Today at YA Book Nerd we have Jane, one of the five spies we
meet in the new YA historical adventure Maid of Secrets. I just started the book and so far, it's fabulous! Jane is usually a
woman of few words, but she graciously agreed to speak with us today.
Welcome, Jane! Can
you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jane Morgan, and I work for the Queen. I see you refer to me as “Maid of Stealth”,
and that sounds right enough. As a spy for the Queen, I make short work of
anyone the Crown prefers to see dead. So you definitely need stealth for what I
do. That, and a sharpened blade.
What's your weapon of
choice?
If I were smart, I would say a bow and arrow. It’s silent
and you can sight your opponent from a far distance, then kill him quickly and
cleanly. But I do not often have the
luxury of distance for my tasks. As a result, I find that I work best with the
dagger. Or, in my case, several daggers hidden at various points on my person. A
dagger is a quick, effective and silent weapon, and if managed correctly
achieves my goals before my prey knows I am even there.
Where in Wales did
you live? (This interests me as I'm 25% Welsh and my family was from
Northern Wales)
Because you are a countrywoman, I will share the story of my
home with you. But I do not talk often of this place; there are now only
memories there for me. Memories and pain.
My family lived in a small village near the town of Newborough,
on Anglesey Island. It was not an easy life, but it was simple, and it was
ours. We were fisherman in the main, though some of us also wove nets out of
the long grasses in the area for the fishing trade, and we kept to ourselves.
The trouble with living so close to the sea, however, is what it might wash up
on your doorstep. Marauders were a constant threat to us. Now there are a few
less of them.
How did you train to
become stealthy?
It happened quite by accident. I said we were fishermen. I
am terrible at fishing. To make myself useful and avoid getting assigned the
chores only fit for women to do, I learned to hunt. I found I had an affinity
for sneaking up on animals without them being fully aware. This skill helped a
great deal in the pursuit of small game (and larger game), when my only concern
was helping my family and neighbors put food on the table. It became much more
useful when I turned my focus to hunting men. To keep sharp, however, I must
constantly hone my wits and my speed. If I am not quick, in body and mind… I’ll
no longer be the hunter, but the prey.
What's your favorite
part of court?
Leaving it.
In truth, I cannot say that I enjoy the Queen’s court and
her endless rounds of entertainment, dancing and feasts. I have no quarrel with
the woman—you might say we understand each other. But she is surrounded by so
much revelry that it is all I can do not to flee the court outright every day,
just for a few hours alone in the forest surrounding the castle. I’ve done it, often
enough. I escape more than anyone realizes, and slip back inside just as
quietly. And given what Meg and I have found within the walls of Windsor
Castle, which you’ll know once you read Maid of Secrets, coming and going is
about to get a lot easier.
Can you describe your
favorite dress?
If I have to wear a dress at all, my favorite dress involves
a split walking skirt.
I would much rather dress like a guard or, better yet, a
servant. Someone who has only to wear loose breeches and a tunic, with a belt
for carrying a sword and an extra blade, and boots sturdy enough to walk miles
in--but soft enough to not leave your fleet a bleeding mess. That’s been the
biggest benefit of being at court, I’ll tell you plain: the quality of the
footwear. That and you always know where your next meal is coming from. Of
course, you also know the
price of
the food. You just have to be willing to pay it.
Thanks! Excited to be
part of the tour.
And good day to you, m’lady.
Author Bio via Goodreads:
Jennifer McGowan writes Young Adult romance full of swash and buckle. Her first novel, MAID OF SECRETS, debuts in Spring, 2013 from Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Royal Secret: Came from a small town in northern Ohio
Became a Maid of Honor: After bringing her tale of spygirls to the noble city, and winning the favor of the great house of Simon and Schuster
Special Skill: Matrix-like reflexes, superior strength, fabulous wit… okay, ah – we’ll get back to you on that.
Website:
http://www.jennifermcgowan.com/
Twitter:
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