'A' Isn't Just For Adventure

I would like to welcome and thank Rachel A. James for being a guest on my blog.  Please read on and enjoy!

‘A’ stands for…

People often ask me why I include the ‘A’ in my pen name. I never used to use it, I’d simply be ‘Rachel James’. But, when starting to think about my author branding, and what made me unique as a writer, I realized that the presence of my middle initial, served a purpose. I also like to distinguish between my personal life, Rachel James, and my writer’s life, Rachel A. James. First and foremost, ‘A’ stands for Alice, (which as a child I detested). I recently discovered it means ‘noble woman’, and, I confess, I rather like it!

However the ‘A’ represents far more for me as a writer…

A stands for Author

As I finished writing my first novel, I also began to market myself as an author. I started my website, and other forms of social media. Seeing the ‘A’ in my name reminded me that I was an author, not just a writer. I might not have been published, but I had written a book. I found this immensely encouraging when the critiques and rejections started coming in from the publishing industry. Even now as I have just finished my second novel and commence on the third, reminding myself that I am an ‘author’ helps keep me motivated when the doubt starts to creep in.

A stands for Authenticity

My debut novel, ‘The Forgotten Princess of Elmetia’, is an inspirational medieval romance. Although the medieval genre has elements of both history and fantasy, I like to think that my writing is authentic. By which, I mean, everything that happens in it is plausible. For example, ‘Forgotten Princess’ is set in 7^th century Britain, which is very early medieval, and at this time, there were no such things as castles. Most palaces were made mostly out of wood. This was a problem to me. I wanted to create a fairytale type kingdom while still remaining authentic and true to historical records.  So, I chose to use a restored Roman Fortress, which was very similar to castles of the later medieval period. What I love about the early medieval times, is that very little is known historically, so there is a little more room for the author’s imagination!

A stands for Adventure

Most importantly, I describe my novels as adventure-driven. I strive for an equal balance of plot versus character, but I write them relatively fast paced, making them fun and exciting. This is an element I always look for when choosing a book… after all, what woman doesn’t want to go on a romantic adventure?

About Rachel

Rachel A. James grew fascinated with the medieval time period as a child. Dubbed a bookworm from a young age, Rachel found herself surrounded by places steeped in history and adventure. She enjoyed trips with her family to visit nearby derelict castles and Roman ruins, and that coupled with a zealous imagination and love for stories, sparked her interest in knights, fortresses and ancient kingdoms. 

Born and bred in England, Rachel writes adventure driven historical romance, she is also a pastor’s wife, and has three beautiful little princesses. She minored in creative writing at university and strives to entertain, inspire and encourage others in their own spiritual journey. She’s also captivated by romantic tales… combine it with a little history and a hot cup of tea, and she’s smitten! Find her at www.rachelajames.com for more information.  

About The Forgotten Princess of Elmetia (Inspirational Medieval Romance)

It is 616AD, and one fatal night the ancient Kingdom of Elmetia falls. Saxons kill the Elmetian King, and capture Princess Teagen. Teagen poses as a slave girl and works for the Saxons in the Kingdom of Deira, until she discovers her brother is alive. She finds a way to escape, and her path crosses with Ryce the Warrior.

Struggling with his past, and angry against the tyrant Saxon king, Ryce helps the princess in pursuit of her brother. But just as the connection between them intensifies, obstacles get in their way. The Saxon king now wants vengeance, and will stop at nothing to get it.