Exploring Historical Depths, Genre Diversity, and the Art of Storytelling
Annette Austin discusses her journey as a self-published author, the inspiration behind The James Saga, and her approach to writing across genres while balancing creativity and self-publishing challenges.
Annette Austin is a remarkable voice in the world of self-publishing, seamlessly weaving tales across genres such as historical romance, contemporary romance, and crime fiction. With seven novels to her name, including the acclaimed The James Saga, Annette has carved out a unique space in the literary landscape. Her debut novel, The Fall of the House of James, not only topped Amazon’s History of Antebellum U.S. Chart but also set the stage for a series that has captivated readers with its rich storytelling and nuanced exploration of complex themes.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Annette opens up about her creative journey, from the dream that sparked her writing career to the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing. She delves into the inspiration behind The James Saga, her approach to tackling sensitive historical themes, and the intricate process of developing characters who resonate deeply with readers. Annette also shares insights into her recent foray into short stories, with two works featured in Flame Tree Publishing’s 2023 anthologies, and teases what’s next for her beloved series.
For aspiring writers and avid readers alike, this conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the mind of an author who has turned personal struggles into literary success. Annette’s passion for storytelling, coupled with her dedication to authenticity and emotional depth, makes her a standout figure in contemporary fiction. Dive into this interview to discover the heart and soul behind Annette Austin’s compelling narratives.
What inspired you to write The James Saga series, and how did you approach the sensitive themes of race and slavery when you created your characters?
In December 2012, I had a dream. After I awoke, I started to write a novel about a Southern family who resided on a plantation in South Carolina in 1860. I wanted to write a novel about slavery as, to my shame, it was a part of history that I knew very little about. Before and during the writing of the first novel in The James Saga, The Fall of the House of James, I did extensive research regarding the subject of slavery. I became aware of the brutal nature and the inhumane treatment metered out by slave owners and chief overseers to slaves. I decided to create the character of Preston Carmichael for The James Saga. He is the chief overseer of the fictional Havers End plantation who doesn’t possess any sort of compassion or redeemable features whatsoever.
I structured the novel so it would not just be about an interracial love story between the plantation owner’s son, Lawrence James, and a slave woman, Jasmine Thomas. Although this would be a strong story on its own, I also wanted the readers to become embroiled in the lives of some of the slaves on the plantation, so they could witness the horrific treatment they were forced to endure every day. I was mindful to be as realistic as possible regarding the welfare of the slaves, interspersing the novels with some facts about slavery. I was acutely aware of how sensitive the subject of slavery and race is which is why I took care with each aspect of the novel. It took until June 2018 for the first novel, The Fall of the House of James, to be published. It was a bestseller and went to Number 1 on Amazon (History of Antebellum U.S. Chart, June 2020.) There have been four more novels and a prequel in The James Saga. They have each garnered an overall rating of four stars and above on Amazon.
How do you balance writing across multiple genres like historical romance, contemporary romance, science fiction, and crime fiction?
It can be difficult. The best way is to just do one at a time. I devote time to writing in the genre I am interested in. When I was writing the thriller, The Devil Within, I attempted to write a romantic novel at the same time but I found I wasn’t writing as much as I would like and the stories were not flowing as I needed to constantly switch from one genre to another. In the end, I decided to focus on writing the thriller and then I wrote the romance novel after. Primarily, I now plan to write in the historical romance and the contemporary romance genres, although I don’t rule out trying other genres in the future.
Can you share more about your process of self-publishing and any challenges you faced along the way?
The process of self-publishing is not without its difficulties. Effectively, I’m my own boss which means I have to write, edit and publish the books. Also, I need to market them. Usually, I write and publish my novels within 11 months. However, the book I’m currently writing has taken much longer. There have been many challenges. The constant pursuit of sales and reviews can be draining. After a while, it affects your motivation and I find it hard to have the enthusiasm I had when I first started my self-publishing journey almost seven years ago. Yet, I still believe in the novels I write and I hope that one day, the books will be adapted by a television or film company and find a wider audience.
What made you return to writing short stories, and how did you feel about having your work published in anthologies by Flame Tree Publishing?
I used to write short stories before I started to write novels and I always enjoyed it. When I found out there was an opportunity for writers to send their short stories to Flame Tree Publishing, I jumped at the chance. There was a lot of competition in terms of the number of entries. Both of my short stories, The Bondage Tribe and The Well of Life, were chosen for Flame Tree Publishing’s Alternate History and Hidden Realms Short Stories Anthologies. This was a huge boost to my confidence.
How do you develop complex characters like Lawrence James and Donald Archer, and what do you hope readers take away from their journeys?
I think that the characters in a series of books are developed over time. The readers will see the development of the characters from the first book to the next until they reach the sixth novel. In the case of Lawrence James, he has a fiery temperament. At times, Lawrence can be charismatic and kind. But he can also be reckless and ruthless. This is revealed during the novels. He does have to deal with obstacles and tragedies in his personal life. It’s when Jasmine comes into his life that Lawrence finds a better way to cope with some of what he’s been through. Donald Archer is a rebellious slave who has faced hardships and mistreatment. When he meets Belvedere Rossiter, Lawrence’s sister, the reader will follow his path as, through her compassion and caring nature for him, Donald lowers his guard and his true character is revealed. The complex relationship between the two men is something which I’ve always enjoyed writing about because they are so different.
What can readers expect from the upcoming sixth installment of The James Saga, A Sweet Taste For Revenge?
They can expect a roller coaster of different storylines and dramatic events. There will be revelations as well as heartfelt moments. The two main storylines are about the ongoing love affair between Lawrence and Jasmine alongside the burgeoning relationship between Andrea Arthurs and Anton Kirby. The main focus of this particular book is about whether either relationship can survive the obstacles that are in their way. I’m hopeful that the next instalment in The James Saga will be published in February.
