by Judith James, guest blogger and author of Highland Rebel.
I think it’s safe to say that while not all readers are writers, all writers started as avid readers, and most readers stop once in a while and think…I wonder if I could do that?
I’ve been telling myself stories since childhood, and reading and listening to them too. I found the bookmobile in first grade and had read most everything in it by grade four. I thrilled to the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley and I adored The Island Stallion
I went from childhood to adulthood with my nose stuck in a book. I always had one in my purse or backpack and never minded having to wait for a bus or at the doctor or dentist, because it gave me a chance to read. I worked as a groom on a racetrack for a while, and there was always a book in my bucket as I waited with my charge for the races to begin. I also loved to go to the movies. Raiders of The Lost Arc, Willow, and Jurassic Park were just a few that left me enthralled and took me places I’d never been.
Many books and movies left me completely satisfied, all my question answered and nothing left to ask, but sometimes I would finish a book or movie and be unsatisfied, thinking what if? What if a certain character had done something different? Why did my favourite character disappear? What if he or she had been in charge? What if…what if…what if? I’d retell the story my way, to make it satisfying for me. After a while I started telling my own stories, with all the elements I had grown to enjoy.
I’ve always been a huge history buff, (notice the last 5 letters in that word) and I’ve been fascinated by historical figures that broke the mold, like Catherine of Russia, Boudicca the Celtic warrior queen, and Grania the Irish chieftain and lady pirate. I start wondering about their personal lives, how they became who they were, and what they had to deal with being women breaking rules in a man’s world? (I’ve had lots of fun with my female character’s exploration of that in both Broken Wing
As an adult, I moved from the racetrack (blame Walter Farley for a life long fascination with horses) to academia, where I studied psychology. I suppose I was always curious, but it made me more curious about people; their motivations and complexities. One thing I came across time after time is that deep in our nature, we all want to be accepted and loved. So how did I end up writing? I didn’t take courses I read and read and read. Biography and fantasy, history and science fiction, philosophy psychology and true life adventure (Into Thin Air
I had a love of reading, history, adventure and romance; I even lived a few adventures of my own, and then I had the opportunity to take some time from work. I played on the computer at first (I love MMORPG’s), I read, I went for hikes, I had a great time, and I realized that my job was getting in the way of my life and I didn’t want to go back. My beautiful daughter gave me a leather bound journal for my birthday. In it she wrote “Whatever journey you choose to embark on in the coming years, here is a place to recount it” and it all came back to what if. There was a story that had played in my head for a couple of years and I thought what if I write it down? What if I tell a story?
Well that’s my story, and it has led me to travel the coffee houses of 17th century London with Cat Drummond dressed as man, and marvel at the beauty of the Highlands with Jamie Sinclair in Highland Rebel.
As always I’m happy to answer any questions, I invite you to visit my website or leave a comment here, and I have a question to ask of you. Has a story or movie ever left you asking what if?
Highland Rebel by Judith James, in stores September 1, 2009!
Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.
A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...
In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...
About the Author
Judith James has worked as a legal assistant, trail guide, and counselor. Living in Nova Scotia, her personal journey has taken her to the Arctic and the West Coast. Her writing combines her love of history and adventure with her keen interest in the complexities of human nature and the heart's capacity to heal. For more information about Judith, please visit http://www.judithjamesauthor.com/
Giveaway! Judith James and Sourcebooks are giving away 2 copies of Highland Rebel here at LRP today. The contest is open to US and Canada readers only. To be entered, leave a comment below. You can ask a question, share your opinion on Judith's books, whatever you feel like saying! Winners will be announced one week from today on September 2, 2009. Good luck!
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23 comments ↓
I’m like you, Judith. There has never been anywhere that I haven’t had a book with me. Just a few spare minutes anywhere and I pull out a book. I enjoyed reading your guest blog.
wandanamgreb (at) gmail (dot) com
Thanks so much, Wanda! I hate waiting, but a good book makes it a pleasure. Just last week I was in the dentisit chair reading a book as I waited for the freezing to take effect. Good luck!
I agree, keeping a book with you during appointments is a MUST! I love how you went from reader to writer, thanks for sharing your journey.
I very much enjoyed reading about your journey from reader to writer. I share your love of reading and history. I am so addicted to reading, and historical romances are my favorite genre.
I imagine that your study of psychology has helped you greatly in developing your characters. When I read, I really want to know the characters- who they are, why they do what they do, and how they evolve throughout the story.
HIGHLAND REBEL sounds like a fascinating and enjoyable story!
I really like your remark that all writers start as great readers. You’re right – many of us do have a story to tell, but most of us don’t actually sit down and DO IT! Good for you that you followed up on your dreams and made something concrete out of them. I’m sure you have a lot more stories to tell and (being a history buff myself) I would be interested in hearing more of them!
Best of luck!
Enjoyed reading the comments. I have been an avid reader for a long time. I usually have 3-4 books started and one in each room. I pick up the one I am in the mood to read. Right now, it is a thriller. And if I had time, I would read a book about mud, I so love to read.
I also always have a book with me wherever I go just in case there is a few minutes to read. I am looking forward to this book coming out since I enjoyed Broken Wing so much.
Loved Broken Wing, Judith, and can’t wait to read Highland Rebel! So glad you did decide to write. And hurray for Walter Farley – he left an impact with many.
Yes, Judy, I am stalking you! Great blog tour so far to support Highland Rebel, which I just received in the mail and cannot WAIT to read! I think you’re brilliant, so keep up the great work.
Enjoyed reading your blog. I read a ariety of books and think yours would be one I would like.
I enjoyed reading Broken Wing and am now looking forward to Highland Rebel. If it is half as good a read as Broken Wing it will be a success. I too love reading and love getting caught up in the characters. You develop your characters so well Judith that they stay with the reader long after the book is finished.
Judith, your blogs are just as interesting and involving as your books!
I enjoyed the guest post. It was nice learning about how you became a writer. I’m a reader myself and really admire those that can do it.
Although I love the movie Titanic, I always wondered what if Jack had lived and he and Rose had their HEA?
Love the plot concept! Definitely not something you hear about everyday!
I love rebels! Enter me, please! This looks amazing. I just found this blog today, I’m so adding it to my favorites!
Thanks!
Morning Glow
ohmorningglow AT aol DOT com
I just recently purchased Broken Wing and it is the next book I’m reading! Now I can’t wait for Highland Rebel, thanks Judith!
Isabel, Joye and Maureen, I was watching a movie late last night where a woman staying in a motel panicked because she’d forgot to bring a book! I’m guessing from these posts we’ve all been there. Bev, I’m thinking of doing a reread of Walter. The Island Stallion was so vivid I still dream about it. Marial I’m with you about Titanic. I loved it right up until Jack died. For me it would have been a better story with a different ending and that was a big what if for me too. Jenny, I didn’t think I could do it until I tried so you never know! Cheryl and Karen, so glad you enjoyed the blog and it’s nice to hear from fellow history buffs, though I think I’m going to start calling some of what I research herstory. Lisa, your storm in Fire at Midnight was more real to me than Hurricane Bill who blew by here last weekend. Jackie and Virginia, I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog. I always feel a little anxious about them and the kind words are much appreciated. Samanther, thank you! I hope you feel the same about the book. Etirv, I really hope you enjoy Broken Wing, thanks so much for giving it a try, and Shirley thank you for the kind words. I have to say some characters stay with me too and feel like old friends.
Many thanks to all of you for taking the time to stop by and for your thoughtful comments and kind words. Thanks also to the wonderful people here at Love Romance Passion for inviting me, and for all they do to share the love, passion and romance of reading, writing and books.
My DH gets so mad when he talks to me and I can’t hear him because I am reading! LOL! I love having eBooks on my phone so I can read anywhere anytime! I am also taking a swing at writing because I just can’t get enough of reading…it is so addictive. Someone at work noticed I was in a great mood today…it was because I stayed up late writing and am so happy with what I did! I will have to check Highland Rebel out…looks good!
Hi, Judith,
I like the closure that I expect with an HEA and a “The End,” and it’s definitely one reason I read romance!
Thanks for sharing! I definitely enjoyed your interview, and hearing more about how you transformed your love of reading and questioning into crafting the stories that answer the what-if question! It seems like curiosity is a good quality for a writer to have! I have sometimes read books that leave me wondering what-if, but honestly, I tend to prefer ones that also answer that for me
Hey, I was happy to win, and I did not pass on my copy. Please correct and send my copy of Highland Rebel. Thank you!
Sorry, Virginia! That was a typo on my part. Completely lost my train of thought when I was writing that edit. Your copy is definitely on its way. Danielle from Sourcebooks sent it out Thursday Sept 3rd, 2009. You should get it soon.
Giveaway Update: Winners of Judith James Giveaway!
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