Milena
asked
Deanna Raybourn:
Both Brisbane and Stoker are untitled gentelmen, Stoker is the 3rd son and Brisbane is bastard born. What was you reasoning/motivation in writing them this way?
Deanna Raybourn
Brisbane is actually not illegitimate--a peek into the beginning of my stand-alone NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS lets readers know what happened to him with regard to his family's title. But making him neither fish nor fowl gave me the chance to explore the role of someone with an "other" identity in Victorian England. There are times when Brisbane is tolerated only because of his utility; if he weren't useful, he'd be unwelcome. He is very much a self-made man. He is at ease in all circumstances, but he isn't really at home either in Julia's world or the Roma family from which his mother came. He has to make his own way, and that makes him more complex. Things that Julia would simply take for granted, Brisbane has to think about.
With Stoker and Veronica, I wanted to turn that dynamic on its head. She is the one who has blazed her own trail without benefit of a noble family to smooth the path. Stoker has had the luxury of a good name, a place in society, esteemed connections. He might have pushed those aside in favor of a more independent life, but they have absolutely informed who he is. He has the confidence that comes from privilege. I made him a younger son simply because I didn't want him to inherit a title and estate with the attendant responsibilities. With each book, I'm exploring a little more of the world he left behind and bringing that into his present existence. I'm interested in how he deals with the pressures and intrusions of a family he doesn't necessarily want.
With Stoker and Veronica, I wanted to turn that dynamic on its head. She is the one who has blazed her own trail without benefit of a noble family to smooth the path. Stoker has had the luxury of a good name, a place in society, esteemed connections. He might have pushed those aside in favor of a more independent life, but they have absolutely informed who he is. He has the confidence that comes from privilege. I made him a younger son simply because I didn't want him to inherit a title and estate with the attendant responsibilities. With each book, I'm exploring a little more of the world he left behind and bringing that into his present existence. I'm interested in how he deals with the pressures and intrusions of a family he doesn't necessarily want.
More Answered Questions
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more