Walk the Plank with M.J. Putney (Author Interview)

This interview with M.J. Putney is cross posted at my romance book blog, Love Romance Passion.

First Mate Keira: How did you go from writing adult romances to YA romances? When did you know you wanted to write YA?

MJP: I had a story that would fit best in YA because it’s a blend of history, adventure, and magic. It isn’t first and foremost a romance. Since I’ve read YA for years, I knew that’s where Tory’s story belongs.

First Mate Keira: Dark Mirror sounds like the antithesis to Harry Potter. Magic isn’t revered, it’s despised. You don’t go to school to learn it and get better at using it, you go to a reform school to learn how not to use magic. How did the idea first come to you?

MJP: I’m not really sure, but I have a contrarian streak. I look at a usual structure and immediately want to turn it upside down. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what I did with the first romance I ever wrote.

First Mate Keira: What would you do if you could do magic? What would be the best/worst part of having such a gift?

MJP: Magic sounds like it would be a really cool gift, and indeed, it would be lovely to be able travel anywhere in a finger snap, or assure that the weather would be perfect for a party. But there would be a high moral cost, since I’m sure there would be a temptation to use it in selfish and possible destructive ways. And there would be a social cost, as well, since having magic would make one feel strange and horribly different, and perhaps even frightened of being revealed. And that fear of being different is probably at its height in the teen years, which may be why YA readers tend to identify with those who feel different.

First Mate Keira: Describe your first kiss. Did it live up to expectations?

MJP: LOL! Has any first kiss ever done so?

First Mate Keira: What’s next for the Dark Passage series?

MJP: The second book, Dark Passage, which will be out in September 2011, sends Tory and her friends to France. I’m not sure about the third book. I’m debating two quite different plot directions.

DARK MIRROR - MJ Putney

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.

Buy: Dark Mirror

GIVEAWAY: I have 3 copies of Dark Mirror to give away today at LYAF. Open to readers in the US & CANADA. Enter by leaving a comment below. 1 entry per relevant comment. Last day to enter: March 11, 2011. PS - LRP is running the same contest so double your chances by heading over there to leave a comment too.