If you read or write historical fiction, you will likely have explored M.K. Tod’s acclaimed website A Writer of History, where she explores aspects of historical fiction and shares tips from favourite authors. For many, this is where readers go to understand the latest trends in historical fiction.
I’m delighted to have Mary on my blog with the release her latest novel. That Was Then is a big departure from her other novels, given that it’s a contemporary political thriller. I was very curious as to what made her dive into a different genre. Read on to find out more.
You’ve written 5 historical fiction novels, you’ve been an active member of the HNS, and you have a much-loved blog devoted to historical blog. Why have you decided at this time of your career to branch out to write a contemporary political thriller?
Great question, Cryssa. Quite a few years ago, I read an article about identical twins. The specifics of that article are lost but the story spark remained. Ultimately came up with a tagline that appealed to me: Identical twins. One disappears while the other takes over her life. The literary agent I spoke with loved the idea. But why contemporary? With what was going on in the world – political chaos, #MeToo, women’s rights under attack, right-wing fanaticism – the time period that called out to me for this novel was the world of today. I felt I had something to say through the power of story.
Research, research and more research. While this is the cornerstone of historical fiction, it’s not unique to that genre. What research did you do for That Was Then and how did it differ from the research you did for your other novels?
To my surprise, I discovered that you have to do almost as much research for a contemporary novel as you do for historical fiction. That Was Then is set in New York City, Boston, Paris, Sag Harbor, and the coastal region around Manomet, MA. Those choices meant researching each location in order to add details that would enhance the story and transport readers to those places.
The novel involves a campaign for Governor of Massachusetts – what is the world of campaigns like? Who’s on a campaign team? What’s required to develop policy? What would a debate be like? What is the timeline for US elections for governor? Similarly, the novel involves a magazine where the main character works. What does a magazine office look like? How does a magazine operate? What do journalists actually do? Another example is the world of therapy. How does a therapist work with a client? What techniques does a therapist use?
I’d chosen to create characters who are identical twins. How do identical twins feel about being twins? What is their upbringing like? How do they progress to adulthood and independence? Why might they become distant from one another?
What inspired you to write this story?
As I mentioned earlier, the last several years have involved political chaos in the US and elsewhere, the #MeToo movement, attacks on women’s rights, right-wing fanaticism, the rise of populism. I’m fearful that we are at a tipping point such that our children’s and grandchildren’s futures are in danger. (To say nothing of climate change!!)
Beyond that, I enjoy challenging myself to write something new. A contemporary thriller is definitely new for me, and it has been a big challenge to understand and incorporate the elements of this genre that readers expect. On the good news front, early readers have been very positive!
What can we expect from you next?
Next up is a second novel for my two older grandsons who are now 10 and 7. I wrote The Magical Tree as a Christmas present for them in 2022. A second novel is underway – outlined and five chapters written. So that’s the number one priority.
On the historical fiction front, I have a partially written sequel to Paris In Ruins and an outline for a sequel to Lies Told In Silence. And then there’s the story inspired by my mother that I’ve wanted to write for many years. And then … well, let’s just say, there are a lot of other books I’d love to write.
Many thanks, Cryssa for inviting me on your blog. I truly appreciate the change to connect with your readers.
About That Was Then
“A page-turning tale filled with rich characters, family secrets, love, politics, ambition, and risky journalistic pursuits.”~~ Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author of Woman on Fire
Andrea Larson never imagined she would have to face her worst nightmare again. But when she discovers that her rapist is running for Governor of Massachusetts, she knows she can’t stay silent. With the help of her identical twin, Andrea hatches a plan to take down Brad Greiner and expose his true nature to the world.
Set against the backdrop of the cutthroat world of politics, That Was Then follows Andrea as she infiltrates Greiner’s inner circle, using her skills as a journalist to gather evidence against him. But the closer she gets, the more dangerous it becomes. The stakes get even higher when a group intent on controlling American democracy gets involved.
Someone knows what the twins are up to. And they’re closing in.
That Was Then is available in eBook and paperback through Amazon US, Amazon CA, Kobo, Google Books, and Barnes & Noble.
M.K. Tod writes stories of resilience, strength, and hope. She is the author of the newly released THAT WAS THEN, a contemporary thriller, and historical fiction novels THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED.
Follow M.K Tod on Instagram @mktodauthor, on Facebook (M.K. Tod Author) or check out her website – www.mktod.com.
Connect with M.K Tod on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, and her blog, A Writer of History For more information about her work, visit her Website.
Cryssa Bazos 