Back on WORD is M.J. Putney, author of Dark Mirror! I really loved Dark Mirror (you can read my review here), and I'm super excited to read the sequel!
The Irregulars return home to 1803 England safely, but their worldview has changed. Not only have their heroic efforts at Dunkirk given them pride and confidence but their dangerous mission has increased their magical powers.
Tory delights in the ever deepening bond she shares with Allarde until she discovers how powerfully he is connected to his ancient family estate—the lands he will not inherit unless he denies his magical powers and chooses a nonmagical mate. If Tory really loves him, she must walk away—but does she have the strength to leave the love of her life?
Cynthia’s heroic efforts at Dunkirk have won her the respect of the Irregulars, but her sharp tongue keeps everyone at a distance. Isolated and very alone at Lackland Abbey over the Christmas holidays, she reluctantly agrees to join Jack Rainford and his family for their celebration even though they’re commoners, far below her own noble rank. The warm welcome of the Rainfords makes her feel happier and more accepted than she has ever been. But she can’t possibly be falling in love with flirtatious Jack! Can she?
Then the Irregulars are drawn into a dangerous attempt to rescue a vitally important French scientist from Nazi-occupied France. Tory and Allarde must work together because countless lives are at stake. Disaster strikes and not only is their mission threatened, but their very lives. Can magic and their loyalty to each other help them survive to return home?
Nicole: Welcome back to WORD, MJ! The cover for Dark Passage is GORGEOUS! Even prettier than Dark Mirror, I would say. Which one do you like better?
MJ Putney: I can’t choose! Dark Mirror is beautiful and really captures the time travel imagery and how Tory must deal with two worlds. The Dark Passage cover is indeed flat out gorgeous and evocative, but doesn’t say quite as much about the nature of the story. St. Martin’s did a wonderful job on both. I can’t wait to see the cover for the third book, Dark Destiny!
N: What is your favorite scene to write in Dark Passage?
MJP: Maybe the dancing on air scene between Tory and Allarde. It’s magical in all senses—and the last fun either of them have for a while!
N: Oooo. I love Tory and Allarde - I can't wait to read that! If you could choose any one of your characters to hang out with for the day, who would it be?
MJP: Maybe Rebecca Weiss. The other main characters are old friends by now, but I know less about Rebecca, and she plays a very important role in Dark Destiny.
N: What advice would you give to people who want to start writing, especially when it comes to books involving time travel?
MJP: The general advice for aspiring writers is read, read, read, and think about what you read—what works, what doesn’t. Also, write regularly because you have to have something written before you can edit and improve it.
As for time travel, a major element should be the “fish out of water.” When Tory travels from 1803 to 1940, she’s assaulted by all kinds of terrifying new machines and situations. How does she adapt? All of my time traveling mages have to deal with these differences, and some handle it better than others.
As for the physics of time travel—just thinking about that is enough to give a writer a headache. *grin* I try to keep it simple, and my characters do things that make history turn out the way we learned in school.
N: What's your favorite period in history?
MJP: The English Regency—the early 19th century—was a time of fascinating changes in society, the arts, and society in general. I love writing in that time period because of that great variety. But as for living—I like our own time best. And we have much better plumbing than during the Regency!
N: If you could eat any food once a day for the rest of your life - without gaining weight! - what would it be?
MJP: Oooh, tough choice. Really good fish and chips, or a fabulous hot fudge sundae with added chunky peanut butter????
The sad thing is that anything that is eaten every day will eventually become ordinary. That’s why wicked occasional indulgences are so delicious—because they’re occasional!
Thanks for having me back!