Bold idea: romance writers honor Jane Austen’s enduring influence on her 250th birthday, and they’re turning that milestone into a celebration of fresh voices and new perspectives.
Here’s how it unfolds: Here & Now host Robin Young marks the milestone with two contemporary romance authors, Diana Quincy and Nikki Payne. Both authors contributed to a collaborative collection titled “Ladies In Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters.” Their participation highlights how Austen’s world continues to inspire modern storytelling, inviting readers to rediscover lesser-known figures who populate her beloved novels.
Book excerpt: ‘Ladies in Waiting’
By Diana Quincy and Nikki Payne
From the anthology “Ladies in Waiting: Jane Austen’s Unsung Characters,” published by Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC. “Lace and Larceny” copyright © 2025 by Nikki Payne. Printed with permission.
This piece originally appeared on WBUR.org. (https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/12/16/jane-austen-250-birthday)
Copyright 2025 WBUR
What this means for readers today is twofold. First, it spotlights Austen’s expansive universe beyond the central canon, encouraging readers to explore the stories and motivations of characters who aren’t always in the foreground. Second, it demonstrates how modern romance authors reinterpret classic frameworks—retaining the charm and social wit of Austen while infusing fresh perspectives, contemporary sensibilities, and new narrative tensions.
As you reflect on Austen’s 250th birthday, consider this question: should contemporary writers reframe classic figures to fit today’s values, or should they strive to preserve the original tone and context as strictly as possible? Share your take in the comments: do reimagined characters enrich the Austen canon, or do they risk eroding its historical flavor?
