Get ready to learn more about the book Legal Tender in this discussion with sapphic author Roz James.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Roz James about Legal Tender, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Coming Out category in the 2024 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Legal Tender?
Legal Tender is my longest book, and one I’ve spent the most time writing, next to my first book Loving Undercover. I didn’t publish during the pandemic, mainly because my work in the public sector was challenging, with even longer hours than normal. I lost some confidence as a result and considered publishing another book first, but then I thought about the message. Yes most of the characters are more fortunate than most, in the end anyway, but this book is about helping those who don’t have it all. The law centre helped people, and often women, not just with money and support, both of which are important, but also in building their confidence and empowering them as they move forward in their lives. I believe a lot of confidence was lost during the pandemic, as people’s worlds reduced overnight. We have probably yet to see the full impact of this. So, I put my ‘big girl pants on’ as we say here and finished this book. To add to the message of hope.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Kathryn is probably who I’m most drawn to, to her confidence, and the fact that she is selfless in helping others, and modest in that she doesn’t share what she does, she doesn’t need thanks. I like to think, or hope, that I am like this. With a career in the public sector, working with those most disadvantaged, I’m certainly not in it for the money.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
My biggest challenge, aside from finishing it and having the confidence to publish, was limiting the length. The plan was two main characters, but this turned into four as they cried out to be developed. I also wanted to give Kathryn her own happy ending, given everything she had done for Jay. In some ways she was like the anchor of the group, with good advice and unwavering support for everyone else, gently pushing them to think or do things they might not have otherwise done. It seemed unkind to leave her alone at the end of the book.
What part of Legal Tender was the most fun to write?
I particularly enjoyed Olivia facing up to her father. She had in many ways been the dutiful daughter for years, not rocking the boat. This was very much at the expense of her own life. I could have left it that she just withdrew, compartmentalised her life, keeping her relationship with Jay separate, but that would just have caused ongoing tensions. Instead, she embraced her inner Kathryn. It served them all well in the end, including allowing access to his wine cellar, something I would enjoy too. I also enjoyed Jay saving Olivia from Elaine- hence my favourite lines below. Must say something about how I enjoy writing confrontation, there’s a few of those in this book.
What is your favorite line from your book?
Jay’s comment to Elaine after she had challenged Olivia in the bathroom. “Just a free word of advice from my considerable experience. I’d watch very closely how your partner treats his first wife and family if I were you. It might indicate how, a few years from now, he’ll treat you and yours.” On one hand not very nice, but actually good advice and unfortunately often very true.
What is your writing process like?
More of a pantser. I handwrite first, often using a fountain pen, hence the new image on my profile. This means I can write almost anywhere. Occasionally, like with Torn, I’ve written it in order with little additions. Generally, though I jump about, adding chapters. Sometimes I find I’ve written the same one twice, which is annoying as I then have to try and merge the best of both, my least favourite part.
I have a small home office, recreated when working from home during the pandemic. When I then needed to work from home regularly I was in the hall, or the kitchen, and working long hours was often too tired to clear it away every night. This meant it felt like I lived in my office so this had to change. I now have my smallest room as an office, with one of those ladder type desks and use this when eventually typing and editing. It’s at this point that the story fully comes together.
I thought I was okay at grammar until I started writing and had comments about this, so I’m trying to improve this, and hope this is evident in my later books. Again, my least liked part. A superpower to be perfect at grammar and editing would be very welcome.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
I often write in the morning, so need a strong coffee with milk to wake me up. The problem is that I tend to become engrossed in the story and by then it’s cold. I’m thinking of acquiring one of those USB cup warmers. Maybe Santa will assist, until then it’s the microwave for me. I don’t eat when I’m writing, but if I did it would be jelly sweets, like cherry lips. Must be the romantic in me.
What are three words that describe your personality?
Upbeat – I’m very much a cup half full person, I try not to get down if I can, life is too short. I sing a lot when cleaning, cooking etc, not just in the shower.
Taurus – I’m a typical Taurian. Although I do enjoy going to new places, I also enjoy the familiarity of places I feel comfortable. When I was a student I used to go to a small local bar and the owner would see my friend and I arrive, point to our usual seat, and start pouring our drinks. Pints of cider in those days.
Conscientious – I’ve always been hard working, for many more hours than I get paid for, that’s because its important for me to do the best job I can. Possibly another reason that it took so long to publish Legal Tender, although procrastination and confidence (as mentioned before) have also played a part.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
The most valuable advice I have had is from readers who write reviews, positive and negative/constructive. I’ve learned that my grammar is poor, and my editing has needed some work ensuring that I worked on this. Also, that people enjoy my stories, think my characters are strong and my stories are interesting. Looking back at my reviews has encouraged me to continue to write and publish at times when my confidence needed a boost.
What do you do to get inside your character’s heads?
Mm, this is difficult to explain, but I will try. When I’m writing a book characters and ideas seem to come to me throughout my day. Even when focusing on other things my mind can drift, or I can be somewhere that gives me an idea for a scene and I see it. I picture the character in that scene and consider the thoughts going through their minds, then I write it. I’m living in their heads during that time.
For example, a book I have started is about a woman who lives on the Isle of Skye. She is at a pivotal point in her life, and I imagine her standing at her window, looking out over the wild landscape, and making sense of her past, her present circumstances and potentially her future decisions. Their impact on her and those around her.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I’m probably a little in love with all my main characters when I’m writing. They are my creations after all and I’m not Frankenstein creating monsters. Although some may have occasional character flaws, I generally write characters I like and admire. Resilient women, who work through past experiences and come out stronger and not afraid to open themselves to love. I’d at least want to be friends with all of them.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I went through a phase of reading autobiographies, and whilst I still read them occasionally my favourite genre is definitely romantic fiction. I think I’m drawn to these for escapism, my work involves a great deal of reading, much of it relating to unpleasant experiences or actions, and romantic fiction generally offers me positive circumstances and happier endings. That’s not to play them down, as I learn something from every book. Discovering sapphic fiction also helped greatly given exposure to romance in books and TV remains predominantly heterosexual, albeit improving day by day.
What books have you read more than once in your life?
There’s many books I’ve read over and over again, saved in my kindle library. One of the first sapphic books I read was R J Nolan, and I loved the LA metro series, more women overcoming adversity. I’m a fan of J A Armstrong and Harper Bliss too.
I’ve read the books of E J Noyes regularly, particularly the Ask Tell series. The depth of her characters, their development, the detail, and impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy which I learned about from those books, and ultimately the love story keeps me coming back. When the fourth book from Rebecca’s point of view came out I was in seventh heaven, genius. E J makes me invested in these characters lives, even if they aren’t real. That’s me away to read them again.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
My favourite spot would be somewhere with a good view, ideally water. In the sun but with me under some shade, where I can read but occasionally look up to watch the world go by. Comfortable seating is must and a cold glass of white wine and some nibbles such as olives wouldn’t go amiss.
