How to Write Like: Jane Austen

Unlock the Genius Behind the World’s Most Beloved Novelist

Embark on a journey through the captivating world of Jane Austen and unravel the enchanting mysteries hidden within her literary masterpieces. This course is designed to equip you with a profound insight into Austen's life, works, and enduring legacy, offering a transformative learning experience that will enrich your literary appreciation and writing skills. Join me to explore the captivating universe of one of the greatest literary figures in history. If you’ve ever finished a Jane Austen novel with that unmistakable flutter in your chest – the feeling that someone from two centuries ago somehow sees straight through to the heart of modern life – then this course is your next essential step. Jane Austen is more than a literary icon. She is, in many ways, the foundation of the modern novel. Her wit, her emotional truth, her psychological insight, and her quiet but devastating social critique have shaped writers for generations. This course takes you far beyond the familiar love stories and charming drawing rooms. Here, you’ll discover the technical brilliance behind Austen’s prose, the cultural forces that shaped her, the innovations she introduced, and the ongoing influence she exerts over contemporary storytelling, film, and even the way we think about relationships. Whether you’re a writer, an avid reader, a teacher, or simply someone who wants to understand why Austen still resonates so powerfully today, this is the deep dive you’ve been craving. Why This Course Matters We live in a world that feels noisy, rushed, and often confusing. Readers crave clarity, authenticity, and emotional intelligence – exactly what Austen mastered. Understanding how she wrote, what she observed, and why her stories continue to thrive will not only enrich your reading life but sharpen your writing, deepen your appreciation for character-driven fiction, and expand your understanding of human nature. Austen’s novels may seem effortless, but underneath every elegant sentence lies craftsmanship of the highest order. This course uncovers that craftsmanship and makes it accessible, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. What You’ll Learn Inside * Each module is crafted in my signature conversational style – warm, insightful, wryly observant, and packed with ideas you can apply to your reading and writing right away. Austen’s World – Context, Culture, and Her Daily Life * Discover the family dynamics, education, societal pressures, and writing routines that shaped her work. Learn how the quiet of Chawton Cottage produced the most influential novels of the nineteenth century. * Her Masterpieces – Themes, Characters, and Literary Significance * Explore the core novels one by one, uncovering the hidden structures, social commentary, and emotional precision that made Austen a trailblazer. Austen and the Birth of the Modern Novel * See how she redefined storytelling. Learn why character-driven fiction – now the standard – exists because Austen and her contemporaries dared to prioritize psychology over plot. The Mechanics of Austen’s Style * Free indirect discourse, subtle irony, precision of language, mastery of dialogue, structural balance – all examined closely, with examples explained in plain, enjoyable English. Love, Relationships, and Desire in Austen * A deep and honest exploration of how romantic psychology, attraction, self deception, and social expectation shape her stories – including the quiet thread of sexuality running beneath her restrained world. Literary Influences and Movements * Study the authors she read, the genres she parodied, the debates she joined, and the intellectual currents she wove into her narratives. Austen’s Legacy in the Romantic Era and Beyond * Trace her impact across the nineteenth century – and see why writers from Charlotte Brontë to Sally Rooney still echo her techniques. Austen in Film, TV, and Digital Media * From BBC classics to Hollywood blockbusters to YouTube web series, discover why Austen adapts so beautifully to screen – and how each adaptation reveals another facet of her genius. Austen Today – Relevance, Longevity, and Cultural Power * Learn why she remains a phenomenon. Why new readers fall in love with her every year. And why her insights into love, status, pride, and self discovery feel more urgent now than ever. Recommended Reading, Resources, and Festivals * Your complete guide to going further – biographies, letters, annotated editions, retellings, academic works, podcasts, Austen societies, and annual celebrations. Who This Course Is For * Readers who adore Austen and want to understand her on a deeper level * Writers seeking to improve their craft through the study of a master * Students and teachers who want a modern, engaging perspective on Austen * Literature lovers who enjoy lively commentary and thoughtful analysis * Anyone who has ever wondered why Austen still shines brighter than almost every author of her era You don’t need a literature degree. You don’t need prior knowledge. Just curiosity and a love for stories that speak honestly about human nature. Why Learn Austen With Me? * I’ve spent decades studying storytelling, character psychology, and the habits of the world’s most influential authors. Austen sits at the pinnacle of that list. My job here is to make her brilliance accessible – to take the depth of academic study and present it in a way that feels clear, modern, energizing, and even fun. This course gives you the full “Rob Parnell teaching experience” – rich insight, warm humor, practical wisdom, and a genuine passion for helping you fall more deeply in love with great writing. Your Invitation Austen’s novels have survived wars, revolutions, cultural shifts, and centuries of changing taste. They endure because they tell the truth – gently, intelligently, and with the kind of emotional clarity that makes readers feel seen. If you’re ready to understand why her work still matters – and how it can enrich your own reading and writing – join me inside this course. Let’s walk with Jane Austen together. Enroll now and begin your journey into the mind and mastery of a literary genius. Keep Writing!