AceShowbiz -

Jessica Simpson has begun the work of her next album, country style. The singer who had revealed her intention of going into the new direction, has camped herself in a Nashville studio and to Billboard.com she updated her progress.

"I am a country girl," she said on why going for country now. "I grew up in Texas, and country music was what I listened to. I always wanted to make a country album, but I wanted to wait until the time was right."

Reasoning that "there is a strength in female country artist", Simpson added that she is inspired by the genre's icons such as Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill.

She also cited her involvement in the writing process, saying "Writing is a release for me. It's a way for me to tell my story. That's not to say I wouldn't record a song that I didn't write. It's just that it has been a while since I have opened the book."

The follow up to 2006's 'A Public Affair' will be released in 2008 via Columbia Nashville.