I had the pleasure of conducting a video interview with E.L. James to discuss her highly anticipated romance novel, “The Missus,” which serves as a sequel to her latest bestseller, “The Mister.” Despite James’ preference for privacy, she agreed to the interview, surprising me considering the intrusive and often embarrassing questions she has faced in the past. It’s understandable why she finds the media attention overwhelming, given the massive success of her “Fifty Shades of Grey” erotic empire.
During our interview, James revealed her shy nature and reluctance to be in the spotlight, which may be a reaction to the sudden and monumental success she experienced. When “Fifty Shades of Grey” was published, James anticipated modest sales of 5,000 copies, but it became a worldwide phenomenon, selling over 150 million copies. The characters, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, became ingrained in popular culture, overshadowing the series that inspired James, Stephanie Meyer’s “Twilight.” James’ devoted fan base and cultural impact possibly played a role in a publishing merger.
Speaking to me from her home in West London, just days before the release of “The Missus,” James delved into the details of her new romance novel. Inspired by Cinderella, the story takes place in various locations across the United Kingdom, including an unexpected setting in Kukës, Albania. The novel follows the love story of a rakish playboy earl and a talented musician and chess player turned house cleaner. Despite their strong connection, the couple must overcome societal and cultural differences to be together.
While “The Missus” may not contain the same level of explicit content as “Fifty Shades of Grey,” it still possesses a romantic and captivating narrative, paying homage to the romance novels that have shaped James’ reading life. The male protagonist is well-equipped to satisfy readers’ expectations. The book immerses readers in the stunning locations of England, from the elegance of Chelsea to the dramatic scenery of Cornwall. However, in “The Missus,” James transports readers to the previously communist Republic of Albania.
During our conversation, James discussed the extensive research she conducted to accurately depict the setting and culture of Albania. Struggling to capture the character of Alessia, the Albanian lead, James traveled to Albania with her husband in 2018. Their experiences in the country, driving a basic rented car through the bewildering streets of Tirana, and visiting Alessia’s hometown, Kukës, provided crucial insights for the story. James discovered the scarcity of bookshops in Albania, a result of the Communist regime’s restrictive policies. This revelation inspired the addition of Alessia’s English grandmother in the narrative.
James was surprised by the contrasting reality of Kukës, with its Soviet style blocks of flats, contrasting her initial vision of an older, picturesque town. She learned that the original town had been submerged due to the construction of a hydroelectric dam by the Communist government. Despite its appearance, Kukës boasts breathtaking natural surroundings of lakes and mountains. James observed the lives of Albanian women, often working behind the scenes while men socialized in cafes. The locals expressed their curiosity about her visit, highlighting the beauty of the country.
In conclusion, our interview with E.L. James provided valuable insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind “The Missus,” and her experiences researching the novel’s setting. James’ dedication to authenticity and engaging storytelling continues to captivate readers worldwide.
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