Making Jane Austen Modern: The social satire Writing Contest for witty students
- Legacy Writing Contests
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Think Jane Austen Is Just Bonnet Drama? Think Again.
You might know her as the queen of corsets, tea parties, and slow-burn romance. But let’s be clear—Jane Austen was savage. Beneath the polite conversation and drawing-room glances is a writer with razor-sharp wit, killer dialogue, and a sixth sense for human hypocrisy.
The Jane Austen Legacy Contest isn’t about writing another Regency-era novel (though you absolutely can if that’s your jam). It’s about channeling Austen’s style—her voice, her irony, her characters with cutting observations—and dragging it, heels first, into the 21st century.
What This Contest Is Really About
This is your chance to step into Jane’s shoes and ask:
What would Mr. Darcy look like in a hoodie?
What would Emma be like if she had a finsta?
What kind of chaos would unfold at a modern-day dinner party with Lizzy Bennet?
In this contest, students are challenged to write a 700–1,000 word story in the spirit of Austen—whether it’s set in 1815 or 2025. What matters is tone, tension, and that delicious blend of romantic frustration and social satire.
Tips to Nail Your Austen Entry
Bring the banter. Clever, layered dialogue is key. Your characters should speak with charm, edge, and a little bite.
Get into the drama. Family pressure, bad first impressions, awkward flirtations—it’s all fair game.
Say something smart. Austen never just wrote love stories. She wrote about class, gender, power, and who gets to speak. So should you.
Why Enter?
Because wit is power—and Austen proves it. Winners get international recognition, digital awards, and a chance to be published in the Legacy Anthology. We also forward top entries to youth journals and contests on your behalf.
So if you're ready to write something brilliant, biting, and unapologetically clever…
Next Deadline: September 30th, 2025
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