inspiring. I'm glad she has inspired you to rise to the challenges life brings.

Mary K. said...

Humm, I think I may have seen an episode of this on the BBC. Am I correct? Did they make this into a series? My daughter and I share a passion for period dramas and she is always on the hunt for another on... this definitely would be on our watching list. We've already seen Pride and Prejudice a million times and I recently reread the book. Thank you for stopping by over at Sweet Inspiration.