Interview with M.J. Putney and Giveaway

M.J. Putney is the author of Dark Mirror Look for my review later today! Here's the synopsis:

Lady Victoria Mansfield, youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, is destined for a charmed life. Soon she will be presented during the London season, where she can choose a mate worthy of her status.

Yet Tory has a shameful secret—a secret so powerful that, if exposed, it could strip her of her position and disgrace her family forever. Tory’s blood is tainted . . . by magic.

When a shocking accident forces Tory to demonstrate her despised skill, the secret she’s fought so hard to hide is revealed for all to see. She is immediately exiled to Lackland Abbey, a reform school for young men and women in her position. There she will learn to suppress her deplorable talents and maybe, if she’s one of the lucky ones, be able to return to society.

But Tory’s life is about to change forever. All that she’s ever known or considered important will be challenged. What lies ahead is only the beginning of a strange and wonderful journey into a world where destiny and magic come together, where true love and friendship find her, and where courage and strength of character are the only things that determine a young girl’s worth.


What was the appeal of writing about a priviledged girl with magical powers? Why do you enjoy writing in a historical time period?


MJP: History allows more room for fantasy and over the plot stories and characters, and I like over the top. An author can pick a time period that enhances her story. As for having a privileged heroine--it makes her fall and attempt to rebuild her life more dramatic. And it's also more fun to identify ;with a historical character who is a lady rather than a scullery maid!

What are some of biggest challenges you faced while writing this story?

MJP: DARK MIRROR was very research intensive. The WWII part is within living memory, and I feel a particular obligation to do my best by the characters of that time, who faced so many challenges with such courage and tenacity. Plus, whenever entering a new genre, a new voice and sensibility have to be developed. At the heart it's still my voice, of course, but tuned in a way that I hope will best suit YA readers.

Is this your first young adult novel? What is different about writing for this age group?

MJP: Yes, this is my first YA. The most obvious difference is having younger protagonists, of course. Plus, the books are a little shorter than my adult books, and for that reason the structure is a little simpler. But the characters face the same kinds of problems and challenges as my adult characters. And a good story is still a good story!

What are some books you've recently enjoyed reading?

MJP: For YA, I really enjoyed the most recent Rick Riordan novel, THE LAST OLYMPIAN. He's a crackerjack storyteller, and I think he did a brilliant job of rebooting his demi-god series in a way that's allows room for a new set of exciting stories. I really enjoyed Sarah Dessen's LOCK AND KEY, too. For adult books, there's Patricia Briggs' latest Mercy Thompson book, RIVER MARKED, and Sharon Shinn's TROUBLED WATERS. I'm just finishing the latest (and last) Dick Francis mystery, CROSS-FIRE. He will be missed.

What's your favorite comfort food?

MJP: A really good warm raspberry pie with ice cream is hard to beat for the sweets. For savories--loaded potato skins with sour cream, yum! I can just feel my arteries solidifying!

GIVEAWAY

The publisher has generously offered five copies of DARK MIRROR to readers of My Friend Amy! Open to residents of the United States and Canada. Entries will be accepted until March 17th at midnight PST. Winners will be notified by email.