I enjoyed Jane Austen reimaginings before I even realized they were a thing. One of my favorite movies growing up was Clueless, which is a modernization of Emma. From then, I’ve gone on to read and watch other contemporary adaptations, so is it any wonder I went on to write one?

My new novel, The Marrying Type, is based on Austen’s Persuasion, told with a modern and American twist. In honor of contemporary Austen retellings, here’s a list of ways some of these stories have been part of my life.

1. I dressed as Cher from Clueless for Halloween in fifth grade. While the costume wasn’t perfect (How can you recreate Cher’s expensive and flawless style when you’re 10 and shopping at a cheap, second-hand store?), but I had a blonde wig, gold high-heel shoes, and my best friend dressed as Tai.

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary was my gateway to chick lit and Austen. I read the book based on the advice of a friend, and after finishing it on a sick day my junior year of high school, I picked up the sequel. Thus began my mass consumption of chick lit novels. And after learning the books were based on Austen (Pride and Prejudice and Persuasion respectively), I spent the summer reading a few of her most famous works. Senior year, I revisited Pride and Prejudice during AP English. (No big deal, but I earned an A on both my paper and presentation.)

3. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Emma Approved gave me an enjoyable mid-morning coffee breaks twice a week for months on end. These clever web series inspired me to consider convergence as a form of storytelling and challenged me to make my modern adaption (which already had a first draft) shine as much as it could. If you haven’t already watched either of these series, you might as well start now:

4. Austenland was the ultimate pool-side read and later summer storm watch. I finally checked out the book and movie last summer, and loved them both, though each is different. I read the book on a sunny Monday afternoon by the pool and I watched the movie during a thunderstorm the next evening. That’s Nebraska for you.

5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies served as the inspiration for my best literary-themed painted pumpkin ever. Just take a look at it:

Have you read or watched any modern Austen tales? Which ones are your favorite?

Thanks so much to Caroline for having me on the blog today!