On Writing a Sequel That Shatters Time Itself

Time is a tricky thing.

It’s a pervasive theme throughout The Art of Time series — first in the debut novel by the same name, and now in the much-anticipated sequel, The Art of Bending Time: A Forbidden Return. But it’s also an experience author Quinn Jamison has dealt with as she navigates a series that sprawls through dual timelines, as Lavinia and Armond fight against the malevolent powers determined to keep them apart. And after such an explosive end to The Art of Time, readers — us included — are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see how the next chapter of this epic romance plays out.

We got a chance to talk with Jamison about how BookTrib alum Diana Gabaldon’s famous love story has influenced her own approach to time-travel romantasy, and all about the empowerment there is to be found in a compelling heroine like Lavinia.

Q: When we last left off with Lavinia, she was cut off from her beloved Armond and thrown back into the modern world. How do we find her now in the beginning of the much-anticipated sequel? And what is it about the local library that begins to heal her fractured heart?

A: In the beginning, you find Lavinia dealing with her feelings and nightmares from all she left behind. What she finds in the library gives her hope that she can turn back time again and change everything.

Q: When it comes to writing a romance between characters from two different centuries, how do you balance Armond’s chivalric ideals with Lavinia’s existence as a modern woman? And how does their separation in the sequel affect their roles, with Lavinia taking on the task of saving Armond?

A: I try to imagine myself in all my characters’ shoes. That usually helps me differentiate their personalities and the way they are written. I also watch a lot of period pieces which has helped me make Armond’s character so real. A lot of Lavinia’s personality comes from me. Therefore, she is easy to write. Everything that happened to Lavinia definitely takes a toll on her, but it gives her the motivation she needs to toughen up and take on this big risk to keep their love alive.

Q: Is there a scene in The Art of Bending Time that was your favorite to write?

A: The war scene and their reunion were certainly my favorite parts to write. In general, I love writing any romance between Armond and Lavinia.

Q: You wrote the first book of this series in three months during the COVID-19 lockdown. What was the writing experience like this time around? Did the previous experience of writing a book help you in this endeavor, or did you find continuing a series to be a different kind of challenge?

A: The first book I wrote very quickly since I had a lot of time on my hands. Continuing the series was harder than I anticipated. Time is a tricky thing. It took me a while to figure out the plot of the story. I put pressure on myself to write this one even better. I certainly didn’t want to disappoint my fans.

Q: No author writes in a vacuum. What are some titles on your bookshelves at the moment — either historical romance books that served as inspiration for your own series, or books from other genres entirely?

A: The Outlander series is my main inspiration. I’m not sure of any other titles right now. Of course, I created my books in a way that is unique and different from Outlander. But my love for time travel and an epic romance inspired me to write a story like that. It’s funny because many people have compared my books to the series. 

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from The Art of Bending Time?

A: I hope my readers feel a sense of fulfillment and read the last page believing in such great love. I also want them to feel empowered by Lavinia’s transformation. I tried my best to make that part of the story real and exciting. My goal is for readers to read the final page and think, “I want to be like Lavinia.”

Q: What can we expect next from you? Will Lavinia and Armond’s story continue, or do you have a completely new world up your sleeve?

A: I want to continue the series and maybe add on the stories of other characters from the books. However, right now, I am writing a historical romantasy novel with pirates and royals. I am very excited about this one.

The Art of Bending Time is available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.

RELATED POSTS:

Slip Through Time to Find True Love in New YA Historical Romance

Written in Three Months During COVID, a Teen’s Tale of Historical Romance Is an Escape to Another World