Avoiding ‘Busy Nothings’

Hello, fellow Janeites! My name is Anngela Schroeder, and I am the newest member of Austen Variations.

I’ve been writing in the lovely world of JAFF for five years with six novels and four short stories published and more on the way.

My journey here began before I even realized it. Having three brothers, and no sisters, I was in the mix of competition. If my brothers could do it, I had to do it too: play second base, shoot free-throws, and catch a ‘hail Mary’ for a touchdown. I was constantly setting goals for myself because I wanted purpose and didn’t want to spin my wheels.  Therefore, I  decided to make a list of things to accomplish before I was thirty:

By age 22- Graduate College with my Bachelor’s Degree

By age 25- Graduate with my Master’s Degree

By age 26- Get married

By age- 30- Publish my first book

Everything was right on schedule!

Graduated college with a degree in English Literature– CHECK.

Master’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Education—CHECK.

Met my own Mr. Darcy and got married (a year before my goal)—CHECK

…Then life happened. Babies came, my Mom passed away, and teaching high school became a little overwhelming. Pretty soon, I was almost forty and hadn’t published a novel. I’d had interest from agents and editors, but still couldn’t break into a traditional publishing house. Then one Christmas morning, unbeknownst to me, my life would change forever.

I was a little underwhelmed after opening the Kindle from my husband. He knew I preferred the feel and scent of paper books, and that an e-book was almost sacrilege. Ignoring the fluttering of my heart and having no compassion for my poor nerves, he created my account, added a gift card, and instructed me to go sit down and start reading.

An opportunity to escape for a few hours?

Deal! Typing in “Pride and Prejudice” not only lead me to the obvious book from our dear Jane, but it opened up a door into a world I could only dream about! What were all these titles? Who were all these amazing authors? What was this hidden society of Jane Austen Fan Fiction?

I began my addiction with ‘One Thread Pulled’ by Diana Oaks, and like all drugs, I was hooked! Next came Kara Louise, Joana Starnes and Elizabeth Adams. I couldn’t stop, and often found myself going to bed early just to escape on a new adventure.

It was while reading one night that I thought, “I could do this! Writing about Darcy and Elizabeth would be amazing! Giving them new roads to their happily ever after? DREAM. COME. TRUE.” But, where to begin?

A few weeks later a contest was advertised by Meryton Press for short stories. “A Winter’s Awakening” was penned in a few days, and was sent in with fingers crossed, not imagining I would be one of the winners. I called for Hill to bring my smelling salts when the email came congratulating me! I could finally check published author off my list.

Since then, Jane Austen has taken over my life. I can’t have a conversation or meet someone without identifying them as one of Jane’s characters. From students, colleagues and even people in the checkout line at the grocery store, everyoneis analyzed and found to be either lacking or someone I’d like to have a cuppa with.

In my professional world, I teach Pride and Prejudice to my AP British Lit Seniors. At first, they struggle to find a connection to the story, but soon see their own sarcastic selves in Mr. Bennet.

My Creative Writing Club holds a Jane Austen Ball every year with historically accurate musicians and a caller who both donate their time. The book truly comes alive as my kiddos laugh and stumble their way through the Allemande and Scoth Reel.

In my personal life, I am raising three sons who discuss differences between modern society and those of the Regency period, while still tackling running backs and recovering fumbles. Luckily, my history teaching husband enjoys Jane’s world almost as much as I do, although he’s losing patience with my penchant for new ball gowns.

How do Jane Austen’s works filter into your own everyday life? I can’t wait to hear!

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