Colors of the Sky
by Jan Crossen
Released: Sep 16, 2025
Genre: Memoir
Why this book and why now?
I wrote my memoir with the hope of making connections, enlightening minds, opening hearts, and ultimately saving young LGBTQ+ lives. Project 2025 supporters are intent on taking our country back to a time when women, the LGBTQ+ community, and other minorities were ostracized and persecuted. I felt that I needed to stand up, speak out, and share my story with the world. If you don’t stand up, things will stay that way.
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
This is a work of nonfiction. The names and identifying characteristics of some individuals have been changed to protect their privacy; however, not all names have been altered. When I changed a name, I selected an alias that reminded me of the actual person. For example, “June” was born in that month, and “Sue” has a sister by that name.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Yes! All of these are actual events that happened in my life.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
LGBTQ+ stand-up comedian and activist, Suzanne Westenhoefer said this about the book, “Finally, a near fairy tale story of coming out/accepting yourself and lesbian history!”
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
“Will and Grace” because that TV sit-com always had me laughing!
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
My wife, Barbara, because she’s all that I want or need. I am happiest when we are together and I can manage anything with her by my side. Coffee and chocolate would be nice though.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
I know this is not supposed to be a scene from my book, but in Chapter 24, “It’s All About Relationships,” pages 163 & 164 was an epic night that still has me smiling.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Writing about my first girlfriend, “Jenny,” was a lot of fun. Our first kiss is how the book begins and I smiled a lot as I relived that particular night! I’m told my story is an emotional roller coaster with heartwarming and heart wrenching events. There were several difficult moments in the book, many of which are found in Chapter 35 titled, “Major Losses.”
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross because this song was an iconic gay anthem, and my book is a life-long journey of becoming, accepting, and celebrating who I am.
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I developed an outline for my memoir because the focus is on how being a lesbian impacted my life, and I didn’t want to leave anything substantial out of the story.
Were there any books, movies, or personal experiences that influenced this story?
Song lyrics often play in my head, and in the book, I mention the song, “I Loved You Once in Silence,” from the movie “Camelot” starring Vanessa Redgrave. The movie is about forbidden love, and I definitely identified with that. Also, I’ve had a crush on Vanessa ever since I saw this film in 1967.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Catherine Ryan Hyde. Although I’ve been an avid reader since the fourth grade, it wasn’t until I read Take Me with You by Catherine Ryan Hyde that my passion for reading flamed into a 5-alarm blaze. It was Catherine’s book Michael Without Apology that I interpreted as a sign from the universe that I should write this memoir. I appreciated that nudge.
