Interview with Jessica James, Day 1

Jessica James is an avid reader of 19th century fiction and non-fiction who lives in Gettysburg, Pa. When not writing, she enjoys sunsets on Little Round Top and ghost hunting with her nieces and nephews.

Tell us a little about your road to publication.

I definitely did not take the straight and narrow highway to publication. My road to that destination was the more long, winding, meandering route. I don’t recall the number of times I heard that my novel was “well written, historically accurate, and interesting, but we just don’t think we can sell it.” To make a long story short, I found a small press that really liked it, and the rest, as they say, is history.

When you first entered the publishing world, what surprised you the most? Was there any aspect of the business that caught you off guard?

I would say one of the things that surprised me the most was the length of time it takes from finished manuscript to published book and all the work involved in between. Also, I am still a little amazed at the unpredictable nature of that sacred and time-honored tradition called a book signing. Anyone interested in a good laugh may check out a blog post that I’ve left on my website called “The Glamorous Life of an Author,” which pretty much sums up my thoughts on that aspect of the publishing world.


Why historical fiction?

I guess part of my fascination with historical fiction can be traced to my roots in Gettysburg, Pa., and the fact that I have lived with a Civil War buff for 20 years. But I think another part of it is that I enjoy writing about honor, integrity, courage, patriotism, chivalry, gallantry—all the qualities and traditions that are a rich part of our nation’s past.


What are you working on now that you’d like us to know about?

I am working on another Civil War-era novel called Above and Beyond, which I hope to have finished sometime in 2009. It differs from Shades of Gray in that both of the main characters share the same beliefs—though it takes them a while to figure that out.
I am also blessed to have received an invitation to review a script for the pilot of a Civil War movie. My strict adherence to period language and use of authentic dialogue in Shades of Gray is what led to this wonderful opportunity.


Do you have a favorite historical novel?

That’s a hard question! Most of the books on my “keeper” shelves are from the 19th century and are not very well known. If I had to pick one that people had heard of, it would be one of the classics like the Tale of Two Cities or The Count of Monte Christo. Another historical novel that I consider a “must read” is Kenneth Roberts’ Northwest Passage. (And also his lesser-known Revolutionary era novels Arundel and Rabble at Arms). So, to answer your question, I guess that is a resounding, no.

Is there anything or anyone that inspires your writing?

All of the brave heroes that fought for and have defended this country from the Revolutionary War through today inspire me. I am awed by the intense Christian faith and strong principles that “fighting men” seem to have, and hope that my characters accurately portray that selfless devotion.


What do you enjoy most about reading historical fiction?

Join us tomorrow for part two of the interview with novelist Jessica James. Leave a comment for a chance to win: Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia.