I live my life like Jane Austen I wear regency clothes and write historical romances

Meet the woman who lives like Jane Austen – from dressing in Regency-style costume to writing novels.Jessica Bull has been in love with the writer ever since the first episode of Pride and Prejudice aired on the BBC in 1995. The 46-year-old from London is a Janeite – a term used to characterize devotees of Jane Austen’s work. The mum-of-two has inhabited her world – by dressing dressing up in Regency-style customes, attending balls and even learning how to horse ride. She has read all her works, watched every adaptation and read every biography she could find.Jessica, studied English at university and began her career as a librarian before becoming a communications consultant – also said Austen was her aspiration to become a novelist.Trying to find comfort on Austen’s work, encouraged Jessica to start writing fiction again after a hiatus of 10 years.And in 2024 she finally published her debut novel – a Austen-inspired murder mystery.Jessica said: “I have tried many ways to inhabit Jane Austen’s world, and some of these have been successful than others my flock of backyard hens is thriving, but it’s not so easy to learn to ride horseback in your forties! “Famously, Janeites love to dress up in Regency costume and I very much enjoyed getting my old sewing machine out to create some. “I even turned my very obliging husband into my own leading man by sewing him a Captain Wentworth-style naval jacket!”This year marks 250 years since the English writer known for her celebrated six novels, was born. But despite two and a half centuries of time passing by, the Austen hype is still much alive – particularly after the release of the much-anticipated drama Miss Austen on the BBC. Jessica said: “I’ve been in love with Jane Austen ever since the first episode of Pride and Prejudice was broadcast in 1995. “I was blown away by everything about the BBC’s adaptation – the snarky humor, the costumes, the romance and, of course, Colin Firt...