J. James debut novel, Denial, Deceit, Discovery is the heart-rending story based on true events in the life of Jack Ellis; a young Catholic man deep in denial of his own homosexuality. Receiving excellent reviews, the novel is written in the style of a personal memoir with James telling the complex, engaging and moving coming out story of his main character, Ellis. Ellis is a young Catholic man living in the U.K. who struggles mightily on the road to self-awareness. Ellis’ life is inspired by many events experienced by the author, but the universal themes of honesty, personal growth and acceptance transcend one person’s story.
Denial, Deceit, Discovery is available at YPD Books, Amazon, and iTunes.
James relates the story of how Ellis’ own denial caused him to conform to the straight world, culminating in his marriage to his high school sweetheart. After years of cruising gay porn sites, chatting online with countless guys, and engaging in intimate relationships with close male friends, Jack begins a life of deceit with a string of gay sexual encounters. Ellis struggles to understand his own sexuality in an increasingly emotional and complex environment. Escaping the shame and mounting pressure, Ellis leaves the U.K. and flees to Bangkok with his gay lover where a much greater world of deceit and discovery awaits them both.
Denial, Deceit, Discovery will make you laugh, cry, cringe and blush as Jack’s life evolves from shame and embarrassment, to hope and acceptance. It’s a relatable tale that will speak to anyone who has struggled to understand an aspect of his or her identity.
Denial, Deceit, Discovery was inspired by the response James received from a Catholic priest who officiated his marriage annulment. As part of the process, James was asked to record his feelings about the events that culminated in the failure of his marriage. The priest commented that the piece was the most moving and impactful account he had ever read. He called it an “inspiration” to other men and women struggling with their sexuality. After exploring many options, James realized that his story could help people to understand the complex issues facing men and women in denial – hopefully, helping to spare others from the heartache he and his loved ones experienced.
After over a decade of teaching, educational management and administration, James wrote this book as a way to reconcile parts of his own personal story. As a lifelong lover of literature and writing, James has dedicated his career to educating students, helping them develop the tools they’ll need to share their stories in the future. James currently lives and works in Southeast Asia. He enjoys the tropical climate, and the relaxed pace, which has provided him with the opportunity to continue developing ideas for his second novel.
