For this week’s Throwback Thursday, we welcome Nancy Jardine as she looks back on her debut novel, Monogamy Twist: A Romantic Comedy Mystery Bursting with Ancestral and Dickensian Quirks. The novel introduced readers to Nancy’s blend of humour, mystery and distinctive character-driven storytelling.
In this feature, Nancy reflects on writing her first book, the inspiration behind it, and how Monogamy Twist marked the beginning of her writing journey.
Mary Anne: When the idea for Monogamy Twist first took shape, what drew you to tell this particular story and combine romance with mystery and comedy?
Nancy Jardine: After my retirement from teaching in 2011, I spent my time writing historical fiction. I submitted an early version of the first book in my historical Celtic Fervour Adventure Series to The Wild Rose Press, but it was rejected by their historical department. While I was doing huge revisions to the manuscript, I decided to write a contemporary mystery in the hope that it would be more easily accepted.
The plot for Monogamy Twist presented itself almost immediately! I had recently begun my own family ancestral research, and I was watching a B.B.C serialised version of a Charles Dickens’ novel. Creating a contemporary mystery romance using the theme of an old, dilapidated house and insane bequest conditions seemed like a good place to begin. When submitted after five months of writing and self-editing, the manuscript was accepted immediately by the contemporary department of The Wild Rose Press. Monogamy Twist wasn’t my original title, that was decided on by my publisher.
Mary Anne: Your novel has a distinctive sense of humour and quirkiness — how did you find the right voice for the book, and did it evolve as the writing progressed?
Nancy Jardine: The Dickensian theme of a dilapidated, substantial mansion being bequeathed to someone who has no idea why appealed greatly and bringing it into a contemporary setting leant itself to humour over the ridiculous conditions set regarding the bequest. The tone and voice fell in naturally as I completed the manuscript.
Mary Anne: Which character surprised you the most as you were writing, and how did their role develop differently from what you first imagined?
Nancy Jardine: I set out to make Luke Salieri a likeable hero though with significant flaws as in his arrogance, his determination, and his tendency to be driven by the here and now. As I completed the novel his character softened a lot in my mind. He became less fixated by current progress that he could control and became more inclined to appreciate that the past can have a bearing on future success in a less commercially driven way yet still be more sensitively fulfilling.
Mary Anne: Blending humour with mystery can be a delicate balance — what aspects of that process did you find the most challenging?
Nancy Jardine: Unravelling the ancestral aspects is key to solving the mystery and I wanted Rhia Ashton, as the outsider, to be the one to present Luke with the answers he needs to have though initially doesn’t think matter to his own future. Since his character is a bit tunnel-visioned, Rhia has to present him with potential decisions using a sometimes less than subtle, and slightly confrontational humour.
Mary Anne: Was there a turning point during the writing of Monogamy Twist when the story revealed something new to you?
Nancy Jardine: Yes. Absolutely. Initially, I had an idea of how the story would come to a conclusion, but geographical locations changed towards the end of the writing process to ensure that some of the fine details of the ancestral threads would ring true historically. To say where and why would be mega spoilers!
Mary Anne: Looking back now, what do you feel this book taught you about pacing, tone, or narrative control?
Nancy Jardine: My writing style is generally narrative driven and heavy on dialogue. Monogamy Twist is a lot shorter than most of my other published work but in many ways it made me realise that a deeper, introspective style of writing doesn’t come naturally to me.
Mary Anne: How has revisiting this novel shaped your perspective on your writing journey as a whole?
Nancy Jardine: Monogamy Twist, like my other two published contemporary mysteries, was in some ways to prove to myself that I could write in the genre. I’ve no current plans to write any more contemporary novels but if the muse descends – who know?
Mary Anne: Is there a scene or moment in Monogamy Twist that still makes you smile — or that you feel especially proud of?
Nancy Jardine: Cringe is possibly a better word! When working through the edits of Monogamy Twist my editor astounded me at the time by telling me to add more sex to some of the scenes. She had to keep reminding me that The Wild Rose Press was a romance publisher, so being mercenary I developed some of the scenes to suit. One particular one took three rounds of edits before she was satisfied.
Mary Anne: If you were giving advice to yourself at the time you published this book, what would you say now?
Nancy Jardine: Since I’m now self-published it’s not really relevant, but I would remind myself of who was doing the publishing and to write according to their specifications.
Mary Anne: Finally, as part of your wider body of work, how do you think Monogamy Twist reflects your growth and creative direction as an author?
Nancy Jardine: Monogamy Twist has only two main characters and no strong secondary ones. After that initial published novel, I had the courage to write in some very strong secondary characters, who in some cases were the natural choices for main characters in subsequent series books. Monogamy Twist was also a good place for me to really begin to appreciate the aspects of writing point of view. My initial editor of Monogamy Twist was very helpful with me learning this, sometimes tricky, technique. Should I choose to write in other genres, or different historical sub-genres, I feel I’ve learned a lot since Monogamy Twist.
Our thanks to Nancy Jardine for taking part in this Throwback Thursday feature and for sharing her reflections on Monogamy Twist. It has been a pleasure revisiting the novel that marked the beginning of her writing journey, and we hope readers have enjoyed this look back at where it all began.
Bizarre inheritance conditions. Ancestral enigmas. Heartrending choices.
When Luke Salieri inherits a dilapidated estate in Yorkshire, England, from an old woman he's never heard of, it’s a mystery he wants resolved immediately. But there’s more than one catch. The rules of inheritance are downright Dickensian – a bind he doesn’t want – yet how can he walk away and let the house rot? He needs the help of a very special woman though exactly how far will he need to go to persuade her?
Rhia Ashton wants the job of researching Greywood Hall and all of its fantastic contents, but can she live with gorgeous Luke Salieri for a whole year and retain her sanity? Rhia has her own ideas about what will make it worth her while to bargain with Luke.
How long can a year be…since neither expect more than friendly relations!
Monogamy Twist: A Romantic Comedy Mystery Bursting with Ancestral and Dickensian Quirks by Nancy Jardine is available to purchase on Amazon and is also available to read through #KindleUnlimited.
Research, grandchildren, gardening fill up her day in the castle country of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, when not writing or promoting her writing. Interacting with readers is a joy at Book and Craft Fairs where she signs / sells paperback versions of her novels. She enjoys giving author presentations on her books and on Ancient Roman Scotland.
Memberships include: Historical Novel Society, Scottish Association of Writers, Federation of Writers Scotland, Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
She is self-published with Ocelot Press.
Connect with Nancy Jardine:
I always associate Nancy with historical fiction, so I’ll definitely be checking this one out! It sounds fascinating, and I love getting a glimpse into her thoughts and inspirations.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the interview today. It was fun to do.
ReplyDeleteI really love these interviews - it make me want to get on and write my own book, but fear of not being good enough always holds me back.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating look back at Monogamy Twist! I loved hearing how Nancy’s first published novel came from blending her personal interests — family history and Dickensian storytelling — into something quirky and fun. It’s always inspiring to see how a writer’s journey evolves from one book to many
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