Civil War Romances Reveal Fine Line between Love and Hate
by Jessica James
Hello and a big thank you to WeWriteRomance for allowing me to visit as part of my Holiday Blog Tour and Civil War Romance Basket Giveaway.
As some of you may know, my name is Jessica James and I am the author of the historical fiction novel Shades of Gray, which has twice hit No. 1 on Amazon in the romance/historical/U.S. category, putting it temporarily ahead of the iconic classic Gone with the Wind. (And I do mean temporarily).
Shades of Gray
Reaching the #1 spot in a romance category, even briefly, was something I never dreamed could happen. When it did though, I began to think about what makes a novel like Gone with the Wind so memorable, and how other authors can capture the intensity of emotion that Margaret Mitchell did so eloquently.
Most writers learn from the beginning that conflict is the foundation upon which every great book is created – and GWTW provides plenty. But another aspect shared by both GWTW and Shades of Gray is the old adage, “there’s a fine line between love and hate.” Scarlett and Rhett, needless to say, outwardly appear to dislike one another, yet all the while the reader somehow knows the depth of affection the two share.
That premise is taken a step further in Shades of Gray because the main characters have diametrically opposing views on the war. Serving under different flags – one as a Confederate cavalry officer, the other as a Union spy – makes their “hate” relationship even stronger, and, eventually, their love more intense.
I don’t know how to explain the concept of the “fine line” except to say there is passion and emotion in both love and hate. The War Between the States provides an author with the perfect setting for conflict and emotion, and history provides many examples of enemies becoming friends (and even becoming husband and wife as in the case of the real-life Confederate spy Antonia Ford who married her Union jail guard).
Whether your book’s plot is built upon that “fine line” or some other storyline that builds conflict, emotion must play a central role. It is that ebb and flow, that roller coaster ride of sentiment and excitement that keeps the reader hooked.
In the end, a memorable book really comes down to the ageless theme that all romance readers desire – true and everlasting love. Mix in a healthy dose of conflict and emotion, and you have a book that will steal readers’ hearts and make them think about the characters long after the final page has been turned.
Shades of Gray Basket
Note: Tomorrow’s Blog Tour stop is at Romance University (www.romanceuniversity.org) where I’ll be writing about researching historical fiction. Leave a comment for a chance to win a basket of Civil War and romantic goodies. Check out the Tour’s full schedule and other ways to win at www.jessicajamesblog.com.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
I would love to read this book. I enjoy Civil War history.
Hey there, Jessica!
Sorry to be late chiming in, but I’ve spent all day at the doctor with my little one. Apparently he has a touch of pneumonia so we had to wait on x-rays and such. There are some posts in moderation that I’ll take care of quickly, but I wanted to say a big thanks to you for joining us today!
How do you know if you have a historical “voice” and why do you write historicals? Do you enjoy research?
Hey, there! I don’t know the story of the Union Officer and the Confederate Spy. Is that in your book or is it analogy to how your two are like them?
I don’t particularly like reliving the Civil War. Why do people keep writing about it?
Pretty cover and basket. What are the deets on the giveaway? Do you have to post on every blog stop? I’d like to read your book but indulgences right now are not in the works with Christmas around the corner. Books, oddly, are an indulgence for me as I tend to go overboard.
Neat site, by the way. Not been here before and found it to be really pretty but a little strange. Is it a reader site or writer? I see lots of books but most everything else is for writers. Or maybe it’s half and half?
Maxine,
The site started out as a reader and author community. It was a way for readers and authors to come together, meet each other and both get something out of the site. We’ve had some changes over the past five years and with our 5th Anniversary year starting there will be some more. We’re focusing it down some (in stages) until you’ll be able to get more out of the site and find what you’re looking for a bit easier…or so we hope!
Thanks for stopping in and we hope you’ll continue to come. Next month we have a Presents Author Blogathon that goes in conjunction with an eHarlequin eBook Bundle release we were honored to have selected. There will be some really awesome authors here each month.
Hi Jessica,
I’m enjoying following you around on your blog tour. I’m finding some interesting new sites.
A big thanks to Heather for giving me the opportunity to stop by WeWriteRomance, and thanks for all of your comments!
If anyone wants more info on the basket giveaway, they can stop by website http://www.jessicajamesbooks.com for all the details.
Sasha, to answer your question, I think if you enjoy reading historicals and are interested in a certain time period, then the research is fun. No matter what genre an author writes – they have to enjoy it.
Larissa, the Union officer and Confederate spy is an analogy, but there really was a spy in Fairfax who married her Union jailer.
And to respond to Nissa’s comment, the Civil War is certainly one of the most important periods in our nation’s history. I think authors enjoy writing about a period of time when honor, integrity and courage were part of the fabric of our society – especially since we have moved so far away from those principles today.
Thanks again everyone for your comments!
The Civil War was a monumental event in American History because Americans fought against each other on our native soil. It is a deeply felt conflict for the area of the country in which the battles were fought. We must never forget, and never repeat, the devastation of The Civil War.
There are little landmark spots all throughout the south honoring Civil War “heroes” I wonder if people realize what they are celebrating by putting up these markers? It’s just a thought.