Readers inspired me to write Grey: EL James

The new version of bestselling novel Fifty Shades of Grey written from title character Christian Grey's point of view was inspired by countless requests from readers to continue with his side of the story, the book's writer EL James says.

Titled Grey, the new version was out in bookstores on Thursday, also the birthday of Christian. "During an event in London in 2012, I mentioned that I wanted to explore Christian's side of the story, but the idea really gained traction when I began to hear from readers," she says.

"Writing the first two chapters of Fifty Shades of Grey from Christian's point of view and putting them in the back of Fifty Shades Freed was where this really kicked off. I've had many, many emails and tweets and Facebook posts from readers asking me to continue with his side of the story.

"It was finding the time to do it that was tricky. Once the movie wrapped I found I had more time, and I started to think about it then. Frankly, it was therapy to return to these characters that I adore," a Penguin Random House statement quoted James as saying.

According to the author, the characters and their voices were always with her. "I might be out and about and spot something that I think Christian or Ana might like... and then they start bickering and bantering in my head. It's tricky because I've been writing something else too, so it gets pretty crowded in there," she says.

The biggest trait about Christian's character that surprised James was his relationship with his brother Elliot. "This was a lot closer than I had imagined. That was fun to explore. Elliot is the polar opposite of Christian - yet they have an easy fraternal camaraderie, which was a pleasure to write about," she says.

On the opening page of Grey: Fifty Shades of Grey as Told By Christian, James writes, "This book is dedicated to those readers who asked... and asked... and asked... and asked for this." "Christian is a complex character," she says, "and readers have always been fascinated by his desires and motivations, and his troubled past.

Also, as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, there are two sides to every story. "It's been a great pleasure to return to my happy place - writing, being with Christian and Ana in their universe, and working with the fantastic publishing teams in the US and the UK." 

Also Read: EL James to release new 'Fifty Shades of Grey' book