Episode 65 - Life Lessons Learned By Being a Party of One with Clarice James

Date: February 28, 2025 Podcast Show Notes: Interview with Clarice James   Episode Highlights: Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my friend Clarice James, a talented fiction novelist with a passion for storytelling that has spanned over 18 years. Even as a child, Clarice loved weaving narratives, and that passion has only deepened with time. She writes what she knows, infusing her own life experiences into her characters—so much so that friends have occasionally recognized themselves in her books! One of her most personal novels, Party of One, was inspired by her journey through grief and widowhood. After losing her first husband, Clarice faced the often-overlooked challenge of dining alone. One evening, while attempting to eat at a restaurant by herself, she was met with unexpected insensitivity from the waitstaff. That moment opened her eyes to the loneliness many people experience. Instead of retreating, she turned that moment into an opportunity, starting a supper club where singles and widows could gather for community and conversation. If she saw someone sitting alone, she invited them to join her, transforming an isolating experience into a beautiful sense of belonging. Clarice has since authored five novels, is currently working on her sixth, and declares that writing is simply what she was made to do. In this episode, we discuss the importance of recognizing those who may feel unseen and taking simple steps to bring people together. Whether you're a writer, a widow, or someone seeking to foster deeper connections in your own life, Clarice’s journey is sure to inspire you.   About Clarice James: Clarice G. James is an award-winning author known for her smart, fun, and relatable contemporary women’s fiction. Her stories are infused with humor, faith, romance, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. Her first published novel, Doubleheader, was one of the winners of the 2014 Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Contest. She has since published Party of One, Manhattan Grace, The Girl He Knew, and The Least of These, with her latest work-in-progress, Out of Hunger, currently underway. In addition to fiction, Clarice is the author of Say Grace: A Scriptural Field Guide to Weight Loss and is currently working on a second non-fiction project, Say Grace: Grieving the Death of a Spouse. When her first husband, Terry, passed away in 1998, Clarice turned to writing as a means of healing. In 2006, she remarried, finding love again with David—whom she describes as "a keeper, and all grown up when I got him." Sadly, she was widowed again in 2021, just shy of fifteen years of marriage. When she’s not writing, Clarice enjoys reading, leading women’s Bible studies, and taking on home decorating projects. She resides in southern New Hampshire, surrounded by close family and friends.   Book Highlight: Party of One Widow Annie McGee is ready to move forward, but as she steps into a new chapter, she encounters the unexpected challenge of loneliness. Determined to break through her grief, she finds Party of One—a communal table for single diners at a local restaurant. Initially, Annie has no intention of getting deeply involved with the lives of those who join her. She’s content to observe from a safe distance. But as the weeks go by, she realizes that the only thing more surprising than the quirks of her eclectic tablemates is how much she starts to need their company. As friendships blossom and truths unfold, Annie learns that God has more in store for her than she ever imagined. Party of One is a heartwarming story of second chances, unexpected friendships, and the beauty of community.   Other Books by Clarice James: The Least of These (Elk Lake Publishing, 2021) The Girl He Knew (Elk Lake Publishing, 2019) Manhattan Grace (Elk Lake Publishing, 2018) Doubleheader (Elk Lake Publishing, 2nd Ed. 2019) Party of One (Elk Lake Publishing, 2017)   Awards & Recognitions: Selah Award Semi-Finalist (2018) – Manhattan Grace Second Place Winner, Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Contest (2014) – Doubleheader Semi-Finalist & Finalist, Jerry Jenkins Operation First Novel Contest (2012 & 2013) – Party of One   Connect with Clarice James 📍 Website: www.claricegjames.com 📧 Email: [email protected] 📖 Say Grace: A Scriptural Field Guide to Weight Loss – Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. (2022) Social Media: 📘 Facebook: Clarice G. James, Author 🐦 Twitter: @ClariceJames 📚 Bookbub: Clarice G. James 📖 Goodreads: Clarice G. James   Clarice’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, community, and the courage to embrace new seasons of life.