“It is a great while since we have had any star-gazing.” (Fanny Price, Mansfield Park)

A couple of weeks ago, I made my first appearance on the front page of a newspaper (see What’s New? post), and now I’ve already moved on to national television! But before you go gettin’ too excited, let me explain.

ABC’s Nightline recently did a segment on “Jane Austen Super Fans.” In it, they compared Janeites to Trekkies, in that we likewise dress up in strange costumes, attend conventions, and practice rituals related to a world inhabited only by fictional beings. Some people took offense at this characterization; I did not. I think it just proves we know how to manufacture our own, harmless fun! 

Although much was made of the fact that we have turned Mr. Darcy into our personal sex symbol (and who could blame us?), the commentator did concede that we are more than simply crazed Colin Firth fans. He allowed that most Janeites are “intelligent career women,” even “modern-day Elizabeth Bennets.” This, quite naturally, is where I come in, for it is only fitting that as he says these very words I make my first appearance on screen, dancing at the JASNA AGM ball.

Sadly, this appearance (and another very fleeting one later in the piece) go uncredited, but then many famous TV and movie personalities were also uncredited in their early roles. So I feel certain it is only a matter of time before more prestigious parts come my way. What I most hope for, though, is a role in the film adaptation of one of my own books. I’d love to play Lady Catherine, but a more minor part would do. I’m expecting Hollywood, or better yet the BBC, to call any day now with a movie deal.

In the meantime, be sure to view my screen debut on the Nightline piece here. I’m the one in the soft green dress, as seen in the photo below (third from the left).

 PS – I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving. For my thoughts on that holiday, please revisit Take Time For Thanksgiving, my post from two years ago.