Jim from The Office is holding a box with an engagement ring. Above his head it says, "Elizabeth: I find you rude and arrogant." and below it, "Darcy:" indicating Darcy's proposal.
Memes mocking Darcy’s engagement attempts never cease to make me giggle.
Pensive Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”
I’m not working at the library this weekend but I am teaching a workshop. Sunday is my usual writer’s group. I really hope this weekend is nice! What are you doing?
A square image with a medium-dark blue background. In the upper left is the painting of the Bronte sisters. The upper right is a painting of Jane Austen. In white text it says, "If Jane Austen were alive today, would she still be writing romance and if so, what kind?"
I feel it would be super meta: she’d write historicals!
The lovely organizers over at @virtualjanecon.bsky.social have opened up submissions for proposals to present this year! I did it last year ("Merchandising Jane" youtu.be/b013KsmrFCo) and I'd like to submit this year but nothing is coming to my brain! Any ideas?
Black and cream background. Save the Date. July 18 and 19, 2026. VJC logo at bottom.
We are excited to announce that this year’s VJC is coming to your screens on July 18 and 19th this summer.
Stay tuned for the submission form!
Ooohhh, good answer!
Mr Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are standing at the altar. Above their heads it says “Streaming.” Below them it says, “Jane Austen and the Brontës.”
There are over 100 movies and TV shows dedicated to Austen and the Brontë that are available on most US streaming services. Everything, from variations of Pride and Prejudice to modern adaptations of Austen and the Brontës books. 👉🏻 www.excessivelydiverting.net
Dark purple background with cream swirls and filagreee. In black text on medium rose background it says, “My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” Below that is black text against cream it says, “Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.”
And oldie but a goodie.
Here is a list of upcoming Austen/Brontës virtual events for Spring 2026! The one I'm most excited about is a FREE all day virtual conference on the influence of Austen. The last day to register for that is March 18 ! For more details, head to ➡ excessivelydiverting.substack.com/p/austen-bro....
White background. Cartoon character of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr Darcy. In the middle of them it says, “Austen insult generator.”
This is so fun! Let’s see, I like “Petty ill-disposed of vexations civility.”
Pensive Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”
Yay! February is ending and spring is coming in a few weeks! It’s been a long winter here in N. Michigan and I cannot wait.
This weekend I’m working at the library, Nottingham Forst is playing Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday, and my weekly write-in group is also Sunday. What are you doing?
A square image with a medium-dark blue background. In the upper left is the painting of the Bronte sisters. The upper right is a painting of Jane Austen. In white text it says, "Which character from Wuthering Heights would be the biggest nightmare to have as a roommate?"
Catherine.
If I was being more mindful, I should have posted a Wuthering Heights quote last week, but alas.
Did you miss previous years of Virtual Jane Con (virtualjanecon.com) or want to revisit the great talks? They are all available on YouTube! www.youtube.com/hashtag/virt.... (You can see my presentation, Merchandising Jane 👉🏻 youtu.be/b013KsmrFCo!)
Split into three rows with scenes from Pride and Prejudice 2005. Top row says, "Mr Darcy after roasting Elizabeth and her entire family." Middle row is of Mr. Darcy with "I love you. Most ardently" at his chest. The third row is of Elizabeth with an incredulous look on her face.
I love this scene and Elizabeth’s facial expression is *chef’s kiss.*
A square image with a medium-dark blue background. In the upper left is the painting of the Bronte sisters. The upper right is a painting of Jane Austen.
I worked today and then I'm heading downstate to visit some friends. I'm also teaching this weekend. Sunday brings me back home before the week begins.
What are your plans this weekend?
A square image with a medium-dark blue background. In the upper left is the painting of the Bronte sisters. The upper right is a painting of Jane Austen. In white text it says, "If the Brontë sisters were a modern indie-rock band, what would their band name be? Bonus question: who would be the lead singer?"
I would argue they would be a riot grrl band and that Emily would be the lead singer since she is full of rage.
Vintage flower background in various greens, yellows, and pinks. In black text, against a medium rose colored background, it says, “The more I know of the world, the more I am convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!” Below that, in black text against a lighter background, it says, " Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen"
Pop quiz! Who said this quote?
Vintage flower background. A vintage typewriter is in the middle of the image, and it has a piece of paper available. On the paper it says, “Excessively Diverting” and below it, “the newsletter.”
Did you know Excessively Diverting has a newsletter?! It’s published irregularly when it suits my mood, but it exists! It contains hot takes, news, essays, and whatever else strikes my fancy and is too long for social media. You can sign up here 👉🏻 excessivelydiverting.substack.com.
Hah! Not wrong though!
The front of a rectangle box that has the names "Diane Wilkes and Lola Airaghi" at the top in plain script. In the middle it says, "Jane Austen Tarot" in cursive script. The background is of a garden in mixtures of light greens, reds, and browns.
A face down spread of Jane Austen tarot cards.
Two Jane Austen tarot cards. One is face down and shows the back which is the silhouette of Austen on a green background. The other card is of a 19th C woman sitting with a book in her lap. It says "10 of Quills" at the bottom of the card.
Jane Austen tarot! Imagine my surprise when this showed up in my mailbox last week. I had completely forgotten I had pre-ordered it months ago. I like the card stock used, very easy to manipulate with shuffling and such. You should be able to find these everywhere. #TarotSky
Please provide a link and a brief summary and I'll get it on the list!
Happy Valentine's Day from Excessively Diverting!
Pensive Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”
It's Valentine's weekend! I'm working tomorrow, weekly virtual write-in on Sunday, and as for the holiday itself? No idea!
What are you doing this weekend?
A square image with a medium-dark blue background. In the upper left is the painting of the Bronte sisters. The upper right is a painting of Jane Austen. Below the paintings it says, "What Austen or Bronte heroine would most likely to have a secret TikTok or Instagram account to vent?"
Austen: Harriet Smith would throw shade on TikTok. Brontë: Catherine would attempt to be an influencer on Instagram.
Jane Austen is holding a pink Macbook.
Looking for something to do this winter? I've got you covered! Here isa list of upcoming Austen and Brontës virtual events scheduled for the next few months. Check the event websites for more information, including time, cost, and registration details. 👉🏻 open.substack.com/pub/excessiv....
Various shades and hues of green, pink, and blue flowers against a medium creamy yellow background. In dark text against a light pink background, it says, "“He never could have loved me, or he would not have resigned me so willingly.” Below that, in dark text against a light green background, "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë
The Brontë canon sorely overlooks Anne.
A tall white man wearing a suite is shaking hands with a shorter white man. They are in an office settings. The text in front of the tall white man says “Jane Austen.” The text in front of the short white man says, “Naming her most beautiful character Jane.”
C’mon, most of us have thought of this a time or two.
Pensive Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He’s facing slightly towards the camera. To his left it says, “I do so ardently wish you a most joyful weekend.”
Nottingham Forest plays today but I won’t know the score until after this has posted. I’m heading to my brother and his family this weekend to watch my nephew play basketball. (He’s 6!) I’m coming home Saturday afternoon and then back to my usual routine on Sunday.
What are you doing this weekend?
Medium blue background. Top half the image is the portrait of the Bronte sisters and to the left, a portrait of Jane Austen. Below them, in white text, it says, “Which character had the biggest glow up by the end of their book?”
I’m failing to think of someone specific but! I do want to say that MARY needs a glow up and badly.
