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Q&A with Beverley Boissery, author of Sophie’s Treason, Part 2

What was the creative process like for you?
The first book in the trilogy, Sophie’s Rebellion, was relatively easy to write. I was learning the craft of writing YA fiction, and was excited by telling the story to a new audience. I liked my main character Sophie straightaway. On the other hand, Sophie’s Treason was some of the most difficult work I’ve ever done. When I was imagining scenes in it, I never saw them in colour. They were always black and white. Many things that happened after the rebels were defeated were terribly grim, and that’s probably the reason why I saw everything in black and white.
Sophie’s Exile was fun to write. I kept imagining the blue skies and golden sand of Sydney. Some of the book is set where I grew up, and I wanted to be out on the water, paddling my canoe, or sailing my boat, as much as Sophie. Writing it was as complete a contrast to Sophie’s Treason as you can find in the creative process.

Describe your ideal writing environment.
I write on my dining room table. Once the books and papers reach the height of three feet or so, or I have friends coming for dinner, I declare a state of emergency. I have a massive clean up and start again. It is not ideal, but it works for me.

What was your first publication?
My very first publication was a small biography of one of the rebels sent to Sydney, Jean-Marie-Léon Ducharme in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. I used my knowledge of Ducharme in the Sophie Mallory trilogy, because Ducharme became Marc Moriset, Luc’s brother.

What inspired you to write your first book in this series?
I wanted people to know more about one of the most exciting events ever in Canadian history.
More than that, I wanted to write something that would be fun to read. Books were so important to me when I was young, because they could transform my world. I wouldn’t wish my early days on anyone. I read anywhere and everywhere I could in special hiding places. Books helped me imagine a different world than the one I lived in. I didn’t want to read about my reality. I wanted books which would lift my spirits and help me dream of a better place to be. That’s what I found in the books of Clare Mallory (my favorite author), and her characters became my best friends.
I hope that if anyone is close to the situation I had when I was young, that Sophie and Luc, and now Chloe and Thad, will become both their friends and inspiration. I would also hope that the trilogy will stand the test of time, and that those who read the books today, will enjoy them when they as older as well.

In your own work, which character are you most attached to, and why?
In the sense that I feel protective of him, I guess I’m most attached to a boy called Thaddeus Compton, the main character in the book I’m currently writing. Of course, the fact that I’m working on his story, could be the main reason I’m so close to him. Thad’s cool. He was born in London in 1820, but through the miracle of time travel, is currently working out how to live in our world of the twenty-first century. Everything’s a little out of whack for him—his sense of what’s right and wrong, and, what’s important and not important.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as a writer?
Whatever it was, I can’t recall it. I have received much advice along the way, including that from my writers group which meets every two weeks, so it’s hard to single out any one particular bit of wisdom as being the “best.” The most supportive advice was from my late husband Murray, who invariably said, “That’s good. Keep going.”

Describe the most memorable response you’ve received from a reader.
Several readers have wished they were married to Luc!

Has a review or profile ever changed your perspective on your work?
I’ve been disappointed by reviews a couple of times, and equally amazed. I think a writer has to be true to what he or she wants to write, and then write the best book possible. If a reviewer doesn’t like my work, I shrug, but keep writing.

Who did you read as a young adult?
My favorite author, by far, was Clare Mallory. Through the miracle of the internet, I am gradually recreating the library I had when I was 13. I have managed to get 7 out of the 10 Clare Mallory books, but am temporarily stopped. The remaining three are in the $200-$400 price range.
Clare Mallory gave me friends. Her characters were years ahead of their time in both their reactions to each other, and to the way they solved problems in their lives. More than that, Clare Mallory showed me a better world than the one I lived in. In her worlds, there were friends who would stand with you when bad things happened, and would join in jokes and adventures. To a miserable and desperately lonely girl, these were a wonderful dream.

What are you reading right now?
I like reading crime and mystery stories. My favorite authors in that genre, at the moment, are Anne Perry and Peter Robinson. I usually read a book a day, so when I find a new author I like, it’s like winning the lottery. (Almost, not quite).
Of course, I read and reread favorites, including my newly discovered Clare Mallory. In one of my teenage years, I discovered Jane Austen, together with Georgette Heyer, Agatha Christie, and the Sherlock Holmes books. Now that was a wonderful year!

What is your next project?
My next project is half finished. It’s the Chloe and Thad trilogy. In the first book, Chloe Murray, a young Australian, time travels back to convict Australia and meets Thad Compton, a young (13) convict. Their friendship and adventures form the basis of A Convict’s Thumbprint.
In the second book, the one I’m finishing now, Thad comes back to our time with Chloe. At one point he wonders if anything of him will be left. His accent has to change; his hair’s cut; his teeth get braces on them; his leg is re-broken and reset. He feels a sham. When a trick is played on him and someone dies, Thad wonders what our world is all about. The back end of this book (which I’m writing before the middle) is seriously exciting, and I’m happy with it. So far, anyway. I think this book may be my best ever if enjoyment in writing it is the key.
After that comes a book called the Three Jays, a story of three girls and the impact a school project makes in their lives.

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