The Jane Austen Twitter Project

Austen fan-fiction author Lynn Shepherd and MLB.com writer Adam Spunberg are the people behind the Jane Austen Twitter project.  Jane Austen enthusiasts from around the world are working together every Tuesday starting February 8th through May 3rd from 9am to 9pm (UK time) to create an Austen style story.

Plot ideas were submitted and then voted on, with the following storyline, A Ball at Pemberley by Twitter user @fansupnicolee, winning:

After the demise of Mr Dashwood, Mrs Dashwood is invited by old acquaintances – Mr and Mrs Bennet –  to reside at Longbourn until other arrangements are made. Mrs Bennet has recently lost three of her daughters to matrimony and, whilst Elinor and Marianne are sure to be good company for Kitty and Mary; her intentions are that by providing suitable hospitality for them it will be an excuse to meet more families than already in her acquaintance. Upon their arrival, they receive a letter from Mr and Mrs Darcy, stating that they are residing at Pemberley; and that there is to be a lavish, substantial ball held there. Mr and Mrs Bennet, Kitty and Mary are all thrilled at the idea of being reunited with Elizabeth and Jane on the evening; and Mrs Dashwood, Elinor and Marianne are honoured to be invited to such an event. Among the people attending the ball include Willoughby, whom Kitty, Mary and Marianne immediately find attractive and compelling – but he only has eyes for Elinor, much to the discontent of Elinor herself (and Marianne particularly). Henry Tilney and Eleanor Tilney, who are very old acquaintances of Mr Bingley, are also invited to attend the ball. Henry immediately becomes the object of Elinor’s affection…

As you can tell from the plot, all of Austen’s characters are slated to make an appearance together in this story !  To follow the action on twitter search for #A4T (Austen for Twitter).  You can also check for updates on the official Twitter account for the project at @Austen_Project.  Each Sunday the Austen project’s website will be post an update of that Tuesday’s writing so you can read everyone’s additions. 

There is still an opportunity to take part and become one of the writers if interested.  I heartily encourage anyone with an interest to join.  I’ve been following what’s been written so far today and it’s very very interesting.  Major kudos go out to all of today’s participants.  It’s been interesting seeing how all the characters are coming together to make appearances. 

The next writing date is scheduled to be February 15th.  Make sure you check out this amazingly unique project.  I’m excited to see the project in its entirety, scheduled to be posted May4th. 

Leave some comments below, and let me know what you think of the project!