Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South continues to be beloved by fans around the world. Many who admire the novel or the BBC series, have been inspired to contribute their own twist to this iconic love story set against the backdrop of industrial England. Through the use of retellings and continuations, Gaskell fans have developed a passion for writing and reading fan fiction, allowing us to revel in the life and love of John Thornton and Margaret Hale in creative new ways.

But what is fanfic? What motivates someone to write and read it? How can our contemporary interpretations shape our understanding and appreciation of North and South today? And why has the genre experienced a revival since the start of the pandemic?

Fanfic author and journalist Caroline Malcolm-Boulton interviews two fan fiction writers to look at re-inventing classic novels for a new audience, discovering how, when and why these writers took up the pen in the name of Gaskell, and how they encourage others to give it a go. So, whether you are fan fiction reader or writer, new to the genre, or an experienced author, join us for a celebration of fanfic and North and South.