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Ask the Author: James D. Shipman

“Ask me a question.” James D. Shipman

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Where do I find his obituary? Would love to pass this along to the group also. Sorry for the additional request, but loved your great great grandfather's story.
James D. Shipman I have a copy of it in my records I'd be happy to share with you if you'd like to email me at james-shipman.com. Sorry it took so long to answer!
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You are such a brillitant writer, two fo your books ahve been a favorite and five star which is rare for a picky rater like me. My question is how did you develop the character of Jospeh in Going Home? He was so flawed buy yet amazing addition to the story.
James D. Shipman Thank you so much for your kind words. I developed Joseph partially from family historical documents and oral tradition. I then filled in the blanks, researching how the children of alcoholics function with the cycle of co-dependency. I loved writing GOING HOME and I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
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I have chosen your book Going Home for our Book Club to read. Regarding Joseph meeting President Lincoln, how true is the interaction between the two? Did Lincoln really invite him into the White House and allow Joseph to tell his story to the President? I have a feeling this question will come up during our discussion later this month when we meet. I loved your book since I love the history of the Civil War.
James D. Shipman Hello thank you for reaching out and for your question. Joseph’s obituary specifically mentions this incident. I hesitated to include it because it feels like too wild of a coincidence. However some historical context is important. At the time there were no gates around the White House and no real security. Any person could enter the house and meet the President, although you might have a long wait. The President mingled regularly with the population, taking walks and rides with perhaps one escort or no escort. All of that changed after Lincoln was assassinated. So I don’t have additional verification beyond the obituary but I didn’t make this story up and it is certainly quite possible it happened. I hope that helps!
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What books are on your summer reading list this year?
James D. Shipman The 100 Days from John Toland. Valient Ambition from Nathaniel Philbrick.
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If you could travel to any fictional book world, where would you go and what would you do there?
James D. Shipman I would open up a crepe shop inside Barad Dur.
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Can you tell us a two-sentence horror story?
James D. Shipman I woke up and found myself in a democracy deeply divided and on the verge of violence and dissolution. Oh wait.
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What inspires you to write?
James D. Shipman So sorry it took a bit to respond! I love history and when I'm writing, I get to live in the time and place where the events happened. It's also fascinating to see and feel how the people in that time dealt with social issues like domestic violence, alcoholism, mental health, racism, etc.

I also love the way characters come to life as you create them. The people on the page ultimately end up with their own voice, and I realize as the story progresses that a particular person would never have acted the way I originally planned. I therefore alter the story to be true to the character. It is unexpected every time, and I love it.
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I am a new reader, I am 61 years young and don't read....Well I have started anew and your book "A Bitter Rain" is my 3rd book, and the first book written by yours truly. I like world war II fiction and non fiction. I am Jewish, but Christian, and I don't like reading smut. I am almost half way through it, and I want to choke Erik's wife...Corrina? Anyway thank you for your research and style of writing, Thank you.
James D. Shipman Thank you for reaching out Merle and so sorry I'm just responding to this. I've been traveling doing some research. I appreciate your words very much and am so glad you enjoyed A BITTER RAIN.

Very best,

James D. Shipman
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Hi James, I searched and couldn't find any of your books in downloadable audiobook format. If they aare available now, what is the URL? If not, are there any plans in the works? Many thanks, thedadeba
James D. Shipman Hello and thank you for reaching out. All of my books except Constantinopolis are available via Audible. They also can be purchased as an MP3 or CD (but those are physical copies).

Thank you.
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While researching my G.G.Grandfather Joseph Forsyth, I came across your book! I've always been fascinated by stories my Grandmother told us, as she was very fond of him. I believe after your G.G.Grandmother died in Nebraska, he remarried my G.G.Grandmother & had 2 more children. Starting your book immediately & would love to communicate further through email? Thank You- Janine jbreakstone@northbellmorelibrary.org
James D. Shipman Janine. It was a delight to connect with you and share our combined family history. I hope all is well!
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