THIS month has seen the launch of a delightful and informative guide to writing the Jane Austen way by Rebecca Smith – five times removed great-niece of Austen herself.

Rebecca teaches creative writing at the University of Southampton and is the author of three novels – The Bluebird Cafe´, Happy Birthday and All That, and A Bit of Earth, as well as a work of non-fiction called Jane Austen’s Guide to Modern Life’s Dilemmas.

Her first novel for children, Shadow Eyes, was shortlisted for the 2012 Kelpies Prize. And she was the writer in residence in 2010 at Jane Austen’s House Museum in Chawton, where she still runs regular writing workshops.

Published this month by Bloomsbury and launched at Jane Austen’s House Museum, Rebecca’s latest book called The Jane Austen Writers’ Club.

“Whether you’re a creative writing enthusiast looking to publish your first novel, a teacher searching for further inspiration for students, or fan seeking insight into Austen’s daily rituals, this is an essential companion, guaranteed to satisfy, inform and deligh,” said Rebecca.

Jane Austen is one of the best-loved writers in the English literary canon. Her novels changed the landscape of fiction forever, and her writing remains as fresh, entertaining and witty as the day her books were first published.