A Change of Pace is a new historical romance from J A STEVENS. This trailblazing story of pride – without prejudice – imagines a more inclusive Regency London and follows the charismatic socialite Miss Georgina ‘George’ Pace on all her rakish adventures.
Read on for a Q&A with the author.
MEET J A STEVENS
What sparked the idea for A Change of Pace?
After watching Gentleman Jack (a TV series about Anne Lister, a 19th-century lesbian who comprehensively documented her many relationships), I became overwhelmed by the unfairness of everything. It frustrated me that the characters had to hide their authentic selves to be happy. This then segued to the next issue – that people like my trans partner and my daughter with Down Syndrome never stood a chance.
As a cis, white woman, I can pick up most Regency romances and imagine myself as the main character if I want to. I’m that privileged. There are certainly more diverse books out now, but often, particularly in the queer space, love continues to be hidden. I went looking for a Regency romance where someone like my partner wasn’t the secret, the tragedy, the villain, or the comic relief, and I couldn’t find one. So, I wrote A Change of Pace (ACOP)!
Why do you think Regency romance so popular with readers at the moment?
Is it a new phenomenon, though? I’ve been reading Regencies and so-called “bodice-rippers” since I found them spilling from my mum’s bookshelf when I was 12. I knew how to flick through it to find the fun words. Then came Colin Firth!
It’s possible that we now have an influx of social media that sensationalises what has always been there. Would the Bridgerton books, originally published decades ago, have experienced such a resurgence without the TV series, with the modern lens?
Regency romance has always been a popular genre because it provides such a romantic setting and backdrop. Who doesn’t look better by candlelight? The era also implies restraint, longing, and delay. If the seduction is a little harder, it makes the result all the sweeter.
You’ve mentioned in your author bio that being an author on the spectrum influences your writing process and worldview, could you elaborate on that please? Also, do you have any writing techniques or routines that you used to create your debut book?
My autism (ASD) provides me with a strong motivation, bordering on defiance, to challenge convention and do whatever I can to provide under-represented, marginalised groups with a book (or two) to help to make things fairer.
I have no pretensions that I can undo the damage caused by the past to these communities, and this book is not attempting to explain anything away or reduce anyone’s experiences. I have nothing but humility when it comes to my “place” in that arena. I merely wish that through words and storytelling, I can create revised history that might bring hope to a world that needs it right now.
In terms of writing techniques, I am quite the oddity! I plan and outline my books carefully before I begin writing. Then, I require perfect writing conditions – ideally, a quiet house, no distractions, music, and plenty of coffee. If I can achieve all this, I write and edit very quickly. Sadly, this rarely happens!
Georgina seems a spiritual successor to Anne Lister – on the surface they share a lot of qualities; rakish, charismatic, and a cross-dressing queer person. Did you read the biographies of Anne Lister as preparation for the novel, and Georgina inspired by any other historical figures?
Only insofar as the idea for the book came after watching Gentleman Jack! I actually haven’t read the diaries, but I enjoyed the series, and she seemed like a great character.
Georgina more came from my middle elder sister, who is tall, has long dark hair and big blue eyes (unlike the gorgeous Suranne Jones). While my sister is not queer, she does share many of Georgina’s mannerisms and traits, including being a force to be reckoned with, tough (she’s a police officer), and being able to drink me under the table. I’ve always looked up to her.
I did bestow a few of my own ASD/ADHD traits on George, such as being quite blunt, sensory-seeking, and sometimes impulsive, though I wish I were as brave as George (and my sister)!
How did you approach writing the history? Is the story a heavily stylised, glittery and exaggerated version of reality like the Netflix’s Bridgerton, or did you take a more realistic approach?
For someone who just flouted every aspect of history in terms of social structure and convention, is it too sassy of me to say I like to be as historically accurate as possible? I do like to allow some colour in the gowns and clothing; otherwise, descriptions feel very dark or beige, which I find dull. But in most other ways, I do a lot of research and provide as much detail as I can.
I enjoy describing the scenes to allow an immersive experience, while imparting some facts about the customs and practices of the era as well. I also apply the same approach to the language I use. There’s nothing I find more jarring than an author who uses modern colloquialisms in a Regency story! Just no.
What was your favourite part of writing A Change of Pace?
My favourite part was realising the sheer scope awaiting me. None of this had really been done in quite this way before. I was writing the world, and a history, as it should have been. Once I settled into that, I felt free, and the options then were endless.
I wanted to write an inclusive book that was accessible. The idea was new and exciting, but I was immediately confronted with the dilemma of wanting to give representation to absolutely everyone (a bit hard to do in one book!) but balance that with minimal virtue-signalling and tokenism. I had to decide who got to have their story told first, while keeping it inclusive. I allowed Georgina to have strong friendships with a range of characters, while giving her a slow-burn romance to facilitate her growth. This contrasts with the secondary straight love story in the book, which is more volatile and dynamic. It was fun to explore and incorporate all the diversity in such a fresh way.
Do you have any favourite books set in the Regency period – either fiction or non-fiction – that you think everyone should read?
I struggle with favourites, though I will throw out some great authors I read regularly! Emily Rath, K.J. Charles, Cat Sebastian and Alexis Hall! They are all great.
But I must also say, with a big disclaimer, Georgette Heyer. She comes from a much earlier era, and if she wrote today, she would have almost certainly been cancelled. Nevertheless, she was a very early influence on my writing, though not, thankfully, my values. If you can look beyond that, resting easy that she has long since departed this world, her clean Regency romances are heralded as some of the best ever written.
Could you describe the sapphic romance in this book in five words.
Mystery. Pique. Desire. Chaos. Climax.
What is your next writing project?
I’m currently working on “For Love or Fortune”. In the same inclusive world as ACOP, it takes place predominantly at a country house party in Yorkshire, in 1813. Here’s a bit of a blurb:
“When the Duke of Rainmere learns that his new husband, Caden, is a fortune hunter, he protects his heart by keeping Caden at a distance. He is unaware that his new mother-in-law has carefully curated this division to meet her own mercenary ends. The Duke must now learn to trust Caden, despite the mounting evidence against him, to stand a chance at love. A range of diverse characters join the Duke for a country romp that breaks all the rules.”
Due to my need for an empty house, this one seems to be taking forever to finish, but it’s hopefully not too far away now!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J A Stevens is a passionate and emerging voice from Brisbane, Australia, dedicated to reshaping historical narratives through the lens of inclusivity. As a mother to a wonderful daughter with Down Syndrome and partner to an inspirational transgender woman, J.A. draws from a well of personal experience that enriches her storytelling.
Her own journey with Autism (ASD), coupled with her love for historical romance, fuels her literary pursuits. Stevens envisions a world where history celebrates all, aiming to craft alternative tales where visibility, equality, and love flourish. Her writings are a mosaic of diversity, weaving together themes of sexual orientation, gender, race, and disability.
Each of her novels is anchored by a stirring LGBTIQ+ romance, intertwined with traditional love stories, ensuring a wide-reaching appeal that transcends boundaries and invites all to find themselves within the pages of her books. A Change of Pace is her debut novel.
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