Media & News
Listen to Nell's music playlist for Measure of Devotion - June 17, 2025
“Imagining my novel with a soundtrack is probably one of the more satisfying things I’ve ever done. It’s pure, delicious fantasy—and surely fantasy is one of the most important levels of existence.”
Listen to Nell on "Author2Author" podcast with Bill Kenower
Bill Kenower interviews Nell about her origin and process as an author.
Review from Hungry for Good Books - May 20, 2025
Measure of Devotion is a debut novel that is bound to enter the canon of classic Civil War literature. That it’s told from a woman’s viewpoint makes it unique. That it honors humanity during a time of inhumanity makes it a reminder of Dr. King’s words about the arc of the moral universe being long but bending toward justice. Nell Joslin’s brilliant Civil War novel reminds us to bend toward justice as we stand against chaos to preserve our delicate civilization.
Interview with Deborah Kalb - May 20, 2025
Every mistake, every disappointment, every loss, every triumph I ever experienced helped me to tell this story. I say this because I want to encourage other writers like me. I want to say to them, “It’s never too late. Have patience and love yourself. You can do it. I know you can.”
Reading the Past - Guest post by Nell
Nell contributes a short essay about how validation for one’s writing choices can arrive in unexpected ways.
“Honey, this story is yours,” my long-ago great-grandfather was telling me. “You go ahead and write it any way you like.” And by golly, I would.
Review from Linda Brinson - May 19, 2025
Add this book to the lists of important Civil War literature and outstanding novels by North Carolina authors.
Listen to Nell on "A Novel Idea" podcast with Suzanne Lang
From NPR and KRCB-FM
Suzanne Lang talks with Nell Joslin on her novel set in 1863, Measure of Devotion, a frank, beautifully told story of the unbeautiful time of the Civil War, and a timely reflection on the ramifications of societal and family divisions, the utter cruelty of war, and the humanity that rises above it. Non-fiction to pulp fiction, host Suzanne M. Lang explores the world of books featuring conversations with writers, academics, and readers. We all have a story to tell. It’s A Novel Idea.
Review from the Historical Novel Society
A very-polished and impressive page-turning debut novel, this book will appeal to fans of Civil War fiction, especially those who enjoy learning about a lesser-known area of conflict through the story of an admirably strong female protagonist.
Review from Kirkus Reviews - February 7, 2025
An intense, addictive drama with a hint of light at the end of the tunnel.
The best historical fiction with bad-ass women protagonists, picked by Nell
See Nell’s contribution to Shepard.com, a platform that connects readers and authors through a shared love of books and curiosity
Measure of Devotion is a staff pick at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh, NC
