All Things Jane Austen and the Bronte Sisters

Why it’s so hard to know what Jane Austen thought about slavery In the third episode of Jane Austen’s Paper Trail, we speak to Austen experts about her politics and views on slavery, as we dive into the pages of Mansfield Park.

I learned a few things in this article, not related to the article itself:

- The Conversation has an Austen podcast! 👉🏻 excessivelydiverting.substack.com/p/austen-bro...
- They also have a series dedicated to Jane's 250th! 👉🏻 theconversation.com/uk/jane-aust...

theconversation.com/why-its-so-h...

I was working at WorldCon when that was going on and they were laying people off left and right. I left on my own accord and went back to college. That was a <explicit words> time!

A split image. At the top is Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn in her superhero clothes. In black text, it says, "Catherine Earnshaw all her life." The bottom image is of Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn when she's subdued. In white text, it says, "Literally 5 minutes after Linton proposes."

And here we are, years after this meme was produced, with Margot Robbie playing Catherine in Wuthering Heights. (Which is being panned, btw. Do you think you'll see it?)

Image of Jane Austen in the middle of a vintage TV telly screen.

Live in the US (or have access to a US VPN)? Need a Brontë or Austen movie or series to get your fix? I've got you covered! Over 100 Austen and Brontë movies and series, organized by streaming service, at your disposal! 👉🏻 www.excessivelydiverting.net (Updated regularly.) #Austen250

My gift to the world: 27 hours of holiday jamz! I started this mix back in 2015 and as I learn new stuff, I add it. Think: Bowling for Soup, Barenaked Ladies, They Might Be Giants, Johnny Cash, RUN DMC, Pansy Division, and more. I mean, it's 499 songs.

open.spotify.com/playlist/2Jb...

The picnic on Box Hill in Emma, both the book & the adaptations

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Jane Austen Wrecked My Life’ on Netflix, a literary rom-com set on the hallowed grounds of Austen's estate It is a truth universally acknowledged that rom-coms should be funnier than this.

I saw this in the theater and adored it, so definitely do not skip "Jane Austen Wrecked My Life!"

decider.com/2025/11/13/j...

Black and grey image of Jane Austen holding a pink Macbook.

Here is a list of upcoming Jane Austen and the Brontës virtual events scheduled for the next few months. There is a lot here from book clubs to movie nights & everything in between! Check the event websites for more information and details. 👉🏻 excessivelydiverting.substack.com/p/austen-bro...

To celebrate Jane Austen's 250th, Austen Connection is hosting an Austen read-along all year long and they are in the middle of "Persuasion"! For the full schedule, go to austenconnection.substack.com/p/the-great-.... (Final Blow-out Celebration Zoom is Sunday, Dec. 14th at 2pm US CST) #Austen250

Image of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”

This weekend I'm working at the library (Saturday). I'll probably do side hustle stuff, and Mr. Lisa and I can finish getting our gardens ready for winter. Sunday is my writing group, along with PBS time with Kristin. Sunday is always chill day.

What are you doing this weekend?

First thing that comes to my mind is description/ or the 1995 adaptation scene of Derbyshire and Elizabeth visiting it.

List of Jane Austen Film and TV Adaptations | 250th Anniversary, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Emma, & Movies | Britannica Jane Austen’s beloved novels have inspired equally popular screen versions. Here’s a roundup of films and TV series based on her work.

An excellent breakdown (and round-up) of Austen adaptations that go beyond a listicle.

www.britannica.com/topic/List-o...

Medium beige background. A filigree in each corner in dark brown. In the middle of the image, in dark brown text, it says, "Question of the Week," and below it, it says, "How does Austen or the Brontes use the concept of landscape and nature in their novels?"

Yes, movie adaptations count as discourse!

Black and white image of Jane Austen wearing black over the ear headphones. In white text, it says "The Jane Austen and Brontes Newsletter Issue #8 Austen and Bronte Podcasts Over 200 years later, we can't stop talking bout Austen and the Brontes!"

If you’re a fan of podcasts, there are over a dozen of them dedicated to Jane Austen and the Brontës! If I’m missing any, let me know so I can update the list! excessivelydiverting.substack.com/p/austen-bro... #Austen250

Medium yellow background. Medium olive music notes move left to right. On top of the score is a large blue circle. In various yellow tones, it says, "Music & The Regency."

I usually keep up with what Jane Austen & Co are up to, but I missed this!

Their fall series is on Music & The Regency, which they started in spring 2025. You can catch up on previous talks (and register for upcoming ones) at www.janeaustenandco.org/music-and-th...

White Background with a black diamond shape. In that shape, in dark pink color, it says “Virtual JaneCon.”

Missed previous years of #VirtualJaneCon (virtualjanecon.com) or want to revisit the great talks? They are all available on YouTube! www.youtube.com/hashtag/virt.... You can see my presentation, Merchandising Jane 👉🏻 youtu.be/b013KsmrFCo! #Austen250

Music in Jane Austen’s World | Illinois Public Media It’s a banner year for Jane Austen fans. Not only is it the author’s 250th birthday on December 16, but it is also the 30th anniversary of the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, the 30th…

I'm not sure if IPR knew that Jane Austen & Co is having a series of seminars on Austen and music this fall, but, regardless, it's a good read on music during the Regency period.

will.illinois.edu/clefnotes/en...

Pale beige background. In the middle is a square outline. Within the outline it says, "There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison." Below the box it says, "Persuasion by Jane Austen"

With the ramp-up to Jane Austen's 250th birthday, I'll probably go heavy on the Austen quotes for the rest of the year.

Phew! Just scheduled 20 pots for Excessively Diverting's socials in the upcoming month.

Want to follow Excessively Diverting in other places? You can find a list of our socials at linktr.ee/excessivelyd.... (Also includes links to newsletter, streaming Austen and the Brontes, as well as podcasts!)

YouTube video by Warner Bros. "Wuthering Heights" | Official Trailer

New trailer for Wuthering Heights dropped a few days ago. Not a fan of the book but since this seems to be sex on celluloid, clearly I need to see it.

youtu.be/3fLCdIYShEQ?...

What am I talking about? I emailed them to see what they would like for the resubmit. haha

Feck. The Jane Austen Centre loved aspects of my talk I submitted for next year's festival but rejected it. However, they are encouraging me to refresh the talk and send in if I so wish. I have no idea what to do right now.

Salmon background. In white text it says, "Pride & Prejudice Festival" and below it in black text, "January 24-28 2026." Below those two lines is a list of events for the festival. A copy of Pride & Prejudice, with different covers, are in the upper left and lower right corners.

Every year, Jane Austen's House celebrates Pride & Prejudice in January to celebrate the publication of the novel (Jan 28, 1813). The festival runs Jan 24-28, 2026.

If you're not in England, no problem! A virtual pass is available! You can find more information at janeaustens.house/news/pride-a...

A split image. At the top is a woman holding a microphone. Above her, it says, "Caroline Bingley." Below the microphone, it says, "We belong, we belong together, Fitzwilliam." In the bottom split, is a man drinking. Above his head it says, "Mr. Darcy."

Caroline Bingley would be marked as a stalker in 2025. What do you think? #Austen250

Dark background. In white text it says, "Meet Cute Book Club December Read: A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone."

In this issue of Meet Cute Book Club news, December's book (A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone), conversations on romance subgenres, new members, and our picks for January, February, and March of 2026! Read more at meetcutebookclub.substack.com/p/meet-cute-...!

Image of Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”

The 1st day in weeks, I did not need an alarm! Mr. Lisa & I may get pedicures, do meal planning, and some grocery shopping. Sundays are my favorite day of the week as I run a write-in on Sunday and in the afternoons, I hang out with Kristin for a few hours of PBS. What are your plans this weekend?

A portrait of a young girl in late 1780s clothing. She's wearing a white dress and a necklace. The background is nondescript brown. In white text, it says, "Welcome to Excessively Diverting."

Excessively Diverting has a newsletter! It’s published irregularly when it suits my mood, but it exists! It contains news, hot takes, essays, and whatever else strikes my fancy and is too long for social media. You can sign up here 👉🏻 excessivelydiverting.substack.com.

Send me good woo, tots, and pears! I sent a proposal to the Jane Austen Centre (in Bath) to present at next year's Festival! It is both exciting and terrifying!

A white background with an image of the same woman making faces. Top face says, "Me watching the love interests make out in a modern day movie" and the bottom face says "me watching love interests brush fingers in a period drama."

This meme cracks me up because I read 5 chili pepper smut, but yet it is the brushing of the fingers that is the most tantalizing.

Winchester Cathedral | Celebrating Jane This anniversary presents a significant opportunity to bring her legacy to even greater prominence – in Hampshire, where she was born and spent most of her life, and in Winchester, where she died.

The statue of Jane at Winchester Cathedral was unveiled on October 16. It has had some controversy in the past. Has anyone gone and seen it in person?

www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/ja250/

#Austen250