“Of all horrid things, leave-taking is the worst.”

~ Cat

After much thought, I have decided that it’s time for me to step away from Jane Austen Fan Fiction. This decision has not come lightly, and I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to those who have supported me on this journey.

To the readers and bloggers who have embraced my books, shared kind words, and encouraged my writing—thank you. Your enthusiasm has meant the world to me, and knowing my stories have brought some happiness to even a handful of readers is a tremendous honor. To my fellow authors who have uplifted and inspired me, I appreciate you more than I can say.

There are several reasons behind my decision, but primarily, I’ve come to realize that modern JAFF is not the right fit for me. I’ve loved reimagining Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy in contemporary settings, but it’s become clear that those stories aren’t as valued or taken as seriously within the JAFF community. I’ve encountered this sentiment from both readers and fellow authors, and over time, it has diminished my enthusiasm for writing within this genre.

The rise in the use of AI—whether acknowledged or not—has also influenced my decision. As someone who pours time and effort into every word I write, striving to publish at least once a year, it’s become increasingly difficult to make my books visible. When some authors are releasing a book every other month, or even more frequently, the struggle to make a modern JAFF story stand out in an oversaturated market becomes even more challenging. For me, this has made the publishing side of my journey more draining than fulfilling.

Although I’m stepping away from JAFF, I can’t say it will be forever, nor am I closing the door on writing altogether. Writing has always brought me joy, and there are many unwritten stories living in my head. Right now, I’m not so sure they’re destined to be told through Austen’s characters, but it doesn’t mean they won’t be told at all. Where my writing journey will lead next, I don’t yet know, but I do know that storytelling will always be a part of who I am. I hope that someday, inspiration will strike again.

For now, my books will remain available on Amazon, though I hope to fine-tune each of them over time. If this process requires me to remove them from Amazon, I will be sure to share that information. My social media pages and website will remain active, and I can still be reached via messenger and email, but I won’t be posting any new content.

To those who have supported me, cheered me on, and found something to love in my books, I extend my heartfelt thanks. Your kindness and encouragement will always be deeply appreciated.

Cat

58 thoughts on ““Of all horrid things, leave-taking is the worst.””

  1. I’m so, so sorry to hear this Cat! As you know, I have totally loved all your books, which are reread more times than I can count. However I can understand where you are coming from, AI has a lot to answer for in my opinion. I do hope you eventually find a storyline which begs for Darcy and Elizabeth as main characters but I wish you good luck in everything you do. I would also thank you so so much for the absolute pleasure your books have given me. Take care always.

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    1. Thank you so much for understanding, Glynis, and for being so supportive over the past five years! It’s readers like you who have made this journey a pleasure. xoxo

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  2. Wow….there is so much packed into this email.

    I am so happy for you that you have the strength to take that step into the next chapter of your life. So many people fear change, and that first step into the unknown is very difficult, even for the strongest of people. I know people who are stuck in an unhappy place bc it is better known that what could be if they just took that step….

    Though I don’t know you personally, I truly felt like I understood you through how you write your characters. I was so grateful that you shared that creative part of your soul that you poured into your work. I LOVED your books and your writing style! I feel saddened that your hard work and the bravery it took to share your gift was not appreciated more

    Thank you from a huge fan of your work….I treasure your books and have read them many times over. For anyone who didn’t appreciate your work…F ’em….what have they created?

    I hope that you find that next creative bend that leads to peace and fulfillment……

    Fondly,
    MM

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    1. As I said in my blog post, it wasn’t an easy decision, but I feel it’s the right one for me at this time. I’m so happy you’ve enjoyed my books! And though I wish more readers were open to experiencing Darcy and Elizabeth in modern times, I’m very grateful to those who embraced them. Thanks so much, Melissa!

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  3. Wait!! What?! Whaaaaat?!

    No no no no….

    Can’t say anything more intelligent right now… but Darn it!

    I would like to pretend ignorance and say I don’t understand. But I do!

    I hope you know in which category I stand – and I will cheer every decision you make if it meant you kept writting and telling heartfelt stories!

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    1. I do hope to return to writing in the future, but for now, I think a break from all of it is just what I need. Thanks so much for your support, Mihaela!

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  4. Dear Cat,

    I’ve loved your modern JAFFs. Take your time, and I hope to see more of your writing— JAFF or not, Regency or modern in the future.

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  5. Cat. I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the time and effort you poured into your stories. You are, and have long been, one of my favorite JAFF authors. Your stories have brought me much joy and I will continue to re-read them all for years to come. You’re such a gifted story-teller and I feel blessed to have been a part of your journey. I sincerely wish you the very, very best of everything.

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  6. From a fellow author and a reader who enjoyed your books thoroughly – You contributed great works to the JAFF community. I wish you all the best. I hope you find something else that sparks your creativity in the same way in the future!

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  7. I can’t tell you how much I hate to see this, Cat, but I completely understand your decision. Your books have brought me and many others so much joy, and I’ve loved being part of your journey as a reader, supporter, and friend. Your talent, dedication to quality of the written word, and storytelling have always stood out, and I know that whatever path you take next, your words will continue to touch hearts. I’ll always be cheering you on, no matter where your writing takes you and I’ll be waiting in the wings, hoping that those unwritten stories living in your head will one day find their way onto the page. Hugging you.

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    1. Thank you so much for your very kind words, Ree – and for everything else! I’m glad we connected a few years back over Sanctuary, and I’m so grateful for your friendship (and stellar proofreading skills!) You know that if I do make a return to writing, you’ll be one of the very first to know. Your support and friendship will always be appreciated.

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  8. Salut Cat
    I am sorry to hear this, yet I have to confess that I am also more drawn back into the so-called good old times – which never existed – than into our reality, Jaff or non-Jaff. All your books are in my library – the last is still waiting to be read.
    For your next steps wherever they guide you I wish you the very best and that your heart is in your next decisions.
    Salut 🙏 – Doris from Switzerland

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  10. I’m sorry to hear this. Your books are among my favourites. Good luck with your future endeavours – may you find what you need to spark the passion for writing so clearly evident in the stories you have published. I’ll be waiting for you when you get back..

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  11. Can’t leave heart emojis here, but you know you and your books are in my heart, and have been for many, many years. There are more stories in you, but also life to live and experiences to enjoy. You and your books are more appreciated than you realize, and I don’t say that just as a writer and lover of moderns JAFF. XOXO

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    1. You’ve been around for all of it, my friend! Thank you so much for your advice and words of wisdom over the years! I’m grateful that JAFF brought me your friendship.

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  12. Your books and characters brought and will continue to bring joy to many. I thank you for what you gave us and wish you happy exploring for you next passion or project that will make you happy!

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  13. Dearest Cat,

    I’ve loved all your books and have read them multiple times. Many are my go to reads when I want to visit an old friend. Thank you for the many pleasurable times I spent with your Darcy and Elizabeth. Sometimes it is hard to move on but it might be what we need to do! Best wishes for all your future endeavors! I look forward to reading anything else you write!

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  14. I am very sad to read this, but I understand. Your books hold special places in my library, and always will. If you do decide to write again, please let us know. Even if it is not JAFF, I will read it. Take care and I wish you all the best!

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    1. I will definitely let you know if I decide to write again! But for the reasons I mentioned (and a couple I didn’t), stepping away is the right thing to do. Thanks so much, Robin!

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  15. I am sorry to hear this as I absolutely love your writing and I am sad to hear that your fabulous work is not always appreciated. Your work has always stood out to me as delicious wheat in a field of chaff. It is tough as a creative to remain authentic in this increasingly automated world.

    I hope you enjoy the next chapter in your life and I shall definitely keep an eye out for anything you write.

    very best wishes fellow Janeite.

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    1. I hope I don’t appear ungrateful, because I know there are readers who’ve loved my books and do appreciate them, and I’ll always be thankful for that! Thanks so much for your very kind words, Janey.

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  16. so sorry to hear this but I completely understand. I love your books and have purchased them. Your Lizzy and Darcy characters are strong and modern yet true to the originals. Thank you for sharing your talents with us. ❤️

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  17. I am so very sorry you are stepping back from writing JA fanfiction modern genre
    I have all but one of your books
    I have loved all of them and reread them regularly.
    I have bought your latest book and sorry to hear you feel you cannot continue writing more of your excellant stories. They will be greatly missed in the world of JA
    I hope after a break you decide to come back

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  18. Cat, I’ve been so lack because of my own issues. 😦 I understand but even though I have not been faithful reader in recent years, I always read your emails. I love your writtings! One of my favorite in this medium ( if that is the correct word.)
    Love you and my prayers are with you and family. Don’t forget me. 🙂
    Geri

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  19. Dear Ms. Andrews:I bought all your books and enjoyed them all. They are all very well written. You have a knack for telling great stories. I am sad to see you leave JAFF and I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors. Thank you and I hope to read you soon again.

    Marie Desnoyers

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  20. Hello, Cat,

    I completely understand and respect your decision. Having just finished ‘An Old Acquaintance’, I know I will miss your Will and Lizzy. Keep them safe, and remember that if you ever decide to let them journey forth again, I will be happy to read of their adventures.

    ❤ Ruth Phillips Oakland

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    1. Thank you, my dear friend. I’m so fortunate that the JAFF community brought you into my life, and I look forward to all the lunches and trips and outrageously fun times yet to come! xo

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  21. As a fan, I was disappointed to learn of your decision. As a supporter of creativity and storytelling, I hope that your journey leads to future expressions of what you enjoy. Best wishes in all that you do.

    Gratia

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  22. I do not read a lot of moderns, even before I wrote JAFF, Regency and Medieval Highland Romances were my ‘thing‘. Having said that, I DID read yours – all of them – more than once – and enjoyed them immensely. You have a talent, my dear, and will be sorely missed. I truly hope you put your writing hat back on in the future, but you must take care of you first. Sending virtual {{{hugs}}} and warm thoughts to you. Take care.

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  23. I am so sorry to see you go! Hopefully it is for a short amount of time. Your stories are always my go to when I need a pick me up (anxiety is a awful but rereading something always helps). Your variations are so thoughtful and well developed. I appreciate you!

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  24. I will miss you, and am off to make sure I haven’t missed buying any of yours, just in case I miss the announcement of sone future take down. I’m pretty sure I’ve read them all, more than once! But some were probably via KU.

    as an aspiring writer I hope the AI situation settles as everyone using it can actually make money if they saturate the market. Many will give up. I hope. But I guess there’s always more behind them.

    I wish you the best.

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    1. AI is here to stay, unfortunately. And as far as my books being taken down, if it happens, it won’t be for quite a while, probably in the fall. Good luck to you in your writing endeavors, and thank you for your support!

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  25. I’m so heartsick to hear your decision. You will be tremendously missed by all! I have to say, I hear you. I get it. I respect it. I’ve felt it myself. But most earnestly, I mourn it. Your decision was not an easy one to make, I know. From those days at AHA when we were just spreading our modern JAFF wings to darlingly taking flight to publish! Congratulations on all you have achieved. You rock! I await all your new writing endeavors. You are a bright light and will continue to shine. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work with us and sharing the mod journey beside us other mod authors. I will miss you, but I suspect Darcy and Lizzy will not let you go entirely. All the best to you! -Cat

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    1. Thanks, Cat! Those days at AHA were so much fun, weren’t they? Simpler times, for sure. Darcy and Elizabeth definitely own a little piece of my heart – I’m hoping that some day, inspiration will strike again. Thank you for all your support over the years!

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  26. Cat,

    I am so impressed with what you have accomplished. Although, I am not an avid reader, I saw the time and effort and enjoyment you got from doing so. I’m sorry this did not go the way you planned. I do know that you should follow your heart, and it will come back to you in due time.

    Warmest Regards,
    One of your Besties!

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  27. Sometimes taking a break is the best thing we can do for ourselves and our loved ones. Thank you for bringing your stories to us and hope that this is a refreshing break and that you will come back to writing when it is the right time for you.

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  28. Thanks, Glory! You’ve been a faithful reader, and I appreciate that. I’m hoping that inspiration will strike again in the future. Thank you for all your support.

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  29. Cat, your modern JAFF stories have always brought me joy. When I learned you published your previous FF.net ad HA postings into physical novels that I could purchase, I did not hesitate one second to go and buy them. It was a joy to reread them again years after my initial discovery of your online presence and I look forward to many rereads in the years to come by just pulling them off my bookshelf.

    I absolutely adore each and every reimagining that you’ve brought to the page and I’m sorry to hear that the community/market as whole doesn’t share my feelings in this. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and look forward to reading whatever comes forth next from your ink well and feather quill.

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  30. I’m so sorry to read this update, was just wondering to myself if there was a new story coming. While Regency JAFF does remain my favourite, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your stories, well written, original storylines and sooo romantic! Thanks for your versions of our favourite, Mr Darcy. Best wishes with future endeavours.

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