Happy almost Halloween! I think this blog post is good timing with the idea of dressing up in costume. Often times when I read fiction, I wonder how much of the book involved someone or something the author has known or experienced.
I am guilty of reading the author's biography and trying to dissect what intersections cross with the author's real life and the written word. As an author, I can't help but wonder if readers do the same with my books. Especially when my books take place in D.C. and the main character visits and goes about daily D.C. life in ways that are similar to mine, but then again, also vastly different. The latter being key. Fiction is exactly that . . . fiction. I think that is the fun of it. You can pick something out of your daily life or something you are familiar with and then go to town making it the most far out, far reaching thing you can come up with. In my case, much like Shoshana, I too, have brothers and sisters-in-law. My husband is the youngest of three boys. When I entered into the family a few years ago, I was very intrigued by all of these new people I was meeting. People that would become my family. And suddenly an idea for a book came along. As you will see in the book, the things that go on are not only made-up, but would be highly problematic if actually happening. Read it and see what I mean. ;) So I just figured in the spirit of costumes, how thinly veiled are fiction books? Is the author putting on a costume or is the book just a fantastic piece of fiction? Other than a few short lines of bio, I guess we will never really know what goes on behind closed doors with any author. But that is also the fun part too! Have a nice day! xxJess
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Hello! This is a post dedicated to all readers, especially readers of women's fiction and chick lit. Authors wouldn't be able to write books in these amazing genres without the strength of dedicated readers.
As a writer, it is SO important to me that readers really enjoy my books. When I write, I too, get so invested in my characters and what they are about: their personalities, likes, emotions, drama. And if my readers are on board with them, it makes all the difference. It is one thing for me to spend time with my characters in my head but to have other people relate to them, like them, and feel for them is a pretty cool feeling. In addition to writing a good story, it really is all about the readers. If writers just wrote for themselves we would keep diaries and be done with it. To my readers here is what I hope: 1) Becoming Mrs. Walsh moves at a fast pace. I don't want anyone to feel bogged down in pointless details or lengthy/annoying prose. 2) Becoming Mrs. Walsh offers an escape, a chance to take a time-out from the real world and get lost in a good book. 3) Becoming Mrs. Walsh has characters you can identify with, either people you know, seen, or just happen to like. 4) Becoming Mrs. Walsh holds your interest not only during the book, but after you are finished. 5) Becoming Mrs. Walsh leaves you feeling both satisfied but curious as to what will happen next. A good book should have the perfect balance of keeping you on your toes but answering important questions. If I succeeded in these 5 things, then I will be VERY happy. It is a tall order, but I hope I achieved it. I didn't want to publish the book unless I felt like it would be worth your time. For all of those who are reading or read Becoming Mrs. Walsh I am so grateful for your time. Truly, it means so much. Please feel free to email me whenever: jessica@jessica-gordon.com. I love hearing from readers. Or if you prefer to post anonymously I am okay with that too. :) To review on Amazon is pretty simple, just log-in to your account and rate away. Thanks readers! You are the best! xxJess In-laws...So much to say so little space!
One of the things I love about Becoming Mrs. Walsh is how it centers on in-laws and more specifically on the relationship between Shoshana and her sisters-in-law. Shoshana finds herself in a world of wealth and glamour. One particular scene that people felt for Shoshana was when the girls had endless funds to spend and Shoshana was too embarrassed that she couldn't afford a dress, a dress they were all pressuring her to buy. The whole shopping experience that day prompted Shoshana to think: "The relationship between sisters-in-law was complicated; they were like the halfway point between a sister and a friend." I find it to be an interesting point because as a sister-in-law you know the 'behind the scenes' of what goes on in your family much like a sister, but it is a friend because you come from different homes, different backgrounds with your commonality being the family you married into. Thoughts? xx Jess Hi Everyone!
Thanks for all of the great support. I am so excited to finally be able to share Becoming Mrs. Walsh with you. Can't wait to hear what you think! Feel free to comment to blog, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads. Wherever! Can't wait to hear from you. Talk to you soon! xx Jess |
JeSSICA GORDONBecoming Mrs. Walsh I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Xo. Archives
February 2016
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