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Step 1
Read all Jane Austen's novels, then reread your favorites. All of her major works are available through the Barnes and Noble Classics series (see Resources below). Also study her minor works, like Jane Austen's epistolary novel "Lady Susan," written entirely in the form of personal letters. This will set you apart as a fan knowledgeable about all of Austen's writing.
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Step 2
Devour Jane Austen's personal letters, which are available in the book "Jane Austen: Her Life and Letters" compiled by relatives William Austen-Leigh and Richard Arthur Austen-Leigh. For another, more unvarnished version of her published letters, read "Jane Austen's Letters" by Austen scholar Deirdre Le Faye (see Resources below).
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Step 3
Join an online community of "Austenphiles" like The Republic of Pemberley, an exhaustive resource with complete e-texts, little known Austen histor, and in-depth discussions of Austen's life and work.
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Step 4
Watch adaptations of Jane Austen's work made for film and television. Colin Firth (in the A and E Network's version of "Pride and Prejudice") is considered by many to be the definitive Mr. Darcy.
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Step 5
Read books and watch films based on Jane Austen's life and novels. Two popular ones are "Becoming Jane" and "The Jane Austen Book Club."
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Step 6
Join a Jane Austen society in your area. Consider becoming a member of The Jane Austen Society of North America (see Resources below). Get together with other Austen fans. Dress up like Austen and emulate her manners and style. Consider joining an international Jane Austen society, as well as the North American Jane Austen Society (see Resources below).
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Step 7
Visit the Jane Austen Museum at Jane Austen's home in Chawton, England. Book a Jane Austen themed tour that provides an in depth look at the places Austen lived, and the settings that inspired her famous novels. (see Resources below).
