Click Here To Purchase Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Jessica James.

Jessica is the award-winning author of the historical fiction novel Shades of Gray, an epic Civil War love story that has twice overtaken Gone with the Wind on the Amazon Best-Seller list.  

A former newspaper editor, she spent 18 years in a newsroom before turning her attention to fiction writing. She holds a master's degree in communications and a bachelor's degree in public relations/journalism.

Good day Jessica and thanks for participating in our interview.

Jessica:

Thank you for having me.

Norm:

How did you get started in writing? What do you think over the years has driven you as a writer? What's the most difficult thing for you about being a writer?

Jessica:

I started my writing career as a journalist and never thought I’d be able to make the switch from news to fiction. Writing straight news and creating fiction are completely different types of writing, controlled by different parts of the brain, so I struggled a good bit at first. What drove me were the characters that continually hounded me, and a great story that I just had to get down on paper.

Norm:

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing and do you have a specific writing style?

Jessica:

My writing style is definitely influenced by the books I read, which are mostly from the 19th century – both fiction and non-fiction. Also, I’m from Gettysburg, Pa., so I’ve been surrounded by Civil War history all my life.

Norm:

Could you tell us a little about Shades of Gray?

Jessica:

Sure. Shades of Gray is a little unique in that it has received critical acclaim from Civil War historians, as well as lovers of romance. Men seem to enjoy it for the Civil War backdrop and women for the epic love story – but in either case I think it’s the human story that draws readers in.

In a nutshell, the novel chronicles the clash of a Confederate cavalry officer with a Union spy as they defend their beliefs and their principles. The title comes from a central theme in the book, which is that during the War Between the States there were no black and white issues or answers, only shades of gray.

The book has won numerous awards, and is holding its own with some of the bigger titles in romantic historical fiction – including Gone with the Wind.

Norm:

When writing Shades of Gray, did you work from an outline? Did you know the end of your book at the beginning?

Jessica:

No, I didn’t work from an outline and I did not know the end of my book at the beginning. I really can’t imagine being constrained in that way and don’t see how characters can grow if an author is consumed with keeping them in check with a pre-written blueprint.

Norm:

What was the most difficult part of writing your book and did you learn anything from writing your book?

Jessica:

I learned an enormous amount of information about the Civil War –especially about the human element and the emotional toll. Looking back on the process I can think of two things that were very difficult for me: First, was simply finding the time to write, and second was finding the courage to “cut.” When I finished the writing phase, Shades was more than 1,000 pages long, so needless to say there was a good bit of the latter.

Norm:

What do you want your work to do? Amuse people? Provoke thinking?

Jessica:

Most definitely I want my book to provoke thinking and educate. There are so many myths about the Civil War – especially about the Southern side – that I’m hoping Shades of Gray helps set the record straight. I also hope readers are inspired by the themes of honor, self sacrifice and everlasting love.

Norm:

In fiction as well as in non-fiction, writers very often take liberties with their material to tell a good story or make a point. But how much is too much?

Jessica:

I’m pretty much a stickler for historical accuracy and banged my head against the wall many times when timelines wouldn’t work out the way I wanted. Things had to be scrapped, rewritten or cut for that reason. I think there is always a way to tell a good story and be accurate if the author takes the extra time to do it.

Norm:

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Jessica:

Writing is a craft. You have to keep doing it in order to get better. That’s easier said than done sometimes, but there’s really no way around it.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and Shades of Gray?

Jessica:

They can visit my Website and are welcome to join me on the rest of my Virtual Book Tour. On Dec. 15,  2009 I will be giving away a basket full of Romantic and Civil War goodies to one lucky person who participates in the tour. Readers can find more information on my Blog.

Norm:

What is next for Jessica James and is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Jessica:

I’m working on another Civil War novel called Above and Beyond, which I hope will be released in 2010. I’m also helping other authors with book marketing and press releases at  www.bookexposure.blogspot.com.

Norm:

Thanks once again and good luck with all of your future endeavours.

Jessica: 

Thank you very much for having me!

 Click Here To Purchase Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia